All About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Including Compounding

Until recently, traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the treatment of choice for menopause related symptoms, but this changed once the serious risks of long term HRT use were exposed. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become the default treatment of choice for women who consider the risks of HRT to be too great. BHRT is a plant based product that chemically matches natural hormone produced in the body while traditional HRT is made from the urine of pregnant horses and wasn't an exact chemical match. Obviously this makes BHRT sound very attractive, but BHRT isn't without controversy. The FDA has approved many BHRT drugs for menopause treatment, but doesn't endorse or recognize the term "bioidentical" as anything other than a marketing term. The process of compounding is the biggest controversy in the production of BHRT drugs and one we'll discuss at length.

Why BHRT?

The surge in popularity of BHRT corresponds exactly with the fall of HRT which started in 2002 with the halting of ground breaking study conducted by the Women's Health Initiative. This study was a 15 year study on estrogen and estrogen and progestin combined, the common hormone treatment used to treat menopause related symptoms. This study was halted prematurely when serious health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and blood clots were found to be associated with both types of long term HRT use.

Not too surprisingly, once these risks were exposed, both doctors and women quickly moved away from HRT and were left looking for effective safer options; this is where BHRT steps in to fill the void.

Potential Risks of Compounding

Compounding - a compounding pharmacist mixes up a hormone blend of "bioidentical" hormones according to an individual woman's needs, which is indicated by a blood or saliva test done by a doctor.

There are several reasons that detractors say compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (CHRT) may not be the best option including:

• The reliability of saliva testing is unproven


• CHRT is not FDA approved


• There has not been significant long term testing on BHRT showing that it's any safer than HRT


• The term "bioidentical hormone replacement therapy" is nothing but a marketing term


• A lot of false and misleading claims have been made about both CHRT and BHRT


• Unlike with commercially prepared medications, the compounding process may increase the risk of human error in the compounding process

Although the FDA has approved BHRT drug for use, CHRT drugs are not FDA approved. This is due to the fact that these compounded medications are made on a case by case basis so each blend is different; this makes the standardized scientific testing required for FDA approval impossible, so it's unlikely that CHRT will ever get FDA approval.

In addition, in an effort to educate the public, the FDA has started cracking down on false or misleading claims. Manufacturers and suppliers of traditional HRT medications obviously don't like the fact that CHRT and BHRT are being touted as safer alternatives when actually no evidence suggests that this is true. The truth is that there is simply not enough information available at this time to say the BHRT is any safer than HRT; unfortunately a lot of people are overlooking this important fact. When you consider how long the hazards of HRT were hidden or overlooked, this is a significant oversight.

Hormone Imbalance and the Effects of the Endocrine Glands

People can suffer from a hormone imbalance when their body does not produce enough or to much of a hormone. Hormones act like chemical messengers that go through the body to the different organs and tissues. The endocrine glands are what produce the hormones. There are several different endocrine glands in the human body. The major ones are the pancreas, thymus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands and the thyroid. Women and men will make the same hormones except when it comes to the sexual hormones. In a male the sexual hormones are made by the testes and in women they are made by the ovaries. Hormones can dramatically effect the body and small fluctuations can have dramatic impact on a persons body.

When a hormone problem goes untreated it has the possibility of creating serious problems including diabetes. There are an estimated six thousand endocrine gland disorders that can occur from a hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances can effect men and women through different stages of their life. The purely clinical definition of a hormone imbalance is chemical messengers that regulate the systems of the body and do not function properly anymore. When a hormone imbalance does occur it can mean that one of the endocrine glands is either producing to much of or not enough of the required hormone.

There are many things that can cause a hormone imbalance. In women it is usually to much estrogen and not enough progesterone. Some things that have been known to cause this hormone problem are stress, using makeup to much, animal products that are not organic, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, lactation, obesity, genetics and birth control pills. Obesity tends to be the biggest contributing factor in a hormone imbalance and becoming pregnant is the biggest factor associated with a lifestyle change.

