What is Compounding?

The pharmaceutical compounding of medications from bulk ingredients for individual patients, as deemed appropriate by a prescribing physician, is the historic practice of pharmacy and has been occurring for centuries. Compounding is the process by which a pharmacist prepares a medication, prescribed by a physician, to meet a patient’s needs. The dosage or route of administration of compounded, bioidentical hormones varies from that of commercially available drugs and is customized for each individual patient using high-quality custom medication.

Why Choose a Compounding Pharmacy in Houston?

Choosing the right compounding pharmacy in Houston is essential for those seeking an alternative and integrative approach to wellness. At Physicians Preference Pharmacy, we specialize in producing clean medicine. This means your treatment is free of unnecessary fillers, contains no GMOs, and is crafted with your sensitivities in mind. We take pride in providing allergen-free prescriptions that allow the active ingredients to work effectively without the interference of synthetic additives. In addition, we can compound most bioidentical hormones and other compounded medications in multiple dosage forms, such as sublingual tablets, creams, and capsules. Compounded medications are always tailored to patient needs to ensure your provider can be comfortable that you, as their patient, are getting their specific recommendations.

Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

What is a Hormone?

Hormones are chemical substances that act as messengers between cells and carry signals that tell cells what to do.  Each type of hormone is matched to a unique hormone receptor located on the surface of a cell and fits into its receptor like a key into a lock.  Once a hormone “unlocks” a cell, it is able to transmit a message.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) utilizes hormones that are identical in structure and function to the hormones produced by the human body. Natural hormone replacement provides the body with compounded bioidentical hormones that act exactly as the hormones produced by the body. The body cannot distinguish bioidentical hormones from the hormones it produces itself. For this reason, it makes more sense to use bioidentical hormones rather than hormones from horses or other synthetic versions, which are not identical in chemical structure to what the human body produces. The body recognizes bioidentical hormones as its own, thereby safely replenishing declining hormones with much fewer side effects.

By working with a BHRT specialist, your compounded bioidentical hormones can be customized to an individual’s specific hormone needs.

Restoring Balance: Hormone Therapy for Men and Women

As we age, we all experience changes in our appearance and how we feel.  Women often gain weight, lose their sex drive, experience hot flashes, suffer memory loss, become short-tempered, find it difficult to sleep, and so on.  Hormone production naturally begins to decline, resulting in hormonal imbalance—deficiency and/or dominance—the root cause of many of the conditions women suffer from during the premenopausal and menopausal years of their lives.

It’s not easy for men, either, as they go through andropause:  loss of energy and stamina as they age, difficulty thinking and focusing, gaining weight around the middle, and losing muscle mass and strength.  Replenishing the lost hormones with bioidentical hormones and getting them back into balance can restore strength and vitality while protecting against many forms of age-related diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compounding

What is the difference between a traditional pharmacy and a compounding pharmacy?

While a traditional pharmacy sells mass-produced, one-size-fits-all drugs, a compounding pharmacy creates custom prescriptions from scratch. This allows for specific dosages, different delivery methods (like creams or sublingual tablets), and the removal of problematic ingredients.

Why are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic versions?

Unlike synthetic versions, bioidentical hormones are an exact molecular match to what your body produces. This “lock and key” fit allows for better absorption and fewer side effects compared to non-bioidentical alternatives.

Find a BHRT Specialist Near You

Searching for a hormone compounding pharmacy in Houston or the surrounding areas (Physicians Prefrence Pharamcy is licensed nationally and ships through the nation (with the exception of Alabama)? Contact Physicians Preference Pharmacy today to learn how we can customize your therapy with filler-free, high-quality custom prescriptions.