Hormone replacement therapy
What about the risks of bioidentical hormone therapy?
Q: There are some scary warning labels on estradiol products and Prometrium. Are these risks for real? Are compounded hormones less risky?
A: To answer simply, all hormone replacement therapy has theoretical risks — as does any form of drug therapy. Items made by compounding pharmacies don’t come with FDA warnings, but the known risks still apply. Unfortunately, because research hasn’t made the distinction between bioidentical and synthetic hormones, all FDA-approved bioidentical estrogen and hormone replacement products will come with the same scary warnings seen on the synthetic HRT products like Prempro — and because the studies were undertaken without considering different delivery methods, the warnings don’t reflect our most current information showing a big difference in risk profiles between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.
We try to reduce the potential risks by suggesting the use of lower potency, bioidentical hormones; by recommending forms of estrogen that are delivered through the skin; and by supporting the use of hormones for the shortest time possible. Currently, it seems estrogen delivered through the skin reduces the risk of stroke and does not cause more cardiovascular events, and using any form of HRT for less than five years should not increase your risk of breast cancer. This information may change as research continues, but this is what can currently be extracted from the literature.
The theoretical risks are why many women really want to avoid HRT or get off HRT if possible, which is one reason we developed the Personal Program for Hormonal Imbalance.
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Our Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.
We’re always happy to welcome new patients to our medical clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, for those who can make the trip. Click here for information about making an appointment.
Related to this article:
References & further reading for FAQ’s about HRT
Original Publication Date: 03/02/2009
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Author: Marcy Holmes, NP, Certified Menopause Clinician