Compounding Treatment Options

When looking at hormone replacement therapy, there are a number of commercially available products.� Why would your provider chose a compounded medication?� In some situations, compounding offers an advantage in that the proper combination of each hormone can be combined specifically for the patient.� Additionally, the medication can be made into a variety of different dosage forms.�Each of these dosage forms has advantages and disadvantages that may be used to provide improved patient care.

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Dosage Form	Advantages	Disadvantages
Sublingual	Easily dissolves under tongue, Nothing to swallow, can be flavored, Less liver metabolism than capsules.	Can not drink or eat for 30 minutes afterwards, More liver metabolism than creams.
Capsules	Easy to swallow, Can eat or drink afterwards, easiest to travel with.	Liver metabolism may require higher doses to achieve the desired affect.
Topical cream	Increased absorption may allow more effective dosing.	Can be messy and inconvenient
Suppository or Vaginal-Labial cream	Works directly on the area for a more focused affect.	Can be messy and inconvenient