Why Hormone Structure Matters

 

​The structure of hormones plays a crucial role in their function. For hormone therapy to be truly effective, the replacement hormone must precisely match the body’s naturally produced hormones. There are significant differences between hormones that are natural to humans and those that are synthetic or derived from animals.​

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The Benefits of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (cBHT)

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Interest in alternative hormone therapy options surged after the results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trials were published in 2002. Since then, the number of prescriptions for compounded hormones has significantly increased.

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Compounded medications are custom-prepared to meet an individual’s unique needs when commercially available products fall short. Estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone have been used internationally since the 1940s in both manufactured and compounded forms. Millions of women rely on bioidentical hormones to manage menopause, fertility concerns, and other hormonal imbalances, while men also benefit from testosterone therapy.

Even though numerous commercially available hormone-containing products have been extensively tested for safety and efficacy, many patients still require individualized compounded preparations. Compounded bioidentical hormones offer:

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• Customizable dosing and dosage forms

• Flexible routes of administration

• The ability to minimize side effects while achieving optimal benefits

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Patients often turn to compounded hormones after experiencing inadequate results with standard medications. Personalized treatments can lead to better compliance and improved outcomes.

Rethinking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

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The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) released its 2017 Hormone Therapy Position Statement endorsed by over 50 medical organizations. The statement emphasizes that:

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• Hormone therapy (HT) remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

• HT can help prevent bone loss and fractures.

• Risks vary depending on factors such as type, dose, duration, administration route, and timing of initiation.

• For women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, the benefit-risk ratio is favorable for treating bothersome symptoms and preventing osteoporosis.

• For women over 60 or more than 10-20 years post-menopause, the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and dementia increase.

• Longer treatment durations should be carefully evaluated based on individual needs, with shared decision-making between patients and providers.

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The Impact of Estrogen Avoidance

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Following the WHI study, widespread fear led to a decline in hormone therapy use. However, later research challenged those initial concerns. A 2013 study found that avoiding estrogen therapy may have contributed to premature deaths among hysterectomized women aged 50-59. Lead researcher Dr. Philip Sarrel emphasized the importance of informed discussions between women and their healthcare providers regarding hormone therapy benefits.​

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Why Patients Choose Compounded Medications

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Compounded medications provide solutions for:

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• Allergies or intolerances to commercial products.

• Adverse reactions to commercial preparations (e.g., allergic reactions to adhesive patches).

• Non-standard dosing needs, allowing for precise adjustments.

• Alternative dosage forms, such as creams or lozenges, to bypass liver metabolism.

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At our compounding pharmacy, patient safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict regulations and use only pure ingredients sourced from FDA-inspected facilities.