Question: Are bioidentical hormones safe?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Most conventional physicians prefer the added safety of using FDA approved and supervised medications. No prescription medications are permitted for sale in the United States without FDA approval of its purity, content, indications, packaging, and labeling. An exception to this oversight is permitted for custom mixtures.
Individualized private pharmacy compounding of "bioidentical" products is permitted under physician direction. Some of the "bio-identical" hormone proponents are capitalized on a profit motive and a consumer-driven need. As a general rule, the large majority of us will never need bio-identical hormone management.
Be aware that custom mixing of hormone products provided by custom pharmacies is intended for an individualized prescription for deficiency, and neither the mixture, its end product, nor the patient are protected by FDA monitoring or reporting procedures intended to protect us from mixtures of variable purity and potency.
I regard bio-identical management as an option for those who have difficulty with conventional mass-produced pharmaceuticals, and are an important option for those who feel better using them.
When compounded by a certified compounding pharmacist under appropriate conditions, and when appropriately supervised and monitored by your board-certified physician, your use of bio-identical products should be very safe.
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