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Johnson Compounding and Wellness Medicinal Compounds for Hormonal Balance by Gina Cronin
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Hormonal imbalances affect both men and women. Whether related to stress, diet, sleep patterns, inflammation, pregnancy or aging, every person experiences a hormonal imbalance at some point in their life.
s a holistic practitioner, the first thing I do when a client comes to me with hormonal issues is figure out what the symptoms mean and find the underlying imbalance,” says Dr. Gary Kracoff, doctor of naturopathic medicine, RPh, of Johnson Compounding and Wellness. “Depending on the issue, I may recommend lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, or a medicinal compound—as opposed to regular pharmaceuticals.” The art and science of compounding was the standard for providing prescription medications before the emergence of pharmaceuticals. “While conventional, commercially-produced medications hold a one-size-fits-all approach to medicine, compounded medication is made-to-order, using the precise drugs and dosages needed by the individual,” says John Walczyk, RPh, owner of Johnson Compounding and Wellness.
Hormonal Imbalances in Women
When a woman comes into the wellness center concerned about menopause or other hormone-related issues, Kracoff checks the adrenals, the thyroid and runs levels to see which hormones are out of balance. “I then have a consult with my client to
determine what might be causing the hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, irregular periods, loss of libido, or other complications—many times these symptoms can be addressed by lifestyle changes, diet alterations, or herbal remedies,” he says. If it’s found that the client needs further treatment, Kracoff, Walczyk and the compounding pharmacists can work with the client’s doctor to formulate the proper dosage of bioidentical hormones. While conventional hormone replacement therapy uses pregnant horse urine as the main ingredient, bioidentical hormones are naturally sourced from yams. The hormones in yams are identical to those in women; while only some of those from horse urine are similar, and those hormones that aren’t may potentially harm the body. The bioidentical hormone medication is compounded onsite at the pharmacy, using the precise levels of estrogen and progesterone as discussed with the client’s doctor. Beyond getting the ideal dosage, compounded medicine is beneficial because it can be made without preservatives and other artificial additives. This is especially useful for clients that are gluten intolerant, lactose sensitive, or allergic to dyes—as these and other aggravators can
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October 2018
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