SkinSelf Renewal Blog

FDA-Approved Bioidentical Hormones vs. Compounded Bioidentical HRT: What’s the Difference? FDA-approved bioidentical hormones and compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) are not the same. “Bioidentical” describes a hormone’s molecular structure—not its FDA approval, safety, effectiveness, or quality. FDA-approved estradiol and micronized progesterone are bioidentical hormones that undergo regulatory evaluation for safety, effectiveness, manufacturing quality, and labeling. Compounded hormones may have a legitimate role when a patient’s medical needs cannot be met by an approved product, but they are not automatically safer, more natural, or more effective. Understanding this distinction is essential when considering women’s hormone replacement therapy at Azani Medical Spa in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At a Glance: FDA-Approved vs. Compounded Bioidentical Hormones Feature FDA-Approved Bioidentical Hormones Compounded Bioidentical Hormones Molecular structure May be identical to naturally produced human hormones May contain identical hormones FDA approval Approved products undergo FDA review Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved Safety and effectiveness Evaluated for specific… Read More