WOMEN’S HEALTH
Women’s Health

Have you benefited from compounded hormone therapy?

If so, you won’t be happy with what the FDA is planning.

Is hormone

replacement therapy for you?

THE WORD “HORMONE” COMES FROM THE GREEK AND MEANS “TO SET IN MOTION.” 
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that tells our cells what to do. Hormones regulate virtually every function in the body, from the manufacturing and organization of thoughts in our brains to the beating of our hearts and even our physical shape. When hormones are balanced, you look and feel your best.
What are compounded hormones, a.k.a. BHRT (Bio-identical hormones)?
Bio-identical refers to hormones that have the exact molecular and chemical structure as those produced by the human body. They are produced from precursors found in plants such as soy and wild yam. The body recognizes, absorbs, and utilizes these hormones because they are identical to those it would naturally produce on its own. 

What is synthetic?
Synthetic or artificial hormones are usually not found in nature, or at least not in humans. They are chemically altered from human hormones. They are not identical in structure or activity to the bio-identical hormones they emulate.

What is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT is the medical practice of replacing hormones with hormones that are bio-identical. Your practitioner will likely utilize either a blood or saliva test, as well as your various symptoms to determine what are the right hormones, doses, and delivery forms for you. At Precision Compounding Pharmacy we work with your provider to help create what is best for each individual person and do not believe in a one size fits all approach.
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is the name of a class of hormones. The three major estrogens produced by women are estrone, estradiol and estriol.
  • Estrone (E1): This is a weak form of estrogen and the only type found in women after the menopause. Small amounts of estrone are present in most tissues of the body, mainly fat and muscle. The body can convert estrone to estradiol and estradiol to estrone.
  • Estradiol (E2): This is the strongest type of estrogen. Estradiol is a steroid produced by the ovaries. 
  • Estriol (E3): This the weakest of the estrogens and is a waste product made after the body uses estradiol. Pregnancy is the only time at which significant amounts of estriol are made. Estriol cannot be converted to estradiol or estrone.
What is natural progesterone?
Progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women, is essential for many vital functions in the human body. The ovaries produce much of a woman’s progesterone, but only if ovulation occurs. As women approach menopause, less progesterone is produced. Progesterone deficiency is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause. 

Why do I need testosterone?
Women’s ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone, but every woman will experience a drop in both estrogen and testosterone production during menopause. Testosterone is important in maintaining sexual desire, as well as strength and integrity of skin, muscle, and bone. Low levels of testosterone will result in a decreased sex drive, fatigue, and a decreased sense of well-being.

How long should I take hormones?
The best answer is “for as long as they are needed.” The length of time will be different for each woman, depending upon her current health and the chances of developing other serious diseases later in life. That’s one reason why it’s so important to have regular health check-ups.

Can I get these from my local pharmacy?
Most pharmacies will not compound medications because they do not have the training, time, equipment, or staff to manage the special demands of the patients and physicians. Precision Compounding Pharmacy has highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality compounding services.

Is hormone replacement therapy for you?
You may benefit from hormone replacement therapy if you are experiencing any of these hormone imbalance symptoms and they are negatively impacting your life.
  • Adult acne
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Hair loss
  • Hot flashes
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia or restless sleep 
  • Itchy or dry skin
  • Loss of confidence
  • Loss of muscle or strength 
  • Painful sex
  • Stiffness or joint pain
  • Urinary dysfunction
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Weight gain

Is BHRT Safe?

Many of the safety concerns associated with hormones stems from the WHI study published in 2002. The WHI study utilized synthetic hormones, of which the estrogen component used is considered to be up to 1,000 times more potent that those found in the human body. Even though the synthetic progesterone used was not bio-identical, the study did find certain outcomes to be more favorable with the combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is known to be proliferative, or cause growth, and progesterone causes differentiation, which is protective in nature from the growth caused by estrogen. This furthers the understanding that the need for hormone balance is important for so much more than just symptoms, but overall health. It is important to discuss concerns and risk factors with your provider and know that there are many options available.
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