“Compounded natural hormone therapy has dramatically changed my life for the better.
If I had known how great I’d feel, I would have talked to my doctor about it years ago!”
Natural hormone replacement therapy
There is an alternative to traditional synthetic hormone replacement.
Over 30 million women in our country are menopausal. An additional 20 million are within years of this personal transition. Over recent years, as the number of women seeking hormone replacement therapy has grown, we have seen increased mass production of hormone pills, creams, and patches by the drug companies.
The problem with such mass production is that all women are not the same. Commercially manufactured products do not always account for unique differences in women. Even minute variations in hormone therapy can result in very different symptoms from one woman to another. Compounded Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy is available and can be designed specifically for your body.
At John's Pharmacy, our approach to hormone replacement therapy is individualized to care for each patient as follows:
1. We work in close and continuous collaboration with the physician and the patient to assess the appropriateness, risks, and benefits of therapy
2. "Start low and go slow" - we believe that the lowest dose appropriate should be used when restoring human hormone levels
3. We recommend that any hormone restoration therapy be accompanied by an appropriate exercise regimen and a healthy diet
4. Regular physical assessments and evaluation of symptoms, along with measuring the hormone levels are important for appropriate hormone supplementation
Our compounding pharmacist uses hormones that are chemically and biologically identical to those naturally occuring in a woman's body such as estriol, estradiol, estrone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone, to compound balanced and patient-specific preparations. Some of these conditions are:
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines PMS as "a varying constellation of symptoms manifested by some women prior to menstruation that may include emotional instability, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, edema, and abdominal pain"
• Perimenopausal (Premenopausal) symptoms - The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines premenopause as "the period of irregular menstrual cycles preceding menopause." Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, breast tenderness, and other complications.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal symptoms - Menopause is defined as the complete cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, usually occurring in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Common symptoms include hot flashes, osteoporosis, palpitations, night sweats, depression, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, urinary urgency or incontinence, pain, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness, and other complications.
• Andropause symptoms - The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines andropause as "a gradual and highly variable decline in the production of androgenic hormones and especially testosterone in the human male together with its associated effects that is held to occur during and after middle age but is often difficult to discriminate from the effects of confounding factors (as chronic illness, stress, or medication use) that can depress testosterone levels - This is also known as male climacteric, male menopause, viropause." Symptoms of andropause include loss of energy, mood swings, loss of concentration, depression, impotence, and other complications.
NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT DOSAGE FORMS
Just as we will compound your hormone replacement in a dose specific to you, we can also provide a dosage form specific to your individual needs.
The route of administration is one way to improve the benefits, decrease the risks and side effects, and improve compliance. Individual variations in response to different dosage forms increase the importance of having a choice of dosage forms to optimize patient outcomes. We have the ability to compound many dosage forms to meet the needs of the physician and patient. The following are just a few of the dosage forms we offer.
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CREAMS AND OINTMENTS Creams and ointments can be compounded with a variety of different hormones and with complete strength and dosage flexibility. The consistency can be changed depending on the absorption required and the site of application. Our formulas are hypo-allergenic and can be made preservative free to minimize patient allergies and sensitivities. Most creams may be applied only once a day. |
PERCUTANEOUS GELS
ALL HRT needs to be individualized for optimal effect. Variances in individual levels due to differences in absorption can easily be corrected by simply adjusting the volume or strength of the gel used by the patient. The gel dries completely within a few minutes of application, leaving no visible trace or smell. Two or more hormones may be combined into a single dose to increase ease of application and compliance.
There are seldom problems with skin irritation as is sometimes the case with transdermal patches. Like ovarian secretion, percutaneous gels do not deliver HRT via the portal system, thereby avoiding the first pass effect of liver metabolism. Unlike oral routes, a more physiologic estrogen balance is preserved.
NOTE: There are major differences in gel formulations. Some gels are not designed for delivering a 24-hour effect, e.g. PLO gels. Other gel forms include types of alcohol and other ingredients that are not appropriate for daily use.
SUBLINGUAL TABLETS
A true sublingual tablet can offer many of the benefits of a non-oral route. Dissolving the tablet under the tongue introduces the hormones directly into the blood stream while by passing the metabolism that may occur in the liver. By delivering hormones directly into the circulation, problems with bio-availability due to the digestive tract might also be avoided, and often a lower dose can be used effectively. Generally there may be a 5-7% increase in absorption when using a sublingual tablet. We can compound all of our hormones either singly or in combination, per your prescription order. The tablets are placed under the tongue and dissolve quickly.
CAPSULES
We can provide a wide range of release systems and excipients to be used with individual hormones or hormone combinations. We can offer capsules with an extended release delivery system for those medications and conditions that require a more continuous release to achieve the desired effect. Also available is a large variety of fillers for those patients who have multiple allergies or are extremely chemically sensitive.
SUPPOSITORIES
Estradiol, estriol, estrone, progesterone and testosterone, as well as boric acid, acidophilus and more, can be compounded in suppository form.
When you choose a Hormone Replacement Therapy, choose one that uses hormones that look and act just like the hormones you have naturally in your body.
Disclaimer: Any health related information is for educational purposes only. None of the information provided here is to be construed as medical advice. Before applying any therapy or use of herbs, you may want to seek advice from your health care professional. The information on our website should not be a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment by a health care professional and is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis.
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