Article from International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists
An entire show dedicated to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) aired Tuesday, April 21, 2009, on the “Dr. Phil” TV show. Dr. Phil’s wife, Robin McGraw, is a strong advocate for BHRT and has used compounded hormones for many years. IACP member Jim Hrncir of Las Colinas Pharmacy in Texas has been the McGraws’ personal pharmacist for 20+ years.
The show was entirely positive and educational about the subject of compounded hormones. Entitled “What’s Hormones Got to Do With It?, the show also featured Dr. Prudence Hall and several patients suffering from various menopause symptoms.
Dr. Hall, a gynecologist focusing on functional medicine, gave an insider’s perspective on the diagnostic process for women suffering from menopause. Hall analyzed the hormone levels of a patient who suffered 12 years before seeking relief. Upon being prescribed BHRT, this patient reported her energy level became constant throughout day, her sex drive increased, her moods leveled out and she had uninterrupted sleep for the first time in years. The patient reflected, “I can live my life the way I want to live it. I feel marvelous.”
Dr. Phil interviewed several other patients who were experiencing severe menopausal symptoms, including a 33-year-old patient going through perimenopause and another female patient who also happened to be an emergency room physician. This physician reiterated how medical school training does not adequately prepare doctors to prescribe medications that are not mass produced and commercially available. Although she is a physician herself, she had never heard of pharmacy compounding or compounded medications until she was prescribed BHRT.
The show did an excellent job portraying the patient-physician-pharmacist triad, emphasizing that each patient should work with their prescriber to determine the customized, individualized prescription that is right for them. Hrnicir and Dr. Hall both reiterated how bioidentical hormones mimic a woman’s naturally-occurring hormones, something synthetic hormones derived from horses cannot do. “You can’t improve on nature,” concluded Dr. Hall.
To read more about the show and view clips, go to; http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/1263