An growing variety of peri- and post-menopausal ladies are in search of “bioidentical” hormones as an alternative choice to FDA-approved hormone alternative therapies. Sadly, the usage of hormonal remedy for menopausal signs is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. In an period marked by rising mistrust of the healthcare system and pharmaceutical trade, many people flip to the web for info reasonably than consulting their healthcare suppliers. This on-line panorama, usually dominated by persuasive promoting, promotes false claims and exaggerated guarantees. Because of this, customers could forgo efficient remedies or unknowingly go for therapies which are unproven and doubtlessly dangerous. Thus, it’s essential to prioritize evidence-based analysis to make sure secure and efficient care.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

  1. True or False: Bioidentical hormones are similar to the hormones naturally produced by the physique.
     True. The time period “bioidentical” refers to hormones which are chemically and structurally similar to these produced by the human physique. 
  2. True or False: All bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved.
     False. Whereas some bioidentical hormones, similar to estradiol and micronized progesterone, are FDA-approved, compounded bioidentical hormone therapies will not be regulated by the FDA.

Security and Efficacy

  1. True or False: Compounded bioidentical hormones are safer than FDA-approved hormone therapies.
     False. There isn’t a scientific proof to help that compounded bioidentical hormones are safer or more practical than FDA-approved therapies. In actual fact, compounded formulations could carry further dangers, similar to inconsistent dosing, contamination, and lack of oversight.
  2. True or False: Compounded bioidentical hormone remedy has undergone rigorous testing in medical trials.
     False. Compounded bioidentical hormone therapies haven’t been assessed in randomized managed trials, making their efficacy and security unsure.
  3. True or False: FDA-approved bioidentical hormones carry fewer dangers than conventional hormone therapies.
     False. FDA-approved bioidentical hormones carry comparable dangers as conventional hormone alternative remedy, together with elevated dangers of blood clots, stroke, breast most cancers, and endometrial most cancers.

Claims and Misconceptions

  1. True or False: Hormone testing is important to information dosing for bioidentical hormone remedy.
     False. The FDA recommends towards utilizing hormone ranges to information dosing as a result of hormone ranges naturally fluctuate and salivary assessments are unreliable.
  2. True or False: Bioidentical hormones might help preserve youth and promote weight reduction.
     False. Claims that bioidentical hormones can preserve youth or assist in weight reduction are unsubstantiated and infrequently used as advertising techniques reasonably than evidence-based suggestions.

Regulation and Oversight

  1. True or False: Compounded bioidentical hormones are topic to the identical regulatory requirements as FDA-approved drugs.
     False. Compounded bioidentical hormones lack FDA oversight, which means their purity, efficiency, and security will not be assured.
  2. True or False: Pharmacies that compound bioidentical hormones should report adversarial occasions to the FDA.
     False. Not like producers of FDA-approved medication, compounding pharmacies will not be required to report adversarial occasions to the FDA.

Medical Suggestions

  1. True or False: Skilled organizations advocate compounded bioidentical hormone remedy for menopausal signs.
     False. Organizations similar to The North American Menopause Society warning towards utilizing compounded bioidentical hormones because of inadequate proof supporting their security and efficacy.
  2. True or False: Hormones are more practical than non-hormonal remedies for managing menopausal signs.
     False. Whereas bioidentical hormones may be efficient for some ladies, non-hormonal remedies, similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, and way of life modifications, have additionally been proven to successfully handle menopausal signs like scorching flashes, temper adjustments, and sleep disturbances. Non-hormonal choices are significantly invaluable for ladies who can’t or favor to not use hormonal therapies.

The Backside Line

Bioidentical hormone remedy is commonly misunderstood because of advertising claims and misinformation about its security and effectiveness in comparison with conventional hormone alternative remedy. Whereas FDA-approved bioidentical hormones could also be a viable possibility for some ladies, compounded variations lack rigorous testing and regulation, posing potential dangers that ought to be fastidiously thought of with a healthcare provider167.

 Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

 

References

Kauffman RP, MacLaughlin EJ, Courtney LA, Winery DD. Concern, misinformation, and pharmaceutical messianism within the promotion of compounded bioidentical hormone remedy. Entrance Reprod Well being. 2024 Feb 29;6:1378644.

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