Spence Pharmacy has long been a leader in the formulating of prescriptions for Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy or NHRT. Using Natural "Bioidentical" hormones we feel we can replace the hormone production loss resulting from menopause with hormones that are identical to the ones made by a woman's body during her life.

What is menopause?

Simply put menopause is the transition of a woman's body from a childbearing state to a non-childbearing state. This is brought about by a gradual decrease in hormone output over a number of years. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but in some women it can occur earlier or later. Women who have surgery to remove the ovaries or uterus are said to experience "surgical menopause," the immediate cessation of ovarian hormone production and menstruation.

Since these hormones regulate many functions of the body, their loss or reduction can result in many significant changes in the way a woman feels and her quality of life. Some women have no difficulty with menopause, but many can experience moderate to severe problems.

Most common Symptoms of Menopause

• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Memory problems
• Numbness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Weariness
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Bladder problems
• Leaky bladder
• Recurrent infections

Some other effects of menopause that are not readily identifiable are:

• Changes in Cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Osteoporosis (loss of bone density)
• thyroid problems
• Loss of elasticity and dryness of vaginal tissue

NHRT and menopause

Since women are now living 30 to 40 years past menopause, many are looking for ways to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of menopause and post-menopause so they can increase or sustain their quality of life.

Beneficial Effects of NHRT

• Decreases or eliminates hot flashes and night sweats
• Increases memory ability
• Reduces mood swings and irritability
• Reduction of anxiety and depression
• Helps reduce headaches and joint pain
• Improves energy and stamina
• Correct bladder problems, leaky bladder or chronic bladder infections

Replacement NHRT can also:

• Control or reverse osteoporosis
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Promote elasticity and moisturize vaginal tissue

While NHRT has many benefits for many menopausal and postmenopausal women, it can also have drawbacks. The debate over the effects of NHRT and endometrial and breast cancer continues to be waged in the medical community. Many studies have been conducted in the last few years examining the possible relationship between NHRT and breast cancer. These studies have varied widely in their design and in the types of hormones they used in the studies. Some studies have shown an increased risk, others have not.

Weighing the benefits and risks is part of all medical decisions. Many physicians and researchers feel that NHRT's potential beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and general quality of life outweigh the possible risk of developing cancer. Others are concerned about the negative effects of NHRT. The decision to take or not take NHRT should be a decision made by each woman after careful study and consideration. She should seek the advice of her physician but the decision should be hers alone.

Spence Pharmacy can formulate your Natural Hormone Replacement prescription in our state of the art laboratory, from the finest pure natural micronized hormones available.

We can put the hormones in oral dosages, creams, gels, suppositories, or any number of other delivery vehicles.