Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers manufactured by glands within the body. Hormones influence a number of body processes.

Pituitary hormones control growth, skin pigmentation, and are instrumental in decreasing painful sensations.

The thyroid gland mainly controls growth and bone formation.

The pancreas secretes hormones controlling body digestive functions. Insulin and other hormones control fat, glucose, and glycogen, and blood sugar balance.

The ovaries and testes control sexual functions, characteristics, and behavior. The hormones released include estrogens and androgens.

Menopause

Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation. It is usually preceded by a gradual decline of the menstrual process; physiologic menopause is the normal decline in ovarian function due to aging.

Changes usually begin between the ages of 40 and 50 and is normally complete near age 55, at which time it is referred to as climacteric, the period which denotes the end of the woman's reproductive ability. Pathologic menopause, or premature menopause, is the gradual or abrupt cessation of menstruation before age 40. Severe infection and reproduction tract tumors are common causes of this condition. Both types of menopause may be accompanied by hot flashes, weakness and, in some cases, mental disease.

Treatment of menopause does not cure the condition; it is directed only towards the symptoms.

Symptoms

Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Apprehension
Decreased concentration abilities
Lack of confidence
Insomnia
Decrease in amount and duration of menstrual flow
Spotting
Episodes of amenorrhea and polymenorrhea
Increased frequency of urination
Burning sensation during urination
Stress incontinence in the urinary tract
Dryness in the vagina
Hot flashes
Excessive perspiring, especially night sweat
Pounding heartbeat
Joint pains
Headache
Itching skin
Loss of skin elasticity and turgor
Increased facial hair
Decreased armpit and pubic hair
Decreased breast size
Onset of osteoporosis, since estrogen is involved in calcium resorption in bones
Atherosclerosis (relation unknown)

Preparations

At Broadway Apothecary, we specialize in designing natural hormone preparations tailored to the individual. Our hormones are "bio-identical" to what the body naturally produces, and are from a soy source.

Broadway Apothecary offers any combination of hormones, at a strength specifically tailored to the individual. Preparations are available in capsules, creams, liquids, suppositories, and troches.

References

Broadway recommends the following books about menopause, hormones, and hormone replacement therapy:

Menopause Without Medicine : Feel Healthy, Look Younger, Live Longer -- Linda Ojeda
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom : Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing -- Christiane Northrup
Natural Hormone Replacement For Women Over 45 -- Jonathan V. Wright, John Morgenthaler (Contributor)
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause : The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone -- John R., MD Lee, Virginia L. Hopkins
Wisdom of Menopause -- Christine Nortthrup
Natural Woman, Natural Menopause -- Marcus Laux, Christine Conrad
The Estrogen Alternative : Natural Hormone Therapy With Botanical Progesterone -- Raquel Martin, Judi Gerstung (Contributor)
150 Most-Asked Questions About Menopause : What Women Really Want to Know -- Ruth S. Jacobowitz

Eugene bookstores: Smith Family, J Michaels Books.

For further information, the following websites may be of assistance:

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