Compounding

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is most often used for menopause. Typical symptoms of menopause may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight gain, irritability, moodiness and sleep disturbances. Yet, any woman who has experienced endometriosis, PMS, weight gain, or low libido may also need to contact their pharmacist or physician. Women have traditionally used synthetic estrogen therapy to treat menopausal symptoms and to help protect against osteoporosis.

Another option for women needing hormone therapy may be the use of bioidentical hormones rather than synthetic ones. Compounding pharmacists are meeting the need of pre-menopausal and menopausal women through the use of plant derived hormones that are biologically identical to those naturally occurring in women.

No two women are alike, of course, and the value of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adjusted and customized based on the individual's levels. In fact, hormones can be compounded in a variety of strengths and dosage forms including capsules, topical creams and gels, suppositories and sublingual troches or lozenges.

With the help of a doctor and a compounding pharmacist, female patients can have other alternatives to address their hormonal imbalances.

Common Bio-Identical Hormones Compounded by Pharmacist:

1.    Bio-Identical Estrogens: These hormones include three main estrogens, Estriol (E3), Estradiol (E2), and Estrone (E1). These hormones are the pure chemical forms obtained from the Soy plant. We compound E3 and E2 based on a 80:20 ratio, which is very close to the ratio that naturally occurs in the body. But some women require different ratios based on severity of symptoms. "Bio-Identical Estrogens may have favorable effects on blood cholesterol and lipids, may slow the progression of osteoporosis and cause proliferation of their endometrium. Uses for Bio-Identical Estrogen replacement may include relief of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, burning and itching.

2.    Progesterone: "Progesterone is in no way related to synthetic Progestins and has been shown in many studies to have very positive effects that the synthetics do not."

3.    Testosterone: Used for many conditions in both men and women. These include fatigue, bone density, mental focus, mood, and low sexual drive.

4.    DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): A naturally occurring precursor to Testosterone. Its uses may include weight management, immune responese, anti-glucocorticoid effects and fatique.