I have been taking 2 prescriptions for hormone replacement therapies for many years. The purpose of these hormones is to regulate my system and to decrease the terrible symptoms I experienced on a daily bases, including night sweats, vaginal pain, severe vaginal dryness, and pain during sex. After trying traditional methods, which did not work, my Gynecologist prescribed the compound prescription of:
Estrace and Hydrocortisone Testosterone.
Since taking these compounding hormones I am symptom-free. I feel fantastic and am no longer suffering on a daily basis. I am able to lead a more normal life and enjoy walking, exercising, and having sex without pain.
I can’t imagine life without taking the compounding hormones. Please do not change the law or rules allowing for Compound Pharmacies. My life would be absolutely miserable!! Please let me know if you require any further information,

I was 60 when I began compounded hormones. I was experiencing many symptoms of aging and compounded hormones were recommended. One time I went off the compound and just forgot to start it back up. After about 5 days, I started to experience brain fog, terrible forgetfulness, and lethargy. I did realize it was the fact that I was off the hormones and my symptoms. I was beginning to worry I might have dementia. At some point, after about a month I realized I had not been using my estradiol cream. My pharmacist confirmed my symptoms were due to discontinued use of compound cream. I started back up and the symptoms went away. I sleep so much better due to my compounds. I pray you don't take this away from us. You will have some very upset women out there.

My cat Pumpkin requires liquid medication. Since she has an advanced palate she requires it to be chicken or fish flavors. Compounding Pharmacies are the only option that make her favorite flavor medication. I love that I get to shop locally, and deal with such nice people that are so kind and helpful.

I'm very disappointed to hear that once again, the FDA is signaling that it may consider new restrictions on compounded hormones.

I have been using bio-identical hormones for around 16 years, following a complete hysterectomy that brought on Menopause. Until I started using the compounded hormones, my quality of life was terrible. The hot flashes I suffered, as well as the night sweats, lack of sleep, and brain fog were things I wouldn't wish on anyone.

AND I'm a breast cancer, estrogen dominant, survivor, of 18 years. Studies have found that natural progesterone inhibits estrogen-stimulated breast epithelial cells and downregulates estrogen alpha receptors in breast tissue. It may even arrest human cancer cells.

I use bi-est, progesterone, testosterone. The compounds are the closest thing to the hormones created in my own body.

Without these bio-identicals, as an aging woman, I would have a crappy quality of life. And the last thing I'd want to take would be estrogen made from the urine of mares, that the pharmaceutical companies manufacture, which has been found to cause all kinds of problems for women.

The fact that for all of the years that bio-identical hormones have been made available by compounding pharmacies, the FDA has been fighting this, and as a result insurance companies refuse to cover the expenses, leads me to believe the FDA is taking money from Pharmaceutical companies. They stand to benefit if compounding pharmacies no longer exist... and the health of millions of women --- and men, as well as the livelihood of the pharmacists and their employees at the compounding pharmacies, will be at severe risk.

PLEASE, don't take compounding pharmacies or my bio-identical hormones away. The FDA should stop citing reports from NASEM that they asked to be skewed for their benefit.

Sincerely,
Andrea

My mother benefits from having a hormone cream to help with her symptoms. Some of her symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, skin aging, etc. Her sleep has become much better because she usually does not sleep enough. In general, her mood has been positive as well.

I am a psychotherapist who treats depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health disorders. What I've learned from many of my clients is that if their hormones are not well-balanced it negatively impacts their mental health, especially women who are perimenopausal or menopausal. I frequently refer my clients to a physician who is willing to prescribe bioidentical hormones because once their hormones are balanced their symptoms diminish markedly. I, too, am someone who depends on hormone balance to keep depression and anxiety at bay. I recently had to discontinue Estrace vaginal cream, which is a pharmaceutical, because it contains parabens, which we all know are harmful to human health. My dermatologist told me to avoid parabens in lotions and sunscreen and if it is harmful when applied to the skin, they certainly should not be inserted into one's vagina. These compounded hormones allow us to have hormone treatments without all the toxic ingredients found in pharmaceutical treatments. PLEASE do not allow the pharmaceutical industry to influence your decision to prevent Americans from obtaining bioidentical hormones from a compounding pharmacy!!! We all know their primary concern is profit over human health and wellbeing. Simply read the lengthy list of side effects on most any pharmaceutical! Synthetic ingredients are not good for anyone with an autoimmune disease, which has become an epidemic in the US. PLEASE don't allow special interest groups to ruin it for all of us!

