I went through menopause at age 50 and developed debilitating hot flashes which left me unable to sleep more than 4 hours a night. The hot flashes also made me hyper-vigilant and anxious. My doctor finally suggested compounded bio-identical hormones after I took a medical test to determine my hormone levels (extremely low). Within 2 days, my sleep returned to normal and I felt like a new person. Several years later, I moved and a new doctor put me on traditional HRT rather than compounded hormones. My hot flashes returned and I again felt anxious with compromised sleep -- my system did not respond well to traditional HRT. After a few weeks, I changed physicians and the new doctor returned me to the compounded bio-identical hormones. Like the first time, I felt immense relief within a few days. I would not be alive if it weren't for this compounded medicine. Early on, when I was so sleep-deprived, I became suicidal. My doctor's intervention with the compounded bio-identical hormones literally saved my life. 

My DEXA scans revealed 13% bone loss in a 2 year period. I chose not to take bone medications because of their numerous side effects. I found out about compounded hormones and after taking BHRT, my next DEXA scan showed no bone loss. My scans had remained the same, meaning that I had stabilized.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. I was in chemo-induced menopause within the first month. This caused numerous, miserable mental, emotional and physical side effects. I asked 2 oncologists, my gynecologist, and a Menopause Specialist for help balancing my hormones with bio-identicals. I feel that I have the right to the best medicine available to me, and there are plenty of research studies to support the safe and effective use of bio-identical hormones for numerous issues, but especially in menopause. If the FDA removes access to the compounded hormones for millions of American women, I will consider it to be not only sexist but dangerous. Compounded hormones are proven to protect women's brains, bones and hearts as they age, and they may also prevent breast cancer. My sisters are also in menopause and use bio-identical hormones (one in Indiana and one in Texas.) I have 3 daughters, and I am concerned for their future welfare in a country that does not preserve options for women to balance hormones safely through compounding.

I depend on the compounded hormones my doctor prescribes to live a normal life, due to the results of a complete hysterectomy caused by uterine cancer when I was 29.

I have used compounded bio-identical hormones since 2010, after much research and debilitating side effects from synthetic prescription hormones that I am allergic to.

Before finding the bio-identical hormones my doctor wrote me prescriptions for high cholesterol, insulin for diabetes, high blood pressure medication, anti-depression medication and pain pills.

These were all side effects of unregulated hormone balances. Cannot leave out the other side effects; hair loss, substantial weight gain, heart palpitations, brain fog, migraines, and bladder dysfunction.

Later in life, I developed Fibromyalgia and other spine/muscular issues. Again, my doctor wanted to prescribe more medications that took any quality of life away. I could not stand what was happening to me and my family as a result. I stopped all of my prescriptions and went towards a more natural route. I met with my compounding doctor and discovered as long as my hormones are balanced by checking my blood levels regularly, I can live a very normal, happy, healthy life.

When I went into menopause, I could not sleep at night. I would wake up several times a night sweating. When I stopped getting good sleep, life became really difficult. Compounded hormones allow me to sleep. It also helps with the support of my adrenals. Before compounded hormones, I could not even drink a cup of decaf coffee. Now, I can handle periods of stress and eating sugar occasionally without complete burnout. Compounded hormones are vital.

I have worked with many satisfied patients in my 20 years in compounding pharmacy; there are so many people who do not benefit from one size fits all.

My hormones fell to menopausal levels when I was 28 years old. I had daily, debilitating migraines, shirt-soaking sweating, acne, hair loss, insomnia/inability to sleep, and dramatic mood swings. I wasn't able to lead a normal life. The compounded bio-identical hormones my doctor prescribed saved my life. Because of them, I've been able to lead a healthy and productive life for the last 12 years. Please, please, please do not take these away and destroy my life. I tried everything else - including various forms of birth control, and instead of helping, it made things worse. Compounded hormones are necessary for me.

Before menopause, BHRT helped me by stopping heavy periods that made me anemic. Once in menopause, BHRT has helped to stop the 3 am awakenings and also recovered my ability to think clearly. It's great to have the energy and physical ability to do the things I love like hiking and backpacking at my age.

I went to 3 different doctors before one actually listened to me. For several years I was not myself, battling depression, experiencing uncharacteristic hair loss, gaining weight, and experiencing numerous other symptoms. Finally, my doctor started the process to help me feel like myself again. He started with compounded hormone therapy and within a week I was already feeling better. Compound hormone therapy helps almost every one of my closest friends. It’s invaluable!

