HEALTH TOPICS 
FDA-approved bioidentical hormones for menopausal symptoms
| FDA-approved bioidentical hormones for menopausal symptoms | |||
| Type/source | Brand name(s) | Preparations | Bioidentical? |
| Estrogens | |||
| Estradiol | Estrace, Gynodiol, Innofem | Pill | Yes* |
| Estrace | Vaginal cream+ | Yes | |
| Alora, Climara, Esclim, Estraderm, FemPatch, Menostar, Vivelle, generic | Transdermal patch | Yes | |
| Estrogel, Elestrin, Divigel | Topical gel | Yes | |
| Evamist | Topical spray | Yes | |
| Estring | Vaginal ring+ | Yes | |
| Estradiol acetate | Femring | Vaginal ring | Yes++ |
| Estradiol hemihydrate | Vagifem | Vaginal tablet+ | Yes |
| Estrasorb | Topical lotion | Yes | |
| Progesterone | |||
| Progesterone | Prometrium | Pill | Yes |
| Crinone 4% | Vaginal gel | Yes | |
| Combined hormones | |||
| Estradiol and norethindrone acetate | Combipatch | Patch | The estradiol is bioidentical but not the progestin. |
| Estradiol and norgestimate | Prefest | Pill | The estradiol is bioidentical but not the progestin. |
| Estradiol and levonorgestrel | Climara Pro | Patch | The estradiol is bioidentical but not the progestin. |
| * Bioidentical estradiol until ingested and converted in the liver to estrone. + For vaginal symptoms only. ++ Converts to bioidentical estradiol in the bloodstream. |
|||
To continue reading this article, you must login.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise