The Menopausal Transition
Undergoing menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life. During this time, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the menstrual cycle stops. Most women experience menopause between 45-55, but menopause can start earlier or later, depending on an individual’s overall health and lifestyle. The effects of menopause on a woman can vary from person to person and can last for months or years. Common symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, vaginal dryness, weight gain, memory loss, and depression. For some women, compounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help.
All about hormone replacement therapy
For almost 50 years, hormone replacement therapy has been used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Using a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones, HRT can help control many of the most common symptoms. Women can only get HRT via prescription in pill, patch, creams, or vaginal insert form. Although HRT is generally considered safe, some risks are associated with the treatment. Women who already have heart disease are at an increased risk of developing chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks. There is also a higher risk of developing breast cancer and stroke with long-term use of HRT. The doctor will discuss the risks and benefits and work to minimize any issues.
HRT just for you
In addition to the current options on the market, new formulations are being explored to produce safer, more effective treatments. Customized or compounded hormone replacement therapy uses ingredients and forms tailored to the individual patient. Compounding provides more effective relief from menopause symptoms. Many women who choose this treatment can avoid some adverse side effects of traditional hormone therapy.
How compounding works
A doctor will need to prescribe HRT, and then the pharmacist will create the therapy for the patient. The pharmacist combines raw ingredients in a specific form or combines different medications to develop a single dose. Compounding HRT uses bioidentical hormones to help treat the symptoms of menopause. These hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones produced by the body. Hence, the form is easily recognized by the body and does not trigger the adverse side effects associated with synthetic hormones.
Benefits of compounding
Compared to standard doses of HRT, compounding allows women to use the therapy more consistently. The hormones are in a specific form that the patient desires. Using more accurate measurements can also reduce any potential side effects. In other words, compounding is more effective over time as the pharmacist can manipulate the dosage. The patient can even save on cost as there’s no need to pay above market for specific brands or discontinued formulations.
A targeted approach to menopause
Hormone replacement therapy is a relatively safe treatment option for women suffering from the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Most women will see benefits from standard prescriptions of HRT. However, for a more targeted approach, compounding may be more effective. Women who also want some control over the form and dosage of HRT will prefer compounding. A customized solution may provide long-term results and improved quality of life.
