I was being treated - unsuccessfully - for at least 10 years for vaginal atrophy and vulvodynia, suffering extreme discomfort. Hormone imbalances also greatly affected my quality of sleep, caused moodiness, and resulted in osteoporosis as well as hot flashes that actually got worse over time rather than less. A new family physician prescribed a hormone compound and miraculously many of my symptoms disappeared. The compound has been tweaked a few times to get the proper results for me individually. If I were to not have this individualized compound, I would still be miserable, I would still have osteoporosis and would have to take a medication for that, and I would not have the same quality of life I enjoy now. The ability of my doctor to work with my compounding pharmacist to formulate a compound specifically for my individual situation is vital to me.