So, how can my doctor claim that bio-identical hormones are not safer that synthetic, chemical ‘hormones?
Although some physicians and pharmaceutical companies claim that, ‘bio-identical hormones are not safer than synthetic, chemical hormones’, this is not true. Bio-identical progesterone (including FDA approved Prometrium®) does not increase the risk of breast cancer like the synthetic progestins. Progesterone, used vaginally, does not negate the beneficial effects of estrogen on the heart like the synthetic progestins. Estriol, an estrogen widely used in Europe is a bio-identical hormone, which has never been submitted for FDA approval in the United States . It does not bind strongly to estrogen receptors and does not stimulate breast tissue. Numerous studies have shown that vaginal estriol does not increase the risk of breast cancer (RR 0.7). It has safely been used in breast cancer survivors where it lowered the risk of recurrence and death. It is important to understand that balanced hormones are the key to health and disease prevention.
