Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Structural differences exist between human, and synthetic and animal hormones. In order for a replacement hormone to fully replicate the function of our hormones, which were originally naturally produced, and present in the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original. [There are significant differences between hormones that are natural to humans and synthetic or horse preparations.]

Side chains can be added to a naturally occurring hormone to create a synthetic drug 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, naturally occurring substances cannot be patented, so scientific studies are less numerous on natural hormones, because drug companies fund the majority of medical research. Natural hormones include estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone.

Our compounding specialists work together with patients and [their doctor] 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 has been reviewed. Every woman is unique and will respond to therapy in her own way. Close monitoring and medication adjustments are essential.

Why are so many enlightened women and men making the moveback to nature’s own when it comes to hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)? Why is supplementing and balancing the hormones of women and men, using the exact molecules produced by the human body, attracting so much attention? Perhaps because researched and published benefits can include: energy, sense of well being, strength, stamina, quality sleep, healthy bone and muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and healthier fat to muscle ratios.

The fuss is how people feel better when they take natural hormones instead of synthetics. Chemically-altered hormones have side effects associated with them such as mood swings, irritability, migraine headaches, depression, bloating, weight gain, loss of libido, hair loss, increased appetite, increased fibrocystic breast disease, nausea, gallbladder and liver disease, and increased risk of cancer. These problems have been shown in studies to be greatly reduced with natural, transdermal HRT. Today’s men and women are seeking the best of both worlds.

This method of restoration of one’s delicate balance of hormones is based on information contained in a detailed personal and family history, and often, blood tests. It enjoys a successful reputation due, in part, to customization and the closeness with which normal physiology is mimicked.

The natural hormones most commonly used for this are testosterone, progesterone, estriol, estradiol, estrone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), but can also include pregnenolone. Not only are the direct effects of these hormones so necessary for optimal health, but also so are the compounds the body converts them into. For example, the adrenal glands use progesterone, DHEA, and the pregnenolones to make the corticosteroids so vital for managing physical, mental, and emotional stress as well as for the activity of a healthy immune system.

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