| Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy (CHRT) |
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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.
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.
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.
| by Doug Higgins, R.Ph. |
