BHRT for Women

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstruation and fertility in women. In some, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause may interfere with sleep, lower energy, cause hot flashes, trigger anxiety and promote feelings of sadness and loss. (ref http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause/DS00119)

As your body goes through these hormonal changes, your doctor may suggest the use of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to better manage your symptoms. Bio-Identical hormones are plant derived and have the same chemical structures as the ones in your body. Some examples of these hormones include:

• Progesterone
• Estradiol
• Estrone
• Estriol
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Pregnenolone
• Melatonin

At Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy we have mastered the art of compounding these bio-identical hormones in two ways:

Every patient’s hormone replacement needs are unique and different, therefore your doctor will most likely prescribe a specific strength of one or more of the above hormones for you to start on, and based on your feedback and response he/she may make certain adjustments to your prescription. At Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy we fully understand this concern. We are able to compound any combination of any of the hormones into one custom made dosage form so you can avoid taking multiple prescriptions. Also, adjusting the doses are often as simple as turning a dial. For more information please ask of our experienced compounding pharmacists to help you with choosing the best delivery method that’s right for you.

Every woman is unique, which means your hormone needs will also be unique. We work very closely with your physician so you can start and maintain a bio-identical hormone regimen that best replaces what your own body has been delivering naturally for years. At Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy we can compound your hormones in various different dosage forms for ease of use and better suitability. Some options include:

Topical (Transdermal) Creams. We can compound your specific strength of bio-identical hormone in an easy to use topical cream that delivers the hormone through your skin into your body. It is as simple as applying a moisturizing cream on your arms or legs.

Sublingual drops. Sublingual drops are generally more concentrated than creams and deliver your hormones in one drop or two under your tongue. You may choose to have your drops flavored such as peppermint, tangerine, peach, etc. Sublingual drops are compact and easy to carry wherever you go.

Capsules. Your doctor may choose to prescribe your hormones in a capsule form. Again, we can compound one or more bio-identical hormone into one easy to take capsule. You may choose to have your hormones compounded in a gelatin or vegetable based capsules, free of any lactose or other agents your may be sensitive to. Please ask us for more information.

Troches or lozenges. Like a small of piece of candy or mint that melts in your mouth you can have your hormones compounded and delivered to your body in a quickly absorbable and tasteful fashion.

Vaginal Suppositories or Creams. Although we compound many vaginal suppositories and creams for bio-identical hormone delivery, we also compound other medications to treat for vaginal yeast infections, vulvodynia, and infertility.

All compounded bio-identical hormones are customized for you according to your specific needs based on your physician’s orders. Please feel free to contact us for more information to see which compounding options are best suitable for you. Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy has been compounding bio-identical hormone preparations for many years. We are very confident in our quality of work and know you will be pleased with our products in providing you the best treatment therapy you and your doctor expect.

BHRT 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 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.

Some signs and symptoms may include:

• 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. As men age, testosterone and other hormones are produced in reduced amounts. In addition, physical changes may occur within the testes and the glands around and near the prostate. As a result, greater stimulation may be required to produce a sexual response. The intensity, duration, and frequency of orgasm, as well as the amount of semen, may also decrease. Erections may also be less firm. It’s important to differentiate these changes from impotence. Many changes that occur in men as they age are perfectly normal and should not interfere with your ability to be sexually intimate with your partner.

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 or Testosterone Propionate to compound numerous dosage forms and at various strengths depending on your need. We can work with your physician to determine an appropriate strength and a delivery form that would suite you best.

Some common testosterone preparations include:

• Testosterone topical in alcohol based gel
• Testosterone topical in Lipoderm based cream
• Testosterone intramuscular injections in grapeseed, cottonseed, or sesame seed oil
• Many other options available…

Thyroid Hormone

As an alternative to Armour Thyroid, your physician may prescribe compounded Thyroid USP at a dose that is unique for you. Thyroid USP contains very similar ratios of T3 (liothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine) as Armour Thyroid, making it essentially the same in function and activity. Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy is able to attain this raw pork Thyroid USP powder, and through a very careful and meticulous process create the dosage size that is purely tailored to you.

In addition to compounding from Thyroid USP, we are also experienced in compounding special thyroid combinations of T3 and T4 at various levels. Since thyroid is such a sensitive and narrow therapeutic medication, you need a compounding pharmacy you can rely on. We have many years of experience and very advanced equipment to deliver the exact thyroid strength your doctor has prescribed for you. Please feel free to contact us or visit our laboratory should you feel more comfortable to do so.