Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

What does "Hormone Replacement" mean? The term "Hormone Replacement" refers to the supplementation of low levels of a variety of hormones that are normally produced by the human body. These hormones include progesterone, estrogens and testosterone. The hormones prepared at Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy are derived from wild yams and soy, available by prescription from your physician.

Where can I get these hormones? Your compounding pharmacy can prepare your HRT prescription to meet the exact specifications of your doctor's instructions. This individualized approach to HRT uses your history, a physical exam and laboratory resultss to determine your hormone therapy needs. Your physician can then tailor an ideal hormone replacement protocol to bring your hormones back to their proper balance. If you are currently on or considering the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy and you think individualized hormone replacement makes more sense than a one-size fits all approach, then please consult your physician. For more information, or a referal to a physician who is specially trained in HRT, please contact one of our pharmacists at Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy.

How will my doctor monitor my treatment? The effectiveness of your therapy can be evaluated by your physician in several ways. Assessment of your symptoms and physical findings during therapy is one measure. Also, your physician can perform a blood or saliva test to determine hormone levels. Furthermore, your physician may evaluate the impact of the hormones on your bones, cholesterol levels, your uterine lining and your breasts.

 Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Menopause for men, you might ask? Unfortunately, yes! Andropause - the male menopause - is more gradual than that experienced by women, but it is just as real. It often starts as early as age 35. Because it is so gradual, men often reach their mid-forties before they are even notice some of the signs and symptoms.

Andropause, like menopause, is caused by a decline in hormones. On the average, a man's testosterone level begins to decline at a rate of 1% per year after age 40. It is estimated that 20% of men aged 60 to 80 years have levels below the lower limit of normal. The diagnosis of low testosterone levels is based on the presence of signs or symptoms and must be confirmed by laboratory testing. The extent to which declining hormone levels cause men to age is dependent on lifestyle issues such as diet, exercise and stress.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is only recommended for men whose testosterone levels are low. Your physician, prior to the initiation of treatment should perform screening for parameters related to potential risks of androgen therapy. Once your physician has approved testosterone therapy and a written prescription for testosterone has been received, our compounding pharmacists can use Testosterone USP to compound numerous dosage forms. These dosage forms include topical, oral and sublingual medications.

Variety of signs and symptoms:

• Weakness • Reduced Libido • Atherosclerosis • Erectile Dysfunction • Low Sperm Counts • Reduced Muscle Mass • Reduced Cognitive Function • Heart Disease • Prostate Problems • Impaired Blood Cell Formation

• Fatigue • Osteoporosis • Irritability • Slow Wound Healing • Depression • Memory impairment • Disturbed Sleep • Insomnia • Anxiety

Prevention
A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be associated with higher hormone levels, and higher hormone levels seem to induce a more active, healthier lifestyle. When hormone levels decline, a person becomes less active and gains weight. As this weight gain occurs, hormones are stored in the fat and become unavailable to meet the body's demands. Also, a lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and many diseases can reduce bio-available hormone levels. For optimal results, it is vital that hormone replacement therapy be combined with exercise, proper nutrition and appropriate use of natural supplements.

Goals of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Adult Men (50 yrs or older)

• Improvement in psychological well-being and mood • Improvement in erectile dysfunction • Improvement in libido • Increased muscle mass • Increased strength and stature • Preservation of bone mass • Decrease in Cardiovascular risk

©2008 Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy