Overview

Bioidentical hormones are made in a lab. They are based on compounds found in plants. They have the same structure as the hormones your body makes.

Many commonly prescribed forms of estrogen and progesterone are bioidenticals. Some examples include Estrace and Prometrium. These types are approved and regulated by the FDA, and they are made by drug companies.

Some bioidentical hormones are available in a compounding pharmacy. Compounded bioidentical hormones may be put into a capsule, a skin cream or gel, a tablet to dissolve under your tongue, a suppository, or a nose spray. These aren't approved or regulated by the FDA, and they can vary in quality.

There's no good evidence that compounded bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapy.