(092) A Consequence of Excessive Hormone Supplementation in a Postmenopausal Woman

Abstract Introduction Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can impart significant relief of the distressful symptoms associated with menopause and provide long-term health benefits when started early in menopause. The dissemination to the media of the erroneous report of the Women’s Health Initiative study (WHI) findings in 2002 has led to a reluctance of providers to prescribe HRT and thus a failure to meet their patients’ needs. This has paved the way for alternative therapies and clinics that promote excessive, unregulated compounded hormone treatments that can result in supraphysiologic levels of hormones and severe consequences for patients. Objective The objective of this report is to highlight the adverse effects associated with these unregulated hormone treatments and the importance of clinician adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Methods We report the case of a post-menopausal woman who presented with weight gain, emotional distress, and androgen side effects after receiving a compounded testosterone pellet resulting in excessive serum testosterone levels. Results She was advised to discontinue testosterone supplementation to restore her levels to normal female physiologic range, during which time she faced severe withdrawal symptoms. HRT was then slowly reintroduced to address the menopausal symptoms that motivated her to seek testosterone supplementation in the first place. The patient did not return to a sense of normalcy with her physical and mental health for two years. Conclusions Situations like these can be prevented with proper education and recognition by HRT prescribers of current guidelines and risks of HRT. This case demonstrates the importance of using consistent FDA approved products with appropriate dosing, so women can safely achieve the relief they deserve. Disclosure No.