The Exact Dose and Strength You Need To Feel Your Best Again 

Natural Hormone Therapy 

Once a woman reaches premenopause, estrogen levels begin to decline, and by menopause they have fallen to 40% to 60% of what they once were. Symptoms that frequently result from these changes include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, forgetfulness, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy helps alleviate these symptoms, while also lowering the risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and possible Alzheimer’s disease. 

WHY SHOULD WOMEN BE INTERESTED IN THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT? 

Women maintain a healthy balance of hormones by the interplay of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. These three estrogens in women are called estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Prior to perimenopause these three estrogens exist in approximately a 10/10/80 proportion. There is no conventional, commercial estrogen prescription that contains these three estrogens in their appropriate proportions. The most popular conventional hormone replacement therapy is derived from the urine of pregnant horses and contains foreign estrogens not found in humans. Others contain only estradiol, the most potent of estrogens. These products often are combined with synthetic chemicals that try to mimic the hormonal effects of progesterone and testosterone.  

IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO USING NATURAL HORMONES FOR REPLACEMENT THERAPY? 

Definitely. The hormones we use are called ”bio-identical” and are equivalent to those your body has always produced. These are pharmaceutical grade drugs prepared from natural precursors found in soybeans and yams. Synthetic chemicals manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and foreign hormones collected from animals are often accompanied by unwanted side effects such as: 

Elevated Blood Pressure, Headaches, Breast Tenderness, Blood Clots, Nausea and Vomiting, Leg Cramps, Vaginal Bleeding, Fluid Retention, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, and Gallstones. 

Using bio-identical hormones, our pharmacists can assist you and your physician in determining the particular dosage needed to treat your menopausal symptoms and keep your body healthy. Unlike the limited dosages available with conventional therapy, the compounding pharmacist can prepare a dose that exactly matches your unique needs. 

WHICH HORMONES ARE DISPENSED AT BRASSTOWN PHARMACY? 

Only “bio-identical” hormones are used in the preparations of our prescriptions. These pharmaceutical grade drugs are exact replicas of the hormones produced in your body. Estrogen replacement prescriptions are compounded with these bio-identical estrogens in the correct ratios needed by women. Progesterone may be added to relieve mood swings, anxiety, depression, and water retention. Natural progesterone is also a key hormone in preventing and reversing osteoporosis. Many women select natural testosterone supplementation to help increase sexual desire, feelings of well-being, and increased energy levels. Our progesterone and testosterone are also “bio-identical” hormones derived from the same precursors found in the soybean and yam. These choices result in belief of deficiency symptoms and protections from disease, without the intolerable side effects of synthetic chemicals or animal derived products. 

WHY IS NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT NOT COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE OR ADVERTISED? 

The answer is simple, since natural hormones cannot be patented like Premarin, Provera, etc.; pharmaceutical companies lack the financial incentive to fund development costs to commercially market these substances. Due to the marketing expertise of the companies, many people do not know about the option of Natural Hormone Replacement. 

HOW DO I OBTAIN NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY? 

Just like the synthetic hormone replacement, a physician must prescribe natural hormones. Once a physician prescribes natural hormones, our pharmacists work closely with you and your doctor to adjust the dose, if necessary to ensure that optimal therapy is achieved. 

HOW ARE NATURAL HORMONES ADMINISTERED? 

Natural hormones can be prepared in a variety of dosage forms, including oral and topical routes. 

The patient and physician determine which is best on an individual basis. 

ARE NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS COVERED ON MY INSURANCE? 

Each compound is made with pharmaceutical grade hormones and must be prescribed by a physician. Therefore, your prescriptions plan should reimburse you. Our pharmacists will help you with any paperwork that may be required. 

I AM CURRENTLY TAKING PREMARIN. WHAT MIGHT MY DOSE BE? 

The following chart gives the most widely accepted conversion of synthetic hormones to bio-identical hormones. The 10 mg dose is derived from 8+1+1=10 as illustrated below. 

 

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

A multi-functional steroid which undergoes conversion to produce testosterone and estrogens, estrone and Estradiol. 

Estradiol

Known as the sex hormone represents the major estrogen in humans. 

Estriol

One of three main known estrogens in the female body and is considered primary estrogen during pregnancy. 

Estrogen

A steroid hormone known to increase vaginal lubrication, thicken vaginal wall, increase uterine growth, stimulate endometrial growth, and play a significant role in a female’s mental health and can aid in treating depression associated with hormonal imbalances. 

Estrone

Naturally produced by ovaries, it is one of the three estrogens and is the least abundant. It is very abundant during pregnancy. It also can be converted to Estradiol when needed. 

Progesterone

A steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle. It is naturally produced by the ovaries and has many roles related to the development of a fetus. 

Testosterone

Is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. It is primarily produced in the testes of males and the ovaries of females. Usually it is known as the male sex hormone but also important to the female body.