FDA-approved bio-identical hormones for menopausal symptoms

FDA-approved bio-identical hormones for menopausal symptoms

Type/source

Brand name(s)

Preparations

Estrogens

17 beta-estradiol/plants
(micronized)*

Estrace

Pill**

Alora, Climara, Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot

Patch

Estrogel, Estrasorb

Topical

Estrace

EstEstrace

Vaginal cream+

Estring

Vaginal ring+

Estradiol acetate

Femring

Vaginal ring

Estradiol hemihydrate

Vagifem

Vaginal tablet+

Progestins, micronized progesterone

Micronized* progesterone USP

Prometrium

Pill

Prochieve 4%

Vaginal gel

Combined hormones

17 beta-estradiol and norethindrone acetate

Combipatch++

Patch

17 beta-estradiol and norgestimate

Prefest++

Pill

17 beta-estradiol and levonorgestrel

Climara Pro++

Patch

*Particles are made smaller for better absorption.
**Bioidentical estradiol until ingested and converted in the liver to estrone.
+For vaginal symptoms only.
++The estradiol is bioidentical but not the progestin.