With all of these studies and reports, it’s no wonder that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) currently leads all compounding therapeutic areas in the U.S. — or that the U.S. HRT market value is forecasted to reach $12.6 billion within the next five years.³ Maintaining up-to-date HRT knowledge is now a top priority for compounding pharmacists who support patients that experience the many side effects of perimenopause or menopause.

Introducing PCCA Master Courses: HRT

PCCA Master Courses: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a new education tool, will prepare compounding pharmacists to meet the needs of this expanding female patient segment. The dynamic platform delivers specialty education using:

• Online, self-paced HRT education available on demand
• Engaging, multimedia formats for interactive learning
• Continuing education (CE) courses with 25 hours of CE applied for

“We understand the many nuances of compounding and recognize the varied responsibilities of compounding pharmacy owners and pharmacists,” said PCCA Director of Online Education Jerra Banwarth, RPh, FAPC. “This is why we wanted to develop a flexible program that accommodates their busy schedules. We also wanted to make it a dynamic experience to captivate and retain their interest — regardless of time or day. And we recognize the importance of specialty education — it’s an advantage that a compounding pharmacist can use to distinguish their practice from competitors.”

PCCA Master Courses: HRT was developed to be easy to follow and provides a true multimedia experience. Education is delivered through impactful audio, visual and animations, which helps learners better understand the physiological concepts of perimenopause through post-menopause.

Master Courses: HRT is composed of five courses:

1. Introduction to Hormones
   Reviews foundational anatomy and physiology; explores the goals of HRT.
2. Testing and Therapy Options
   Takes an in-depth look at different testing options and applications for utilization.
3. Clinical Evidence for HRT Patient-Centered Care
   Provides insights into patient specific therapies, including dosing, routes of administration and formulations.
4. Bases for HRT Application
   Explores appropriate bases, devices and compounding considerations for HRT formulations.
5. Building a Thriving HRT Compounding Practice
   Provides a foundation for marketing your expertise and knowledge; offers professional recommendations on how to implement a hormone consultation practice.

Earn Your Certified Master Designation in HRT

Upon successfully completing the Master Course, learners can take their expertise further with the PCCA Certified Master* designation. The designation is achieved in two steps:

1. Successfully complete all courses in PCCA Master Courses: HRT by February 7, 2025.
2. Attend a PCCA HRT Symposium within 12 months: in-person or virtually at the Las Vegas HRT Symposium, February 20-22, or at the virtual HRT Symposium on July 24-25, 2025.

The HRT Symposium and Master Courses: HRT are complimentary educational achievements designed to help shorten the learning curve and create a powerful experience for pharmacists. In addition to increasing their knowledge, those who achieve the PCCA Certified Master designation can use it to market their practice to prescribers and patients.

“We work to ensure our education programs and symposiums benefit all attendees — from pharmacists to pharmacy technicians and medical practitioners,” said PCCA Senior Director of Education Renee Prescott. “We hire industry-expert speakers who share cutting-edge clinical research, provide ample time for participants to network and we apply for CEs, yet another benefit. More than 98 percent of participants give us an ‘A’ grade.”

Participants who achieve their initial Certified Master designation have the option to recertify by attending the PCCA HRT Symposium every two years.

“There’s always something new to learn,” said Jerra. “Serving this population not only helps women, it also benefits their families, friends, workplace and communities.”

Prepare to meet the needs of a growing market. Register today for PCCA Master Courses: HRT.

PCCA members with clinical service access may contact our Clinical Services team for additional information on compounding for HRT and other compounding concerns. Members without clinical services access can learn how to connect with the experts on our Clinical Services team.

PCCA is recognized as the leader of quality products, education and advocacy in the compounding industry. Find out how a PCCA membership can benefit your compounding practice.

*The Certified Master award is an internal designation provided by PCCA. It does not denote a board certification or certification by a licensed health care body. Pharmacists and practitioners are eligible for the Certified Master designation.

References

1. Zhang L, Ruan X, Cui Y, Gu M, Mueck AO. Menopausal Symptoms and Associated Social and Environmental Factors in Midlife Chinese Women. Clin Interv Aging. 2020;15:2195-2208. Published 2020 Nov 16. doi:10.2147/CIA.S278976
2. National Institute on Aging. News. Research explores the impact of menopause on women’s health and aging. Research Highlights. 2022. Accessed December 2024 at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/research-explores-impact-menopause-womens-health-and-aging#hormone
3. Grand View Research. Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis By Product (Estrogen & Progesterone Replacement Therapy), By Route of Administration, By Disease Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030. Accessed October 2024 at https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hormone-replacement-therapy-market

These statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care or encourage its abandonment.