It's important to note that neither the terms “bioidentical testosterone” nor “synthetic testosterone” refer to the abuse of these medications, which is commonly referred to as illegal use of anabolic steroids. The two treatment options discussed here are used within a purely therapeutic context for doctor-supervised treatment of low testosterone levels. Over the past twenty years, as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been gaining popularity, assumptions were made about hormone therapy. One of these misconceptions is that bioidentical refers to natural, but synthetic, media produced in a laboratory.
However, it's vital to realize that both bioidentical hormones and synthetic testosterone are synthesized in medical laboratories by comparing the two.
Testosterone replacement
therapy is an important treatment option for men with low testosterone levels and symptomatic hypogonadism. There are several formulations of exogenous testosterone replacement therapy, including oral, buccal, intramuscular, transdermal, subdermal, and nasal preparations. However, exogenous testosterone replacement therapy is a double-edged sword, as it presents risks to fertility due to negative feedback mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is the main regulator of testosterone production and spermatogenesis in men.Alternative drug therapies are being used to increase endogenous testosterone levels and, at the same time, to attempt to preserve fertility and the function of the HPG axis. These include selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins, and aromatase inhibitors. This review focuses on analyzing and comparing currently available methods of exogenous testosterone replacement therapy, alternative treatments to increase endogenous testosterone, and novel treatments that are currently being investigated to normalize testosterone levels and, at the same time, preserve the function of the HPG axis. In conclusion, reports suggest that while testosterone replacement therapy is an important way to restore testosterone levels and reduce symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, it is often difficult to decide which treatment to select for patients with testosterone deficiency.
Several factors must be considered to decide the optimal therapeutic option for the patient, including, but not limited to, safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, dosage flexibility and side effects. Alternative approaches that aim to improve endogenous testosterone production and preserve fertility are promising, but are still in their early stages of development. Ultimately, patient-centered decision-making is critical to appropriate treatment selection. The main difference between synthetic or synthesized hormones and bioidentical hormones it's precision.
Bioidentical hormones replicate the exact molecular structure of naturally produced hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc. The testosterone molecule produced naturally by the human body is represented by the chemical formula C19H28O2). Methyltestosterone, a derivative of testosterone with the chemical formula C20H30O2, is used to make drugs such as Metandren. However, due to ease of use, accessibility, and reversibility, they are often a first-line option for patients requiring testosterone replacement.
Although control of serum testosterone levels has increased in men taking TRT, a larger proportion of men could receive treatment without an initial evaluation of baseline testosterone levels or adequate control (3). Unique among exogenous TRT formulations, nasal testosterone formulations hold promise for alleviating symptoms of low testosterone without negatively affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The high risk of unintentional transfer led the FDA to require that testosterone gel products include a Blackbox warning. A series of investigations conducted in 2002 identified the distinctions between synthetic and bioidentical hormone therapy. When the term “natural hormone” is used, it refers to the fact that these hormones were first extracted from a natural source such as plants.
Current options include long-acting (testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate) and extra-long-acting (testosterone undecanoate) variants. If the body can produce testosterone similar to that found in nature, molecular alterations are not necessary. In addition, the review highlights investigational therapies to increase endogenous testosterone, such as selective androgen receptor modulators and Leydig stem cell transplantation, respectively. Therefore, it is clear that exogenous testosterone works as a contraceptive by suppressing LH synthesis and, therefore, can markedly lower sperm count in almost all men (3).
We also recommend taking the BodyLogicMD Hormonal Balance Questionnaire to learn more about the impact of testosterone on overall well-being). There are currently several treatments available to restore testosterone levels and improve symptoms. of Alzheimer's disease.
