Bioidentical hormone facts and perspectives

Public confusion of the benefits and risks of hormone therapy was highlighted once again this week on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The Endocrine Society is concerned about the continued propagation of misleading information about bioidentical hormones. Many well known figures use the term to describe non-standardized hormone therapies that are formulated by compounding pharmacies. The formulations are often based on poor and inaccurate tests for an individual's own hormone levels.

A bioidentical hormone is in fact one that is identical in structure to that which is produced in the human body. Considering this factual definition, patients can obtain bioidentical hormones as FDA-approved preparations formulated with strict oversight and dispensed by retail pharmacies.

Studies have shown both benefits and risks of hormone therapy. Risk accompanies therapy regardless of the chemical structure of the hormone. However, medications from compounding pharmacies—including bioidentical hormones—are not subject to FDA monitoring for dose, purity, safety or efficacy. Inconsistency of dose and purity presents additional risk to patients.

In 2006, The Endocrine Society issued a position statement, which has become policy of the American Medical Association (AMA) with widespread support of the medical community, calling for increased regulatory oversight of all bioidentical hormones (www.endo-society.org).

WHO: Dr. Margaret E. Wiermen
Representative of The Endocrine Society (TES)
Professor in Medicine, University of Colorado Denver
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes

WHAT: Dr. Wierman a leading endocrinologist and chair of TES Guidelines of Androgens in Women is available to discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy

Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones, and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.