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Jean Lorentzen, a physician in Boone who specializes in bioidentical hormones.Since Castagnoli began taking the hormones prescribed by Lorentzen, she says her life has made a 180-degree turn."I have no desire to go back to synthetic drugs at all," said Castagnoli, 54, who lives in Waukee.In its petition, Wyeth claims some compounding pharmacies are misleading women by telling them they are safer and more effective hormone alternatives.

The manufacturer also claims the hormones have been "illegally" mass-produced instead of tailored to individual needs.The public has until April 4 to send comments to the FDA about the petition.Advocates for bioidentical hormones, including health care professionals and patients in Iowa, say Wyeth's petition will limit women's health-care options.

Some local patients, who credit the individualized formulations with dramaticall...

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