For over 80 years, hormone replacement medications have played a crucial role in addressing hormone imbalances and alleviating discomfort caused by the natural aging process. From the discovery of estrogen by Edward A. Doisy in 1929, scientists have developed various drugs derived from animal and plant sources.
Today, hormone therapy is more prevalent than ever, with well-known medications like Premarin, Androgel, and Synthroid. However, there exists an alternative to these standard drugs: custom hormone replacement therapy.
The Origins of Custom Hormone Replacement Therapy:
Custom hormone replacement therapy, with its roots dating back over three decades, emerged from a unique patient request presented to Dr. Jonathan V. Wright in 1982. Faced with menopausal symptoms, the patient sought an alternative to conventional medications. Dr. Wright responded by pioneering a groundbreaking approach, sourcing chemically identical hormones from plant material. This marked the beginning of personalized hormone replacement therapy.
It wasn’t only the source of the hormone that was unique, but also the custom nature of the medication; rather than being limited to standardized dosages, compounded hormone replacement therapy can also be prescribed according to each person’s unique hormone balance. And estrogen wasn’t the only therapy that could be customized. Testosterone, thyroid hormones, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA—they could all be compounded to provide a more personalized approach to hormone treatment.
Top 5 Benefits of Customized Hormones:
The popularity of tailored hormone treatment has soared since the 1980s, as both practitioners and patients recognize its substantial benefits. Here are the top five advantages:
Plant-Based Hormones: Unlike many conventional hormone drugs sourced from animals, custom hormone replacement therapy employs bioidentical hormones derived from plants like soy and yams.
Personalized Dosages: Custom compounded hormones offer the invaluable advantage of tailored dosages. This allows each patient to receive treatment according to their unique hormone balance and symptoms, potentially enhancing effectiveness and tolerability.
Allergen Exclusion: Custom hormone medications can be created without allergens present in binders, oils, and solvents used in standard hormone replacement therapy, ensuring compatibility for individuals with sensitivities.
Multiple Preparations: Custom hormone therapy offers flexibility in administration, with options including injections and pellets. This allows patients to choose a preparation method that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.
Enhanced Treatment Efficacy: For many patients, custom hormone therapy not only represents a preferred treatment option but also provides an opportunity for durable symptom relief, even for those who have not found success with conventional medications.
Where to Find Custom Hormone Replacement Therapy:
While custom hormone replacement therapy can be transformative, it may not be readily available from a primary care physician. Most physicians lack the certification and experience to prescribe custom hormones, often opting for standard medications.
To access customized care, consulting a qualified hormone health specialist is essential. These experts possess the necessary training and experience to assess and treat hormonal health conditions using the most effective techniques available. With personalized treatment guided by individual hormone levels, symptoms, and preferences, patients can embark on a journey towards achieving balance and reclaiming their optimal well-being.
At Body Balance, you'll find that we have experience in the custom HRT field, and wish to guide you along your journey to feeling your best. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (785)424-7233.
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