Why are Bioidentical compounded hormone therapies not safe?

A short answer

Bioidentical compounded hormones are made from plant hormones and are available as troches, creams, and lozenges. They are made in compounding pharmacies and laboratories. Like Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), they do relieve menopause symptoms. Although this makes them sound sensible and natural, they may be unsafe.

They may be unsafe as although they may contain hormones similar to MHT, they have not had the same rigorous safety testing as MHT. They may increase the risk of cancer to the lining of the womb and are not proven to protect the bones from osteoporosis. They can also be costly.

For all these reasons, the Australian Menopause Society does not recommend them, and I do not prescribe them.