What’s The Scoop On Bioidentical Hormones?
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What’s The Scoop On Bioidentical Hormones?
The current consensus on bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is that it lacks sufficient evidence to support its safety and efficacy compared to conventional hormone therapy. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) highlights that compounded bioidentical hormones are not subjected to FDA oversight, leading to concerns about their purity, potency, and safety.[1] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) also emphasize that there is no evidence to support the superiority of compounded bioidentical hormones over conventional hormone therapy, and they raise concerns about the variability and lack of standardization in compounded preparations.[2]
The Endocrine Society states that there is no rationale for the routine prescribing of unregulated, untested, and potentially harmful custom-compounded bioidentical hormone therapies.[3] Additionally, the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy recommends against the consistent use of compounded bioidentical hormones, citing the need for more robust clinical studies to evaluate their potential advantages and disadvantages compared to manufactured products.[4]
In summary, the prevailing view among major medical organizations is that bioidentical hormone therapy, particularly in its compounded form, should not be routinely used due to the lack of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy, and the potential risks associated with its use. Conventional hormone therapies that are FDA-approved and have well-documented safety and efficacy profiles are preferred.
References
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Menopause. Goodman NF, Cobin RH, Ginzburg SB, Katz IA, Woode DE. Endocrine Practice : Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. 2011 Nov-Dec;17 Suppl 6:1-25. doi:10.4158/ep.17.s6.1.
- Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Fertility and Sterility. 2012;98(2):308-12. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.002.
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormones in Endocrinology Practice: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, et al. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2016;101(4):1318-43. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1271.
- Use of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Menopausal Women: An Opinion Statement of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. McBane SE, Borgelt LM, Barnes KN, et al. Pharmacotherapy. 2014;34(4):410-23. doi:10.1002/phar.1394.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns.