Caution Regarding Compounded Hormones

Compounded hormones are medications that are mixed, measured, and prepared by a pharmacist according to a healthcare provider’s specifications. While compounded hormones can be an effective way to provide hormone therapy for certain patients, there are some important cautions to consider.

Firstly, compounded hormones are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that commercially available medications are. This means that the safety and effectiveness of compounded hormones cannot be guaranteed in the same way that they can be for FDA-approved medications.

Additionally, the dosages and ingredients in compounded hormones may not be consistent from batch to batch, which can make it difficult to ensure that patients are receiving a consistent and appropriate dose of hormones.

There is also some concern that compounded hormones may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as blood clots and breast cancer, although more research is needed to fully understand these risks.

For these reasons, it’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of compounded hormones with their healthcare provider, and to consider FDA-approved hormone therapy options when possible. If compounded hormones are deemed necessary, patients should work closely with their healthcare provider and pharmacist to monitor their hormone levels and to ensure that they are receiving a consistent and appropriate dose of hormones.