I have struggled for years with an autoimmune disease and nothing seemed to work to help me feel any sign of relief. Once I started regulating my T3 with the proper dosage needed, (since my body doesn’t convert from T4), I immediately started feeling a little better each day! Compounding has given me my life back in more ways than I could have ever thought possible! Everyone is different, no person is made up the same as someone else so what might work for one person could not work at all for another. I am so thankful that I have this option to better my overall health. When my kids started noticing the change I knew my decision was so worth it! They deserve 100% of me when before I was probably functioning at 25%.

In 2006 I had my regular gynecologist appointment and everything was normal, by February of 2007 I had a mass in one of my ovaries the size of a golf ball. During surgery, the doctors determined everything had to be removed (total hysterectomy) and they also scraped endometriosis out of a large part of my intestine. I was 42 years old and I became a woman whose body produced “0” hormones. I was put on synthetic hormones and my life became miserable (symptoms wise) and a roller coaster of depression and out of control moods to the point that I couldn’t even deal with myself. It was the most strange anger even towards everyone I love and everything that had always made me happy. I couldn’t understand why I was feeling crazy and I couldn’t deal with those out-of-control emotions. Doctors prescribed different synthetic hormones with zero changes on anything I was experiencing. I couldn’t even sleep because of hot flashes and cold and anger and depression ALL AT THE SAME TIME! I couldn’t believe my normal self had changed so drastically at once and I had no control. Why I was so depressed I would just cry for hours and then suddenly I would be so angry I couldn’t even look out of my window in peace and enjoy the beautiful views I have.
My lovely husband was so patient and we researched everything until we read about compounded hormones. We read from how they work all the way to side effects. We couldn’t believe the big range of studies and opinions. One day he found a doctor for me to try compounded hormones and in 2008 I started with my first compound. It took some time to adjust the formula according to my symptoms and test results but I finally got my own self back! I didn’t feel like a crazy woman anymore. That was such a relief it really brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. I really thought I was going crazy. My compounded hormones saved my life, my marriage, and my sanity. I have used them all these years with very few changes to the formula because my test shows everything is balanced and I CAN FEEL IT.
I keep reading studies about compounding hormones. I disagree with doctors that tell me my bioidentical compound that is giving me what my body needs is going to give me cancer. I am replacing what my body needs with the closest way to natural hormones I can. From everything I read I could say that I am MORE afraid of the side effects of synthetic hormones than compounded hormones.
I am a woman that had a total hysterectomy and synthetic hormones don’t help me. Synthetic hormones don’t give me what my body really needs because my body produces no hormones in a wide range of the spectrum. COMPOUNDING HORMONES HELPS ME WITH EVERYTHING MY BODY IS MISSING. To be honest, I am actually extremely afraid of my emotional self if I couldn’t get my compounding hormones. PLEASE, don’t take them away from so many women that really need them.

My Doctor and I were concerned with a low blood count primarily. I tried solutions that did not work and or had undesirable side effects. In studying the situation myself I noted anecdotal references in the footnotes of a few medical studies of a possible relationship between low testosterone and low blood count.
In studying the use of cBHT testosterone I saw health warnings associated with it. The curious thing was that before it became popular in the US it was popular in European countries, and those health warnings were not at the forefront in Europe. In fact, the European health community emphasized the health benefits some of which contradicted the US health warnings.
As a result of my investigation, I decided to try it. I've been on it since April 2019.
My blood count did go up to acceptable levels. Added benefits were the end of erectile dysfunction and an increase in muscle mass. I have more energy. I am 66 years old, I work out 6 days a week and was losing muscle mass. Now, I have lost fat tissue and have gained muscle tissue. A major health problem in older people is falling. Being clearly stronger lessens my exposure to that danger as well.
There is no doubt I have benefited from this therapy with no side effects. Taking this therapy away would be detrimental to my health.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my viewpoint,

Robert

Bioidentical hormones changed my life. I went for lots of years with nothing helping me feel better. I have had mini-strokes so I can’t take regular hormones. These compounded hormones in cream and capsule are safe for me to take and I feel so much better.

