Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy at a Hormone Clinic Causing Significant Virilization in a Post-Menopausal Woman

A 48-year-old post-menopausal woman experienced significant virilization after receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) pellets from a hormone clinic. Despite having low initial testosterone levels, the therapy led to elevated testosterone levels, resulting in severe hirsutism, hair loss, aggression, increased libido, and clitoromegaly. The pellets, which were not FDA-regulated, caused adverse effects that improved only partially after their surgical removal. This case underscored the risks associated with unmonitored BHRT and highlighted the need for patient education and physician awareness regarding the safety and efficacy of these unregulated compounds.