Balanced hormone levels are essential for all aspects of health. Bio-identical hormone therapy is particularly important in mitigating the effects of hormonal imbalance that can occur as we age, as well as improving overall well-being.
As each person’s biochemistry is unique, so your treatment should be. We believe our bespoke compounding process enables optimum results. Specialist Pharmacy compounds tailored medication that meets your individual needs precisely.
Bio-identical hormones are derived from diosgenin, a substance obtained from Mexican yams. As their molecular structure is identical to those found naturally occurring in the body they are considered to be more effective.
Bio-identical hormone therapies (BHRT) are often used to help reduce symptoms caused by the fluctuations of hormones in the body, leading up to and during the menopause (in women) and the andropause (in men). They are also used to treat, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, acne and other hormone related conditions.
Our pharmacists will work with your prescriber to compound your medication to the precise strength, dosage and form (lozenges, creams or capsules).
At Specialist Pharmacy, we compound a number of different formulations combinations to help support your specific needs. These can include one or more of the following hormones:
Progesterone plays an important role in maintaining women’s health and well-being. It is also necessary for male hormonal balance. Progesterone imbalances may cause infertility, anxiety and irritability. Bio-identical progesterone can be mood-enhancing and works as a natural anti-depressant, bringing relief to symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. Synthetic progesterone is a different chemical compound called a progestin, which is used in conventional HRT and can be linked to negative side effects such as depression, lethargy, fluid retention and high cholesterol.
Benefits of bio-identical progesterone can include:
Estrogen is the name given to a group of related hormones: estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estradiol and estriol are often prescribed together as biest (bi-estrogen) because they closely mimic the normal ratio of these hormones in the body. The main functions of estrogen are to support women’s health and well-being. Synthetic estrogens, as prescribed in conventional HRT, are usually taken from the urine of pregnant mares and mixed with a sodium compound. Bio-identical estrogen, on the other hand is identical in its structure to the human hormones.
Benefits of bio-identical estrogen can include:
Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and also an anabolic steroid. During the ageing process, testosterone decreases and symptoms of andropause (male menopause) may be experienced. These include decreased libido, muscle weakness and loss of lean muscle mass, lethargy and depression. Women also produce testosterone in small amounts and both genders require it for building strong muscles and bone density.
Benefits of testosterone therapy can include:
Dehydroepiandrosterone known as ‘DHEA’ is the most prolific hormone in the body and starts to decrease from around the age of 30, matching the signs and symptoms of ageing and susceptibility to disease. DHEA converts into essential hormones; testosterone and oestrogen as required by the body. DHEA increases energy and enhances the feeling of vitality.
Benefits can include:
Pregnenolone is a powerful hormone and is essential for the production of both DHEA and progesterone within the body. It does not occur naturally in food. The human body generally makes enough pregnenolone to meet your needs, under normal circumstances. However, pregnenolone levels decline with age and supplementation is often beneficial.
Your prescription will be based on the assessment of your doctor and will reflect your unique biological makeup. It will be compounded by the Specialist Pharmacy, specifically for you, in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
As advised by your doctor during your initial consultation, your medication will usually come in the form of a cream, a lozenge or a capsule.
Your prescription will be based on the assessment of your doctor and will reflect your unique biological makeup. It will be compounded by the Specialist Pharmacy, specifically for you, in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
How to use medication
As advised by your doctor during your initial consultation, your medication will usually come in the form of a cream, a lozenge or a capsule.
Transdermal Cream
If you are prescribed a 50ml cream, this will provide 160 doses, with each full pump providing 0.3ml.
Lozenge
Lozenges are made from a hormone compound prepared for good absorption through the mucous membranes of the mouth. They come in a tray of 30 full lozenges that are scored and can be cut into 120 quarters.
Capsule
Our easy-to-swallow capsules come in packs of 100. Each capsule is compounded specifically for the patient.
If your medication is prescribed in capsule form:
Bio-identical hormone therapy is used to treat conditions, including:
Bio-identical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones produced by your body and therefore side effects are minimal. Bio-identical hormones can be safely prescribed individually or with a combination of active hormones.
At Specialist Pharmacy we individually compound each prescription. This makes it possible to fine-tune each hormone to your specific requirements, as determined by your medical practitioner.
Should you experience any mild sensitivity to the medication during the course of your treatment, please contact your doctor. In the unlikely event that your symptoms are severe please contact your doctor immediately. If, such symptoms occur out of hours or in an emergency, please contact your GP or local hospital.