I started having severe perimenopausal symptoms in my 40's - mood swings and night sweats. BHRT has allowed me to feel normal. I don't get hot flashes, I sleep much better, and my moods are very even. I tried going off of it about 5 years ago and it was disastrous for me. I have learned to read my body, know if I am low on estrogen or progesterone, and can titrate my usage as needed. This is life-changing stuff. I cannot imagine what my quality of life would be like without them.

When my doctor mentioned that she felt she could fix my sleep issues within days, I was doubtful. And yet, within days of receiving my first dose of compounded hormones, I had the best night's sleep in decades. Subsequently, my sleep has been excellent ever since. More people need to know that a life-changing solution like this exists. The thought of government overreach stepping in to restrict this life-changing solution is precisely what is wrong with Washington today. I will vote against anyone in Washington who believes they can better manage our health than we can. This must be stopped.

I had tried traditional methods of hormone replacement with little or no improvement to my health and sense of well-being.
The switch to compounded hormones more than a dozen years ago made a tremendous difference. I strongly urge our national legislators to preserve the right to choose this proven method of health care.

When I started going through perimenopause in my mid-30s, my naturopath put me on progesterone cream, and in 4 days all of my horrid symptoms went away. Now I also use estrogen cream and I'm so happy not to be putting synthetic materials on my body. These work!

I was on the traditional pill until I got a doctor that understood Hormones better.
Even though I need to pay out of pocket for this hormone cream because my insurance does not cover it which is another story altogether, I much prefer this natural version because my body utilizes it differently and more effectively.

I was on estrogen replacement and had a hemorrhagic stroke and a seizure in 2018. I can't do estrogen replacement anymore and using testosterone cream has worked wonders for me for the last 4 years. I feel like myself again. I would hate to have to give up this form of hormonal replacement as well. Please don't take that away from me.

The compounded hormones give the ability for a prescription to be made custom fit to just me and no one else. I believe this to be extremely important in maintaining optimal health. My practitioner and pharmacist worked on getting the right dosage just for me. That is not possible with non-compounded estrogen.

Having my thyroid compounded specifically to what my body needs are essential to the healthy function and balance of my hormones. It allows tweaking the different T3 and T4 when needed, whereas traditional pharmacies have limited options leaving me in an unbalanced state. For 20 years I have paid for my own compounding meds out of pocket and I resent the government intrusion into areas they have no business or expertise. It's my body, not yours. We vote you in to represent us the people not represent you, your pockets, and that of big Pharma lobbyists. The FDA had no trouble allowing the government to push and force people to take experimental gene therapy under the protection of the EUA, or lose their jobs. The FDA didn't approve, investigate or require reporting of adverse reactions for an experimental vaccine that we have no idea of the future repercussions, but all of a sudden they want to restrict critical hormone therapies that have worked for decades? Because 45% of the FDA's budget is paid for by pharmaceutical companies. And let's not forget that the NASEM has been known to receive money from Biotech companies making any of their reports biased as well as paid for as well. It's shameful for you to take away my rights and representation and then dictate my medical care based on the contributions and interests of rich and powerful corporations that crush the little people. Who will hear our voices?

It wasn't until I started doing hormone replacement therapy that I noticed a much-improved difference in my pre-menopause symptoms. For many millions of women, this is the only therapy that helps us live a normal life again and feel normal. Without these medications, I would not function.

I started to get hot flashes in my 40's, and they increased to 3 to 4 an hour. I would be talking to a customer and the sweat was rolling down my face and dripping off my nose.
With the hormones, my hot flashes have diminished to a few a day and sometimes one at night. It has made my life so much better. I also get a good night's sleep now.

Using compounding medications for 20 years without using compounded hormones I would be unable to find medication without fillers that I am allergic to. Also, pharmacies are constantly changing generics, and the fillers and coatings they use caused me to nearly be hospitalized because they didn’t digest properly and more medication was taken before it all kicked in. I could have died. Compounding is the only safe and consistent way to get the medication you need every month. To remove this vital option from people is to cause pain and suffering and it will only fill the pockets of greedy pharmaceutical companies bigger than they are. Especially when people get sicker and have to have more and more medication because what they’re taking is actually making them sick. You have no right to take this away from the American people. 

My T was low and my doctor said that the compounded drug was the best way to solve the issue. I took the compounded medication and it did resolve the problem. I continue to take it. If this capability is removed, I would suffer.

I was thrown into early menopause for medical reasons. Compounded hormones have helped me feel “back to normal”. I never want to be without them again.