By Gilbert Ross, M.D.
Posted: Tuesday, September 4, 2007

LETTER
Publication Date: September 4, 2007

This letter appeared in the September 4, 2007 Science section of the New York Times:

To the Editor:

Re "For a Low-Dose Hormone, Take Your Pick," (The Consumer, Aug. 28): Women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms should be strongly discouraged from resorting to "bioidenticals." Contrary to their misleading name, these compounds are not identical to anything in nature.

These "natural remedies" offer no benefit over drugs approved for menopausal symptoms. The ingredients are also a mystery, except to the compounder. Symptomatic menopausal women should stick with known FDA-approved products.

Gilbert Ross M.D.
New York
The writer is executive and medical director of the American Council on Science and Health.