Bhrt_prescriber_handout_6262439.pub

102 W. Broad St., Central City, KY 42330 Phone: (270) 754-1545 31 Henton St, Livermore, KY 42352 Phone: (270) 278-5537 2200 E. Parish Ave., Owensboro, KY 42303 Phone: (270) 926-6260 Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) What Is A Natural Or Bio-Identical Hormone? Bio-identical hormones are exact duplicates of those that are natural to, or occurring in the human body. Natural or bio-identical have to do with the chemical structure of a hormone and not it’s source. Synthetic hormones are not found in humans, and are not identical in structure or function to the synthetic and bio-identical hormones? bio-identical hormones they are intended to replace. Natural hormones are obtained from sterol analogues found in many varieties of plants, primarily soybean and wild yam. These estrogen and progesterone-like compounds are then transformed in the laboratory to the human bio-identical • Are there side effects associated with Examples of bio-identical hormones include: Is There A Difference Between Synthetic And Bio-Identical Hormones? There is a difference between synthetic and bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones cause the same response as your own hormones. Synthetic hormones cause similar actions, but due to the dif-ference in chemical structure they may produce a few undesired effects. Our body recognizes a bio-identical hormone as a friend, someone it has seen before and knows what to do with. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) ***Listed most absorbed to least absorbed*** Topical Creams/Gels (including intravaginal cream) -Typical doses are much smal er than capsules due to better absorption -A combination can be compounded in one prescription depending on Current Symptoms, Medical History, and Lab levels of Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone -Example Prescription: -Typical doses are much smal er than capsules due to better absorption -A combination can be compounded in one prescription depending on Current Symptoms, Medical History, and Lab levels of Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Capsules -Typical doses are much higher than topicals due to decreased absorption -A combination can be compounded in one prescription depending on Current Symptoms, Medical History, and Lab levels of Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone -Example Prescription: Even before menopause, certain symptoms may be signs that hormonal adjustments are needed (breast tenderness and fibrocystic breast disease, migraines and headaches, bloating, mood swings, anxiety, and hot flashes, for example). Use of bio-identical hormones in the proper doses wil not only control menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms, but wil greatly improve quality of life both short-term and long-term. Protection against heart disease, reduced risk of breast cancer, improved cholesterol and lipid profiles, and osteoporosis prevention are al valid reasons for monitoring hormone levels and using individualized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Are There Side Effects Associated With Use Of Bio-Identical Hormones? Because bio-identical hormones are just like the ones produced by your body, there are relatively few side effects. Women in general tolerate bio-identical HRT better than synthetic hormone therapy. The risks identified are primarily associated with excess estrogen levels, whether the excess occurs natural y or as a result of hormone replacement therapy, even bio-identical hormones. The body’s natural mechanism for moderating estrogen includes progesterone, and studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in decreasing the risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that it is safer to restore hormone balance with bio-identical hormones than to leave the body with a state of deficiency or excess. Bio-identical hormones must be dosed properly for each individual in BRHT is not a one size fits al situation and a woman’s need for hormones is as individual and unique as she is. The few selected strengths of hormones manufactured by pharmaceutical companies do not meet the needs of every woman. Bio-identical hormones can be compounded to meet your exact needs. Ask your pharmacist and physician for more information. Should I Quit Or Change My Hormone Replacement Therapy? Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping any medication, including hormones. Discuss your situation and the options available to you with both your physician and pharmacist. You do have choices regarding BHRT and we encourage you to learn as much as possible about the pros and cons of the different options before making your decision. Our pharmacists at Poole’s Pharmacy Care are knowledgeable and experienced with bio-identical hormones, and are available to answer more detailed questions. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Review the information in this handout and talk to your physician. Often one cannot determine the types and amounts of necessary hormones by symptoms alone. We now have the ability to tailor BHRT more precisely by measuring active hormone levels in saliva rather than in blood. The pharmacists at Poole’s Pharmacy Care can speak with you about your symptoms and what hormone levels might be checked. Saliva test results can be interpreted for you taking into consideration your symptoms, medical history, and needs. A recommendation for possible therapy, which might include both prescription and OTC products, can be developed for you and your provider to consider. Ten Reasons Why Your Hormones Could Be Imbalanced: 1. Food that have hormones added to them, such as meat, milk, eggs, and dairy products. 2. Herbs that have an estrogenic effect in the body, such as licorice, and black cohosh. 3. Birth control pil s that contain estrogen. 4. Environmental toxins that mimic the actions of estrogen (known as xenoestrogens) -The largest source of xenoestrogens is pesticides. 