- A bioidentical hormone is intended to supplement something your body is already doing but that is not as strong as it should be. These products are most commonly prescribed later in life due to natural declines in hormone levels.
- Different bioidentical hormones have different levels of risk for pregnancy. Progesterone is considered a Class B drug, meaning risks to your fetus are small, and it may be helpful for preterm labor. Medroxyprogesterone, by contrast, is a pregnancy category X drug, meaning that risks of birth defects are high and that it should never be used during pregnancy.
- Many bioidentical drugs, even those produced by your body while pregnant, are considered to be potentially harmful to the fetus. Both HCG and estrogen are category X drugs during pregnancy, meaning you should not take them under any circumstances.
- Some bioidentical hormones may help with infertility and in the treatment of recurrent miscarriages. Studies in this area have largely been contradictory.
- Bioidentical hormones should not generally be taken during pregnancy except under the advisement of a medical professional. According to natural-hormones.net, bioidentical hormones have not been tested for long-term use. (See Reference 3)