Hello, my name is Pat and I can't imagine what my health would be without compound hormones. I am a very active, healthy 73-year-old woman. I exercise 5-7days a week and am in excellent shape.
Back in my menopause years, some 25 or so years ago, I was grateful to my bi-estrogen/progesterone creams to help me through the headaches, dryness, and the usual menopause bodily reactions. I am one to investigate claims and not take anything at face value. So in the 80's I read the research that the estrogen pills many women were taking were causing breast cancer. That is why I took compounded hormone therapy which did NOT include the third estrogen that caused cancer. They worked well and I did not put myself at risk.
Fast forward (too fast), I am now a very healthy, active 73 year old with high cholesterol and osteopenia. I am taking a statin for high cholesterol and Alendronate for my osteopenia, both having potentially serious side effects; I plan on getting off of them. My fabulous Health and Wellness physician has prescribed these compounded hormones so I can stop taking these other harmful medications. These hormone compounds will also improve my nerve health from any damage caused by COVID. I have written to my senators and congressman to fight this battle with us.
With heartfelt thanks for fighting this absurd endeavor to rob Americans of a healthy, safe choice from harmful pharmaceuticals.

In March of 2016, I was suffering from a sadness I couldn't shake. After further discussion with a certified BHRT specialist, I was prescribed progesterone which worked almost immediately. Also took away my brain fog and restless nights. Later I was prescribed estriol pearls for painful intercourse. Again, worked almost immediately. Fast forward to 2022... I'm now on BHRT testosterone as well as estradiol cream. Please do not take away these life-restoring hormones. My quality of life would plummet. I've had only good side effects and I am tested once a year to assure I stay balanced. If you are a perimenopausal or menopausal woman or married to one... you do not have to suffer. Try BHRT for yourselves and you will see why users are so passionate about our BHRT!

I rely on compounded testosterone HRT in order to continue my gender transition. I am sadly allergic to some oils and the FDA crackdown on compounding has made it so that I must only buy commercial cottonseed oil, which costs up to three times as much as testosterone compounded in sesame seed or grape seed (which is no longer allowed; and the only other compound that won't cause a reaction).

It's only getting more difficult for me to access the care I need, which should very well be the antithesis of medical care in America. That said; I refuse to die until things are better for the transgender community and that IS a threat.

I used to have extremely painful cycles since I was a girl! I was shown facts about where my hormones were & given the correct amount & I don’t suffer anymore. I have been doing this for about 4 years now. No one has a right to make decisions about my health care other than me!

Under the strict and frequent supervision and oversight by my doctor, I have been undergoing cBHT since the onset of menopause. My health, ability to thrive at a fast-paced/high-stress job, and ability to exercise during a physically challenging time in my life are due to the therapy prescribed by my doctor.

I suffered from a terrible case of Guillain Barre after my body responded with an autoimmune response following tetanus and flu shot 10 years ago. I have had to carefully figure out how to regain my health over this past decade. With the help of fantastic physicians, I have been able slowly to regain my health. My physicians, board-certified, have used all modalities to help in my treatment and this includes the use of compounded medications. Often, I could not tolerate or there was no medication available for my specific condition. Had there not been a compounded alternative, I still would be suffering and would not be a functioning mother, wife, and citizen. Please keep compounded alternative options available for patients and their physicians. They work and are a safe alternative for millions across the country.

I rely on progesterone cream to keep my menstrual pain from being extremely painful. Every month was like childbirth pain until my doctor put me on the right dose of compounded progesterone cream. Please don’t stop my access to this medicine. It has helped me so much.

In 2019, I suffered a health crisis visiting multiple doctors until I was blessed with two physicians, my endocrinologist and a gynecologist who helped me get my life back. First, I changed my thyroid medication to Tirosint-SOL which my doctor has to fight my insurance company to pay for because it isn’t Synthroid or a generic. I become very ill when I take Synthroid or it’s generic due to all its dyes/fillers. Secondly, compounded Biest and natural progesterone troche was the addition that has helped me make the most progress. For patients like me who are allergic to many dyes/fillers in “mainstream” pharmaceuticals, compounded medicine is necessary. Please continue to allow doctors the freedom to do what is best for their patients by prescribing compounded prescriptions from accredited compounding pharmacies. Thank you!!

I am a nurse practitioner and have been helping my patients transition through life changes by prescribing compounded bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for the past eight years.
Compounded medicines and hormones are patient-specific and they allow my patients to feel their best without the side effects that often come with mass-produced, faultily studied commercial medications. I implore the FDA to resist the pressure of large corporations to put profit over persons and allow the continued safe and effective prescribing of compounded medications and hormones.
Respectfully,
Patricia, NP-C
Missouri

Lots of literature supports the safety of BioHRT. I have had a hugely positive experience. Actions taken by the FDA would interrupt healthy hormonal replacement options for a HUGE number of women in the U.S.

