Suzanne Somers first began pumping bioidentical hormones as a “natural” alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy in her book The Sexy Years – Discover the Hormone Connection: The Secret to Fabulous Sex, Great Health, and Vitality, for Women and Men. Now she’s back at it again with a brand new publication called Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones.

While Somers’ championing has encouraged great numbers of women to ask their doctors about using bioidentical hormones for the treatment of menopause symptoms, the medical establishment is less than thrilled with the latest book’s balance of science and hearsay. As a recent article in Newsweek explains, some physicians, even doctors who actually support bioidentical hormone therapy, are concerned that Somers’ claims for the treatment aren’t scientifically proved and may influence menopausal women to make unsafe choices about their health care.

Ageless is garnering criticism in a few other areas as well. Apparently Somers’ blends quotes from doctors with non-professional medical advice, making it confusing for readers who are trying to sort out the facts. Another complaint points to contradictions in Somers’ claims – she says bioidentical hormones keep her slim but bemoans her weight gain, and praises the safety and health benefits of bioidenticals but reveals that she had to have a hysterectomy for heavy daily bleeding.

The assertion that bioidentical hormones are “natural” and not a drug is also misleading. Although the hormone supplements Somers promotes are soy- and yam-based the source materials still have to be processed to synthesize the hormones that are “bioidentical” to those naturally found in a woman’s body. According to the Mayo Clinic, bioidenticals including hormones derived from soy and yam are already available in FDA-approved hormone treatments, including Estrace and the Climara patch. The level of supplementation Somers’ recommends is also problematic, mimicking the estrogen levels of pre-menopausal women (and what’s “natural” about that?).

Beyond Somers’ book and her questionable celebrity endorsement, some doctors’ concerns focus on the bioidentical hormones themselves. Bioidentical therapy hasn’t negotiated the FDA approval process, and the supplements don’t undergo rigorous testing for purity, effectiveness or safety. According to an article on Canada.com, studies that have been performed on bioidentical ingredients have found wide variations in hormone content.

Not all doctors are against bioidentical hormone therapy. Some promote the treatment outright (if not Somers’ specific regimen), and others feel they just don’t know enough to recommend them with a clear conscience. One ObGyn even suggests that Somers should fund studies into the effectiveness and safety of bioidentical hormones.

Despite the controversy, some women are convinced that bioidentical hormones are the way to go. In the face of criticism, Somers suggests that the medical establishment’s negative reaction stems from embarrassment at being caught without all the answers. Even more conservative health care professionals admit that there may be benefits to the individualized or customized doses available with the kind of bioidentical therapy Somers believes in, and bioidentical hormone compounds may offer mixtures of products or dosage forms not available with traditional HRT.

Whatever you think of Somers or bioidentical hormones, the controversy around Ageless makes it clear that one celebrity’s endorsement, even in book form, won’t provide you with the information you need to make wise choices about your health. If you’re considering any kind of hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms, educate yourself by consulting a wide range of sources and discuss the options with your doctor. Just don’t jump on the bandwagon without looking before you leap.