Struggling with Skin Problems?
The first step is to identify the problem. Here is a helpful slideshow from WebMD listing common adult skin problems: http://wb.md/1J4jIDv See your dermatologist to diagnose the issue, and talk to our compounding pharmacist about customized therapies for resistant problems.
We compound medications for an array of skin conditions, such as:
- Facial and body acne
- Scars, cuts and wounds
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Dry, painful skin
You can also visit our online store to see all our Rx Skin Therapy products! https://www.rxunlimited.com/store/brands/rx-skin.html
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!
Progesterone vs. Progestin
The hormone you take may affect your risk of breast cancer
Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone in women. Progesterone is added to estrogen therapy to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Initially, progesterone was not available in a form that could be well absorbed, so pharmaceutical manufacturers created a synthetic progestin (progesterone derivative), medroxyprogesterone acetate. Now, progesterone is available in a micronized form that is better absorbed; allowing women to receive progesterone instead of a synthetic progestin as part of their hormone therapy. While both progesterone and synthetic progestins protect the endometrium, there are significant differences in their effect on breast tissue: progesterone induces death of breast cancer cells while progestins may significantly increase estrogen-stimulated breast cell proliferation, which can contribute to the development of breast cancer.
In a study of over 80,000 postmenopausal women, the following breast cancer risk was observed:
- Women who used estrogen only were found to have a 29% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who had never used Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Women who used estrogen plus a synthetic progestin were found to have a 69% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who had never used HRT
- Women who used estrogen plus progesterone were found to have no increased risk for breast cancer
“These findings suggest that the choice of the progestagen component in combined HRT is of importance regarding breast cancer risk; it could be preferable to use progesterone.” (Progestagen – also spelled progestogen – is the class of hormones that includes progesterone and progestins.)
Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008; 107(1):103-111.
The Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institutes of Health, had previously shown that the addition of natural testosterone (not METHYLtestosterone) to conventional hormone therapy for postmenopausal women does not increase and may indeed reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Menopause. 2004 Sep-Oct;11(5):531-5.
A study of the influence of topically administered estradiol and progesterone on human breast tissue concluded that progesterone administration decreases estrogen-induced breast cell proliferation by 400%.
Fertil Steril. 1995;63(4): 785-791.
We work together with physicians and nurse practitioners and their patients to customize Hormone Therapy in the most appropriate dose and dosage form for each
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you are a woman over the age of 40, or have had a mother or sister diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be at greater risk of developing breast cancer. Knowing your risk factor for breast cancer can help you create a health program best suited to your individual needs. Proper nutrition and exercise as well as screening with mammograms and self-exams are all important for breast health.
Many women seeking treatment for menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, depression and weight gain) will opt to use a form of hormone therapy. Certain types of hormone therapy may increase your risk for breast cancer. For example, in the Women’s Health Initiative studies, researchers found that the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate, when used in conjunction with estrogen therapy, increased the risk of breast cancer.
We alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in production of hormones by supplementing with hormones that are identical to those normally produced by the human body. Our compounding pharmacists will work with you and your doctor or nurse practitioner to test your hormone levels and determine the best treatment for you. You are unique, and our compounding pharmacy can customize your hormones in strengths and dosage forms to meet YOUR unique needs.
Visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org and share “Beyond the Shock” http://beyondtheshock.com/, a breast cancer educational resource, with friends and family. We also invite you to stop in at either of our locations today to speak with one of experienced compounding pharmacists and find out how we can help you.