WOMEN'S HEALTH
OPTIMAL HEALTH FOR WOMEN
Proper women’s health begins with a balance of the natural hormones to correct other ailments the patient may be experiencing.
Along with nutrition, diet, exercise, and stress reduction, supplementation with bioidentical hormones can promote harmony within the women’s body. Innovation Compounding is dedicated to helping women at all stages of life.
COMPOUNDING SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
Compounded pharmaceuticals can provide answers to common ailments and conditions, including:
- Hormone imbalance
- Pelvic pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Menopause
HORMONE THERAPY
Women with properly balanced hormones prove to benefit from an increased quality of life. Hormonal balance is critical to a women’s overall health and well-being, and should be seen as a proactive approach to “aging gracefully.” In addition to vasomotor symptom relief, the use of bioidentical hormones have been well-documented in providing protection against certain diseases and conditions, some of which include: cardiovascular disease, mood and mental health, sexual function, osteoporosis, certain cancers, joint pain, and urogenital symptoms. (1-4) Historically, hormonal imbalances in women were simply considered a normal part of the aging process. Some of the common symptoms during the transition include mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, night sweats, loss of libido and muscle mass, and increasing fat mass especially around the waist area.
Therapy should be individualized based on the patient’s physical exam, medical history and laboratory testing. Close monitoring and adjustments are crucial during follow-up to formulate the most effective plan.
Many factors play into the fine balance of women’s hormones. The thyroid and adrenal glands are crucial pieces of the puzzle for optimal hormone equilibrium. In addition, a woman’s diet, exercise regimen, and stressors, also play into the puzzle. An attitude of integrated medicine and overall well-being of the women’s body is key to discovering correct bioidentical hormone replacement therapies.
Ask your doctor about the possibility of HRT if you are experiencing the symptoms above. You may have a hormone imbalance.
References
- Writing group for the PEPI Trial. Effects of estrogen or estrogen/progestin regimens on heart disease risk factors in postmenopausal women. The Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions (PEPI) Trial. JAMA 1995; 273:199-208.
- deVilliers TJ, Pines A, Panay N, et al. International Menopause Society. Updated 2013 International Menopause Society recommendations on menopausal hormone therapy and preventive strategies for midlife health. Climacteric 2013; 16: 316-337.
- Miller BE, DeSouza MJ, Slade K et al. Sublingual administration of micronized estradiol and progesterone, with and without micronized testosterone: Effect on biochemical markers of bone metabolism and bone mineral density. Menopause 2000; 7(5): 318-326.
- Finckh A, Berner IC, Aubry-Rozier B et al. A randomized controlled trial of dehydroepiandosterone in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(7): 1336-1340.
PELVIC PAIN
Chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia are two frustrating pelvic disorders mostly seen in young adult women. Both of these conditions fall under the category of “chronic pelvic pain syndromes.”1
Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. The pain can manifest in one or multiple areas and can range in intensity and type, from a burning sensation to a constant, sharp pain. If the pain is located in the vestibule and the tissues surrounding the vaginal opening, the condition is called Vestibulodynia, in which pain occurs during or after pressure is applied to the vestibule by sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, a gynecologic examination, prolonged sitting, or wearing fitted pants.2
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) refers to prolonged (6+ months) pain that occurs below the belly button, which may or may not be associated with menstrual periods. CPP can be a symptom caused by one or more different conditions, but in many cases is a chronic condition due to abnormal function of the nervous system, otherwise known as neuropathic pain. The type of pain varies from mild, which comes and goes, to severe, which can interfere with sleep, work, and life enjoyment. Symptoms include dull to sharp, severe cramping during periods, pain during sex, pain during urination and bowel movements, and pain in certain positions and postures.3
Ask your doctor to find out the best CPP options for you.
References
- Doggweiler R. et al. A Standard for Terminology in Chronic Pelvic Pain
Syndromes: A Report From the Chronic Pelvic Pain Working Group of the International Continence Society. Neurourol. Urodynam. 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. - https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/
- Speer LM, Mushkbar S., Erbele T. Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Mar 1;93(5):380-387.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
FSD is characterized by persistent or recurrent problems with sexual response or desire. Nearly half of all post-pubertal women in the U.S, and a vast majority of peri- and post-menopausal women, experience sexual symptoms that reduce their desire or physical intimacy. This high prevalence is partially due to the hormone fluctuations that women undergo, but there are many other factors that can impact sexual health. In the Prevalence of Female Sexual Problems Associated with Distress and Determinants Seeking (PRESIDE) study, a widely cited, large population-based survey of 50,001 US women (63% response rate; aged 18-102 years), low desire was the most common sexual problem, reported in 37.7% of participants; low desire with distress (HSDD) was present in approximately 10% of women and was more common than distressing arousal or orgasm difficulties. (1) Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD, can also be referred to as low sex drive or low libido. Women can also present with difficulty to orgasm. Different types of FSD include:
- Low sexual desire: diminished libido or lack of sex drive.
- Sexual arousal disorder: desire for sex is intact, but they have difficulty or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sex.
- Orgasmic disorder: persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.
- Sexual pain disorder: pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact.
Women with sexual concerns most often benefit from a combined approach that addresses medical as well as relationship and emotional issues.
References
- Shifren JL, Monz BU, Russo PA, Segreti A, Johannes CB. Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):970-978.
