• compounding

  • What is Compounding?
  • Compounding 'Code of Practice'
  • for Men
  • for Women
    • BHRT (Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
    • Menopause
    • PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome)
    • Osteoporosis
  • for Children
    & Babies
  • Hormones and
    other Products
    • Progesterone
    • Testosterone
    • Oestrogens
    • DHEA
    • 7-Keto DHEA
    • Melatonin
    • Chrysin
    • Pregnenolone
    • Thyroid, T3 & T4
    • Indole 3 Carbinol
    • Guaifenesin
  • Test Your
    Hormone Levels
  • FAQ's
  • Contact us about Compounding

BHRT AND PROGESTERONE

• I know that 'HRT' means Hormone Replacement Therapy. But what does the 'B' stand for in B-HRT?
• B stands for 'Bio-Identical'. Bio-Identical HRT is sometimes called N-HRT (Natural HRT). Hormones used in B-HRT are identical in molecular structure to those that the human body produces. B-HRT provides the natural alternative many patients prefer using either oral or transdermal¹ (using a cream or gel) administration. If you were to begin an HRT program to relieve the symptoms of menopause, would you prefer to use hormones that were 'Bio-Identical' to those your body produces … or … would you prefer to use synthetics found in packaged HRT medications?
• Where do the 'Bio-Identical' hormones come from?
• Bio-Identical hormones used in compounded medications made in The Green Dispensary Compounding Pharmacy originate in Soy or Mexican Wild Yam. A substance called Diosgenin is extracted from either plant, and in the laboratory, this substance is then converted by enzymes to the various Bio-Identical hormones which include Pregnenolone, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Oestradiol & Oestriol. This is very similar to the process in the human body where Cholesterol is converted to these hormones as part of normal metabolism.
• I have heard that the plant source is wild yam. Does this mean that I can apply wild yam cream and allow my body to convert it to Progesterone?
• Unfortunately not. The human body cannot convert wild yam or Diosgenin to Progesterone - it must be done in a laboratory.
• Is B-HRT medication safe?
• One thing we have learned from the large trials performed (The Million Women & WHI trials) is that any form of hormone therapy should not be taken continuously.
  However, there is considerable evidence to show that Progesterone has a protective effect on breast tissue by encouraging breast cells to die (Apoptosis)², once they have finished their intended life cycle. This is an important natural function - so that the cells aren't allowed to continue to grow and proliferate uncontrollably - as occurs in breast cancer.
  Synthetic hormones [Progestins] found in packaged HRT medication are designed in laboratories to mimic the action of progesterone, but may not perform the vital function of Apoptosis.
• What about the other Oestrogens, Oestrone and Oestriol³… what functions do they have?
• These are naturally occurring oestrogens in the human body and are often prescribed and compounded together as "Triest" or "Biest". These combinations closely resemble the concentrations found in the human body.
  Oestriol whilst not a particularly active oestrogen, has been shown to have a further protective effect on breast tissue by occupying some of oestrogen receptor sites, thus helping to prevent over stimulation by the more active Oestradiol & Oestrone.
  Oestradiol, the most active oestrogen in the body and one of the most important oestrogens responsible for ovulation, has a stimulating effect on breast tissue, encouraging cells to divide. While this is a natural and desirable thing, it must not be allowed to proceed unchecked. Progesterone, used concurrently⁴, helps to keep this in check, by ensuring Apoptosis occurs normally.
  Regrettably, no iron-clad guarantee of safety can be given with any form of Hormone Replacement, so we recommend the short term use of Bio-Identical hormones on a monthly basis, with an occasional break in between. Please ask your doctor to specify the frequency of these occasional breaks.
• Why is compounding the most commonly used method in the preparation of B-HRT medication?
• Compounding provides a dosage and form of delivery individually designed for each patient. Dosages are also more easily adjusted in compounded medications. For example, to adjust your dose using a troche, simply divide it in half or quarters along the "score" marks.
  Using a cream with a calibrated topical syringe also provides the flexibility required to help you find your optimum hormone levels.
• I'm using Testosterone in my BHRT preparation. Will I become more masculine looking?
• It is very rare that women experience any secondary male sex characteristics using the doses prescribed by most doctors - e.g. troches 1 to 2mg … creams and other skin preparations usually 1 to 2%. When applying a cream to the skin it is advisable to rotate the site of application using the sternum, inside of upper arm, neck, back of knees, and inside of ankles.
• Will troches [lozenges] cause tooth decay when left to dissolve slowly between the gum and upper cheek?
• Neither the troche base (Polyglycol 1450) nor any of the basic ingredients (including the sweetener Stevia), have high calorific value and therefore do not contribute to dental decay. Some of the flavours patients ask for (e.g. citrus) may be slightly acidic … therefore it may be better for those patients who have naturally acidic saliva, to choose other non acidic flavours. Your Green Dispensary Compounding Pharmacist will advise you which to choose.
• Do I need a doctor's prescription for B-HRT?
• Yes, you must visit your doctor. If necessary, your doctor may consult a Green Dispensary Compounding Pharmacist to ensure your needs are met. In the event that your own doctor does not embrace BHRT, The Green Dispensary can supply a list of doctors who do.
• Where is my prescription for B-HRT made-up?
• The Green Dispensary Compounding Pharmacy at Norwood supplies patients directly or via other pharmacies in the group. Each of the five Green Dispensary Pharmacies, at Stirling, Mt Barker, Lobethal, Erindale and Norwood can accept your prescription. Transdermal preparations can be collected within one business day and oral preparations within two.
  To save yourself making two visits …
  
  • Telephone the pharmacy to leave your details
  • Fax your script to the pharmacy to ensure an earlier position in the queue.
  • The original script must be supplied on or before collection of the compounded product.
  • A postage & handling fee is charged for sending by mail.
  • Delivery from Norwood to the other pharmacies will usually take an extra day
• Am I able to obtain a subsidy for my Private Health Fund towards the cost of BHRT?
• Yes, in many instances you can receive a subsidy but it is advisable to check with your particular Fund to ascertain this.
• What if I need more information about BHRT?
• It is not possible to answer all your questions here. This is intended to be an introduction only. For further information and advice about compounded medication in general or B-HRT in particular, please talk to your doctor or your Green Dispensary pharmacist.