Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Women As women get older there is an age related decline in the hormones that regulate the female body. When hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA quickly drop a condition known as menopause begins to develop. While the definition of menopause is 1 full year without a menstrual cycle symptoms of menopause can begin anywhere from 2 to 10 years before that full year without a cycle occurs. While the average age of menopause is about 51 years old every woman is different. Women may also experience surgical menopause, which is menopause due to a woman having a hysterectomy. While menopause causes the most problems during the female life cycle hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms earlier in life also. Symptoms such as PMG, dysmenorrhea (pain menstrual cycles), infertility, endometriosis, and other symptoms can also be linked to hormonal imbalances. What are Bio-Identical Hormones? Bio-Identical hormones are hormones that have the same chemical structure as the hormones that are found naturally in the human body. Use of bio-identical hormones allow for fewer unwanted side effects and better efficacy when compared to synthetic hormones. Synthetic (patented, conventional, or artificial) hormones have been chemically altered and these alterations result in structural changes that cause differences in activity from those hormones that they are intended to replace in the body. This may explain many of the unwanted side effects often seen with the use of synthetic hormones. What components can be included in BHRT?   • Estrogen   • Progesterone   • Androgens

At Scott's HealthMart Pharmacy we replace your body's estrogen with those that are identical to the one's in your body as well as in a ratio that is comparable to your body's natural ratio.

Progesterone   • Necessary during pregnancy for maintenance of the uterine lining   • Prepares the breast for lactation   • May increase bone density   • Protects against endometrial hyperplasia resulting from estrogen therapy Progesterone is often times used interchangeably with progestin, which are the synthetic substitutes of progesterone. THIS IS INCORRECT! PROGESTINS ARE NOT PROGESTERONE. Progestins often have serious side effects and are the main reason that only 20% of women who begin synthetic hormone replacement therapy are on it 2 years later. Progesterone plays a major role in BHRT. It is used to counteract estrogen dominance. Progesterone keeps estrogen in check by decreasing estrogen receptors; therefore, helping your body's estrogen work more efficiently. The balance between estrogen and progesterone is very important in alleviating the symptoms of menopause and the vast majority of women have are estrogen dominant which they should be progesterone dominant. Progesterone Deficiency   • Fluid/Water Retention   • Fibrocystic Breasts   • Anxiety   • Heavy Periods   • Irritability   l   • Heart Palpitations   • Sleep Disturbances   • Bone Loss   • Dry Skin/Hair   • Headaches   Rarely ever do women experience progesterone excess. Symptoms include dizziness and sleepiness. PROGESTERONE VS. PROGESTIN     PROGESTERONE PROGESTINS Stops the buildup of the endometrium due to estrogen therapy Stops the buildup of the endometrium due to estrogen therapy     Essential to maintain pregnancy Will cause birth defects     Natural Diuretic (reduces fluid/water retention) Causes salt and water retention     Natural Anti-Depressant May cause Depression       Causes a decrease in natural progesterone!!   Androgens (Testosterone)   • Enhanced libidos (Sex drive)   • Enhances bone building   • Improves energy and mental alertness Testosterone is not only a male hormone. Women also have testosterone in their bodies that contribute significantly to their well-being. In addition to increasing sex drive testosterone improves energy, mental alertness, and strength.   Testosterone Deficiency   • Low libido (Sex Drive)   • Vaginal dryness   • Aches/Pains/Arthritis   • Memory Lapses   l   • Incontinence   • Depression   • Decreased muscle mass   • Bone loss

Dosage Forms   • Creams     • Rub your hormones on to your skin   • Capsules     • You can take your hormones by mouth   • Sublingual drops   • Troches     • Place your hormones under your tongue

Testosterone Replacement for Men

What is Andropause? Andropause is the age related decline in testosterone, as a man gets older. Unlike female menopause the decrease in testosterone in men is not rapid and symptoms may not appear all at once. What are some symptoms of Andropause?   Symptoms include:   • Loss of libido (sex drive)   • Erectile dysfunction   • Ejaculatory problems   • Disturbed sleep   l   • Depression   • Heart disease & atherosclerosis   • Osteoporosis   • Muscle weakness   What are the goals of testosterone replacement therapy?   Goals   • Improve libido (sex drive)   • Improve erectile dysfunction   • Improve psychological well being and mood   l   • Increase muscle mass   • Improve strength and stature   • Preserve bone mass   Who should not take testosterone? Men who have prostate or breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. If you have an enlarged prostate you should check with your doctor before taking testosterone. What are the different ways to take testosterone? The best route of administration for testosterone is through the skin (topical). Scott's HealthMart Pharmacy of Macon, Ga can compound the exact strength needed to replace your testosterone to your normal levels. Our products are typically easier to rub into the skin when compared to commercial products and are often times less expensive in men who require a higher strength.   Other routes of administration:     • Insert under the skin and release a constant amount of testosterone over a 3 to 5 month period     A physician must insert these pellets during an office procedure.   • Oral/Sublingual/IM:     These routes of administration are not as reliable and do not provide an absorption that resembles     natural testosterone release.     Is there anything else besides testosterone that can help with andropause symptoms? As men get older an enzyme know as aromatase converts his testosterone into estrogen. This causes the men to have less testosterone and more estrogen. This imbalance causes more symptoms of andropause. Nutritional supplements can counteract this testosterone conversion   • Zinc   • Vitamin C     • Both supplements have been shown to block the aromatase enzyme; therefore, decreasing the amount     of testosterone that a man is converting to estrogen. How can I get started? Testosterone replacement therapy at Scott's HealthMart Pharmacy in Macon, Ga involves more than us just making up your hormones. We work closely with you as well as your physician to find the right dose specifically for you. Our pharmacists have received extensive training in hormone replacement therapy and are extremely knowledgeable in this area. If you would like to download an assessment form, please click here. Testosterone is a prescription product and you will need a prescription from your physician.