Chapter 26: Isomolecular Hormones vs Heteromolecular Artimones

Hilgers TW

Reproductive Endocrinology Ovarian Hormones

Chapter 26: Isomolecular Hormones vs Heteromolecular Artimones

Hilgers TW

The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY, 307-334, 2004

RRM Academy Synopsis

Bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic ones, a NaPro text argues

A 2004 NaPro textbook chapter argues that bioidentical hormones act differently than synthetic ones. The author reviews trials, animal studies and lab work. The chapter coins new names for the two groups.

Key Findings

The chapter defines an isomolecular hormone (IMH) as identical in structure and action to the body's own hormone, and a heteromolecular artimone (HMA) as a different chemical that stands in for it.
The chapter states that birth control pills contain only HMA progestins, and that most 19-nortestosterone progestins have significant androgenic activity.
The chapter's table attributes effects to HMA estrogens, HMA progestins or the pills as a whole, including adverse mood changes, thrombosis, delayed time to conception and a lower return of fertility.
In the PEPI Trial, IMH progesterone blunted the rise in HDL cholesterol less than medroxyprogesterone acetate did. The chapter also cites monkey studies and a small crossover study favoring IMH progesterone.
The author states that a large multicenter trial is needed in the United States to assess IMH estrogen and progesterone formulations, and that further work is needed.

RRM Context

The chapter links the IMH and HMA terms to NaProTECHNOLOGY. It names the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTECHNOLOGY together as a simple, reproducible means to target hormone use to the cycle. The terms separate progesterone, the body's own hormone, from progestins, which are synthetic compounds often called progesterone. The restorative principle is to work with the ovulatory cycle.

Our editorial summary of this paper, not the article's abstract.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the history and biochemistry of the ovarian hormones and introduces two terms for use in NaProTECHNOLOGY: isomolecular hormone (IMH), a chemical identical to the hormone made in the human body, and heteromolecular artimone (HMA), a substitute whose estrogen-like or progesterone-like activity differs from that of the isomolecular hormone. Hilgers attributes the shift toward artificial substitutes in the second half of the 20th century to the pharmaceutical industry's focus on patentable compounds and to the introduction of the oral contraceptive in 1960. The chapter tabulates the metabolic and clinical effects of the HMAs used in contraceptive medications and reviews studies in which IMH progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) produced different cardiovascular effects. The chapter also reviews IMH hormone formulations and the absorption of progesterone by oral, vaginal, intramuscular and other routes, and calls for a large multi-centered trial in the United States of IMH estrogen and progesterone.

Read the guide

What Is NaProTechnology? A Guide for Patients Looking for a NaPro Doctor

NaProTechnology diagnoses and treats the underlying conditions driving infertility, menstrual disorders, and early pregnancy loss. This guide covers how the method works, published outcomes data, how to find a qualified provider, and what to expect on cost and insurance.

18 min read

Topics

Reproductive Endocrinology › Ovarian Hormones › Progesterone · Therapeutics › Hormonal Agents › Progesterone and Progestins · Restorative Reproductive Medicine › NaProTechnology › Protocols and Framework

Thomas W Hilgers

Tom Hilgers, T Hilgers

Hilgers et al. 2004, Hilgers 2004

Chapter 26: Isomolecular Hormones vs Heteromolecular Artimones

Bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic ones, a NaPro text argues

Key Findings

RRM Context

Abstract

Read the guide

Topics

By this author

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