Bioidentical hormones are biochemically similar to those produced by the body or ovaries. The FDA has approved many prescription products that contain bioidentical hormones. However, the term “bioidentical” is often used to refer to custom-compounded hormones.
Hormone replacement therapy can be prescribed as local (creams, pessaries, rings) or systemic therapy (oral drugs, transdermal patches and gels, implants). Hormonal products available in such preparations may contain the following ingredients:
- Estrogen alone
- Combined estrogen and progestogen
- Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
- Gonadomimetics, such as tibolone, which contain estrogen, progestogen, and an androgen