Endocrine Insider
June 3, 2009

For the second time in recent months, Newsweek has sought an Endocrine Society expert to provide insight regarding the highly controversial issue of hormone therapy use.   “Live Your Best Life Ever!” appeared in the June 8 issue and quotes Society Vice President-elect for Clinical Science, Nanette Santoro, MD, on the topic of bioidentical hormones.

The issue of hormone therapy is just one of many topics addressed by Weston Kosova and Pat Wingert in this lengthy article aimed at calling into question Oprah Winfrey’s ability to persuade her faithful audience into believing the advice of her hand-picked experts.  About Winfrey’s show, the authors write that it is often one-sided, presenting “one opinion more equal than others.”

In an effort to use the potential momentum generated by this story to further public understanding of bioidentical hormones, the Society has engaged in proactive media outreach by encouraging members of the press to interview Society experts to discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.  In addition, the advisory directs reporters to the Society’s Position Statement on Bioidentical Hormones which was developed in 2006 in response to concerns voiced by physician members about their patients being misinformed about the issue.  The position statement placed the Society at the center of the debate about bioidentical hormones, resulting in meetings with FDA officials and testimony by then-President Leonard Wartofsky, MD, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging.  The Society continues to be a leader in the ongoing effort to educate and inform physicians and the public about bioidentical hormones.