The estimated prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ranges from 5 to 20% of women of reproductive age. It is a common condition that results in numerous symptoms that can decrease quality of life. Various drugs exist that are FDA approved and able to help women with PCOS manage their symptoms and improve fertility if they are trying to become pregnant. Naltrexone is one medication that is being studied as…

In a nationwide observational study in Sweden it was found that women age 50-80 who were receiving estrogen replacement therapy were less than half as likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were not receiving therapy. It is important to note that this was an observational study and that further research and clinical studies would be needed before this information could be put to use. Description of Study…

Progesterone supplementation is often given to assist women attempting to become pregnant, especially as a part of IVF and IUI regimens. Progesterone and Pregnancy Progesterone is essential to a healthy pregnancy. It is necessary to both conceive and maintain a pregnancy. One of its roles is in thickening the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg can implant. The thickened lining allows blood vessels to grow that will…

Testosterone is commonly referred to as a male hormone. However testosterone is also an essential hormone for women. While circulating levels of testosterone are higher in men, the hormone is also prevalent in women throughout their life. It is an important hormone for health and well-being for both men and women although it is not always recognized as such. Testosterone Misconceptions One misconception about testosterone in women is that it…

Estriol is not as well known or as frequently prescribed as other types of estrogen but it is an effective treatment for many post-menopausal women. It can be applied locally to treat vaginal atrophy associated with menopause. It has failed to gain widespread use in the United States mostly due to the prevalence of estradiol as the main type of estrogen hormone therapy and the fact that it cannot be…

Female pattern hair loss is a common condition affecting women of all ages. Research has shown that for women, the consequences of hair loss can be more severe than for men. Women often experience stress and loss of sleep and may start avoiding social situations when hair loss begins. Body image and self esteem can be seriously affected. Many women will respond to hair loss by first trying to cover…

What is biest cream and what can it do to help improve menopausal symptoms? The majority of transdermal hormone creams that are available commercially have only one type of estrogen. This type is called estradiol or E2, and many name-brand hormone products contain a synthetic version of it. But there are actually three types of estrogen hormones in a woman's body, in addition to hormones like progesterone and testosterone. The…

Women’s health is one of the most frequently overlooked areas in medications that are developed for manufacturing. Many problems that are unique to women do not have FDA-approved medications available to treat them. A compounding pharmacy has the ability to customize medications to meet the unique needs of women. There are numerous medications made by a compounding pharmacy that are not made in any commercially available form. Hormone Replacement Therapy…

The best hormone cream for each individual varies depending on what hormonal imbalances they have. For women, progesterone and estrogen are the most commonly prescribed hormone creams. At a compounding pharmacy these can be combined together into one cream along with testosterone and DHEA. For men, a testosterone cream can be made in multiple strengths. A cream is the most frequently prescribed delivery method for hormone replacement because it is…

Aging of the skin combined with symptoms of hormone decline can lead to feeling aged before being old. Premature aging of the skin can result from years of exposure to UV rays, smoking, and bad skincare habits. With age comes diminished levels of collagen in the skin, which can cause wrinkles and volume loss. Production of hormones also slows with age, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. There are multiple…