In a woman’s life, the absence of menstruation for 12 months marks the official beginning of menopause. Waning ovarian function coupled with declining circulating hormone levels spark natural menopause, but menopause may also occur as result of surgical procedures such as following a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. Commonly reported symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and weight gain,1 with an estimated 70% of menopausal women experiencing weight gain.

Studies show how estrogen deficiency in women decreases skin firmness, impairs wound healing, increases the number and depth of wrinkles, and contributes to skin thinning and dryness.

Menopause causes more than hot flashes, mood swing and changes in libido; it also impacts diseases caused by shifting changes in the vaginal microbiome. Bridget Briggs, MD, sheds light on the vaginal microbiome, its influences on a woman’s health throughout various life stages, as well as how HRT helps mediate changes — and associated diseases — in the vaginal microbiome during menopause.

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.

Compounding pharmacists are committed to helping their patients live healthier, better lives —and key to this is ensuring their patients have continuing access to lawfully prescribed, personalized medications tailored to their individual needs.

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.

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.

Sara Hover of PCCA's Clinical Services discusses medical treatment and management options for pharmacists helping patients whose health is challenged by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

In the first part of this article, Pamela, Nat, and Sara shined a light on new health risk information compounders should consider when providing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. In this second part of the article, they dive deeper into the BHRT conversation, discussing compounded topical estrogen as an option.

Compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an important treatment option for women around the world. Colleagues and patients alike come to PCCA experts Pamela Smith, Nat Jones and Sara Hover for guidance. In this article, our three experts cover this all-too-important topic in the HRT conversation, on what current literature says about the usage of oral vs. topical estrogen discussion.