Estrogen Therapy Prescription from National HRT
Getting a prescription for estrogen therapy from a hormone replacement clinic such as National HRT® requires more than making a phone call and asking for a script from the doctor. Any type of hormone replacement therapy requires prior blood testing to ascertain if any of the body’s crucial hormones are below a level considered in the normal range. Raising these delicate substances to points higher than that could be dangerous and bring unwanted side effects.
An estrogen therapy prescription is provided to women dealing with symptoms of menopause, those who have had their ovaries surgically removed, or whose ovaries are not performing properly to secrete the needed chemical messengers that keep the body functioning as it should. Men with some forms of prostate cancer are sometimes prescribed treatment with supplemental estrogen, as well.
Because there are a number of different types of estrogen therapy, the doctor will also need to determine which form of treatment will provide the best results. Some methods are better at treating night sweats and hot flashes while others are geared more towards vaginal dryness and urinary tract problems. The information gathered in the physical exam and from the medical history questionnaire will provide guidance regarding the symptoms that a woman is dealing with before an estrogen prescription is written.
Why does Estrogen Require a Prescription?
It is essential to follow proper prescribing guidelines when looking to supplement hormone levels to prevent undesirable side effects that could occur by increasing these levels higher than they should be for ideal physical performance and well-being. Prescription estrogen therapy medications follow strict manufacturing guidelines that are not required for over-the-counter products. The quality of these OTC items not only varies from company to company but can also change from one batch to the next. There is no oversight or regulating force for these products.
Non-prescription estrogen use has not been tested enough to declare it safe to use. In fact, many of these products do carry the same risks and side effects as their prescription counterparts. Some women turn to this option to save on the cost of testing and treatment, but that is can a dangerous prospect, and can have long-term ramifications for someone hoping to strengthen her bones to prevent osteoporosis.
The other reason to get an estrogen prescription is to ensure that the right form of therapy has been provided. A woman dealing with urinary tract infections, vaginal wall thinning, and vaginal dryness will need to be prescribed some form of vaginal estrogen such as:
- Estrogen suppositories
- Estrogen vaginal rings
- Vaginal cream
Although generally considered safer than oral estrogen, vaginal preparations may also present some of the same risks such as cancer and stroke, and are not recommended for long-term use in women who still have their uterus due to the increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
The hormone replacement specialist will use caution in prescribing the proper form of estrogen, especially to women with higher than normal risk factors. For that reason, testosterone therapy may be offered as a safer alternative to some females looking for relief from their symptoms of menopause.
Topical estrogen replacement in the form of a gel, cream, or spray is often considered to be the safest alternative, although there are not yet enough studies to show long-term safety. Oral estrogen is considered to have the highest risk factors, and for that reason, many specialists look at other alternatives for treatment. These are the reasons to work closely with an expert in hormone replacement to get a proper prescription for estrogen therapy.
How to Find the Right Doctor Who Can Prescribe Estrogen?
Finding the right doctor who can provide prescription estrogen therapy is not difficult, but it may take a little bit of research. It is always best to find an expert – a specialist – in any given field before embarking on any type of treatment protocol. In this case, a hormone replacement specialist is typically the best option.
General practitioners are focused on treating a wider range of conditions and do not usually have the in-depth training or up to date research in hormone replacement. Although the first school of thought for many women is to turn to their OB/GYN providers, these doctors often focus the majority of their practice on fertility and pregnancy. Current recommendations are for older women to find HRT specialists to treat menopause with some of the most current options.
At National HRT, we provide full diagnostic blood testing at local laboratories throughout the country to make it easy for our clients to get the answers and help they need. Our commitment to providing the highest level of customer care is evident the complimentary, confidential consultations we offer. For answers to any questions about prescription estrogen replacement therapy or other forms of hormone treatments, contact our clinic today.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.