Personalised Hormone Replacement Therapy in Australia
At Zenith Pharmacy we prepare customised compounding medication for hormone replacement therapy HRT in Australia. Our pharmacy supports people experiencing menopause symptoms by creating formulations tailored to individual needs.
Custom Hormone Balance Treatments from HRT Compounding Pharmacy
Hormone replacement therapy is designed to support and stabilise hormone levels through a personalised, long-term treatment plan. In Australia, HRT is often prescribed for women who are navigating menopause, a stage where declining estrogen levels can trigger symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes and reduced overall wellbeing.
Men may also require hormone therapy to restore natural hormone balance. This can be necessary after certain medical treatments, including cancer therapies, or due to diagnosing hormonal deficiencies that affect energy, mood or general health.
Because hormone replacement therapy can involve specific risks, possible side effects and dosage considerations, it is essential that treatment is managed under the guidance of a qualified doctor. Your pharmacy can then prepare the prescribed medication in a form and strength that suits your individual needs, ensuring safe and effective hormone support over time.
Androgen deficiency
Androgen deficiency is when your body does not produce sufficient male hormones, commonly testosterone. This is due to medical or neurological conditions, or after some chemotherapy treatments. It is not due to a “male menopause”. Androgen deficiency symptoms include:
- Hot flushes and sweats
- Reduced sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Breast development
- Depression
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat, particularly abdominal fat
- Sexual dysfunction
- Body hair loss
Diagnosed androgen deficiencies are treated with testosterone replacement therapy, using a testosterone compound as a skin gel, a testosterone cream or injections. There are known side effects, so any hormone therapy must be done in consultation with a medical doctor.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause and hormone changes
Menopause is the hormonal process that ends when a woman stops having monthly periods and no longer produces eggs. This is due to the reduction in circulating oestrogen (estrogen) in the body. There is a range of ages when this hormonal decline starts, from the 40s to the 50s.
This period of fluctuating hormones is known as perimenopause. “Menopause” symptoms are most pronounced during this time, which progresses over a period of years. These symptoms include:
- Hot flushes or night sweats
- Vaginal changes including dryness
- Mood swings
- Aches, pains and aching
- Fatigue
- Urinary problems
- Weight gain, especially around the middle
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating or remembering
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Lowered mood and interest in sex.
Six out of 10 women will experience mild to moderate symptoms, while two out of 10 will either have no symptoms or severe symptoms.
Your doctor can diagnose menopause with a menstrual history and symptoms check, and determining the effects of the changing hormones on your quality of life. They will also ask about your medical and other risk factors or any reasons that are not indicated for HRT.
The Australian Menopause Society says HRT is the most effective way to control menopause symptoms while also providing other health benefits. It is safe for women over 50 years or for the first decade after symptoms arise. There is an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer in taking HRT, similar to the increase in risk of being overweight.
Different HRT formulations have different risks. Consult your doctor about the right treatment for you.
Bioidentical or body-identical HRT
Pharmaceutical HRT formulations are prescribed by doctors to restore your hormone balance.
These are sometimes known as ‘body-identical’ hormone therapy and many use the identical hormone chemical structure that is in your body. Others are “synthetic” hormones.
Some women opt for what are known as compounded bioidentical hormones, which are made using specific hormone formulations.
Compounding hormone products gives an option when conventional therapy does not work effectively for some people. Compounded products can be tailored to suit each individual and their hormone levels, mimicking the prior natural levels.
In line with a prescription from your doctor, we can prepare hormones in a variety of strengths and formulations.
IVF Hormone Treatments and Support
During menopause or fertility treatment, some women require additional hormonal support as part of their care plan. In Australia, hormone replacement therapy and IVF related hormone treatments are often prescribed to help regulate changing hormone levels and improve treatment outcomes.
Progesterone in IVF
Progesterone supplements are commonly used during IVF to support the natural hormone and help the uterine lining thicken and stay stable for early pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe progesterone pessaries or progesterone troches, and results can vary, which is why medical guidance is essential.
What is a pessary?
A pessary is a small tablet inserted into the vagina and is a preferred option in many IVF programs because it allows the progesterone to be absorbed more effectively. Many women have questions about when to apply progesterone cream, where to apply it, or how long oral progesterone takes to work. These choices should always be discussed with a qualified health professional to ensure safe and appropriate use.
DHEA capsules for IVF
Some fertility specialists may also recommend Dehydroepiandrosterone capsules as part of IVF support. Research is ongoing, and its effectiveness is still being studied, so this treatment should only be used under medical supervision.
Women exploring hormone replacement therapy or IVF related hormone care should consult with their doctor and an experienced HRT pharmacy in Australia to ensure they receive the most suitable and accurate treatment for their individual needs.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Options in Australia
Hormone replacement therapy is available in different forms, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. At our HRT pharmacy in Australia, these options can be prepared in customized strengths to suit your individual needs. Common formats include tablets, skin patches, gels, and vaginal applications.
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HRT troches
HRT troches are small tablets that slowly dissolve in the mouth. You place the troche under your tongue and let it dissolve over several minutes. This method allows steady absorption and is a popular option for personalised hormone treatment in Australia.
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HRT creams
HRT creams may contain oestrogen or testosterone, based on your treatment plan. Oestrogen creams are usually applied inside the vagina, while testosterone creams are applied to areas such as the torso or upper legs. A compounding pharmacy can prepare these creams in customized strengths for better comfort and absorption.
Sources
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Androgen deficiency in men
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Androgen deficiency in men
