|
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
Therapy and Saliva Testing
When it comes to hormone levels, one thing is certain: each individual
person has different needs. If you are wondering about your hormone levels, considering supplementation, or even
just looking for information and options, Rxtra Care Pharmacy can help.
|
| A collection tube for a saliva sample |
Steroid hormones play a vital role in maintenance of health. Knowledge
of an imbalance in any one or more hormones can help identify the cause of health problems and provide a rational basis
for correcting the imbalance through diet, exercise, or hormone supplementation. Symptoms of hormone imbalance include menopause,
andropause (the "male version" of menopause), stress, fatigue, decreased libido, depression, mood swings and many others.
If you are experiencing any of these, it might be a good idea to have your hormone levels measured. At Rxtra Care, we recommend
a saliva test kit provided by ZRT labs.
 Why test saliva? Studies
have shown that there is a strong correlation between the levels
of steroid hormones in saliva and the bioavailable (free) levels of steroids in the bloodstream, which are the active hormones
that can cause changes such as the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Saliva testing has many advantages over blood testing for steroid hormone
levels. Saliva collection is easy, non-invasive and can be done anywhere, any time and at a much lower cost. Additionally,
hormones in saliva are exceptionally stable. Samples can be stored
at room temperature for at least a week without loss of activity, so samples can be shipped to the testing facility by regular
mail.
How does it work? Saliva hormone testing allows you to take
more control over your own health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above and want to have your hormone
levels tested, we can provide you with the test kit at the pharmacy. You then take it home, collect a sample, select which
hormone levels you want tested (we can help you do this according to the symptoms you are experiencing), and mail the completed
kit to ZRT Laboratory. It's that simple. Once we receive your results, we will work with you and
your physician to discuss the results of the tests and consider your goals. Then we will decide what type of a supplementation
plan, if any, will help you reach those goals.
There are many options for hormone supplementation. Several products are available over the counter
such as progesterone creams and DHEA supplements. If you decide to go the prescription drug route, many synthetic products
are commercially available. Bio-identical hormone replacement is also an option.
What is bio-identical hormone replacement? Rxtra Care Pharmacy specializes in compounding
bio-identical hormone products. Bio-identical means that the chemical structure of the hormones in the product are completely
identical to those found naturally in your body. We work with your physician to create the perfect dose of the exact
amount of each type of hormone you need supplemented. This dose can be incorporated into a single capsule taken once
daily. We can also make it into a cream, a flavored oral drop, a lozenge, a gel, a suppository--almost any form of administration
you prefer. Thus, we can make an individualized dose and form of bio-identical hormone replacement that is perfect for only
you. This dose can easily be adjusted each time you need a refill according to how your hormone levels change as well.
Contact us for more information!
Private Consultations Available. If you are interested in a private, one-on-one
consultation with a pharmacist about your hormone concerns, please call to schedule an appointment. The charge is $100/hour.
|
