Healthy Hormone Replacement

If you are currently on a medical prescription for hormone replacement, take a moment to consider the delivery system. The method by which hormones enter the system is crucial to your health. Research shows that hormones taken orally, versus transdermally (through the skin), pose greater health risks.

A conventional medical doctor can change your oral hormone prescription to a cream that can be made to order from a compounding pharmacy. Tell your M.D. that you would like to switch from oral to transdermal, and also ask for a note on the prescription that you need this due to "sensitivity to chemicals," so that non-toxic ingredients are not used in t he carrier cream for the hormones.

Getting healthy hormone cream means finding a compounding pharmacy that will work with you. If you cannot find one in your area, check a nearby city, or use online sources. Some notes about working with a pharmacy:

• Hormones are sent in bulk from labs to pharmacies as crystalline powders. Typically the pharmacist "picks up" the hormones with propylene glycol, which is a solvent used in the production of plastic, paints and anti-freeze. The hormones are then combined with a lotion or cream. Request that olive or coconut oil be used instead of propylene glycol, so you are not rubbing toxins into your body on a daily basis. If necessary, offer to bring them a supply of oil for your mixture.
• The lotion or cream base most pharmacies use contains toxic ingredients such as preservatives, parabens, fragrance, and cheap filler oils. Request that the compounding pharmacy use your own healthy, organic lotion instead. Quality organic lotion can be found at natural food stores or online sources. For mutual convienence, you can ask the pharmacy to make up a 3-month supply at a time.

Your primary job is to find an M.D. who is willing to help you make this and other shifts that contribute to, rather than undermine, your health. Find an alternative doctor who can help you as soon as possible!