Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Since synthetic hormones were first combined in the 1940s, hormone replacement therapy has been widely used by women experiencing undesirable menopausal symptoms. Subsequent research led to discoveries of several negative effects associated with the use of hormone therapy, sparking discussions on the risks versus benefits of hormonal treatment. Because of the risks associated with commercial preparations, compounded hormone therapy (CHT) has become more prominent, as it has been touted as a biologically equivalent alternative to synthetic hormones. However, because of minimal to no FDA oversight in the compounding realm generally, CHT may not be as safe as has been advertised. In 2018, based on favorable trial results, Bijuva became the first FDA-approved bioidentical combination 17-beta estradiol-progesterone formulation.