The debate rages on as to whether or not women should be taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as they go through the change of life. There are, of course, advantages as HRT can help with some of the discomforts people suffer with, but there are also well known risks from using the synthetic drugs produced by mass pharmaceutical manufacturers. Fortunately, compounding pharmacies are making a comeback, and men and women can now get bio-identical hormones to help their bodies weather this difficult time and slow the aging process too.
Shopping for easy fitting clothing touted as “one size fits all” can often be a frustrating exercise. Expecting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to produce exactly the same results for everybody can also lead to disappointment or even health risks. Compounding pharmacies are working with physicians to create customized HRT solutions that are tailored to each individual’s needs.
These specialized pharmacies put together medications and hormones, based on careful individual baseline measurements and continue overseeing the patient’s hormone levels throughout the treatment period. The therapy uses bio-identical hormones – hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body. The goal is to give the lowest possible dose of the ideal blend of estradiol, estriol, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone or DHEA (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and believed to help to lower belly fat in older women and men.
Yes, men too are afflicted by the effects of getting older and decreased hormone production. Male menopause is often referred to as Andropause, from the Greek – andro (male) and pause (stop).
In addition to controlling the unpleasant “hot flashes,” night sweats and difficulty in sleeping associated with change of life, there are additional benefits to bio-identical therapies:
Estradiol in a topical ointment application, such as a gel or cream, supports reducing wrinkles in aging skin and enhances its firmness.
Progesterone used in an individually compounded extended release tablet will work for bone building, brain function and as a comprehensive hormone regulator.
Androgen enhances libido, and also lowers cholesterol, increases calcium retention for strong bones and improves vitality and alertness.
Getting these helpers into the body so they can do their work can be accomplished via many delivery systems, such as patches, gels, creams, or suppositories. These methods bypass the liver and the digestive system for more reliable and speedy absorption. Specially formulated capsules are also available and designed for quick trips to the bloodstream.
Compounding pharmacies not only work with the patient’s health care provider, they often also have their own specialists on staff whose business it is to stay well informed about best HRT methods and to help create the best hormone “cocktail” for each person.
Every man and woman goes through growing older in their own unique way making their need for individualized hormone replacement plans. Compounding pharmacies make it possible to get a unique solution tailored for each person’s unique needs.
If you are seeking bio-identical hormone therapy in Los Angeles author Stephen Daniels highly recommends you look into the services offered by Advanced Compounding Pharmacy. Their staff specializes in this field, and works with your physician or naturopath to find and formulate the best hormone replacement therapy plan for you.
Tags: geriatric medicine, hormone replacement therapy, Menopause