| Health Tip: CUSTOMIZED HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) |
We compound CUSTOMIZED HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) using hormones that have the same molecular structure as those that are made by the human body. The molecular or chemical structure is the key to the actions or side effects that any medication or hormone will have in the body. In order for a replacement hormone to fully replicate the function of human hormones which are produced by the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original.
Chemical structures may be modified to create synthetic products that can be patented by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. A patented drug can be very profitable, and therefore a drug company can afford to fund research as to the medication's use and effectiveness. However, human hormones cannot be patented, so scientific studies are less numerous on these "natural" hormones.
Every person is unique. Therefore, it is a sensible approach for health care professionals and patients to work together to customize hormone replacement therapy in the most appropriate strength and dosage form to meet each individual's specific needs. The precise components of each person's therapy need to be determined after physical examination, medical history, symptoms, and laboratory testing are considered. Close monitoring is essential to ensure that appropriate dosage adjustments are made.
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| Compounding Tip: Protect Women's Health by Participating in BHRT National Congressional Call-In Day |
FDA and big drug makers are trying to rob patients and physicians of a choice in hormone treatments! In early 2008, FDA instituted a new set of policies that will "halt" compounding of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains estriol. Now, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate each have resolutions calling for FDA to reverse its policy on estriol; however, not all Senators and Representatives are aware of FDA's new policy and the effect it will have on women's health. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, we are gathering our forces for a BHRT National Congressional Call-In Day to flood Capitol Hill with phone calls from concerned constituents who will urge their elected members of Congress to sign on to their respective Congressional resolution.
While there has been much success in gaining co-sponsors for these Congressional resolutions, momentum is vital to ensure that FDA reverses its policy on estriol and BHRT. Organized by the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) and Patients and Professionals for Customized Care (P2C2), the BHRT National Congressional Call-In Day is open to anyone who has an interest in protecting access to compounded medicines. Several other important organizations are encouraging their members to participate in this National Congressional Call-In Day, including national pharmacy associations, national physician organizations, and women's health advocacy groups.
Participate and have your voice heard, and encourage others to join us!
1. Visit www.iacprx.org for more information, and on this site, join P2C2 (Patients and Professionals for Customized Care) so that they will be able to email important information to you.
2. Check your e-mail on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 10, for a message explaining the simple steps to call your members of Congress. Our calling system will provide the phone numbers for your Representative and your two Senators, as well as whether he/she has already signed on as a resolution co-sponsor. We will provide brief talking points to help guide your conversation.
3. Make the phone calls! |
