What are Glucocorticoids?

Glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors such as emotional upheaval, exercise, surgery, illness or starvation. Cortisol plays an essential role in immune function, mobilizing the body’s defenses against viral or bacterial infection, and fighting inflammation; however, chronic elevated cortisol levels suppress the action of the immune system and predispose to frequent infections. Cortisol levels are highest first thing in the morning, to combat the stress of overnight fasting and to animate the body for the day’s activities.

The brain derives most of its energy from glucose, so maintenance of adequate blood levels is a top priority. After a period of fasting, cortisol output increases, and this initiates catabolism, or the breakdown of protein into simple amino acids and their conversion into glucose to feed the brain.

Chronic, excessive stress (emotional or physical), protein deficiency, and lack of nutrients including Vitamins A,C and Pantothenic acid (B5) can cause the adrenal glands to become exhausted, so that they can no longer produce adequate cortisol. This leads to low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), excessive fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infection.

Tightly coordinated production of adrenal glucocorticoids is essential for optimal health. In normal individuals, the breakdown or catabolism of tissues by glucocorticoids is followed by the building up or anabolism of tissues by androgens. As we grow older, an excess of catabolic hormones over anabolic hormones develops, and this is in part responsible for the aging of all the body tissues, and the loss of our ability to repair damaged tissue. The same thing happens under chronic, excessive stress, and contributes to premature aging. Stress can literally burn our bodies out prematurely.

What Are Androgens?

Testosterone and DHEA are considered androgens and they play an important role in tissue regeneration, especially the skin, bones, and muscles. The principal androgen in both men and women is DHEA. DHEA levels decline with age, and in some cases, supplementation with DHEA can restore energy, improve immune function, lift depression and improve mental function. Testosterone is involved in maintenance of lean body mass, bone density, skin elasticity, sex drive and cardiovascular health in both sexes.

What Is Progesterone?

Progesterone can be thought of as a hormonal balancer, particularly of estrogens. It enhances the beneficial effect of estrogens while preventing the problems associated with estrogen excess. Progesterone also helps create a balance of all other steroids. It also has intrinsic calming and diuretic properties. It is important in women, but its importance in men for the maintenance of prostate health is only now being appreciated.

What Are Estrogens?

Estradiol, estrone, estriol are predominately female hormones, and in adults, they are important for maintaining the health of the reproductive tissues, breasts, skin and brain. Excessive estrogens can cause fluid retention, weight gain, migraines and over stimulation of the breasts, ovaries and uterus, leading to cancer. Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to hot flushes, vaginal dryness, rapid skin aging, urinary problems, excessive bone loss and possible acceleration of dementia. An excess of estrogen, relative to testosterone, is thought to play a role in the development of prostate problems in men.

What Flavors Can I Choose From?

Our pharmacists understand that each patient has special needs, and unique likes and dislikes. That is why we offer a wide range of flavors like Spearmint, Vanilla Butternut, & Cherry, etc. to customize medications. We want to make it easy for everyone (children, adults, and even animals) to take needed medications as directed. We can also flavor medication for your 4-legged family member such as Chicken and Fish Feast. Talk to our pharmacists and see what we can do for you.

What Dosage Forms Are Available?

We have the ability to customize the dosage forms of your medications, making them easier to administer. We compound the following dosage forms:

  • Oral dosage forms such as capsules and suspensions
  • Topical preparations in creams and gels
  • Opthalmic Preparations
  • Otic (ear) Medications
  • Sublingual medications such as Troches & Lozenges that dissolve in the mouth
  • Veterinary transdermal gels
  • Injectable medications

Why do I need compounded medications?

A compounding pharmacist is a problem-solver working with the patient and physician to gain a positive therapeutic outcome. The profession of pharmacy has always been based on this triad relationship. There are many reasons to use compounded medications, including the following:

  • Need for varied dosage form (liquid vs. tablet or capsule)
  • Strength needed is not commercially available
  • Patient allergic to dyes or fillers
  • Medication of choice has been discontinued
  • Problem not responding to conventional treatment
  • Bad taste prohibits patient from taking medication
  • Difficulty or inability to swallow
  • Need to incorporate more than one drug in a dosage form

What is compounding?

The compounding of medications is an age-old art dating back as far as the ancient Egyptians. A compounding pharmacist uses raw chemicals, powders and special equipment to prepare medications. This results in a customized medication made by a pharmacist according to a doctor’s directions to meet an individual patient need.