In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week, April 21-27, PCCA Director of Clinical Services Sara Hover, RPh, FAARM, discusses how fertility is increasingly viewed as an indicator of overall health; how the intertwine of metabolic balance, hormone production and mitochondria impact fertility; as well as a way compounders can help those whose individual needs exceed commercially available medicines.

Vulvodynia, a condition shrouded in mystery, affects 7% of American women and many times is misdiagnosed as vaginitis.1 The chronic vulvar pain disorder — often described as itching, burning or stabbing sensations — presents symptoms ranging from persistent discomfort to pain during intimacy.2 To better assist patients, we will explore the signs and symptoms of vulvodynia, illuminate the connection with pelvic floor dysfunction and discuss various ways to help patients: topical medications, pelvic floor physical therapy and the intriguing world of acupuncture.

Although January is National Thyroid Month, our Clinical Services team gets a lot of queries throughout the year on managing thyroid patients, including those with autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). While thyroid clinical management may seem complicated, understanding some basics of thyroid physiology and the pathophysiology of these autoimmune diseases may help make a difference in patients’ lives.

The human body is a complex network of interconnected systems, and recent research has shed light on the intricate relationship between visceral adipose tissue (VAT), estradiol levels and cognitive health.

At the beginning of a new year, many people begin a detoxification and weight loss journey as part of their annual resolutions or to recover from over-indulging during the holidays. But in an environment where most are exposed to a variety of foreign contaminants daily, practices that help minimize or remove chemicals unknowingly stored in the body have become an important habit throughout the year.

Read how inflammation impacts the immune system and how diet and nutritional supplements can potentially help immune system functions.

Learn about the properties — including a biomarker for efficacy, known and unknown mechanisms of action and more — of minoxidil, the only FDA approved topical active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for alopecia in men and women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age across the globe and the CDC estimates PCOS may be one of the most common causes of infertility. Learn how to help patients with PCOS.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), also known as vulvovaginal atrophy, is common among menopausal women. Learn more about GSM, relevant hormones and the importance of choosing the right base for compounding preparations.

Wellness Works Manager Stephanie Allen reviews nutritional supplements that may help women thrive.