Is bio-identical HRT controversial?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is used to help treat the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause. The patient’s individual hormone deficiencies are identified following saliva, blood or 24 hour urine testing. Then a prescription based on the individual’s specific needs is compounded by a compounding pharmacist. The pharmaceutical industry has billions of dollars invested in profits from the commercially available synthetic hormones that are prescribed for menopausal symptoms. Some commercial drug companies have challenged those who have promoted bio-identical hormones as an alternative to patented hormone therapies. For instance, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals submitted a citizen petition to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking the FDA to take regulatory action against compounding pharmacy operations that produce compounded bio-identical hormone replacement therapy drugs. In January 2008, the FDA sent a warning letter to a small number (7) of compounding p
