Overview

Hormonal changes affect energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, and body composition. When hormone levels decline or become dysregulated, medical intervention may be considered. Two commonly discussed options are bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) and conventional hormone therapy.

What is the difference between bioidentical hormones and conventional hormone therapy?

Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to hormones produced by the human body, while conventional hormone therapy may use synthetic or non-identical compounds. Both require medical supervision, but bioidentical therapy allows for more personalised dosing and metabolic alignment in some patients.

What “Bioidentical” Really Means

Bioidentical hormones:

Match the molecular structure of natural hormones
Are metabolised through natural pathways
Can be delivered in various medically approved forms

This does not mean “natural” or risk-free - medical oversight is essential.

Conventional Hormone Therapy

Conventional therapy has strong evidence in many clinical contexts and remains appropriate for some patients. Differences lie in:

Hormone structure
Metabolic by-products
Individual tolerance

The Role of Testing and Monitoring

Hormone therapy should never be symptom-driven alone. Proper care includes:

Baseline hormone assessment
Metabolic and cardiovascular risk evaluation
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment

Choosing the Right Approach

The decision is not bioidentical versus conventional, it is what is clinically appropriate for the individual.

At Proto Clinic, hormone optimisation is safety-led, personalised, and integrated into broader longevity planning.