Menopause Hormone Debate

November 2005

Are menopausal women putting their health at risk? Citing growing concerns about commercial hormones many women have turned to plant hormones to treat their symptoms. Since the hormones are derived from plants, many believe they are safer than prescription hormones. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this theory.

Prescription hormone drug makers are asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the sale and marketing of plant hormones claiming there is no sure way to know if they are safer, as advertised. The FDA noted doctors and patients should assume plant hormones carry similar risks and benefits as synthetic hormones.

Currently, the FDA does not have jurisdiction over the pharmacies making plant hormones. But, drug makers maintain since they are mass-producing the hormones for women much like a drug manufacturer, they should abide by the same rules and scrutiny of the FDA.

For more information about dangerous drugs, visit the Dangerous Drug and Recall Legal Center.