Everyone probably has heard in some shape or form about hormone replacement ther­apy. Maybe you heard it from your friend, co-worker or from a news report of some sort. But is it right for you?

Of course there is no one correct answer. One thing is for sure though---hormone replace­ment therapy has helped millions of men and women feel better. Many patients like the fact that they can use something from a natural source and it will make them feel better. Let’s look at the major hormones that are com­monly prescribed.

Estrogens: There are three principle estrogens in human females. They are estriol (E3), estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1). These hormones are prescribed in different combinations to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, postmenopausal problems such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and they are also thought to decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

Progesterone: Progesterone is secreted by the ovaries in the sec­ond 2 weeks of the men­strual cycle in productive age ovulating women. It is commonly used to treat abnormal bleeding problems during menses, PMS syndrome and for women with infertility or frequent pregnancy loss. In menopausal women it is commonly used to treat hot flashes and to balance estrogen.

Testosterone: In women, testosterone is used to increase libido and to treat vaginal dry­ness. In men, testosterone is used to improve psychological well-being and mood, improve erectile dysfunction and libido, increase muscle mass and preserve bone mass. Natural testosterone must not be confused with synthetic derivatives or “anabolic steroids,” which when used by athletes and body builders have caused many problems.

How does your physician determine which hormones and in what quantity to give you? Many physicians will initially prescribe you a combination of hormones based on the symp­toms you have. They will also do blood work or saliva tests to determine what your actual hor­mone levels are. From that point, your dosage may be increased or decreased based on your lab results or your symptoms.

Hormones can be given in many different dosage forms. Most commonly, they are given in a cream or gel form which is applied to your skin and the hormones are absorbed into your blood stream through your skin. Hormones can also be given in a capsule form to be used orally, injections to be given weekly or monthly, suppositories to be used vaginally or troche form which dissolve in your mouth and are absorbed through mucous membranes. The great thing about compounded natural hormones is that the dosages are custom­ized just for you. The amount of hormones you need will be dif­ferent than your sister, brother or neighbor.

Please join P2C2. Bowing to pressure from Wyeth, a big pharma­ceutical company, the Food and Drug administration (FDA) is asserting a new policy to deny women’s access to natu­ral hormones. If this policy is enforced, fed­eral regulators will decide what medicines you can take instead of you or your doctor. Do you really want to leave your custom­ized medicine needs in the hands of the government? You can help by joining

Patients and Professionals for Customized Care (P2C2). P2C2 brings together patients, physi­cians, veterinarians, pharmacists and healthcare advocates who know how critical compounded medicines are to modern, individ­ualized healthcare. Membership is free. It’s easy-it only takes 15 seconds to join. It’s effective- Congress listens to their constitu­ents. Your voice is critical to win this battle. Together, we can be one voice and save your medicine choices. Join P2C2 at www.save­mymedicine.org today.

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