Doctors have regularly prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the past several years for the treatment of menopause and menopausal symptoms as well as to reduce heart disease and osteoporosis risks.
American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounded medications to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
Progesterone HRT
Some questions that may arise are- what is Progesterone HRT? Is it a safe and suitable menopause treatment? If yes, when? And for whom? The following sections provide insight on these common concerns on this common menopausal symptom treatment and whether it is right for you.
What is progesterone hormone replacement therapy?
Progesterone HRT compounding pharmacy treatment helps to enhance the natural hormone levels of the body, either as estrogen with progesterone (EPT), for women who undergo menopause naturally at midlife, or as estrogen-alone therapy (ET), for women who have had surgical menopause (hysterectomy).
Why replace hormones?
Progesterone, along with estrogen, serves various other functions in addition to thickening the lining of the uterus in preparation for egg implantation.
It enables the body to process calcium (essential for the strengthening of bones), helps in maintaining optimal cholesterol levels, and keeps the vagina in a healthy condition.
But the onset of menopause causes the amount of natural estrogen and progesterone that the ovaries manufacture to reduce significantly. This could lead to symptoms such as night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, painful intercourse, and sleep issues.
It can increase the risk of osteoporosis as well. Progesterone HRT compounding pharmacy treatment can help alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis by restoring the body’s supply of estrogen.
When is estrogen therapy alone suitable?
Estrogen alone is usually prescribed for women undergoing hysterectomy, or surgical menopause.
When is progesterone/estrogen therapy suitable?
Estrogen and progesterone in combination are suitable for women who still have a uterus or those who have not undergone a hysterectomy. But taking estrogen alone for women undergoing menopause naturally can increase the risk of developing endometrium (the lining of the uterus) cancer.
The reason for this is that during the reproductive years, the endometrial cells are eliminated during menstruation. However, when menstruation stops and the endometrium is no longer shed, the extra estrogen can lead to an overgrowth of uterine cells. This, in turn, could cause cancer.
But adding progesterone (as progestin which is a synthetic version of the hormone) decreases the risk of endometrial cancer by causing the endometrium to shed on a monthly basis.
Who should consider Progesterone HRT?
Ideal candidates for progesterone hormone replacement therapy are women who have moderate to severe menopausal symptoms and those with a family history of osteoporosis.
Who should not consider Progesterone HRT?
Progesterone HRT is not a suitable treatment for women with heart disease, breast cancer, liver disease, or a history of blood clots. It is also not appropriate for women who do not have menopausal symptoms.
When should a woman start HRT treatment, and how long will treatment last?
The average age of menopause onset is 51 years. In many women, the most severe symptoms usually last for between two to three years. But there are no official timelines on when a woman reaches menopause or how long her menopause symptoms last.
American Integrative Pharmacy offers the latest compounding medications, including online prescription refills, to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
