Bioidentical Hormones Dosage

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 bioidentical hormones is that a compounding pharmacist can work closely with physicians so that a woman can start and maintain a bioidentical hormones regimen that closely mimics what her body has been doing naturally for years.

Because no two women are alike, bioidentical 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 bioidentical 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 troches 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 bioidentical hormones, you could easily cut them into as small as eighths. The troche 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 troches 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.