[THIS IS AN ARTICLE FROM MAYO CLINIC. IT MAY HELP YOU GET FURTHER INFORMATION AND TOGETHER WITH YOUR DOCTOR, MAKE YOUR DECISION ON WHETHER YOU WANT TO USE BIOIDENTICALS.]

From Mayo Clinic

Question: Are bioidentical hormones safer and more effective than traditional hormone therapy? They sound like they would be because they're customized to the individual.

Answer: from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

There's a lot of interest in bioidentical — or so-called "natural" — hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. However, there's no evidence that bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective than standard hormone replacement therapy.

Bioidentical hormones are custom-mixed formulas containing various hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally made by your body. These prescription and over-the-counter products are marketed as being tailored to a woman's individual hormone needs, typically determined through saliva hormone testing. Manufacturers claim that bioidentical hormones are safer than standard, FDA-approved hormone therapy.

According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), custom compounds may provide certain benefits, such as individualized doses and mixtures of products and forms that aren't available commercially. However, they may also pose risks to consumers. These compounds haven't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as a result haven't been tested for purity, potency, efficacy or safety. These products may even contain unknown contaminants. For this reason, NAMS does not recommend these custom-mixed products over well-tested, government-approved commercial products for the majority of women.

Also, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone are available in FDA-approved hormone therapy products, including:

* Estradiol, such as Estrace, Climara patch and Vivelle-Dot patch
* Natural progesterone (Prometrium)

These products come in many different doses and forms. So, you don't need to turn to unregulated, individually compounded products as your only source of "natural" hormones.

FROM: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bioidentical-hormones/AN01133

My OBGYN Rxd Prometrium and both Estradiol patches mentioned. I had major, life-altering side effects from all three products.

Bio-identicals have been extremely helpful to me, without any noticeable side effects -- and certainly NONE of the side effects mentioned on the manufacturer websites for the above mentioned pharma products. My life with bio-identicals is MUCH better than before hormone replacement.

I also use bio-id Rx compound testosterone without the usual side effects that women experience on pharma testosterone products.

I've found that compounded creams & gels are much easier to use than the pharma patches.

Before being Rxd any hormones, I had standard blood-serum levels run on my baseline hormone levels.

I'm very happy that the bio-identical option is available. It may not be for everyone, but for those of us who have been failed by the pharma products, bio-identicals have in many cases come to the rescue.
Best wishes.

[This Message was Edited on 09/22/2009]