Many symptoms of a hormone imbalance are experienced by both women and men. The most common symptoms of a hormone imbalance that are experienced by both sexes are fatigue, skin problems, gaining weight, mood swings, lack of a sex drive, and reduced memory. In severe cases of hormone imbalance we have a hormone allergy that can cause arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some secondary symptoms include dryness in mouth and eyes, urinary tract infections and abnormal heartbeat.

There are treatments for a hormone problem. The main treatment is hormone replacement therapy. There are risk associated with this and people who have had blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease and endometral cancer are at a higher risk. There are two different types of hormone replacement therapy that are available for women. The first is replacement of estrogen and the second is replacement of estrogen and progesterone. You should always consult a qualified professional for the correct dosage and medication when taking hormone replacement therapy.

There are also several different forms of drug treatment for a hormone imbalance that do not include hormone replacement therapy. These are primarily designed to treat premature menopause hormone imbalance symptoms.

The first option is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor and Serotonin Norephinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. Women have been treat successfully for hot flashes and depression with these drugs.

The next is Medroxyprogesterone acetate and megestrol acetate which have treated hot flashes with success.

Clonide is another drug that has proven to reduce the severity of hot flashes.

Gabapentin is used to treat hot flashes that occur when one is sleeping.

Menopause and Aging Skin - Discover How Natural Skin Care Can Really Help

For those of us who have hit forty five and beyond, we can't help but notice the changes on our skin. Although these changes happen over time, they seem to show up rather suddenly. We may wake up one morning to discover sun spots that were never there before, or those once fine lines around our eyes now appear deeper. Sometimes we may ask, "Who is that person staring at me in the mirror?"

While aging is an inevitable part of life, we can approach it gracefully. We can accept our age, but at the same time use a pro-active approach which can help us look as vibrant and youthful as possible. When I say youthful, I am not implying that a 50 year old woman becomes obsessed with looking thirty.

As women approach their forties and fifties, they may encounter numerous bodily changes as they go through peri-menopause and menopause. Some women sail through these transitions with ease, but many experience moderate to severe symptoms as a result of hormonal loss and or fluctuations. Weight gain, emotional mood swings, depression, and hot flashes are only a handful of possible symptoms.

These hormonal changes can have a significant impact on our skin. Loss of estrogen can cause dry skin in some women as oils gland produce less oil. Collagen production slows down causing our skin to lose some of its elasticity. Skin may also become more fragile and thinner.

While there is considerable controversy concerning HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), research indicates that HRT may help keep skin younger and more supple looking. However, this is an option that each woman must decide for herself. Some research indicates that naturally derived bio-identical hormones may pose less health risks than synthetic hormones. These hormones are available in a variety of forms, such as transdermal creams, pills, or even patches. However, this is a topic that should be taken seriously and discussed with your health care practitioner. There are many books available which discuss these options.

Whether you opt to take HRT or not, there are several things you can do to help keep your skin as youthful as possible. The following tips can help maintain your skin during menopause and beyond:

1) Products that are naturally based often contain less potentially toxic ingredients which may pose health risks and can cause irritation and dryness. Look for products with natural oils which can help keep skin moist and nourished. Many natural oils contain essential fatty acids which can be great for your skin. Two good ones are almond and macadamia nut oil. However, not all peri-menopausal and menopausal women have dry skin. Listen to your body; select oils which are lighter (such as sesame and jojoba)for oily and combination skin, and more emollient oils for very dry skin. Avocado, evening primrose oil, olive and macadamia nut oils are good options for dry skin.

2) Only use cleansers that are non-drying and detergent free. Detergent cleansers tend to be very alkaline and therefore are very drying. You can opt for a moisturizing gel based cleanser, or if your skin is really dry, look for a naturally based milky cleanser.

3) Use only toners that are alcohol free. Some alcohols are emollient and not drying. Alcohols followed by a number, such as Alcohol SD-40 are drying and should be avoided. Look for naturally based toners which contain botanical extracts and antioxidants which can help keep skin toned, dewy and moist.

