HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY SERVICES
Premier Custom Pharmacy offers Hormone Replacement Therapy for Males and Females.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Women
Almost all menopausal women have heard about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) being the magic cure for their symptoms. Nevertheless, there is a plethora of information to be known before pursing treatment. Continue reading to learn all about HRT, including what it is, the various types available, how to take it, and more.
What is HRT?
HRT for perimenopause is a treatment used to replace hormones in women that the body is no longer producing due to ovarian reproductive abilities winding down mid-life.
By doing so, hormone replacement relieves symptoms of hormonal imbalance from perimenopause into postmenopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, vaginal dryness, low libido, and more.
Hormone replacement therapy for women is also acclaimed for preventing bone loss and reducing fracture risk in postmenopausal women.
Most often, the hormones prescribed are estrogen, progesterone, or a combination, depending on if a woman has undergone a hysterectomy.
How to Take HRT?
Because treatment is personalized, there is no standardized regimen. Follow directions from your healthcare provider for the specific type of HRT as well as regimen pursued.
There are two treatment regimens pursued: cyclical combined or continuous combined. Women on cyclical combined take hormones at different times during the month, while women on continuous combined take two or more hormones simultaneously with no break. It is recommended to begin treatment on the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time to control symptoms. It may take a few weeks to feel its initial effects.
While an initial check-up will be performed in three to six months, women who continue HRT use will undergo check-ups at least once a year to monitor treatment progress.
Who Should Avoid HRT
Estrogen replacement therapy should be avoided by women who have not had their uteruses removed in a hysterectomy. This is because estrogen stimulates the growth of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of cancer.
Moreover, women with a history of certain health conditions should also avoid hormone replacement. These include breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer; unexplained vaginal bleeding; blood clots; liver disease; or strokes or heart attacks.
Keep in mind that taking hormone therapy may increase the risk of the aforementioned health conditions - breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots - as well as gallbladder disease.
Speak with your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT depending on your specific medical history and symptoms experienced.
However, because studies have shown that hormone replacement for women can cause serious side effects, many women pursue alternative ways to treat the hormonal imbalance at fault for their pesky symptoms.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Men
Testosterone levels can begin to drop for men starting around the age of 30. Testosterone levels in men typically drop slowly, at about one percent per year. These lower levels of testosterone play a critical role in the quality and quantity of life in males. The decline in testosterone levels has been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Prevalence of Low Testosterone
It has been reported that around 39% of men 45 years or older will have low testosterone levels—that is, levels that are lower than 300ng/ml. Men 60 years or older have a 50% chance of having low testosterone.
The goal of hormone replacement (HRT) in men is to restore the body’s natural testosterone level back to “normal,” keeping in mind that normal is a range and the patient’s symptoms need to be addressed as well. There are different forms of testosterone, but the other forms have harmful side effects and don’t have all of the benefits of replacing exactly what the body has always produced. Using the exact same molecule as the body produces is called bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Premier Custom compounds several dosage forms of testosterone. Testosterone can be compounded into transdermal creams, sublingual tablets, and pellets.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement for Men
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Improved psychological well being
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Increased strength and stature
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Preservation of bone mass
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Improved libido
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Decreased cardiovascular risk and disease
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Improved erectile functions
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Increased muscle mass
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Decreased body fat
