As men and women age, their bodies undergo changes due to fluctuations in hormone levels. These changes can be gradual or extreme and can cause uncomfortable symptoms and even lead to other health conditions. Women experience hormone related problems and symptoms throughout their lifetime, including cramps, PMS, infertility, weight gain, mood swings, loss of libido, hot flashes, and more. Men’s hormones decline over time and can include reduced muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and decreased mood. Replacing and rebalancing hormone levels using human-identical hormones can help improve an individual’s quality of life as they age.
What are Human-identical Hormones?
Human-identical (also referred to bio-identical or natural) hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones that are made by the human body. The key to customized human-identical hormones versus synthetic hormones is the molecular structure of the hormone. In order for a hormone to replicate the function of hormones that were naturally produced by the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original.
Researchers have long held that there are significant structural differences between hormones that are natural to humans and synthetic (including animal) preparations. These structural differences may be responsible for side effects that are experienced when synthetic hormones are used for replacement therapy. Contrarily, customized hormones can be chemically derived from precursors found in yams or soy plants yet be identical in chemical structure to the hormones produced by the human body. These hormones follow normal metabolic pathways so that essential active metabolites are formed in response to hormone therapy.
Goals of Customized Hormone Therapy
The goal of any form of hormone replacement therapy is to provide an adequate supply of the deficient hormone in a form that is as close as possible to that which the body originally produced, resulting in normal physiologic effects. Every person is unique. Therefore, it is a sensible approach for health care professionals and patients to work together to customize hormone therapy. The goals for both men and women are to:
alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in hormone production by the body.
give the protective benefits which were originally provided by naturally occurring hormones.
re-establish a hormonal balance.
Jarron Yee, experienced pharmacist at The Northgate Medicine Shoppe in Regina works with individuals and their providers to create customized hormone therapies. Hormone testing, medical history, and consultations are key to determine the precise dose of human-identical hormones needed. Human-identical hormone therapy can be compounded in the needed strength and dosage form and administered via the most appropriate route to meet each individual’s needs. Close monitoring of hormone levels and individual symptoms is essential to ensure that appropriate dosage adjustments are regularly made when needed.
Experience The Northgate Medicine Shoppe Difference. We have been serving Regina and the surrounding area since 2010. Our skilled pharmacists look forward to caring for you and your family.