The first article in this series discussed the need for all hormones, including the full hormonal spectrum, to be used by both men and women to achieve best results.  In the context, the need for unique formulas for every user was stressed. Additional concerns with respect to the use of hormones continue here:

1 – Hormones are available by prescription from standardized labs at traditional pharmacies such as Walgreens’s, CVS, etc. Some of these pre-packaged hormones are intentionally altered to differ form those in our bodies by linking the basic hormones to other chemical fragments. These linked or “conjugated” hormones offer some properties and effects similar to those from which they were derived. But, as they are not chemically identical, they cannot behave exactly like the hormones in our bodies, converting easily from one hormone to the other as needed by the body.  They can cause certain exaggerated or negative effects, and often, the greatest benefits of natural hormones are lacking.

2 – Some basic pharmaceutical preparations ARE exactly biochemically identical to those in our bodies, and these are, by definition, “bioidentical’. Certain estrogens as well as progesterone can be purchased with a prescription form any pharmacy. However, the dosages available are very limited, so achieving the ideal dose for any individual is rarely possible using these sources.  Custom doses created by a compounding pharmacy specifically for a specific individual, one patient at a time “from scratch” are usually required to achieve proper individualization.

3 – Compounding pharmacies have multiple important types of flexibility in customizing a prescription:

• They have access to a much wider variety of hormone than is available commercially, making creating of a fully balance, comprehensive formula possible.
• They can make very small adjustments in dosage.
• They can provide hormones in a wide variety of formats, including cream, troche, injectables, suppositories, liposomal (highly absorbable) tablets, depending on patient prefer, absorption, and tolerance.
• If desired, they can provide different doses on different days of the month, crating any pattern designed by the patient/physician team.

4 – When it comes to at what point to begin or terminate the use of hormones, this is directly dependent on the patient’s goal. If symptom relief is the main interest, then use begins with symptom. Amongst these benefits are bone density support, muscle and joint support, skin and hair maintenance, cognitive preservation, continue libido and sexual responsiveness, heart health, etc. onset, and ends when symptoms subside. If prevention or overall ant-aging are the intent, the only rational answer is: Continue to use hormones as long as you want the many benefits of a balanced hormone protocol. Benefits would not be expected to continue if hormone replacement were terminated.

In the next article, you will learn:

• Are bioidentical hormones really natural?
• Are bioidentical hormones safe, and what are the safest practices in using them?
• What are the best protocol options for using hormones for men and women?

If you have your own questions that you would like to see included in “Hormone Replacement: FAQ’s,” please submit them to [email protected].

Since her mentorship with Dr. Robert Atkins, Dr. Robin Ellen Leder has provided functional/holistic medical care to thousands of patients at her Hackensack office. She has taken numerous courses in the safe and effective use of bioidentical hormones to achieve long term health and well-being. Each of her patients is evaluated individually, and ultimately decisions are made by doctor and patient working as a team. To learn more about the doctor’s work and approach, visit her website at drrobinleder.com