5. Exposure to radiation, which increases estrogen levels in the blood. 6. Chronic constipation which interferes with the body’s ability to eliminate estrogen properly -Estrogen then builds up in the colon and can be reabsorbed by the body. 7. Estrogen supplements as part of a hormone HRT for menopausal symptoms. Too little progesterone may be caused by: 1. Birth control pil s or hormone replacement therapy with synthetic progestins, which decrease the body’s natural production of progesterone. 3. Lack of insufficient ovulation (which is a natural consequence of going into menopause) Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Frequently Asked Questions About Estrogen: -Estrogen is not one hormone, but a group of similar hormones of varying degrees of activity, al made by the ovary. The three most important hormones of this estrogen group are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and -Estrogen is the female hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for ovulation. Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries throughout a woman’s reproductive years. Special estrogen receptors are located in the breasts, lining of the uterus, cervix, brain, bones, and in the vagina. -Strictly speaking, menopause means the end of your menstrual cycle. But more commonly it refers to the 5-10 years when the ovaries gradual y stop producing eggs, and there is a progressive decline in hormone What Does Estrogen Hormone Replacement Do? -With the onset of menopause (peri-menopause), the ovaries produce less and less estrogen. During this time, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, and emotional changes such as depression and irritability. Estrogen replacement therapy can help relieve these symptoms, as wel as, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Frequently Asked Questions About Progesterone: -Progesterone is one of two main hormones produced by the ovaries. More specifical y, it is produced by the -Progesterone is responsible for preparing and maintaining the lining of the uterus in preparation for the fertilized egg. Progesterone secreted from the ovary is necessary for the survival of the ovum and the resulting embryo until the placenta takes over this production. The decline in progesterone each month triggers the menstrual cycle. Progesterone and Estrogen are closely interrelated and their actions in the body are in a delicate balance. PMS symptoms can be relieved by progesterone therapy from day 14 to day 28 of a woman’s cycle. After menopause, progesterone stimulates osteoblasts to help build bone and increase bone density, as wel as increasing good emotional health. What is the Difference Between “Natural” Progesterone and Other Progestins? -Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the ovaries. Progestin refers to the group of synthetic hormones (like medroxyprogesterone) that have actions similar, but not identical to that of progesterone. What Exactly is Natural Micronized Progesterone? -Natural micronized progesterone is obtained from Wild yams or soybeans as a precursor substance cal ed diosgenin. This precursor is then converted in the laboratory to progesterone. It is bio-identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries. The term “micronized” refers to the smal particle size of the progesterone itself. Progesterone is better absorbed when it is micronized and compounded in PLO -Any woman taking estrogen replacement therapy who stil has a uterus should take progesterone. Any woman who has had their uterus removed but stil has a hormone imbalance should take progesterone as wel . This is due to progesterone’s delicate balance with estrogen, and it’s effects on bone density and emotional health. Progesterone opposes the stimulatory activity of estrogen on the endometrial lining and protects against Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone: -Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women. It is not just a male sex hormone. In men testosterone is primarily produced in the testes and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands. In women testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenals and to a lesser extent in the skin, brain and liver. -Testosterone behaves differently in the bodies of men and women, but it plays a very important role in the overal health and wel being of both sexes. In men testosterone builds muscle, enhances sex drive, elevates the mood, prevents osteoporosis, and increases energy. In women testosterone enhances the sex drive, helps relieve menopausal symptoms, restores energy, strengthens bone, elevates the mood, and increases the What is are the Benefits and Risks of Taking Testosterone? -Testosterone can improve the energy and strength in both men and women. It has a “tonic” affect on the body. Reports indicate that adequate levels of testosterone can help prevent heart disease, stroke, and vascular disorders such as diabetic blindness. Testosterone supplements in men and women can increase the risk of liver toxicity, especial y if taken oral y. This is because the oral drug goes directly to the liver. It is better to take testosterone transdermal y— by patch, gel, or cream for men and by gel, cream, or vaginal cream for women. In women side effects such as oily skin, acne, irritability of behavioral chances and increased facial hair are dose related. When dosed correctly these problems rarely occur. What is the Difference between Testosterone and Methyltestosterone? -Testosterone is the active form of the hormone. It is this form that binds to receptors in the body and cause the desired affects. However, testosterone may increase the levels of estrogen in some men and women which is not always desirable. The “methyl” form of testosterone is less likely to be converted to estrogen and is better absorbed oral y, however, due to its toxic effects on the liver your physician wil have to monitor your

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