How to prescribe hormone replacement therapy for prescribers?
There are many conditions that may require hormone replacement therapy that encompass a variety of specialties. Some of these conditions include thyroid conditions, women’s health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or erectile dysfunction. Due to the expanse of conditions that could be contributing to your patient’s quality of life and other comorbidities, it may be beneficial to start incorporating hormone replacement therapy into your practice.
One important way to begin is to have access to blood work. This can either be through an in-house lab or through a contractual agreement with an external lab you can send samples to. Examples of results that would need to be monitored through these labs prior to initiating hormone therapy include thyroid levels (ex. TSH, T3, T4) and general hormone levels (ex. testosterone, progesterone, estrogen).
To Patients: How do I know I need a hormone to feel optimal?
Symptoms of needed hormone optimization are involved with a lot of life quality aspects. So, while it may just seem like an “off-period” emotionally and/or physically, if the symptoms are persistent, it may be a good idea to get an evaluation to see if hormone imbalance is the cause.
Symptoms may include:
- Hot flashes
- Low sex drive
- Mood changes
- Insomnia and/or fatigue
- Weight gain
- Frequent bowel movements or frequent urination
- Constipation
To providers: What symptoms would a patient present with at an appointment?
Low Testosterone
- Erectile dysfunction/decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Decreased muscle mass
- Mood changes and/or difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia and/or fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Hair loss
- Gynecomastia (more development in the breast tissue)
There may also be an increased chance of infertility due to decreased sperm count.
Low Estrogen
- Vaginal inflammation and/or dryness
- Painful intercourse/decreased sex drive
- Urinary incontinence and/or pain
- Amenorrhea (missing periods)
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Mood changes and/or difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia and/or fatigue
There may also be an increased chance of infertility.
Low Progesterone
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Insomnia and/or fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Irregular periods
- Decreased sex drive
- Headaches
- Vaginal dryness
- Low blood sugar
There may also be an increased chance of infertility.
Why Preston’s Pharmacy for hormone replacement therapy for prescribers?
Preston’s Pharmacy offers consultations for prescribers looking to expand their practice by incorporating hormone replacement therapy into their practice.
Consultations include:
- Discuss current available treatments for the management of hormone and thyroid levels
- Assess patient’s eligibility through the patient’s symptoms, medical history. and blood work
- Review the steps in order to set up an account with a lab to submit blood work
- Discuss medications commonly prescribed and how they work for patients in terms of timelines to see results and overcome common side effects
- Discuss the benefit of working with compounding pharmacies to help manage hormone levels in patients
- Review stability considerations for the ingredients discussed in various dosage forms
- Review several sample formulas consistent with the discussed ingredients and routes of administration
- Discuss recommended lifestyle and health changes in congruence with hormone medication
- Discuss how to monitor progress and how to adjust dosing based on patient feedback
Click here to sign up for a consultation with our hormone pharmacist today! Learn more about other consultations that Preston’s has to offer. Experience a community-based, patient-focused pharmacy for any hormone or thyroid needs.
