"The FDA is so ignorant of the facts, it is now cracking down on the compounding pharmacies that make some bioidenticals and is also trying to ban a key bioidentical estrogen, estriol which is not only safe but has been used extensively in Europe for decades. It has also been shown to help women with multiple sclerosis."

Nework, NY (PRWEB) March 14, 2008 -- The Wall Street Journal should be congratulated for coming to grips with the fact that not all HRT products are the same, says Erika Schwartz MD in her latest blog at www.drerika.com.

Until now synthetics, horse urine derivatives, bioidenticals and over-the-counter "naturals" have been lumped together as "dangerous" by a media too lazy to do its homework and which slavishly turns to the same old special interests for its information, Dr Erika writes.

"The confusion was encouraged by pharmaceutical companies and the FDA which erroneously stated that all HRT products pose the same risks regardless of differences in chemical formula and that bioidenticals are a 'marketing term' not to be used by public or medical practitioners," she says.

Dr Erika says the Journal article (March 11, 2008) is the first time she's seen the mainstream media acknowledge bioidenticals as more than just "marketing terms" and give them the recognition they deserve.

She cautions that the case for bioidenticals is being undermined by the activities of former TV actress and infomercial star Suzanne Somers and her sidekick T.S. Wiley.

"Their lack of credibility has kept bioidenticals on the fringe and raised more doubts about compounding than necessary. Conventional and scientifically-minded doctors are not sold on having Suzanne Somers or T.S. Wiley as leaders in the educational processes associated with treatment of women with hormone issues," she writes

"Unfortunately their showboating has given fuel to many in the mainstream that only fringe doctors work with bioidenticals, This could not be further from the truth. Bioidentical hormones, as noted in the Journal article are commercially available, meaning FDA approved, and the same active hormones found in the commercial formulations are those used by compounding pharmacies in the personalized products prescribed by many leaders in the field of women's health."

www.drerika.com is dedicated to providing an independent, honest view on healthcare topics and issues from a position of devoted patient advocacy.

Its founder, Erika Schwartz, MD is an internationally-recognized patient advocate, practicing physician, expert in conventional and integrative medicine, author of four books and a frequent guest on TV and radio. DrErika.com doesn't tailor its stories to suit sponsors -- it does not accept sponsors.

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