WHAT IS HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY? 

Compounded Hormones - are hormones in which the molecular structure is similar to hormones made by the human body. According to researchers, significant differences exist between hormones that are natural to the human body and synthetic (including animal) prepared hormones. In fact, the difference between a natural hormone and a synthetic hormone is the molecular structure. The molecular structure of the replacement hormone must match the molecular structure of the original hormone naturally produced in the human body in order to replicate the function of the original hormone. These structural differences that exist between natural hormones and synthetic or animal hormones may possibly be responsible for the side effects women are experiencing when synthetic hormones are being taken for hormone replacement therapy.

How does the patient find out which hormones they need?  Call Compounding Specialists of Wyoming and we can provide you with a "saliva test" that very accurately measures hormones produced over a period of time.  The test results will assist your doctor and a Compounding Specialist of Wyoming Pharmacist to determine which hormones you may need.  The saliva test for hormones is neither intrusive, nor invasive (does not require any needles); the test is a simple secretion of saliva into a test tube.  Your saliva sample is then sent to the testing lab where it is analyzed.  The lab forwards your test results in two to three weeks to either your physician, or one of our compounding specialists.  Our pharmacists are specially trained at reading and interpreting the saliva test results. The Pharmacist will contact you with the results, and make requested recommendations to your physician, who must then write a prescription specific to your needs.

A woman choosing compounded hormone replacement therapy as an alternative to synthetic hormones will receive hormones specific to test results.  By choosing to use compounded hormones, the compounding pharmacist can individualize the therapy to meet each person's unique and specific hormone needs.

No two women are exactly alike.  The value of compounding hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adapted to fit each person’s individual body and hormone levels.   A hormone compound can be made in a wide variety of dosage forms and strengths.  The forms or delivery systems include: capsules, topical creams and gels, suppositories, sublingual lozenges, and others.  Each individual person can choose what delivery form is best suited to meet her unique desires.

There are many reasons why a woman might choose compounded hormones as an alternative to synthetic. The most important reason being, compounded hormones are molecularly similar to those produced by the human body.  Natural hormones are derived from natural sources, such as soybeans and yams, and are bio-chemically similar to human hormone molecules.

Compounded hormones differ from synthetic hormones in that synthetic hormones are not equivalent in either the molecular structure, or the function of natural human hormones.  Because synthetics are not the same as the natural hormones found in the human body, they do not attach to receptor sites in the same way that natural hormones do.  Some of the possible unwanted side effects may include: breast tenderness, fluid retention, headaches, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, leg cramps, etc.

Compounded Estrogen replacement therapy can benefit a woman by preventing osteoporosis, improving the lipid excretion function of the liver, reducing the risk of heart disease, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, and relieving many of the severe symptoms of menopause.

	There are three estrogens that the human body produces naturally.  These are:                               Estradiol                               Estrone                               Estriol Each woman has a unique blend of these hormones helping them to be unique individuals.

The components of some of the more commonly used, commercially prepared synthetic hormones are as follows:

• Estradiol (5-19%)
• Estrone (75-80%)
• Equilin (6-15%)  

When comparing compounded bio-equivalent estrogen to a synthetic, you can see that the make up is not the same as what your body naturally produces.  Estrone, considered to be one of the more carcinogenic (cancer causing) estrogens by many physicians, is commonly used in commercially prepared synthetic hormones - the percentage of Estrone can be quite high.

An example of a natural Estrogen Complex many doctors prefer may be Estrogen Complex 1.25 mg capsules, which consists of a compound of Estrogens similar to those naturally produced in the human body including:

• Estradiol 0.125mg
• Estrone 0.125mg

Progesterone is another very important hormone in the functioning of the human body.  Some of the functions of progesterone are: counteracts the action of Estrogen in the uterine lining, necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy; increases bone mass and density. Further benefits include: promotes diuresis (ridding of excess water), relieves headaches, enhances mood, relieves breast tenderness, alleviates fibrocystic breasts, regulates menstrual cycle, relieves endometriosis, and increases libido.  An example of a Progesterone compound is Micronized Progesterone Cream 5%. Micronized Progesterone should not be confused with synthetic progestin, for example, Synthetic Progestin (medroxyprogesterone) can actually lower the human body’s ability to produce it's own progesterone.  A micronized progesterone compound is made up of natural progesterone and is a highly purified pharmaceutical grade preparation.

Testosterone plays an important part in the health of women.  When this level drops, replacement therapy should be considered as an option.  Testosterone compounds have fewer side effects than synthetic testosterone.  Some of the functions of testosterone are: protection of the heart, improved mental alertness, increase in bone strength, revival of a lagging sex life, maintenance of normal energy levels, and maintenance of muscle tone.  An example of a natural testosterone compound may be Micronized Testosterone Lozenges 3mg.

Balance of estrogens and progesterone is extremely important.  Each person should be evaluated as an individual and a program developed by their doctor that addresses each individual's unique hormone needs.