As I approached menopause (and even during pre-menopause,) I started having severe insomnia. My menopausal symptoms got even worse to include, severe night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, and hair loss. The insomnia was most debilitating especially at work. I was exhausted and it affected my productivity and overall health. I discussed this issue with my physician who recommend behavior therapy which I did. While it was wonderful information, it did not help my insomnia or other menopausal symtoms. Deep down I felt and sensed there was something "chemical" about my disorder that was hard to describe even to my doctors. On a recent visit to a new gynecologist who had significant training in hormonal disorders, I had an in depth hormonal analysis through a specialized laboratory that did the testing. Based on the result, my physician recommended a regime specific to my needs. Something only a compounding pharmacy could do. I have been on the hormone replacement therapy for four months now and my life has completely changed. My insomnia has improved significantly. My energy level has improved, night sweats are gone, and my hot flashes are minimal. I am able to exercise more and have been able to lose weight. I can think more clearly and I am much more productive and happier. I worked in the medical field my entire life. I believe that there are certain areas of pharmaceuticals where a compounding pharmacy is needed and they should be allowed to continue their valuable work. I understand the risks of hormone therapy, and my doctor has worked to put together a regime to reduce those risks. Like all medications that the FDA approves, risks versus rewards are always a consideration. In this case I feel the rewards outweigh the risks.