The main difference between traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical pellet therapy is that the former is made from synthetic hormones and the latter are compounded bioidentical hormones (custom made in a pharmacy to specific prescriptions). Bio-identical hormones are made from estrogen (estradiol,) testosterone and progesterone derived from plants like yam and soy and, unlike their synthetic counterparts. The chemical structure of the bioidentical hormones is “identical” to what your body makes naturally, making them more effective and in many cases safer than synthetic hormones. The pellets are made in a compounding pharmacy, allowing your doctor to make unique doses specific for your individual needs. Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is made from synthetic estrogens, in many cases derived from the urine of pregnant mares, plus various forms of synthetic progesterone called progestins. They come in standard pre-defined doses which are prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by the pharmacy. The disadvantage of this is that they are not as effective or safe as bioidentical hormones and can not be customized or tailored to your specific needs. Your body recognizes bioidentical hormones as their “own” because they are chemically identical in nature to your own hormones.