Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy (CHRT) provides
a method for logically balancing hormones in our body. We
most commonly think of the sex hormones when evaluating
CHRT needs, but there may be other considerations as well,
such as adrenal hormones (DHEA or cortisol) or nutritional
needs. The basic concept regarding CHRT is to evaluate
several hormone levels and replace the hormones that are
deficient. An easy method for evaluating the levels is a saliva
sample. Collecting your saliva in the privacy of your own
home is very easy to do and non-invasive. Both women and men can do this.
The following is a sample of five hormones that can be evaluated with saliva
testing.
CHRT can be administered in a variety of routes. Topical creams, oral capsules,
and vaginal inserts or creams are common forms of administration.
Based upon the test results and a consultation, a qualified compounding
pharmacist together with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
can help create a plan of care to optimize the balance of each hormone. Many
compounding pharmacists offer consultations to further evaluate patient goals
and to optimize patient health.
a method for logically balancing hormones in our body. We
most commonly think of the sex hormones when evaluating
CHRT needs, but there may be other considerations as well,
such as adrenal hormones (DHEA or cortisol) or nutritional
needs. The basic concept regarding CHRT is to evaluate
several hormone levels and replace the hormones that are
deficient. An easy method for evaluating the levels is a saliva
sample. Collecting your saliva in the privacy of your own
home is very easy to do and non-invasive. Both women and men can do this.
The following is a sample of five hormones that can be evaluated with saliva
testing.
- Estrogens, which have over 400 functions in the body, stimulate growth of
breast and endometrial (uterine) tissue in women and prostate tissue in
men. Estrogens also have an impact on heart and circulatory systems, skin,
thyroid, digestive health, bone health, and many other body functions. - Progesterone, often known as the feel good hormone, balances the
stimulating effects of estrogens. Progesterone improves bone mineralization
and helps with PMS type symptoms. - Testosterone, commonly known as the hormone that increases sexual
interest, has many beneficial effects on the body. It supports muscle tone
and strength, skin health, and positive mental health and energy. - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) affects muscle strength, immune
function, sleep and more. - Cortisol could be referred to as the energy hormone, but it also has a role
in immune function and sugar metabolism.
CHRT can be administered in a variety of routes. Topical creams, oral capsules,
and vaginal inserts or creams are common forms of administration.
Based upon the test results and a consultation, a qualified compounding
pharmacist together with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
can help create a plan of care to optimize the balance of each hormone. Many
compounding pharmacists offer consultations to further evaluate patient goals
and to optimize patient health.
- Doug Higgins, R.Ph. is a compounding pharmacist. His practice at
Doug’s Compounding Pharmacy in Paxton, IL includes bio-identical
hormone replacement, pain control, and other compounded medication
needs along with nutritional supplements.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy (CHRT)
by Doug Higgins, R.Ph.
by Doug Higgins, R.Ph.
