Haber's Compounding Pharmacy
1584 Bathurst Street M5P 3H3 Toronto, ON, Canada

Compounding allows the recognition that each patient is unique hence each preparation is customized. Compounding pharmacies can formulate a wide variety of different dosage forms for BHRT. Some of the most commonly used dosage forms include transdermal cream, gel, lotion, spray, sublingual drops, vaginal suppository, vaginal cream, oral capsule, troche, and injection. A particular dosage form can contain single or multiple hormones to meet each patient’s unique needs and doctor’s request. http://www.hormoneharmony.ca/frequently-asked-questions/

Ask the expert: What are bioidentical hormones? Biologically identical hormones are derived from plants, such as the wild yam or soybean plant, and are chemically and functionally identical to human hormones. The wild yam is rich in precursor molecules that can be converted in the laboratory into estrogens and other hormones whose molecular structure is the same as those produced in the human body. Bio-identical hormones used in BHRT include estradiol, estrone, estriol, pro...gesterone and testosterone, DHEA and androstenedione. Biologically identical hormones are believed to produce the same physiologic responses in the body as endogenous hormones (those made by the body). Substances that are most similar to what our body produces naturally are thought to support human functioning without increased risk of allergic reactions and sensitivities. Moreover, an often over-looked aspect of biologically identical HRT is that it may vastly improve the quality of life for women suffering from a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Biologically identical hormones can be prepared by a compounding pharmacy in dosages and various administration forms to suit each individual patients. http://www.hormoneharmony.ca/bio-identicals/

As the expert: "How do I test for individual levels of hormones? Levels of the sex hormones as indicated by testing with blood, saliva or urine are not definitive. They have their limitations. Each test can indicate a different level and should only be looked at as a tool to help form a suitable treatment. It should never be treated as the sole indicator but needs to be looked at relative to the symptomatology of the patient bearing in mind the limitations of the test. http://www.hormoneharmony.ca/progesterone/

That is the Question! ....Wellness is not just about using hormones when they are required, it’s also about proper nutrition, necessary supplementation and appropriate exercise. Healthy digestion and stress control are the pillars at the starting gate of healthful living. Pharmaceutical medications although sometimes necessary are quite often introduced prematurely without addressing the cause of a particular symptom or illness. An holistic approach can quite often avoid the ...use of drugs. When medications are necessary, supplementation with the proper nutrients that these medications deplete by virtue of their actions and interactions, can keep their use to a minimum and prevent the introduction of new symptoms. http://www.hormoneharmony.ca/frequently-asked-questions/

Join the team at Dr. Paul Jaconello's Open House on Saturday, February 21 from noon - 5 pm! Speakers will cover topics on Functional, Environmental and Energy Medicine, Spinal Care and Holistic Dentistry. Details are below. Cost $10. http://www.jaconello.com/35th-anniversary-celebration-open-

Testosterone Therapy for Men: Is it safe? We know the effects of low testosterone on aging men; frailty, muscle loss, weight gain, impaired cognition, fatigue, loss of self-confidence, depression, declining bone health, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. But some headlines suggest it may increase cardiovascular disease. Here's Marvin's take on the subject. ...Continue reading

In honor of our last (?!) snowfall of Winter 2014 and all of us going through hormonal mood swings :)

What is Male Menopause, also known as Andropause? An increasing number of men have concerns about a decline in hormones during mid-life, and as a result the words andropause and male menopause are now popping up everywhere. The key difference between menopause in women and andropause in men is the rate of hormonal depletion. While women experience drastic reductions in sex hormones with the onset of perimenopause in their 40's and menopause (average age of onset 52), te...stosterone production declines slowly in men. Research shows that on average, men lose 10% of their testosterone every decade (or about 1% a year) once turning 30. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report analyzed male hormones and found that the testosterone levels in most 70 year old men were 10 percent of the level in 25 year old males. By middle-age, men can begin experiencing symptoms of andropause. It's estimated that 1/3 men in their 50s experience symptoms of andropause, including: - Depressed mood - Fatigue - Weight gain (esp. in the stomach) - Decline in libido and/or sexual function - Weakness and loss of muscle tone Male menopause can be treated with supplements and diet and lifestyle interventions. When necessary, bioidentical testosterone can safely and effectively reduce or eliminate andropause symptoms to counteract declining levels. If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, call us. We can help!

