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The world of women’s health has not been the same since two national studies determined that the risks of long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweigh the benefits. The Women’s Health Initiative and the Heart and Estrogen-Progestin Replacement Study follow-up (HERS II) studied oral conjugated estrogens (CEE) and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). These studies determined that these forms of HRT may increase a women’s risk for heart disease, breast cancer and other diseases.

 

In 2002 once the studies were release to the media, the results of the findings were blown up like a large balloon. Understandably, many women became concerned about these findings and confused about taking hormone replacement therapy. Even more questions were raised concerning Bio-identical hormones. Most women think that “Bio-identical” are free of the cancer effects. Basically, we have to look at hormone replacement like this: Hormones need to be used sensibly and used with caution.

 

We know that our bodies make Estrogens, Progesterone, and Androgens that are considered sex hormones. These are the hormones that decline as we age. When our hormones start to decline, women will often experience symptoms. However, not all women experience all symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms that women experience when their hormone levels fluctuate or decline:

 

Hot flashes Night sweats Mood swings Bone loss Foggy thinking

Irregular menses Vaginal dryness Poor sex drive Nervousness Headaches

There are significant differences between hormones that are natural to humans and hormones that are synthetic (including horse) preparations. Side chains are added to a natural substance to create a synthetic product that can be patented by a manufacturer. A patented drug can be profitable to mass produce, and therefore a drug company can afford to fund research as to the medication’s use and effectiveness. However, natural substances sometimes can not be patented, so scientific studies are less numerous on these natural hormones, as medical research is frequently funded by drug companies. Structural differences that exist between human, synthetic, and animal hormones may be responsible for side effects that are experienced when non-bio-identical hormones are used for replacement therapy.

 

Hormones used in customized HRT include estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone. Our pharmacists work together with patients and prescribers to provide customized

hormone replacement therapy that provides the needed hormones in the most appropriate strength and dosage form to meet each woman's specific needs. Hormone Replacement Therapy should be initiated carefully after a woman's medical and family history have been reviewed. Every woman is unique and will respond to therapy in her own way. Close monitoring and medication adjustments are essential.

 

These customized hormones are being prescribed today and are available at Professional Arts Pharmacy.  At Professional Arts Pharmacy, Mandie Romero, a Clinical Pharmacist, works closely with physician’s to formulate customized hormone regimens to meet each individual women’s unique needs. Salivary tests are optional but may be helpful in determining hormone regimens.