I felt like I was slowly dying. I was dealing with IBS for 10 years or more and it was gradually getting worse. Hair falling out and nails breaking off. Started having heart issues. Doctors couldn't seem to help me get better. I started seeing a functional medicine doctor and slowly over two years time she found solutions to many of my problems. This year she added hormone therapy and B12 shots. I feel so much better and am gaining strength, skin tone, and more energy. I have hope again. I am petrified at the thought of losing the ability to obtain these two therapies.
Thank you for listening to my story.

A very long course of medical history spanning 40 years including; many visits with a fertility specialist, endocrinologist, Md’s, OBGYN, internists, functional medicine, and integrative medicine. Only in the last three years have I gotten answers and chosen bio-identical hormones. I finally have energy, am sleeping well, and my osteoporosis is under control.

All medical problems would not be solved with synthetic hormones, as synthetic hormones don’t have all the hormones that I am taking that are compounded.

Respectfully, the FDA has done a lot of damage in the past 2 years to credibility in why they exist, can you not leave the things alone that are helpful, safe, and provide help to so many people. 

Please, let us continue in this area as status quo.

Sincerely,
Donna

For years I have been struggling to try to solve all health issues I've had. I've tried several doctors who each prescribed medications. The medications all had unpleasant side effects and just didn't solve the problem.

When I was referred to a Doctor who suggested cBHT, I initially was concerned. I had no hope of the prescribed hormone therapy would make any difference. I'm so happy to say that I was very wrong! His recommended therapy has been life-changing.

The changes our Congress is proposing are frightening. I can't imagine having to go back to the way I was living before I started cBHT.

CONGRESS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT RUIN MY LIFE BY MAKING cBHT UNAVAILABLE TO ME!!!

It has been almost 10 years since I went on cBHT....and I only reached out for that care after addressing any other health concerns FIRST. And, after I had tried all "natural " remedies you can list for the most severe types of menopausal & post-menopausal symptoms for about a decade first - yes, changed my diet, exercised more/differently/ natural supplements, massage - you name it. I was more than simply miserable, inconvenienced, or uncomfortable...I felt like I could barely walk, talk, think, function - my skin was shot, eyes dull, and most importantly/critically - only 2 -3 hours of sleep per night...for YEARS during the "change". The estrogen, progesterone, and now even a small dose of testosterone cream have had me feeling more like myself in EVERY way. I sleep more like 6-7 hours a night - which was a critical health risk in my book. I have these hormones closely monitored, I took them in a tiered fashion ( meaning ONLY after all other health issues had been addressed), and I am a 35-year veteran of the massage/bodywork profession, so I do NOT take things into my body at the drop of a hat. I truly tried all else before asking for potential help in this way. I absolutely do NOT want these drugs pulled from the market. I do NOT feel like Super Woman on these; I just feel like ME - the person and body I have always known even WHILE continuing to age appropriately. I almost had a panic attack at the thought of feeling like I had - to go SO far backward that it is frightening to even consider. It needs to be monitored (mine is), it needs to be incrementally dosed (mine was), and it needs to be treated with respect for the millions of WOMEN it has helped. My truth is: These hormones were a key component of my getting my health back. And I fought the concept for a decade I could not believe the difference in the QUALITY of my life. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE AWAY CBHT.

Before I began taking bio-identical hormones I was struggling with depression, severe hot flashes, weight gain, and insomnia. I also have a genetic predisposition to osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s Disease, and watching my Mother and Grandmother suffer from these two debilitating issues was not only heartbreaking to watch but also was very concerning to me as I thought about my future health journey.

After discussing all the above concerns with my doctor he explained how bio-identical hormones could benefit me not only now but could lower my risk for Osteoporosis and even dementia in the future, while at the same time alleviating some of the issues I was experiencing at the time.

I did ask the question about the risk for Breast Cancer and he provided me with resources where I could do my own research and learn more about the difference between bio-identical and synthetic hormones. (There is a BIG difference. )

I decided to try estrogen, progesterone, and a small dose of testosterone. The difference has been astounding as far as alleviating the issues I was struggling with. Prior to supplementing with hormones, a bone scan had revealed that in my early 50s I was already experiencing some osteopenia (moderate loss of bone density). After two years of hormone therapy and lots of vitamin D, my bone density had improved and now, stabilized at the age of 60.

These hormones are vital to my overall health, both presently and for the future as well.