The Challenge of a holistic approach managing menopause including the use of BHRT: Although BHRT and supplements have a great deal of science behind their use, we recognize a number of significant challenges await you, including: The number of holistic therapies available to help manage menopause and mid-life vitality is staggering. Where do you start? Unbiased educational information on natural healing strategies found on the internet is scattered and often hard to find. Of...ten, general sites on menopause are sponsored by organizations funded by big Pharma, though not obviously. Some holistic therapies work very effectivelysome are essentially useless. How do you know the difference what works and what doesn’t work? That’s where Marvin Malamed comes in. As a pharmacist practicing on the front lines for over two decades, Marvin has witnessed first-hand the efficacy of various modalities tried by thousands of women. He's guided many MDs regarding dosing of natural hormones to help their patient’s navigate menopausal symptoms. Applying two decades of a pharmacist’s knowledge of drug interactions and depletions, the ability to custom-compound individual bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and the knowledge gained as a Certified Clinical Nutritionist means that Marvin is uniquely qualified to help you manage menopausal symptoms safely and effectively! Call the pharmacy today for an in-depth consult. We can help!

Mood disorders and hormonal imbalances: Many women are still able to function relatively normally the 10-day or so time period prior to menstrating with moderate PMS symptoms. However, it's estimated that up to one in five women have severe PMS ...severe enough to cause a reduced quality of life during the last two weeks of their cycle. ... Many women however do not want to admit they are challenged by PMS ...but acceptance of the condition is the first step in finding safe and effective solutions. Start by keeping track of your periods/moods with a simple daily mood calendar. Symptoms can vary in intensity from month to month (often directly related to the general stress level in your life at the time) but you may start to see a monthly pattern in your moods if you keep track daily... You don't have to suffer alone with potentially devastating PMS symptoms. Call us, we can help.

One mom shares her experience with postpartum depression: "Many moms are told about the baby blues I think there’s an aptly colored blue pamphlet given out at the hospital that talked about how normal it was assuring it would subside within a week or two: signs, symptoms, coping strategies etc. It made some mention about what happens if it lingers, pointing to postpartum depression, but little else other than a suggestion to talk to someone if we suspected it.... I was living in hell for close to 10 months before I did anything about what became a full blown, bleak, relationship-busting bout of PPD." Don't suffer alone with postpartum depression. You're not alone - we can help! We've helped hundreds of women safely navigate depression after giving birth with supplements, proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and safe, proven effective bioidentical progesterone. The warning signs are different for everyone but may include: - loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex - Eating much more, or much less, than you usually do - Anxietyall or most of the timeor panic attacks - Racing, scary thoughts - Feeling guilty or worthlessblaming yourself - Excessive irritability, anger, or agitationmood swings - Sadness, crying uncontrollably for very long periods of time - Fear of not being a good mother - Fear of being left alone with the baby - Inability to sleep, sleeping too much, difficulty falling or staying asleep - Disinterest in the baby, family, and friends - Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions If these warning signs or symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, you may need to get help. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, recovery is possible with proper treatment. http://www.drnorthrup.com/w/healthcenter/topic_details.php

DID YOU KNOW?: "About 5x more women than men are hypothyroid...that alone gives us a big clue that thyroid is connected in some way to estrogen, progesterone, and other steroid hormones." (see link below for symptoms and how to test for thyroid function) The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ found just below your Adam’s apple. It secretes the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyroxine (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolic rate, in a complex way. Thyroid function has a... substantial effect on the function of nearly every other organ in the body. Therefore, your thyroid gland has a profound influence on your overall health, and may be a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Thyroid problems are common among women in, or near perimenopause and menopause (PM&M). Statistics show that one in eight women between the ages of 35 and 65 and one in five women over the age of 65 have some form of thyroid disease. Most common is hypothyroidism, the result of not making enough thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms are mood disturbances (depression and irritability), low energy levels, mental confusion, and sleep disturbances. Some patients tell us it was an extreme intolerance to cold like ice in my veins that was the tell-tale sign. (the thyroid regulates metabolism and temperature amongst many other bodily functions): Others symptoms include: Hair loss or dry hair Decreased heart rate Constipation Problems with attention and concentration Shortness of breath Fatigue Tingling in the fingers Muscle cramps Dry skin and puffiness in the face, hands, and feet We can help work with your MD to assess your thyroid function tests (hint: you need to know more info then what is generally tested by most MDs your TSH levels) and suggest supplements, nutritional interventions and bioidentical thyroid medication where needed. Call us, we’re here to help!

From PMS in your 20's and 30's to perimenopause in your late '30s and early '40s to menopause in your 50's (average age of onset of 52) women can face potentially disruptive hormonal imbalances for up to three-quarters of their lives! You have more control over your hormones then you might think. If you're experiencing disruptive hormonal shifts at any age, call us, we can help!