Bangalore (PTI): Belle Sante Diagnostic and Theraputic Institute, the first-of-its kind to offer natural or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and compounding pharmacy facilities, was launched here on wednesday.

Belle Sante is the only centre to use `bio-identical hormones' or natural hormones which have the same molecular structure as those produced by the human body, making the treatment effective and safe, Dr Vivek Kadambi, Managing Director of Belle Sante, told reporters here on wednesday.

"This is in contrast to the readily available synthetic hormones, which have altered chemical structure", he said.

Bio-identical or natural hormones with molecular structure identical to the hormone produced by the body, are derived from precursors found in plants like soya beans and yam. It can be customised to the needs of each individual and are devoid of side effects caused by synthetic hormones.

Synthetic hormones now used in India to treat hormonal imbalances have their molecular structure modified and are derived from sources not natural to the human body like horse urine and cannot be customised and are known to have various side effects, said Dr Vivek.

The common hormone replacement therapies have the wrong balance as they use estradio without estriol, estrogens without progesterone and have hormone treatment sans nutritional supplements.

However, BHRT ensures the right balance with a balance of estrogens and progesterone, combines 20 per cent of estradio and 80 per cent estriol and supplements hormones with Vitamin B12, d-3, Omega 3s and super antioaxidants, he said.