The bioidentical or natural hormone is identical in chemical structure to the hormone naturally produced by the body. They are derived from plant tissues and are scientifically engineered in laboratories to precisely match the human hormone, molecule for molecule; we refer to them as natural because they are natural to the human body. They are compounded into creams, gels, and pills to help your body absorb them more easily. On the other hand, synthetic hormones have a structure that is similar but not exactly the same as a hormone produced by the body. These chemical differences mean that the synthetic hormone acts differently and produces substantially different effects. Natural and synthetic hormones are entirely different and should not be used interchangeable. A multitude of studies have demonstrated many harmful effects of synthetic hormones whereas the medical literature supports no harmful effects of natural hormones, only beneficial effects.