Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

     The term “bioidentical hormone therapy” is often used to describe a medication containing estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones that are chemically exact duplicates of hormones produced by women, primarily in the ovaries. Many of these bioidentical hormones (eg, estradiol, progesterone) are commercially available in several well-tested, FDA-approved, brand-name prescription drugs.

     Concern arises with the bioidentical hormone medications that are “custom-compounded” (custom-mixed) recipes prepared by a pharmacist following an individual prescriber’s order for a specific patient. These medications are touted as ‘safer’ than hormone replacement therapy yet they carry all of the same risks. Any hormone medication should be used in the correct dose and way that works best for you. What works for your neighbor is NOT going to work for you… unless you are identical twins with the exact same life and illness exposures!!!

     Bio-identical hormones that are custom compounded are NOT regulated by the FDA… meaning they are not tested the same way that all ‘drugs’ are for safety. These medications do not have FDA approval because individually mixed recipes have not been tested to prove that the active ingredients are absorbed appropriately or provide predictable levels in blood and tissue. Further, there is no scientific evidence about the effects of these compounded medications on the body—both good and bad.  Compounded hormones are considered food supplements and, like different apples, they can look, taste, feel and act very differently.

     There is an appropriate place in menopause treatment for these hormones… please don’t use someone else’s just as you should not take some one else’s insulin… all are hormones!

    Salivary and blood testing of hormone levels can be used to determine the recommendation for hormone replacement therapy.