I use to have very regular menstrual cycles. Like clockwork, I knew when my cycles would start. Had 2 babies and after that, my body changed. I was very moody, felt sluggish, gained weight, and found that my cycle was not on point like it use to be. I had trouble becoming pregnant due to my unpredictable cycle. My family life started to suffer due to my attitude and inability to be ME. I began taking compounded hormones that were tailored for me and it was like night and day! I was able to get pregnant again and still play with my children (and NOT snap at them over every minor thing). My husband has his wife back and our children have their mom back. I am not the only one who has experienced life-changing moments like this due to the use of compounded hormones, I'm just one of the thousands. I'm sure millions just don't know how unique they are and that standard commercially available hormones don't and can't fit everyone's needs. Please don't take this away from those of us who have had success with compounded hormones. Please don't take this option away from those who have not been able to utilize them if they need it. 

It happened very quickly. All of a sudden the hot flashes started. I couldn't sleep therefore everything else started to suffer - my work, my family, my marriage. My doctor prescribed bio-identical hormones from a compounding pharmacy and within a few days, I was my old self again. I can't imagine living without them. It took a few tries to get the dose exactly right, which we were able to do because we were working with the compounding pharmacy. If I had to buy an "off-the-shelf" product, it would not have been individualized for me.

My hysterectomy was on December 19, 2000. After that, I had constant migraines, spending 3 days each week in bed unable to function. My mental ability began to slowly decline due to brain fog and I could no longer work. I struggled to keep up with taking care of myself. Neurological symptoms of light and sound sensitivity kept me from leaving my house for anything other than essentials. After about 10 years of misery, I found a doctor and then a pharmacist who told me that cBHT was what I needed. I cautiously tried a prescription of first progesterone and then later added estradiol. I am doing well, except for the days each month when I must be off hormones. On those days I notice that all the miserable debilitating symptoms begin to return. If I can no longer get cBHT I will end up in a memory care home very quickly. Please do not allow this option to be removed.

I went through menopause naturally at 40. (My mom was 37.) Not all doctors believe you can go through menopause so early. A fellow pharmacist who was a BHRT specialist put me on BHRT. It made such a huge difference in my life, that I became a BHRT dosing expert myself and traveled the country learning from the best. I have helped thousands and thousands of patients. I know firsthand what a difference compounded hormones make for these men and women. Taking it away would be a complete travesty.

I had a hysterectomy at an early age. I was on a synthetic hormone pill for years. I always felt like it really did not do much for me. I still had hot flashes, and mood swings, and was tired all the time. I had three children and a husband that would ask me if I had taken my medication that day because I truly felt out of control at times (almost on a daily basis). I found out my sister had triple-negative breast cancer then within six months later my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I spoke with my gynecologist and he suggested I go to my local compounding pharmacy and speak with someone about the hormone cream. I made that appointment and now my family does not ask if I took my medication today because I am much happier, I feel so much better on a daily basis. This has really changed my life. Please do not take this away from people who truly rely on this medication to just get them through each day.

"The use of cBHT over the last year or so has been absolutely invaluable to me. I suffered from a traumatic experience that over time wreaked havoc on my body and hormones. I lost an ovary in 2019, which complicated my symptoms. I am extremely sensitive to medications but cBHT helped get my life and my health back on track. It is unbelievable that again our legislative system is trying to tell me how to best care for my body. This is the land of the free but because of congress dictating how people need to address sickness and disease while missing the big picture of what they can control (food system) I have lost my job and now my well-being is threatened yet again, not by an abusive person or illness but by the abusive overreach of congress."

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 4 years ago after having my first DEXA scan. My estrogen level was 5 when it should be at least 45-50. My provider started me on compounded hormones and 2 years later, my DEXA scan showed that I no longer had osteoporosis, it had gotten better. If I had not started taking the compounded hormones, my estrogen levels would not have improved and I would still be at a greater risk of breaking bones due to osteoporosis. Compounded hormones are very important in helping women battle osteoporosis.

Prior to BHRT, I felt like a shell of my former self. Not only did I desperately need hormones, but my energy suffered greatly. Within a few short weeks of beginning therapy, my world began to change for the better. I no longer napped during the day. I became more active. The fog began to lift. Today I feel wonderful in every way. My husband is amazed at the transformation thus far. I don't know how I could live without BHRT. I feel happy and healthy, no longer dreading my 60s and beyond.

I have been using natural hormones since I was 48 years old...I'm now 76. My blood work is always excellent, as well as my health. I take no pharmaceutical drugs, I only take natural thyroid and natural hormones. When I have been asked why I look so young, I say: I eat healthily and exercise, but the number one thing is I take natural hormones. When I see all the drugs advertised on TV with all their dreadful side effects, why would I want to take unnatural pharmaceutical hormones? 

At age 40, I was diagnosed with PMDD and Perimenopause. I was prescribed generic birth control. When it was discontinued, I could not get my prescription filled and went several months without it. During that time, my body started breaking down. Joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue were just a few of my problems. I felt twice my age!! I, fortunately, found a fantastic gynecologist who advocates for bio-identicals that are compounded specifically to my body's needs. It has been a life-saver for me!! I feel like my transition through menopause has been more natural and less devastating to my body and mind. Women deserve the option of more natural medicines for their bodies during an already difficult life change.