4) Exfoliate - It is crucial that dead skin cells are sloughed off with a gentle but effective exfoliating product. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) products such as glycolic acid, can help skin stay smooth and moist. In addition to glycolic acid, look for natural ingredients that can help brighten skin while diminishing the look of "age" spots. Two excellent choices are Licorice and Bearberry Extract. It is not necessary to use excessively high percentages of glycolic acid with very low pH levels. These products may be too strong, particularly for some sensitive skin types. Look for exfoliants with nourishing and calming ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile.

5) Use high quality anti-aging products - choose a well formulated skin cream that has both antioxidants as well as great hydrating properties. Hyaluronic acid can significantly boost moisture levels. Look for antioxidants such as R-Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, stabilized Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Grape Seed extract, etc. They can all help neutralize free radicals. A high quality skin cream does not need to cost $100.00 or more.

6) Always use a good sun block with a minimum of SPF 15 to prevent photo aging. However, because sun block may prevent optimal absorption of vitamin D (sunlight is a good source of vitamin D), make sure you get enough vitamin D on a daily basis. Several types of fish are high in vitamin D. However, if you cannot get enough in your diet, supplementation may offer a good option. Look for a sun block without toxic chemicals. A non-nano based sun block which uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a good choice. There are some on the market that do not leave a thick white caste on the skin.

Of course there are other things we can implement in addition to natural skin care which can help ease menopausal symptoms while providing benefits for our skin. Exercise is critical for women over 45, particularly weight bearing exercise. Exercise helps increase circulation while delivering vital nutrients to skin cells. It can also release stress which can ease depression and anxiety. And because exercise may help mediate male hormones, it may help to control acne breakouts. Research now shows that short burst interval training (for a total of 12 minutes per week) may be more beneficial than continuous aerobic activity which must be done for 30 minutes or more. Short burst stepping is one form of sprint training. Just Google, "short burst stepping," for more information.

Drinking a minimum of 6 glasses of water per day can also keep skin hydrated. It is also helpful for weight loss. Due to hormonal fluctuations, some menopausal women put on an average of 10-20 pounds during this transition.

Peri-menopause and menopause can be a challenging time of life. But, it can also be a time of empowerment and personal growth. And having healthy, glowing skin can only make it better.

Low Testosterone - Are You Really Considering Hormone Replacement Therapy?

What types of androgenic hormone or testosterone replacement therapy are there?

A number of testosterone delivery techniques exist. Choosing a particular therapy depends on your choice of a specific delivery system, together with its side-effects and the price not to mention your doctor's recommendations. Don't ever forget that your doctor is motivated by commissions on his drug sales! But also test the various options to know what suits you best.

Generally the methods include:

Direct injection of Testosterone. Doctors will tell you that injections tend to be safe and effective. Shots are given inside a muscle every two weeks - perfect for your doctor's income stream. Or another person or a family member may learn to provide TRT injections in your own home. The real problems are the highs and lows of the effects.

There are now a long-term, slow-release injection method. Please be mindful of your doctors financial incentives if or when he recommends any particular brand or treatment - he does get paid by the drug manufacturers for what you use.

Patch. The patch containing androgenic hormone or testosterone (Androderm for example) is used much the same as a nicotine patch - worn on a not too hairy part of the body and changed daily. To reduce skin reactions, of course they need to be applied to a new area each day. They do give a steady stream of T to your body, but they do irritate most people's skin.

Gel. You rub androgenic hormone or testosterone gel (brands include AndroGel, Testim, Testrogel) into your skin in your lower abdomen, top your arms, shoulders etc. Your body soaks up testosterone through the skin as the gel dries. Gel application of androgenic hormone or testosterone replacement therapy is reported to cause fewer side effects than other delivery methods. But you must not allow the skin to come into contact with others for many hours.

Chewing gum and cheek (buccal cavity). a substance that moulds into your mouth, it delivers androgenic hormone or testosterone through the organic depression above your own top teeth exactly where your gum fulfills your upper top (buccal cavity). The product quickly sticks for your gum-line and, because exposed to spit, softens into a carbamide peroxide gel-like type, allowing testosterone to become absorbed into your own bloodstream.

