BHRT: More Than Just Estrogen and Progesterone
By Donna Barsky, D.Ph., R.Ph. and Christina Reiter, CCN, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
If you are one of the 30 million American women suffering from menopausal symptoms, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be the answer you’re looking for. However, in order for BHRT to be the most effective, you must replace the hormones that were originally produced with corresponding bio-identical hormones. We aren’t just talking about replacing estrogen and progesterone here, but also hormones such as melatonin, thyroid and adrenal hormones, which are also many times at the root of menopausal complaints. We know that adequate levels of all of the hormones are necessary to achieve optimal health and taking one hormone without another may create imbalances, fostering additional symptoms.
Your hormones function within an interconnected network of feedback between glands, organs and tissue. Each hormone “talks” to and either causes the increase or decrease of the effect of other hormones. Take the relationship between the thyroid gland and melatonin production, for example. Researchers from Italy have discovered that taking melatonin at bedtime promoted thyroid hormone levels among pre- and post-menopausal women. Increasing the levels of this vital hormone with bio-identical hormones has been shown to have dramatic effects on energy, weight management, blood sugar levels, bone density and mood, to name a few.
Goals of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy include:
- Reduction in symptoms caused by decreased hormone production
- Promoting the protective benefits of hormones on organs and tissues
- Decreasing risk for diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis.
- Improving quality of life
The goal of hormone replacement therapy, when taken in proper amounts and prescribed by a qualified professional, is to provide replacement of a deficient hormone in a form the body recognizes, thereby rebalancing natural physiology. The key to effective hormone replacement therapy is individuality. Fixed doses do not allow for personalized, tailor-made treatment of hormone deficiency. There is no ‘one size fits all’ in hormones. Working closely with a healthcare provider trained and experienced with bio-identical hormone therapy and our compounding pharmacists is the most practical way to ensure that the hormones you take are the correct type and precisely the amount your body requires for optimal functioning. Our pharmacy will be able to work well with your healthcare provider to create and tailor your BHRT program to your needs.
Texas Star Pharmacy has some of the most knowledgeable experts on natural hormone replacement therapy in the DFW area. Visit our website at texasstarpharmacy.com to find a convenient location nearest you––there are two to choose from, both in the Plano area. At our very unique pharmacy, the components of your therapy are determined after an in-depth consultation with the patient and physician, evaluation of your symptoms and laboratory testing, all of which are communicated with your healthcare provider to fine-tune your program. If you do not already have a doctor open to BHRT, the staff at TexasStar have close relationships with several physicians who are proficient in the use of compounded hormones and have helped both men and women to alleviate hormonal imbalances for years.
If you have any questions concerning this or any other healthcare concern, please, contact us at 3033 W. Parker Rd., #100, Plano, TX 75023, 972-519-8475 or at TexasStar Pharmacy II, 5425 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, #190, Plano, TX 75024, 214-291-5087.
