Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is receiving renewed national attention as more patients seek help for symptoms related to perimenopause, menopause, and age-related hormone changes. From fatigue and mood shifts to brain fog and sleep disruption, these symptoms affect quality of life—but many patients are unsure when to seek help or how to separate evidence-based medicine from online trends.
Dr. Annie Khurana, M.D. of Pinnacle Health in Sun City recently appeared on CW7 Arizona's Daily Mix alongside Stanislav Sazonov, PharmD of MediSol Pharmacy in Glendale, to discuss how hormone therapy is properly evaluated, prescribed, and managed.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment used to relieve symptoms caused by declining hormone levels—most commonly estrogen and progesterone in women going through menopause. HRT can also address testosterone changes in both men and women as part of age-related hormonal shifts.
Common symptoms that may indicate a need for hormone evaluation include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disruption
- Low libido
- Unexplained weight changes
- Bone density loss
How Dr. Khurana Evaluates Patients for HRT
During the CW7 interview, Dr. Khurana explained that hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. At Pinnacle Health, every patient receives a thorough, individualized evaluation that includes:
- Comprehensive symptom review — understanding the specific symptoms, their severity, and how they affect daily life
- Medical history assessment — reviewing personal and family history, including risk factors for blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke
- Lab work and hormone panels — measuring current hormone levels to guide treatment decisions
- Individualized risk-benefit analysis — weighing the potential benefits against each patient's unique risk profile
"Treatment decisions are made based on symptoms, history, and individualized risk assessment," Dr. Khurana explained on the show. "It's about finding the safest, most effective approach for each patient."
The Role of Compounding Pharmacies
A surge in demand for HRT has contributed to a nationwide shortage of some estrogen patches. This is where compounding pharmacies play a critical role. Pharmacist Stanislav Sazonov shared how compounding pharmacies work closely with physicians to create customized hormone formulations when standard options are unavailable or unsuitable.
Compounding pharmacies can prepare hormones in various forms, including:
- Topical creams
- Metered pumps for precise dosing
- Troches (dissolvable lozenges)
- Other patient-specific dosage forms
"Your pharmacist should be working hand in hand with your physician," Sazonov emphasized, "so adjustments can be made for optimum, safe improvements of symptoms."
Who May Benefit from HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate for:
- Women experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms
- Women who have undergone early menopause or surgical menopause
- Patients with bone density concerns related to estrogen decline
- Men and women experiencing age-related hormonal imbalances confirmed by lab testing
HRT is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with a history of certain cancers, blood clots, or liver disease may need alternative approaches. This is why a proper medical evaluation is essential before starting any hormone therapy.
Separating Fact from Fiction
With so much conflicting information online—from social media influencers to unverified wellness blogs—it can be difficult to know what's accurate. Dr. Khurana stresses the importance of working with a board-certified physician who stays current with evidence-based guidelines rather than relying on trends.
Key facts about HRT:
- HRT is FDA-approved and backed by decades of research
- Risks and benefits vary significantly from patient to patient
- The lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration is the standard approach
- Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential during treatment
- Bioidentical hormones from compounding pharmacies are a valid option when prescribed by a physician
Watch the Full Interview
You can watch Dr. Khurana's full interview on CW7 Arizona's Daily Mix here: Compounding Pharmacies & Hormone Therapy – CW7 Arizona
Have Questions About Hormone Therapy?
If you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormonal changes—or if you simply want to understand your options—Dr. Khurana and the team at Pinnacle Health are here to help. We take a personalized, evidence-based approach to hormone health.
Call (623) 295-2952 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation.
Pinnacle Health is located at 10503 W Thunderbird Blvd, Suite 262, Sun City, AZ 85351. We accept Medicare and most insurance plans.