Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormones are available in capsules, creams, troches, pellets and vaginal suppositories. It’s best to choose the form that’s unique to your individual needs.

Bioidentical hormones come in six dosage forms. They are Capsules, Creams, Troches, Pellets and Vaginal Suppositories. The value of hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adapted to fit your own individual hormone levels. You are your own unique individual and you need an individualized hormone replacement therapy customized to meet your individual needs.

The big advantage of bio identical hormones is that a compounding pharmacist can work closely with physicians so that a woman can start and maintain a bio identical hormones regimen that closely mimics what her body has been doing naturally for years. Because no two women are alike, bio identical hormones can be made in a variety of strengths and combinations of hormones.

What dosage form is right for you?

I will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method of taking bio identical hormones. Many customers will try one form and switch to another form for several reasons. They may be more comfortable using one type over another. Or the medication may absorb better in one dosage form verse the other dosage form. Some customers are more compliant with one form. Also, some dosage forms are more expensive than others.
Capsules come in all different sizes and colors.

The powder is measured then mixed then packed evenly into the right number of capsules your prescription calls for. The advantage of a capsule is you just swallow it at the regular time of day your doctor tells you to and you are done. Capsules can be prepared with a special ingredient to make the medication last longer. This type is called extended release capsules. A disadvantage of a capsule is the customer is not able to adjust their dose after it has been made. You are stuck with this dosage until the pharmacy makes you another round of medication.

Cream is typically white or light yellow and supplied in either a jar or syringe. Most women will apply a specific amount to the inner arms or legs once or twice a day. The base of the cream is typically some form of vanishing cream and will rub into the skin very well. Some doctors will prescribe vaginal cream especially for vaginal menopausal symptoms and dryness.

The advantage of cream is once you apply it the medication is stored and slowly
released in the layers of your skin over a longer period of time. You can also change your dose very easily; just apply a little more or a little less. Once the correct dose is achieved, then ask the doctor to change the cream to the dose that works best for you. The disadvantage is the inconvenience of placing the cream application in your body whether it be arms, legs or vaginal.

Troches are similar to a lozenge or candy that you place in between your cheek and gum and let dissolve. We recommend alternating the sites used in your mouth because if used in the same place over and over it can cause tooth and gum decay. We have about 30 different flavors and they dissolve over 25 to 45 minutes depending on the size and quantity of medication in them. Like cream, the torches can be altered in dose very easily.
They are typically in a square shape and can be cut with a razor blade or sharp knife. If you needed to alter your dose, especially if you are a new patient to bio identical hormones, you could easily cut them into as small as eighths. The trochee is convenient because no water is needed but the disadvantage is you have to taste your medication and they are not available in extended release forms. The torches on set of action is the very quickest of all dosage forms, some women even say they notice a difference in as little as 15 minutes. However they only last in the system for 4 to 6 hours.

Pellets are a dosage form that I have had little to no experience with. They are tiny pellets inserted under the skin. Bioidentical hormones are secreted in minute amounts into the blood stream daily. When more hormones are needed due to stress or exercise the body will respond and deliver more. Advantages to the pellets are they release medication over a 1 to 6 month supply without daily dosing and provide constant medication release without the ups and downs that other dosage forms can make. Disadvantages are the cost and having to go to the doctor’s office to have them inserted.

Vaginal suppositories are made by heating the ingredients into a liquid and then poured into a mold to form suppositories. The advantage of a suppository is they increase the hormone levels quickly and it works at the appropriate site of action. The disadvantage of using vaginal suppositories is it can be an inconvenience to deal with a vaginal dosage form and vaginal applicators.

By Jill Muchmore Published: 4/19/2008

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Know the truth about Male Menopause and how to deal its truth and its symptoms.

It is a known fact that every woman goes through a menopause at some point in her feminine life. As a woman enters 40 years old, her hormones begin to reduce its production until it will eventually stop. This is when a woman is in menopause. Menopause is more popular among women than on men, with only few realizing that men experience menopause too. Men menopause is called andropause. In some areas and case studies, this condition is still a subject of scrutiny.

