Hormone Replacement Compounding
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy:
With recent media coverage of BHRT prompted by Suzanne Somer’s recent book and TV appearances, BHRT is getting a lot of attention. It is commonly prescribed for the symptoms of menopause such as: sleep disturbances, hot flashes, moodiness, night sweats, weight gain, depression, decreased libido, and fibrocystic breasts. No two women are alike and that’s why many of the mass produced products may not have the best results whether they are pills, patches, or creams. The most commonly prescribed, commercially available estrogen is “conjugated equine estrogen” which contains estrogens not found in women.
Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources and have the exact chemical structure as the hormones in the body. The body recognizes them and allows them to mimic the function of the hormones the body produces on it’s own. With a healthcare provider’s prescription, the pharmacist can prepare hormones in a variety of strengths and dosage forms. Once the therapy has begun, the pharmacist will continue to work with the woman and her practitioner to make sure the BHRT is working correctly, monitoring and adjusting the dosage if necessary, ensuring that the medication is just right for her body. Major stress events like death, divorce, or a move may contribute to hormone imbalance and may prompt a change in your regimen. In addition to taking your BHRT prescription, you may need to take nutritional supplements and modify your exercise program to get the best results. Your practitioner will discuss and monitor this area of your treatment as well.
Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own body.
Testimonial: “I feel like the “me” is back, just a few days after starting my Hormone Replacement Therapy. No more night sweats, hot flashes or mood swings. I’m not tired and sluggish and I’m back to having lots of energy.” LB / Thornton
Suggested Reading:
HRT: The Answers, Dr. Pam Smith
Awakening Athena, Dr. Kenna Stephenson
Natural Progesterone: The Multiple Roles, Dr John R. Lee