What Patients Mean by “Natural HRT”
One of the most frequent questions I hear is, “Do you offer natural hormone therapy?” Most of the time, what patients mean is bioidentical hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, but their chemical structure is identical to the hormones your body makes.
It often surprises people to learn that many FDA approved products commonly used in clinical practice are bioidentical. Examples include estradiol, micronized progesterone, and testosterone. These are not “synthetic” in the sense of being foreign chemicals. They are plant-derived but designed to match your natural hormones exactly (Mayo Clinic).
The word “natural” can create confusion. Patients sometimes assume that natural means safer. In reality, all hormones have risks and benefits. What matters most is the formulation, the route, the dose, and how carefully your treatment is monitored.
FDA Approved vs. Compounded Bioidentical Hormones
There are two main categories of bioidentical hormones:
- FDA Approved Bioidentical Hormones
- Produced under rigorous standards for purity and consistency
- Subject to review for safety, quality, and efficacy
- Available in standardized doses and delivery forms such as patches, gels, oral tablets, and vaginal preparations
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormones
- Custom prepared by compounding pharmacies when a unique dose or delivery form is needed
- May be appropriate if a patient cannot tolerate a commercial option or requires a non-standard formulation
- Not FDA approved, which means they are not subject to the same premarket review for safety and consistency (FDA)
At Valley Medical, compounded options are prescribed thoughtfully and only when truly necessary. We partner with reputable pharmacies and always monitor patients closely.
Traditional HRT vs. Bioidentical HRT
The term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can mean different things depending on context.
- Traditional HRT historically referred to older, non-bioidentical preparations such as conjugated equine estrogens and certain synthetic progestins.
- Bioidentical HRT refers to estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that match human hormones in chemical structure.
For women, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone can reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness when used appropriately. Evidence shows benefits are greatest for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, when therapy is individualized and regularly reassessed (The Menopause Society).
For men with confirmed low testosterone, the Endocrine Society recommends testosterone therapy to restore balance, improve energy, and correct symptoms, with close monitoring for safety (Endocrine Society Guideline).
Why Pellet Therapy Stands Out
At Valley Medical, we specialize in pellet therapy because it offers consistency, convenience, and personalization that many patients cannot achieve with other methods.
Pellets are tiny implants placed just under the skin. They release a steady dose of bioidentical hormones over several months.
Advantages of pellet therapy include:
- Consistency: Steady hormone levels help avoid the highs and lows of daily pills, patches, or creams.
- Convenience: Pellets only need to be replaced a few times per year, removing the burden of daily dosing.
- Personalization: Pellet size and composition can be adjusted to match your labs, medical history, and treatment goals.
- Symptom relief: Many patients experience improved energy, libido, mood, and overall wellbeing without daily fluctuations.
Both women and men benefit from the stable delivery pellets provide. Women often notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog, while men report better focus, recovery, and vitality.
Addressing Safety Questions
Patients frequently ask whether pellets are safer than other forms. The truth is that every method has advantages and considerations.
- Oral estrogen passes through the liver first and has been associated with a higher observed risk of blood clots.
- Transdermal estrogen delivered through patches or gels bypasses the liver and appears to carry a lower clotting risk (ACOG).
- Vaginal estradiol, used in very low doses for local symptoms, has minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe for many women (PubMed).
- Testosterone for men is effective through several delivery methods, including injections, gels, and pellets, as long as treatment is properly monitored (Endocrine Society Guideline).
Pellets are a strong option because they provide steady release and long-term convenience. At Valley Medical, we choose pellet therapy because for many patients it strikes the best balance between safety, effectiveness, and lifestyle fit.
Why “Natural” Does Not Equal Risk-Free
It bears repeating: being bioidentical or plant derived does not make a hormone automatically safer. Risks depend on your health history, the dose, the route of delivery, and monitoring. FDA approved therapies have clear quality controls, while compounded bioidentical products do not undergo the same testing (Cleveland Clinic). Both can be used responsibly, but neither should be used without proper medical supervision.
The Takeaway
Understanding the differences between traditional hormones, bioidentical hormones, FDA approved products, and compounded therapies empowers you to make informed choices. At Valley Medical, we personalize care with pellet therapy at the center. Pellets provide steady hormone delivery, long-lasting symptom relief, and a personalized fit for your medical history and goals.
If you have been told “your labs look normal” but you still feel unwell, or if you want to learn more about bioidentical hormone options, schedule a consult. You do not need to live with disruptive symptoms when safe, individualized therapies are available.
Patient Notice
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Risks and benefits depend on your history, your current health, and the specific medicine and dose you use. Please consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
Compounded Medication Disclaimer:
Compounded medications, including compounded hormones, are available by prescription only. They are not FDA approved and have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA. If right for you, and based on your individual needs, your provider may prescribe brand name or generic drug products, or compounded drug products deemed necessary and appropriate. Our compounded products are prescribed by a licensed medical provider to meet the unique medical needs of individual patients. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
