Much confusion exists among consumers about the term “bioidentical hormones”. Strictly used this term simply means hormones which are identical to those produced by the body. As a marketing term it often refers to custom-compounded hormones. These are drugs made by a compounding pharmacist from a individualized prescription. What is the truth about bioidenticals? Are they better or safer? This is what you should know.
1. Many well-tested brand name products containing bioidentical hormones are approved and available commercially. Cost for these approved products are often covered by prescription insurance plans.
2. All hormonal drugs contain filler ingredients to hold drugs together such as for pellets suppositories or tablets or provide a vehicle to administer such as gel, cream or liquid. Custom-compounded hormones can vary greatly and are not tested for batch standardization, purity, safety or efficacy. Commercially approved formulations have been tested and are subject to regulation.
3. FDA investigations have found some compounding pharmacies have made false and misleading claims about the safety and effectiveness of individually compounded hormones.
4. Salivary or hair testing used to adjust custom hormone levels is not justified on any scientific basis. This may be recommended by practitioners who advocate custom-compounding. Beware of this because these same practitioners may profit monetarily from selling the services and products they are advocating. Many health care systems have worked very hard to eliminate the influence of drug companies on the practitioners who prescribe the drugs. You want drugs prescribed for your benefit, not for the benefit of the practitioner.
5. There is no evidence that bioidentical hormones or custom-compounded drugs are safer or work better than other hormones or commercial drugs. It is presumed they carry at least the same risks as any other hormones. Custom-compounding has the advantage of offering doses, ingredients or routes of administration not available commercially but carries the risk of being untested and at greater cost to the consumer. Be smart about where you get your information, who is writing your prescriptions and mixing your drugs and who is apt to benefit the most.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thank you for finally giving me the opportunity to read something that makes sense about bioidentical hormones. Everywhere, I see the misleading nonsense about hormones, of all kinds. I’ve written a book, soon to be published, that provides an overview of the science (overall pro-hormone; and yes, I know all about the WHI and I deconstruct that as well). I wish more women would listen to the science — all of it. And recognize there are no black and white solutions. And why should there be? Nothing is black and white.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I agree that bioidentical hormones is a healthy option for treatment of menopausal symptoms because I believe these can be customized to address women’s exact needs so it’s safe and effective. In fact, I’ve read that women receiving the bioidentical hormones had improved anxiety scores and and decreased blood pressure. However, it is still a good idea to check with your health provider about your risk this hormone will give you.