Oral. Getting testosterone orally is not recommended for lengthy-term endocrine replacement, because it could cause liver problems, lift up your cholesterol and improve your risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not suited as a delivery system because the digestive system destroys most of the drug, meaning that larger amounts are administered in an attempt to get past your gastric juices.

Hashimoto's Natural Treatment - Synthetic Or Bio-Identical Replacement Hormone?

"Your TSH is normal now, your depression, weight gain, hair loss... [insert low thyroid symptom], can't be coming from your thyroid. We need to give you an antidepressant, you're just depressed."

This is a common conversation that plays out between hypothyroid patients and their healthcare practitioner. It is the defining moment that prompts low thyroid patients to seek alternative treatment methods and begin exploring different forms of thyroid replacement hormone.

So What Type Of Hormone Is Best For Low Thyroid Patients?

This question is highly debated amongst practitioners of all types. Most traditional medical endocrinologists prefer synthetic T4 that goes by various names and brands with the most common being Synthroid簧. Many doctors that live on the alternative side of the spectrum prefer bio-identical hormones such as Armour, Naturethroid, or Thyrolar.

So which one is correct? I know you may really want me to tell you that one of those is THE correct one, but the truth is that different patients do better with any one of those. Things such as sensitivity to fillers and your body's ability to convert your thyroid hormones play a role.

Instead going round and round about the TYPE of thyroid replacement, let's ask a better question:

Why Did The Thyroid Gland Stop Working In The First Place?

If we answer this question then we can start to move closer to an actual plan that is going to help you. The answer for 80% to 90% of low thyroid patients in the United States is that their problem stems from an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroid.

What does that mean? It means that the low thyroid is a symptom, not the source of the problem. In Hashimoto's disease the immune system goes chaos and begins attacking and killing your own thyroid gland. This results in loss of cells from the gland, and less overall output of hormone.

That also means that the focus clinically should be on modulating the immune system, and slowing the rate of destruction. The immune attack creates two parallel problems which stops the Hashimoto's patient from really feeling like their old self, even with thyroid hormone replacement.

First is the fact that the immune system is constantly attacking the cells of the gland resulting in less and less thyroid hormone being produced naturally. Secondly the immune protein interaction with thyroid cell receptors will block normal hormone binding interactions and the patient will suffer with all of the same thyroid symptoms, even though the TSH and the rest of the lab panel may read in the "normal range."

The difficult thing for patients is that most doctors don't factor in the immune systems role in their condition, and even if they acknowledge and test for it, they don't alter treatment protocols. On the other end many natural doctors, even those that deal with thyroid patients, use generic "immune support" that in a lot of cases makes the immune imbalance worse. The patient has to find a doctor that looks specifically at the immune system and factors in the other body systems that play a role, if a Hashimoto's patient wants to really feel and function well again.

Surgical Menopause - What You Should Know Ahead of Time

It is inevitable. A natural part of every woman's life is the eventual transition into menopause. Even years before the last menstrual period, one can experience signs of menopause, called perimenopause.

Apart from the natural menopause transition (perimenopause to postmenopause) that most women will experience, some may face a few more challenges.

Premature Ovarian Failure. The average age for women to reach natural menopause, is around age 45-50. Some however, go through menopause in their 40s or even earlier. For most of them, diagnosis of Premature Menopause or Premature Ovarian Failure is a rather shocking experience. Many younger women with these conditions have not yet started a family and learn that it is now too late.

Surgical Menopause. Also called medical menopause, or sudden menopause, occurs when the ovaries are removed before the natural menopause, causing a sudden drop of the ovarian hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). After surgery, symptoms may start very quickly, and quite often they are intense. Women who have a total abdominal hysterectomy (ovaries and uterus removed) will experience the most significant, life-altering symptoms, if hormone therapy intervention does not begin at once.

Many women will be reassured by their doctor and told that they will feel better after the surgery. (My doctor told me that I would feel better than I had in years.) The reality is, it's just not true for a lot of women. Why do the symptoms tend to be so extreme? There are a multitude of theories, but common sense tells me that it is most likely due to the abrupt hormone withdrawal. It can be like hitting a brick wall. Some women report hot flashes and mood problems within days of their surgery; others report that the symptoms appear more gradually. Severe and profound fatigue, along with joint and muscle pain can often begin.

