For an explanation of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) — a term that the FDA does not recognize — and the issues that led to the FDA’s action this week against certain compounding pharmacies, see the agency’s latest update, “Bio-Identicals: Sorting Myths from Facts.”
The FDA announced that it will be “cracking down” on pharmacies that sell customized hormone mixtures prescribed by physicians to alleviate menopause symptoms. This is the latest move in an ongoing debate over the growing use of “compounded” hormone products. … [Read more]
I came home from the naturopathic doctor with a shopping bag full of products to try. Though I still have half-full containers of supplements prescribed by a nutritionist I consulted a year ago, I’m giving this approach a second try, albeit with different remedies that are intended for overall well-being, not just menopausal symptoms. Hopefully, the saliva testing I went through helped the doctor pin-point exactly what I’d benefit from. … [Read more]
Every time I have a miserable night’s sleep, and last night was the fifth in a row that I had to take Ambien to knock me out, I reconsider taking hormones for relief of the hot flashes and the associated anxiety that keeps me awake all night and cranky during the day. It would be SOOO easy and I’d feel better in no time. Even my doctor takes them! But then all I have to do is read the latest article in the Harvard Women’s Health Watch newsletter that I now subscribe to. … [Read more]
There are 43 million women of menopausal age (45-54) in this country alone and if my conversations with friends on both coasts are any indication, the collective hot flashes of this demographic group must be contributing to global warming. Now that I’m one of them, I’m noticing other “members” of this tribe wherever I go. … [Read more]
Last weekend, my husband insisted that I visit Pharmaca to look for some natural, over the counter products to alleviate my insomnia. (Poor guy, my insomnia keeps him up too). Pharmaca positions itself as an integrated pharmacy, combining traditional prescription services with natural remedies. Elephant, which offers an herbal pharmacy, is another chain in this category. … [Read more]
