Bioidentical Hormones Dosage

Bioidentical hormones come in six dosage forms. They are
Capsules, Creams, Troches, Pellets and Vaginal Suppositories.

The value of hormone replacement therapy is that it can be
adapted to fit your own individual hormone levels.

You are your own unique individual and you need an
individualized hormone replacement therapy customized to meet
your individual needs.

The big advantage of bioidentical hormones is that a
compounding pharmacist can work closely with physicians so
that a woman can start and maintain a bioidentical hormones
regimen that closely mimics what her body has been doing
naturally for years.

Because no two women are alike, bioidentical hormones can be
made in a variety of strengths and combinations of hormones.

What dosage form is right for you?

I will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each
method of taking bioidentical hormones. Many customers will try
one form and switch to another form for several reasons. They
may be more comfortable using one type over another. Or the
medication may absorb better in one dosage form verse the
other dosage form. Some customers are more compliant with
one form. Also, some dosage forms are more expensive than
others.

Capsules come in all different sizes and colors. The powder is
measured then mixed then packed evenly into the right number
of capsules your prescription calls for. The advantage of a
capsule is you just swallow it at the regular time of day your
doctor tells you to and you are done. Capsules can be prepared
with a special ingredient to make the medication last longer.
This type is called extended release capsules. A disadvantage of
a capsule is the customer is not able to adjust their dose after it
has been made. You are stuck with this dosage until the
pharmacy makes you another round of medication.

Cream is typically white or light yellow and supplied in either a
jar or syringe. Most women will apply a specific amount to the
inner arms or legs once or twice a day. The base of the cream is
typically some form of vanishing cream and will rub into the skin
very well. Some doctors will prescribe vaginal cream especially
for vaginal menopausal symptoms and dryness. The advantage
of cream is once you apply it the medication is stored and slowly
released in the layers of your skin over a longer period of time.
You can also change your dose very easily; just apply a little
more or a little less. Once the correct dose is achieved, then ask
the doctor to change the cream to the dose that works best for
you. The disadvantage is the inconvenience of placing the cream
application in your body whether it be arms, legs or vaginal.

Troches are similar to a lozenge or candy that you place in
between your cheek and gum and let dissolve. We recommend
alternating the sites used in your mouth because if used in the
same place over and over it can cause tooth and gum decay.
We have about 30 different flavors and they dissolve over 25 to
45 minutes depending on the size and quantity of medication in
them. Like cream, the troches can be altered in dose very easily.
They are typically in a square shape and can be cut with a razor
blade or sharp knife. If you needed to alter your dose, especially
if you are a new patient to bioidentical hormones, you could
easily cut them into as small as eighths. The troche is
convenient because no water is needed but the disadvantage is
you have to taste your medication and they are not available in
extended release forms. The troches on set of action is the very
quickest of all dosage forms, some women even say they notice
a difference in as little as 15 minutes. However they only last in
the system for 4 to 6 hours.

Pellets are a dosage form that I have had little to no experience
with. They are tiny pellets inserted under the skin. Bioidentical
hormones are secreted in minute amounts into the blood stream
daily. When more hormones are needed due to stress or
exercise the body will respond and deliver more. Advantages to
the pellets are they release medication over a 1 to 6 month
supply without daily dosing and provide constant medication
release without the ups and downs that other dosage forms
can make. Disadvantages are the cost and having to go to the
doctor's office to have them inserted.

Vaginal suppositories are made by heating the ingredients into
a liquid and then poured into a mold to form suppositories. The
advantage of a suppository is they increase the hormone levels
quickly and it works at the appropriate site of action. The
disadvantage of using vaginal suppositories is it can be an
inconvenience to deal with a vaginal dosage form and vaginal
applicators.