Since the adrenal system steps in to pick up the slack on hormone production, the severity of problems can be directly related to a woman's adrenal health at the time of the surgery. The mainstream medical community, especially in relation to severe menopause symptoms, does not often recognize the issue of adrenal fatigue. However, in my own opinion, and based on my own experiences, this is absolutely a factor in quality of life after surgical menopause.

Here are some things to consider:

- The younger the woman going through surgery, the more potential for severe symptoms;

- Have a hormonal blood work-up before hysterectomy; you can always look back at those tests and see what the levels were before the surgery and try to achieve those levels again;

- As a young woman, it is important to look for a specialist in natural hormonal therapy- someone who is informed and kept up-to-date with the newest medicine and side effects surgical menopause may have;

- There is still little information about the long-term affects surgical menopause has, at a younger age, so do your research and stay informed. Researchers are just now finding out how surgical menopause can relate to heart disease, osteoporosis and general health.

The symptoms most women will experience are night sweats, insomnia, hair loss, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, bladder infections, weight gain, anger, depression and loss of libido. Some of these problems can be resolved with herbs and nutritional supplements; more severe issues may require medical intervention and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

When faced with the decision about this type of surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming. You will definitely feel more comfortable if you can perform a good amount of due diligence in advance. Surgical menopause can be a traumatic and confusing event. It's also a good idea to speak with your doctor ahead of time about hormone replacement options. With some illnesses and conditions, hormone replacement therapy is extremely tricky. Go ahead and seek out one or two practitioners who know and utilize supplements and bioidentical hormones. Should you need their expertise, you'll be glad to have their names and contact information close at hand.

Brain Pharma Happy Pills - Advantages of This Supplement You Should Know

Brain Pharma Happy Pills is a wonderful supplement you would want to try. It has been incorporated with the ingredients that can offer innumerable benefits. It can be your partner against depression and stress. If you are one of those who often succumb to "the blues" without a fighting chance to deflect it, you would want to try this supplement. Find out more about what this supplement can do for you.

It is a supplement that features the mood-enhancing benefits of St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is an herbal remedy that has been used since time immemorial. It has been passed down from generation to generation because of its benefits. This herbal remedy can also work wonders for your health. It is can improve your mood, get rid of mood swings and prevent depression.

It also works in regulating sleep. Sleep is the only time our body and our brain goes into a recovery and rejuvenating stage. You wouldn't want to deter that recovery by not getting ample sleep. This supplement helps regulate your sleep to prevent tossing and turning at night. It features the wonderful sleep benefits of an ingredient called 5 HTP.

It can also help improve your concentration and focus. It is not uncommon to suffer from mental fatigue that might eventually affect your focus and concentration. If you want to solve these health issues, you should try using this supplement. Loaded with Folic acid and B vitamins, it is your go-to supplement. Folic acid can actually help improve mental alertness. B vitamins are a host of vitamins that work in supporting brain functions.

It helps you fight stress. A lot of things can turn us into stressed out individuals. We experience things that are far beyond our control and this causes stress levels to increase. Stress is actually detrimental to our health and wellness. Use this supplement to fight stress as it has been loaded with N-Acetyl L Tyrosine.

It is what you need to lose weight. This supplement is also known for its weight loss benefits. It can actually help speed up metabolism. It effectively enhances metabolic processes so your body can easily burn stagnant fats and turn them into energy. You can use this energy to motivate yourself to workout or to have more energy to do more physical fitness activities.

It helps give you a better outlook in life. If you are one of those who are living a zombie-like existence, this can be your saving grace. It helps improve your mood, thereby improving your ability to perceive your sense of purpose. It also allows you to look at the world in a positive light.

This is an indispensable supplement to get through difficulties in life. It works wonders in enhancing your mood. This is also what you need in regulating sleep. If you are on the lookout for something that can improve concentration and focus, this is what you should look for. This supplement also lowers down stress. This supplement also helps a lot in improving your weight. This is the best time to improve your outlook in life and make it more positive with the help of Brain Pharma Happy Pills.