Hieber's Pharmacy, Inc.

When your need is special... you need Hieber's

Home About Hieber's Compounding Physician Information Services What's New?
Joe Bettinger, R. Ph. info@hpharmacy.net

Phone: (412) 681-6400

Fax: (412) 681-8774

3500 Fifth Ave.    Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Mon - Fri: 9am-4pm Sat: 9am-12noon 

or by appointment 

Among the items we make:

Creams

Capsules

Lotions

Lollipops

Ointments

Suppositories

Flavored liquids

The capsule machine allows our staff to make customized capsules that are often used for Hormone Replacement Therapy.  Ask about lactose-free capsules and veggie caps for a more natural option.  

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Overview

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) refers to the use of hormones that are identical to the hormones produced by the body.  These natural hormones are derived from plants and help eliminate some of the dangerous side effects associated with synthetic hormones.  Also, by using bio-identical hormones, we can assure that all metabolites of the hormones are also safe for the body.  

Hormone Replacement Therapy is by prescription only.  At Hieber's Pharmacy, we offer a saliva test that will determine your hormone levels.  We then will work with you and your physician to determine the correct medication for you.  

 Common Problems Treated by BHRT-

Andropause- Andropause is a gradual change in the sex hormone levels of men that results in physiological and psychological changes.  Some symptoms include depression, impotence, decreased libido, muscular weakness and lethargy.  

Menopause- There are two main stages of menopause.  From approximately age 40 to age 50, the main hormonal change is loss of progesterone.  Some symptoms of progesterone deficiency are water retention, irritability, weight gain at hips, migraines and fatigue.  From age 50 on, the levels of estradiol in the body drop producing hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, memory problems, depression and bone loss.  

  Hypothyroidism- Hypothyroidism is associated with the thyroid gland's inability to produce adequate amounts of T3 hormone.  In most cases, commercially available thyroid medications are used.  Most of these commercially available products contain the hormone T4, which is converted in the body to the biologically active hormone, T3 hormone.  T4 is used because it is not quickly metabolized in the body and allows for a sustained dosage of thyroid hormone.  However, some patients have an inability to convert T4 hormone to T3.  In some cases, high cortisol levels will block this conversion.  For these patients T3 hormone replacement therapy allows the patient to receive the hormone they need.  

  Vehicles Used for BHRT

 

Capsules- Capsules can be made for any strength or any combination of drugs.  We can combine several hormones into one poly-pill.  At Hieber's we can also create capsules that are dye-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free.  If you prefer non-gelatin capsules ask about our veggie caps.   

 Suppositories- Suppositories can be used both vaginally and rectally.  For BHRT, vaginal suppositories can be used to deliver the hormone directly to the vagina and help reduce vaginal dryness sometimes associated with menopause.  An added benefit of suppositories is that by bypassing oral administration, you can deliver the drug directly to the blood stream, without first-pass metabolism that may decrease the effect of the drug.   

Transdermal Creams- Presently at Hieber's, we use Versabase cream for all topical hormone replacement therapy.  The vehicle has been proven to help active ingredients absorb into the skin.  Topical application also allows a continual, steady dose of the hormone to be absorbed throughout the day.   

 

 

 

Hieber's Pharmacy - 3500 Fifth Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-681-6400 - Fax: 412-681-8774
© 2007 Hieber's Pharmacy | Photography by Joe Renckly