Bio-identical hormones can't be patented, true. But there has been no research that I can find that says whether or not they're safe. The main difference is that bio-identical hormones contain all three types of estrogen made naturally by our bodies; Premarin contains only one type and it's made from the urine of pregnant mares, which is a whole other story.

I took the bio-identicals for a while until the price went up so high that I couldn't afford them any more; my insurance wouldn't pay for them but would pay for Premarin. I felt so much better on them. Now I'm in my 6th year of menopause and still get hot flashes. Granted, they're not as bad as they used to be, but it's very frustrating! I can't do too much soy - at least not enough to make a difference - and the creams don't do anything for me. I did have some relief with some of the herbal remedies. Problem is I'm really bad about taking anything - I will be good for a week or two then forget all about taking medicine or supplements.