Andropause is due to male’s incapability for testosterone production. As this happens, symptoms are relevant to that of the female menopause indications. Men in an andropause stage gets easily irritated, depressed, and feel fatigue even with less physical activities. Another sign of male menopause that men exhibit is his sexual disinterest. For this reason, marital conflicts can arise. Some marriages are known to fail or are on rocky grounds for this reason. It may be shallow for others, but it is a sad fact.

To avoid any more marital problems or any issues for the matter, it is wise for couple to go counseling together or treatments to help the husband on this debilitating stage. Wives on the other hand, should be extremely supportive. Even if andropause occurs at some point, there are already steps to help prepare for this inevitable period, and to help couples in dealing with the male menopausal effects.

The primary reason for andropause is the decrease production of testosterone. To counteract this, testosterone replacement therapy is now medically available. By this procedure, some symptoms will be minimized like sex drive, constant tiredness and depression.

Without all these, you still have the drive and passion even at the onset of male menopause. This will surely enhance your personal life with your partner, reducing conflicts and other emotional problems. This not only saves your relationship with your spouse but also results to a harmonious bond with those around you because of your better outlook and mood.

It eliminates the strain and irritability brought upon by andropause. Take advantage of your manhood without letting male menopause get the best from you. You can give testosterone replacement therapy a try but with your doctor’s consent. Never disregard a professional medical advise. The TRT is one way to overcome this life-changing period.

By James Orat
Published: 10/16/2007

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Most women entering the meonpause are prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Before starting a course of these drugs, consider the natural alternative.

The average age of most women reaching the menopause is 51, but it can start anytime from the early forties to the late fifties. Symptoms can vary: some women sail through but others suffer the miseries of hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, depression, lack of energy and loss of libido.

The usual remedy prescribed by doctors is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and tranquillizers and anti-depressants to which you can become addicted. However, there is a natural alternative.

HRT is prescribed to counter balance the reduced production by your body of oestrogen which can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and weakened bones leading to fractures. However, two large clinical trials have shown that HRT does not, in fact, significantly reduce the incidence of bone fractures, and there is an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and gallstones.

Rather than a shortage of hormones, it is said that most menopausal symptoms are more to do with an imbalance. By eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and natural supplements, you can boost the health of your bones, and balance sugar levels and your hormones.

It is well known that people in some parts of the world (for example Japan and the Mediterranean countries) rarely suffer from heart disease due to their different national diets. It is less well known that women in the Andes region of Peru do not suffer menopausal symptoms. Peruvian women take Maca, a tuberous plant related to the potato. As well as the beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms, Maca boosts energy and libido. Maca is also known as "Peruvian Ginseng" and "Peruvian Viagra".

Centuries ago, the Incas inhabited this area and, in order to boost their energy, their warriors used to take Maca before going into battle. When the Spanish conquered the area they found that their horses suffered from the high altitude. The locals advised them to feed Maca to the horses and the animals immediately experienced an increase in energy levels. The Spanish found that what was good for their horses would also benefit humans, so payment for the taxes levied on the locals was taken in Maca.

There are three phases of menopause: the peri-menopause or the year or so prior to the onset of the menopause when the your body misses the occasional menstrual period. During this time a low dose of 1500mg is recommended to counteract the slow down in the production by your body of hormones. During the actual menopause, increase the dose to around 4000mg each day for a period of 2-3 months, and then reduce the dose to 2000mg. In the post menopause phase, reduce your daily intake of Maca to 1500mg.

The risk of osteoporosis is apparent from the onset of the menopause and thereafter. In addition to your daily intake of maca, you are advised to also take a daily dose of Forever Freedom, a natural health drink that contains aloe vera with added Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and vitamin C. This will ease stiffness and pain in the joints and promote mobility and good bone health.

About the author: Tony Luck has a website with advice about maca, the natural alternative to HRT and other natural remedies.

By Tony Luck
Published: 2/25/2007

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