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Progesterone Cream: Effects and Side-effects on Skin of Peri- and Postmenopausal Women

For many years topical progesterone has been prescribed as an anti-aging and skin-firming treatment. To evaluate the effects of 2% progesterone cream on function and texture of the skin in peri- and postmenopausal women, a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study was conducted in 40 subjects. Objective methods for measuring skin elasticity and epidermal hydration, and determination of blood hormone levels (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, oestrogen and progesterone) were used to determine effects and side-effects of this treatment at four visits over a 16-week period. The study demonstrated a significant increase of the elastic skin properties in the women who used the 2% progesterone cream, whereas in the control group no such effect was observed. The 2% progesterone cream showed consistent superiority over vehicle in counteracting different signs of aging in the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women. Clinical monitoring showed a greater reduction in wrinkle counts (29.10% vs. 16.50%) and wrinkle depth (9.72% vs. 7.35%) around the right eye, a greater decrease in nasolabial wrinkle depth (9.72% vs. 6.62%) and a significantly higher increase in skin firmness (23.61% vs. 13.24%) in the treatment group. Progesterone was well absorbed in the systemic circulation, but this concentration increased mean blood levels of progesterone only minimally by 0.53 ng/mL. No serious side-effects of the treatment were observed. This study demonstrates that topical 2% progesterone increases elasticity and firmness in the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women. These effects in combination with good tolerability make progesterone a possible treatment agent for slowing down the aging process of female skin after the onset of menopause.

Br J Dermatol. 2005 Sep;153(3):626-34.

Copyright 2008, Storey Marketing

Relieving Pain From Head to Toe: Iontophoresis, Phonophoresis, and Transdermal Therapy

Iontophoresis and phonophoresis are technologies that are capable of enhancing drug penetration through the skin. Phonophoresis uses ultrasonic waves to transmit molecules of drug through the skin, as opposed to iontophoresis, which uses low level electric current. Both techniques are used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Iontophoresis is becoming popular as an alternative to oral and injectable medications because it is non-invasive, non-traumatic, and painless. Many ionic drugs are available including several antivirals, various antibiotics, and other specific drugs. Iontophoresis of ionized drugs provided a 20-60 fold increase in penetration over topical application. Examples of successful applications of iontophoresis include:

• treatment of inflammation/pain of muscles and tendons, including the Achilles tendon
• rapid, noninvasive local anesthesia, particularly for children
• relief of heel pain from bone spurs
• controlling the pain of tennis elbow
• relief of pain from rheumatoid arthritis of the knee
• relief of pain associated with plantar fasciitis
• improvement of jaw function in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• management of hip pain in patients with sickle cell disorders (SCD)
• an alternative to steroid injections for therapy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Iontophoresis can be an important healing com­ponent that will allow physical therapists to move into hands-on treat­ment modalities for conditions such as sciatica. By relieving pain, therapy can progress to other tech­niques that address specific problems so patients can resume higher levels of functional ability. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is often the drug of choice, but ketoprofen is an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats many of the same conditions, including tendonitis, bursitis, arthri­tis, spinal stenosis, acute sprains and strains. Effective for acute and chronic inflam­mation, ketoprofen can be used when patients don’t respond well to dexamethasone or have plateaued in treatment.

Potassium iodide solution has been used to treat scar and tendon adhesions. Potassium iodide can soften and remove collagen, allowing an area to be molded and stretched, so that a patient can increase range of motion and strengthen the overloaded muscle.

Phonophoresis (or sonophoresis) combines ultrasound with topical drug therapy to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations at target sites below the skin. A cream or gel containing medications such as corticosteroids, local anesthetics, electrolytes, or antibiotics is applied to the treatment area and then massaged with a transducer head. The technique has been widely used in sports medicine since the 1960s by podiatrists, orthopedists, and physical therapists.

The method of preparation and quality of ingredients used for solutions or gels for iontophoresis or phonophoresis are key to the success of the therapy and minimizing side effects. Drugs must be compounded into the appropriate base and must be reduced to a particle size that that is small enough to be absorbed through the skin. Preparations should be free from grit and bubbles. Optimal preparation requires specialized equipment such as an ointment mill.

Please call our compounding pharmacy for customized preparations for iontophoresis, phonophoresis, or transdermal drug delivery.

Copyright 2008, Storey Marketing

Is the FDA more interested in your health or Big Pharma’s wealth?

There are many references in the medical literature that describe the benefits and potential advantages of “natural” hormones, which are often prepared by compounding pharmacies. Yet, in response to pressure from drug companies who manufacture commercially available hormones, the FDA has indicated concerns about the term “bio-identical” and the use of estriol as a component of HRT. However, estriol has a USP monograph and has been used for many years in Europe (where it was marketed by Wyeth) with no reported safety issues, and many articles in peer-reviewed medical journals describe the benefits of estriol. Additionally, estriol is in Phase III clinical trials for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and no side effects have been reported. And, pharmaceutical manufacturers are allowed to use “bio-identical” in their marketing programs.

U.S. House Resolution Deems FDA's Policy on Estriol "Not in the Public Interest"

On May 6, 2008, Representatives Mike Ross (D-AR) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) introduced a Sense of the Congress resolution that raises direct concerns over this move by FDA. The resolution, co-sponsored by Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Burgess (R-TX), John Carter (R-TX), Sam Farr (D-CA) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), deems FDA's policy “improper” and urges for its reversal. The resolution also affirms that physicians are in the best position to determine which medications are most appropriate for their patients and that FDA should respect this important physician-patient relationship. Encourage your Senator or Representative to support H. Con. Res. 342.

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• Our compounding pharmacy is regulated by our State Board of Pharmacy and abides by State and Federal laws and follows USP guidelines.
• We use only the highest quality chemicals which are assayed for purity.
• Your questions are welcome.

Copyright 2008, Storey Marketing