Natural Estrogens: Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
When talking about a woman’s hormones, the term “estrogen” is frequently used. Estrogens are steroid hormones present in both men and women, but at significantly higher levels in women of reproductive age. But, do you know that there are three types of estrogens found in the human body? Estriol (E3), Estradiol (E2) and Estrone (E1) each have unique biological effects, benefits and side effects. Also, the different forms of estrogen have different affinities for certain body tissues (such as the brain, breast and vagina) and therefore it is important to select the most appropriate estrogen for optimal treatment or prevention of a specific problem.
Estriol, coined the “weaker” of the three estrogens naturally made by the human body, has significant therapeutic benefits, and is commonly used to treat hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal atrophy; to reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections; and for skin enhancement. Recently, estriol has shown the potential to treat individuals with autoimmune illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Due to the well-known and documented risks associated with other forms of estrogen, estriol (E3) has attracted the interest of researchers and clinicians due to its protective and clinically beneficial actions. Estriol is not metabolized into other forms of estrogen, and hence does not result in an increase in the levels of either of the other two estrogens.
After menopause, as estrogen levels fall, many women experience thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls, clinically known as vaginal atrophy. Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of a vaginal tablet containing an ultra-low-dose of estriol (E3) in combination with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus for the treatment of vaginal atrophy.
Our compounding pharmacists will work with you and your medical provider to accurately test the specific hormone levels in your body, determine the best treatment strategy for you and compound the necessary hormones in individualized strengths and dosage forms to meet your unique needs. Our relationship with you and your provider is ongoing, to ensure that over time your dosages are adjusted to coordinate with your natural aging process.
Talk to your health care providers to discuss compounding as a treatment option and make sure to let them know you heard about prescription compounding from Rx Unlimited Pharmacy!
Men’s Health
International Men’s Health Week is June 9-15, 2014. “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Richardson. http://1.usa.gov/1rtXoY4 Knowing that on average, men smoke more, drink more, see doctors less, and die five years sooner than women, we want to encourage men to take care of their health. Many of the major health problems that men face, such as colon cancer and heart disease, have better outcomes with early diagnosis and treatment. We encourage all men (and women!) to schedule regular wellness checkups and know your cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
Another important value that is not always measured is testosterone (“free” testosterone indicates the bioactive form). “Low T” or testosterone deficiency is strongly associated with common medical conditions including metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis; as well as elevations in triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Other signs and symptoms include:
• Diminished sex drive and sense of vitality
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Anemia
• Reduced muscle mass and bone density
• Osteoporosis
• Increased fat mass
• Frailty
Evidence indicates that appropriate therapy can relieve or partially reverse the progression of these problems in testosterone-deficient men. Transdermal therapy facilitates adequate absorption of testosterone to mimic the normal daily production. Testosterone can also be administered as a sublingual drop or a lozenge that dissolves in the mouth. Compounded preparations can be very advantageous because customized therapies increase compliance.
The presence of prostate or breast cancer is an absolute contraindication for testosterone replacement therapy, or use of other hormones in this class, known as androgens. Guidelines recommend that testosterone therapy should not be started in older men with PSA serum levels above the normal range. Testosterone should be used with caution in men with severe heart, kidney or liver disease, increased red blood cell counts, and sleep apnea.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with higher hormone levels, and higher hormone levels seem to induce a more active, healthier lifestyle. For optimal results, it is vital that hormone replacement therapy be combined with adequate exercise, proper nutrition, weight management and treatment of other health problems.
Talk to our compounding pharmacist to learn how we can help in your journey to live well.