The heat is turned off: the room is freezing. My kids, husband and the dog watch in amazement as I go from wearing a jacket and sweater to darn near my skibbies. That’s it! I feel it coming; starting in my feet all the way up to the top of my head. I could swear my hair is flaming and my face well, it looks like an extreme case of sunburn except for the sweat streaming down it! I’m my own inferno! Then, just as fast and furious as it came on, it’s gone, leaving behind my now wet, cold self.

Not only can menopause be uncomfortable, it can be embarrassing. Imagine how this may affect your life. One minute freezing; the next red and drenched in sweat. This is an example of the severe symptom of menopause called hot flashes. Many women are very aware when this is occurring and often seek treatment for their symptoms. However, did you know the symptoms of menopause may be more subtle? Insomnia, irritability, crying spells, irregular menses (heavy, light, or erratic), decreased sexual interest, vaginal and skin dryness, bone loss, fatigue and forgetfulness, just to name a few. Starting as early as age 35, many women may start experiencing all or some of the symptoms of peri-menopause or menopause and may be prescribed unneeded medications for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Often times these medications may be habit forming and difficult to discontinue.

Did you know that as women begin “the change of life”, that progesterone levels begin to drop significantly? This lower level of our “feel good hormone” cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. Progesterone is thought to act on our GABA receptors in our brain, the same receptors that drugs like Valium and Xanax work on. So it makes perfect sense with the lower levels of our own natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety remedy, we may not feel as good. Eventually menses will stop and the ovaries quit producing estrogen as well, and at this point most women also feel hot, dry, tired, forgetful, and just not like themselves. During this “change”, often times sexuality and intimacy may also start to feel like a thing of the past. This is completely normal and may indicate your testosterone levels are also declining. Replacing testosterone at doses in the correct amount for you may be life restoring and invigorating. And although we think of testosterone as a men's hormone, it is equally important for women, just at a much lower dose.

Every woman has their own menopausal story. Details that vary may include differences in severity, onset and duration of symptoms. At Highland Pharmacy we are here to help! We customize Bio Identical hormones to suit your needs. Bio Identical hormones are plant based medications that are a mirror image of our own endogenous hormones. Compounded medications from Highland Pharmacy are of the highest quality and are made from scratch in our state-of-the-art lab. We do not use any parabens or harsh solvents in our products. Each formulation is unique and specific for your needs. With the help of your practitioner and our pharmacists, we can help customize your formula!

To get started, stop by and talk to one of our pharmacists for your free wellness consultation!