Bioidentical hormones are steroid hormones that mimic the body’s natural hormones. Women use bioidentical hormone therapy to curb the symptoms of menopause. Some bioidentical hormones also advertise that they decrease the effects of aging and help prevent some diseases, but many health scientists remain skeptical.

On January 10, 2008, the FDA warned seven pharmacies that they were misleading customers by falsely advertising the bioidentical hormones’ safety and effectiveness. For example, the pharmacies claimed the hormones could treat cancer and Alzheimer’s. 
 
When businesses receive letters of warning from the FDA, they typically have a certain time period within which to either respond or cease the activity in question, such as false advertising or selling illegal substances.
 
According to the FDA, the pharmacies have been custom-mixing their own hormones, which is only legal if they receive a doctor’s prescription. The pharmacies used the hormone “estrol,” which is not FDA approved.
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