Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Jerry and Lisa Meloche, Pharm.D., Owners, Compounding Pharmacists
At Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy, we are dedicated to fortifying our cardiovascular well-being. Exploring innovative strategies that can safeguard our hearts is paramount. Among these, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT) emerges as a compelling contender, offering a spectrum of benefits deserving our attention. A compounding pharmacist is a valuable resource in optimizing medication therapy for heart health. By providing personalized formulations, dose adjustments, combination therapies, alternative delivery methods, and access to specialized medications, compounding pharmacists empower patients to make informed choices tailored to their individual needs, ultimately supporting better heart health outcomes.
Bioidentical hormones are compounds structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Unlike synthetic hormones, which may have different chemical structures, bioidentical hormones closely mimic the molecular structure of endogenous hormones. This similarity allows for a more harmonious interaction with the body’s receptors, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and potentially less severe adverse effects than synthetic, commercial medications.
One area where bHRT demonstrates promise is in its impact on cardiovascular health. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menopause, can contribute to changes in lipid profiles, blood pressure regulation, and vascular function, all of which play pivotal roles in cardiovascular health. By restoring hormonal balance through bHRT, individuals may experience several cardiovascular benefits:
1. Improved Lipid Profiles: Studies have shown that bHRT can positively influence lipid profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. This favorable shift in lipid levels may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. (Source: Sood et al., 2012)
2. Enhanced Vascular Function: Hormonal changes, such as estrogen decline during menopause, can impair endothelial function, contributing to vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk. Bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to improve endothelial function, leading to enhanced vasodilation and improved blood flow regulation. These effects may help mitigate the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis. (Source: Collins et al., 2014)
3. Cardioprotective Effects: Estrogen, a key hormone in bHRT formulations for women, exerts cardioprotective effects through various mechanisms, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of vascular tone. These effects may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and promote overall heart health. (Source: Mendelsohn and Karas, 1999)
It’s important to note that while bHRT shows promise in promoting cardiovascular health, individual responses may vary. As with any medical intervention, bHRT should be prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient needs, medical history, and risk factors.
At Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy, we can tailor formulations, adjust dosage, provide combination therapies, alternative delivery methods, and access specialized medications not readily available in your “big box” pharmacies. Our pharmacists Jerry, Lisa, and Johnnie, as well as our highly trained technicians, are happy to answer your heart health questions and provide a friendly Florida smile.
Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy custom builds medication, one patient at a time. We use the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, state-of-the-art bases, equipment, and technology. Continual training on the newest techniques, advances in therapy, and regulations allows our pharmacists and technicians to provide the safest, most effective medications for you AND your pets. In addition to compounded medications, we offer pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, health advice, and hormone consults. Creative Scripts specializes in veterinary compounding, dermatology, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), pain management, and more. Pharmacists Jerry and Lisa Meloche have served Naples and surrounding communities since 2005. Visit us at our website: www.creativescripts.net
239-261-0050
600 Goodlette Road North #108
Naples, FL 34102
www.creativescripts.net
References:
• Sood, R., Faubion, S. S., Kuhle, C. L., & Thielen, J. M. (2012). Bioidentical Hormones: An Evidence-Based Review for Primary Care Providers. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(1), 45–60.
• Collins, P., Rosano, G., Casey, C., Daly, C., Gambacciani, M., Hadji, P., … Stevenson, J. (2014). Management of Cardiovascular Risk in the Perimenopausal Woman: A Consensus Statement of European Cardiologists and Gynecologists. Climacteric, 17(1), 52–67.
• Mendelsohn, M. E., & Karas, R. H. (1999). The Protective Effects of Estrogen on the Cardiovascular System. The New England Journal of Medicine, 340(23), 1801–1811.
