Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Administration

Application Guidelines

Bioidentical hormone cream should be applied to areas with thin skin and good blood supply, primarily the inner arms, inner thighs, lower abdomen, or upper chest, while avoiding areas with lipodystrophy or skin conditions, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
The application site should be clean and dry, with any alcohol-based cleansers fully evaporated before application, to ensure proper absorption 1
A thin, even layer of cream should be applied using fingertips, gently massaged until absorbed, and allowed to dry completely before covering with clothing 1
Application sites should be rotated regularly to prevent skin irritation, with no site used more than once per week 1

Bioidentical hormone therapy is contraindicated in survivors with a history of hormonally mediated cancers, as stated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
Bioidentical hormone therapy should be used with caution in patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension, current smokers, or increased genetic cancer risk, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1

Transdermal formulations may be preferred over oral formulations due to lower rates of venous thromboembolism and stroke, as noted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1

The FDA has not approved any type of bioidentical hormone therapy for the prevention of chronic diseases in postmenopausal women, as reported by the Annals of Internal Medicine 4

Custom compounded bioidentical hormones are not recommended by major medical organizations due to lacking data supporting claims that they are safer and more effective than standard hormones, as stated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, 4
Areas with lipodystrophy should be avoided due to abnormal fat distribution, as noted by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2, 3