PROGESTERONE & TESTOSTERONE Combination 

All Hormone Replacement Therapy should be carefully initiated after a woman’s personal history, family history, and current medical situations are reviewed. Because hormones have many functions throughout the body, their selection, dose, and dosage form should be specific to each patient. Every woman is unique and will respond to therapy in her own way. Therefore, monitoring is important to be sure that the desired effects are achieved and unnecessary side effects avoided.  Most traditional hormone replacement therapy looks to the use of synthetic products. or those derived from animal sources, primarily estrogens. This is not the best approach, especially when natural hormones (which are identical to those produced by the woman) are available.  Commercially available synthetic and animal source products cannot be utilized in the human body to safely produce the full range of effects required for optimal health. Furthermore, side effects are very common when the synthetic or animal-source products are used.

Progesterone

This medicine is used for the treatment of hormone supplementation in women who are undergoing pen-menopause, menopause, or insufficient progesterone levels that include: treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, high-risk pregnancy, spontaneous abortion and menstrual difficulties. Progesterone plays an important role in the development of the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the uterus. The thickening of the uterus allows for the proper implantation of a fertilized egg onto the uterine lining. In hormone replacement, progesterone is used to supplement low levels of progesterone naturally produced and can alleviate many symptoms associated with menopause such as fatigue, headache, and irregular menstruation. Progesterone is also used to prevent estrogen domination of the uterus, which can sometimes lead to uterine hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterus) and uterine cancer. Some studies have shown that progesterone can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may increase bone density.

Side Effects: Because progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone there are very few side effects. Some women have experienced euphoria, restlessness, and breast tenderness and swelling. There have been no known birth defects associated with progesterone used during pregnancy and no known drug interactions have been reported.

Testosterone

Use: This medication contains a hormone that is found naturally in the body. It is used to treat hormone deficiencies in men and women and other conditions as determined by the patient’s physician.

Side Effects: Side effects of this medication can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, depression, acne, chronic priapism, changes in libido, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement, voice changes, and electrolyte retention. If patients are using a formulation that is applied to the skin they may experience itching, discomfort, or irritation. These effects may go away during treatment. If they continue or are bothersome, patients should check with their physician or pharmacist.

Precautions: Patients should contact their physician as soon as possible if they experience frequent or persistent erections of the penis, nausea, vomiting, ankle swelling, or headache. If patients notice other effects not listed above, they should contact their physician.

If patients have Diabetes Mellitus and use insulin, this medicine may effect blood sugar and insulin requirements. Patients should check blood glucose levels closely and ask their physician before adjusting the dose of their insulin.

Directions: This medicine may be administered as a transdermal patch, gel or cream applied to the skin, an oral capsule or liquid, a sublingual drop or lozenge, or an injection.  Patients should always follow their physician’s or pharmacist’s instructions.  Patients should not exceed the dosage prescribed by their physician.  This medication should be stored as directed by the pharmacist.