Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy saved me. During peri-menopause and continuing into my menopause, I became anxious, depressed and irritable. I was difficult to live with and quite frankly did not like the person I became. Intellectually, I knew that my moods were out of control. I also understood, that as hard as I tried, I could not change or alter the emotional roller-coaster that I was riding. A friend that had endured similar symptoms told me about the compounding pharmacy in Beverly, "Custom Medicine" and how using this therapy helped her dramtically. I went to their website, filled out the symptom checklist and my PCP ordered the recommended lab tests and then I sat with the compounding pharmacist. This treatment saved my relationship with my spouse and corrected the hormone imbalance that was responsible for the dark side of me that I did not recognize. Additionally, my hot flashes ceased.
When my medical insurance refused to pay for my prescription, I decided to try a traditional "patch" prescription and asked my PCP to prescribe the lowest dose possible. This patch made me feel like I was premenstrual and I actually spotted blood. My breasts were tender. Despite it being the most minimal dose of estrogen/progesterone replacement, it felt extreme after my ideal individually compounded bioidentical dose. I immediately went back to it. Despite the out of pocket expense, it was well worth it!