Are bioidentical hormones safer for treating menopause?

The use of bioidentical hormones for the treatment of menopause is often presented as more natural and safer than traditional hormone therapy (HT). However, the scientific basis for this is lacking.

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones that the human body produces, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are often promoted as “more natural” because they are derived from plant sources such as soy or wild yam.

Some bioidentical hormones are approved by health agencies such as the FDA (in the US) and are prescribed regularly. These products have been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. However, there are also compounded bioidentical hormones that have not undergone the same level of scrutiny and research. The safety and effectiveness of these compounded products are less well documented.

Compounded hormones are often personalized and made by specialty pharmacies. These products are not always subject to the same strict quality and safety controls as regular medications. This can lead to variations in dosage and purity, which poses risks.

According to health organizations, there is no convincing evidence that bioidentical hormones are safer than traditional hormone therapy. The risks such as breast cancer, stroke and blood clots remain similar, depending on the hormones used, the dosage and the duration of treatment.

Source: https://journals.lww.com/clinicalobgyn/abstract/2021/12000/compounded_bioidentical_hormones__myths_and.8.aspx

Source: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2022/07000/the_2022_hormone_therapy_position_statement_of_the.4.aspx

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-19 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025