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, low libido or fibrocystic breasts 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 bio-identical hormones rather than synthetic ones. Compounding pharmacists are meeting the needs of peri-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, and thus the value of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adapted to fit your individual body and hormone levels. In fact, hormones can be made 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 compounding pharmacist, a woman can start and maintain a bio-identical hormone replacement regimen that closely mimics what her body has been doing naturally for years.
Many of the Symptoms of Estrogen Excess, Including:
Same Symptoms as Low Cortisol, Including:
Lowering Estrogen Levels
Increasing Testosterone Levels
Testosterone (tess-toss=ter=own) is a hormone predominant to males but also produced by females. Low testosterone symptoms may include chronic fatigue, decreased mental clarity, decrease in muscle mass, low libido, depression, and osteoporosis. Bio-Identical testosterone hormone replacement in a cream/gel form is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin and can be used to supplement testosterone deficiency in the body.
Take medication according to instructions received from your physician and pharmacist. Creams/gels should be applied to clean dry skin. Usually thin skin areas such as inner wrists, shoulders and upper arms. Avoid applying to open sores or broken skin. Rub in well until it becomes dry. Wash hands throughly with soap and water after applying the cream/gel. Apply the same time everyday, preferable in the morning. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICATION, apply the missed dose the following morning and then resume your dosing schedule. DO NOT double the dose during your dosing schedule to make up for a missed dose.
Common:
Rare, but Serious:
Before using these medications, consult with your physician and pharmacist informing them of your complete medical history, including if you have liver problems, heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, snoring or sleep apnea, cancer, immune deficiency disorders, clotting problems, bowel or bladder disorders. Use caution engaging in activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages. If this medication is accidentally introduced into your eyes, rinse, and flush eyes immediately with clean, warm water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Medication should be stored at room temperature from 70 to 77 F (22 to 25 C), in a tightly closed container. Avoid exposing medication to extreme heat, cold, moisture, and direct sun or bright light.
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