<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Carel's Pharmacy and Compounding Center

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

As women age, various hormone levels begin to drop, leaving them with symptoms associated with peri-menopause and menopause. By replacing those hormones the symptoms may be alleviated.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a type of hormone replacement that uses pharmaceutical grade hormones, derived from plants, identical in structure to human hormones. BHRT is dosed to imitate the bodies own natural ratio and mechanisms. Since each patient is unique, each patient's hormone requirements are unlikely to be the same.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement is a desirable alternative to synthetic hormone replacement because the hormones used are the same structure as the bodies own hormones. The chemical STRUCTURE of the hormones allows the replacement hormone to fully replicate the function of hormones which were originally naturally produced and present in the human body. Bio-Identical Hormones are able to follow normal metabolic pathways so that essential active metabolites are formed in response to hormone replacement therapy.

No two women are exactly alike. Bio-Identical Hormones are made into individualized dosages to meet each individual patient's needs to help mimic the bodies own natural ratios. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement can be made into a variety of dosage forms including: capsules, topical creams and gels, suppositories and sublingual lozenges. Each dosage form has specific advantages and disadvantages. The decision to use one or more dosage forms is tailored to the individual based on personal preferences and the recommendations of the physician and pharmacist.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy most often uses the test and treat method. This method includes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient including lab work, recommending a course of therapy for the patient and closely monitoring the patient. The lab work generally consists of a saliva hormone profile and blood spot testing if thyroid imbalance is suspected.

Estrogen

Estrogens are produced in the ovaries, body fat and other parts of the body. They are responsible for normal growth, development and maintenance of female sex characteristics. They plan an important role in protecting the body against bone loss and heart disease.

The three main estrogens produced in the human body are:

Estrone - (E1) - (10-20% of circulating estrogens) is the primary estrogen produced after menopause
Estradiol - (E2) - (10-30% of circulating estrogens) is the most potent and major secretory product of the ovary, and the predominant estrogen produced before menopause.
Estriol - (E3) - (60-80% of circulating estrogens) causes little or no buildup of the endometrium, and is very effective in alleviating vaginal and urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women.

With Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, these three estrogens are replaced in the same ratio in which they existed naturally in the body prior to menopause.

Progesterone

Progesterone is responsible for many functions throughout a woman’s life. During pregnancy, progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prepares the breasts for lactation. Progesterone helps to counteract the action of estrogen in the uterine lining and protect against breast cancer by promoting the formation of healthy breast tissue. Progesterone also increases bone mass and density. Progesterone helps to relieve headaches, enhance moods, relieve breast tenderness, regulate menstrual cycles, relieve endometriosis and increase libido.

Progesterone is a precursor for other hormones. If progesterone levels drop, other hormones (such as estrogens and testosterone) may fall as well. Therefore, progesterone is useful even if no uterus is present.

Progesterone vs. Progestins

There is a major difference in natural progesterone vs. synthetic progestin. Natural progesterone has been shown to have beneficial effects on both cholesterol levels and bone formation while synthetic progestins oppose the beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and bones. Natural progesterone improves the quality of sleep and has sedative properties while synthetic progestins can cause insomnia, anxiety and mental depression.

Testosterone

Testosterone plays an important role in the female body. It offers protection of the heart, improvement of mental alertness, increase in bone strength, maintenance of normal energy levels, increase in libido and maintenance of muscle tone.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Confidential Evaluation Form
Follow Up Questionnaire

How to Get Started?
How to Use the BHRT Cream?