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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:
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Creams |
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Capsules |
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Lotions |
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Lollipops |
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Ointments |
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Suppositories |
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Flavored liquids
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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. |
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Common
Problems Treated by BHRT-
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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