Compounded Bioidentical Hormones
Definition
Compounded bioidentical hormones are "custom-mixed" hormone preparations made by a compounding pharmacist. While they use bioidentical ingredients, they lack the rigorous safety, purity, and consistency testing required of FDA-approved regulated hormones.
In Depth
Compounded hormones are often marketed as being "customized" to a woman's specific blood levels. However, major medical societies, including The Menopause Society (NAMS), generally advise against their use. Because these preparations are not regulated as drugs, their actual hormone levels can vary significantly from dose to dose. Furthermore, they often lack a "package insert" detailing risks and side effects, and some "multi-hormone" creams may not provide enough progesterone to protect the uterus from cancer. For most women, regulated, FDA-approved bioidentical hormones provide a safer and more predictable path to symptom relief.
Why It Matters
Clinical safety depends on consistency. Without the oversight applied to regulated hormones, women using compounded versions accept higher risks of under-dosing (symptoms return) or over-dosing (safety risks).