One example of the effectiveness of targeted BHT is the use of vaginal creams and suppositories for vaginal atrophy. By introducing hormone therapy directly to the problem areas, you apply medication where it is required and avoid distribu- tion of hormones to areas where it is not needed. Research has advocated for the use of local estrogen therapy, with reported improvement of symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pain, and overall quality of life.
When the overall levels of systemic hormones need to be improved, we typi- cally turn to oral formulations. Capsules allow for greater control and release for hormone therapy though various ingredi- ents. Liquid solutions and suspensions also provide alternative routes for patients who cannot swallow comfortably. Oral dissolv- ing tablets and lozenges allow our body to absorb hormones, while avoiding partial destruction through the inhospitably acidic environment of our stomach and metabo- lism from the liver.
In a study published in the Interna-
tional Journal of Pharmaceutical Com- pounding, women using compounded BHT reported signifi cant improvement of post-menopausal symptoms when com- pared to synthetic equine hormone therapy. These women on BHT also reported a lower incidence of adverse side effects, such as weight gain, diffi culty sleeping, and bloating.
Compounding also allows for creating combination hormone therapy. Combin- ing various hormone treatments into a single medication can provide a multitude of benefi ts. Advantages of combination therapy include reduction in waiting time and money spent.
Education is Key to a Successful Treatment Plan Hormone levels decline as we age.
This is the natural order of things. Some women cannot, or do not want to, accept that. Working with a licensed practitio- ner and pharmacist who deal with each woman’s biochemical individuality is key to achieving successful hormone balance. With education, guidance, and compre- hensive health care, women can achieve the hormone balance they desire in a way that feels good to them.
*Pharmaceutical compounding is the process of creating personalized formula- tions for individual patients.
Carrie Levine, CNM, MSN specializes in women's health, hormone therapy, and Func- tion Medicine. Her practice is Whole Woman Health in Portland and Newcastle. Find
her at www.wholewomanhealthcare@
gmail.com.
Dylan Lim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology and is in his 3rd year as pharmacy intern at Coastal Pharmacy & Well-
ness in Portland. He is currently a PharmD candidate at University of New England, expecting to graduate in 2018. Learn more about Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness at
www.coastalpharmacyandwellness.com. See ad on page25.
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