- Most bioidentical hormones are marketed as dietary supplements in the form of tablets, caplets, powders, gels, patches, gummies, and creams.
- The biggest problem is that they lack the health permit from Cofepris.
- In addition, they are improperly attributed therapeutic qualities for the treatment of premenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms.
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) published a warning notice. What you mention is the danger faced by women who consume bioidentical hormones that are used to treat premenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms.
In this case, the term bioidentical means that the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those produced by the body.
Some of these products are marketed as dietary supplements in the form of tablets, pills, powders, gels, patches, gummies, and creams. The problem is that they do not have an authorization from Cofepris.
Additionally, they are improperly attributed therapeutic qualities for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, failing to comply with the provisions of the Regulations for Sanitary Control of Products and Services, in its articles 171 and 173.
Article 215 of the General law of health Section V defines food supplements as products whose purpose is to add, complement or increase the diet and which is a concentrated source of nutrients and/or other substances from natural and/or synthetic sources with a physiological or nutritional effect, and is ingested by orally.
This commission, together with various health, medical and educational authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America (FDA), report that there is still a lack of evidence and medical support to guarantee the efficacy of using bioidentical hormones.
To avoid a possible risk when consuming bioidentical hormones Cofepris recommends:
• Avoid the acquisition and use of alleged food supplements for hormonal treatments.
• Consult specialist medical personnel, who will determine the appropriate treatment.
• Do not use this type of product simultaneously with those prescribed by a health professional.
What is the function of Cofepris?
It was on July 5, 2001 when the decree with which Cofepris was constituted. From the beginning it was established that it would be a decentralized administrative body of the Ministry of Health (SSa), with technical, administrative and operational autonomy. Its main task is to be the governing body in terms of health control and regulation throughout the country.
Importance of your work
In this way, Cofepris is in charge of analyzing and authorizing the operation of all products, devices and establishments related to health. It ranges from pharmaceutical laboratories, medicines, pharmacies and clinics of all kinds. In sum, all of them are equivalent to almost 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to current calculations, Cofepris regulates 44 cents of every peso spent by households in Mexico. The figure is obtained through three sectors that it regulates: food, beverages and tobacco; health care items; and personal care items.