Byrd-Watson Pharmacy Centralia

Byrd-Watson Pharmacy Centralia Byrd-Watson Drug Co. is a locally owned community pharmacy and gift shop. Pharmacists:
Wes Breeze, RPh
Kim Wieter, RPh
Lindsay Niedbalski, PharmD
Don May, RPh

Most people know that hydration is important…we’re always told to drink more water. 💧But there’s a second part to hydrat...
03/10/2026

Most people know that hydration is important…we’re always told to drink more water. 💧

But there’s a second part to hydration that often gets missed: Electrolytes.

Your body is actually really good at regulating water: when you’re thirsty, you drink. But for many people, electrolytes (especially sodium) can get depleted.

Low electrolytes can show up as things like:
• fatigue
• headaches
• muscle cramps
• brain fog
• feeling “off” even when you’re drinking plenty of water

The easy fix?! LMNT electrolytes! These packets provide sodium, potassium, and magnesium with NO sugar or unnecessary additives. 🙌🏼

Oh, and btw…it is pronounced “Element”…I recently learned that I have been pronouncing it wrong FOREVER! 🤦‍♀️🤣

To answer the most common question…my favorite flavor is citrus! 🍋‍🟩 Have more questions? Stop in anytime!

Looking for red light therapy…but in the privacy and convenience of your own home? 🙋‍♀️ I was too! That’s exactly why we...
03/09/2026

Looking for red light therapy…but in the privacy and convenience of your own home? 🙋‍♀️ I was too!

That’s exactly why we now carry these medical-grade GlowUp Therapy Face Masks at Byrd-Watson!

One of the little perks that I didn’t fully realize when buying the pharmacy was that I’d also get to curate a front end with all of my favorite wellness products now too! 🙌🏼

What else would you love to see? I’m always looking for ideas if there’s a product or line you’d like us to carry!

Come see me if so…I’ll be the young looking one in the back. (You may not recognize me after my red light treatments! 😉)

Our “shout it from the rooftops” moment today: 📣Today I had a quick conversation with a patient who is somewhat new to u...
03/06/2026

Our “shout it from the rooftops” moment today: 📣

Today I had a quick conversation with a patient who is somewhat new to us…

She shared that she loves the service we provide, but she was shocked to discover that her prescription prices are actually LOWER with us than what she was paying at the chain pharmacy down the road. SHE was shocked, I wasn’t! 😉

I asked her to please shout that from the rooftops and help us spread the word! 📣

We hear it all the time and I wish I knew how to convince people that it’s actually true! 🤷🏼‍♀️

Ultimately, she promised she would definitely help spread the word, but shouting from the rooftop would have to wait until the sun comes back out! 😉

Hang in there guys…brighter days ahead! ☀️

So your labs were “normal”, yet you still feel awful. 🤨 We actually hear that a lot, so let’s take a look at why: Hormon...
03/06/2026

So your labs were “normal”, yet you still feel awful. 🤨 We actually hear that a lot, so let’s take a look at why:

Hormones (especially during perimenopause!) can fluctuate significantly. Estrogen and progesterone levels can change from day to day, and sometimes even within the same day.

So that single blood test is really just a snapshot in time.

Hormone levels also change significantly throughout the menstrual cycle, so if someone tests on the wrong day of their cycle, the results can easily be misinterpreted.

For example:

Estradiol rises and falls throughout the month, while progesterone is very low early in the cycle and rises after ovulation. Testing progesterone too early in your cycle can look “low” even when it’s completely normal.

Then, to add to the confusion, there are the different types of hormone testing. Blood, saliva, and urine testing can each provide different kinds of information…and of course, they each have pros and cons. 👍🏼👎🏼

So bottom line is this…

Hormone testing is a valuable tool, but remember it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Hormones fluctuate, timing matters, and those symptoms you’re experiencing still tell a very important part of the story! Don’t ignore them…even if your labs come back “normal”!

The term “bioidentical hormones” keeps coming up in our hormone discussions. You’ve probably heard the phrase, but it’s ...
03/05/2026

The term “bioidentical hormones” keeps coming up in our hormone discussions. You’ve probably heard the phrase, but it’s often misunderstood.

“Bioidentical” is a fancy word that simply means the hormone has the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by the body.

Not kind of the same.
Not something that acts the same.
They are exactly the same as what our body produces naturally.

It doesn’t automatically mean safer.
It doesn’t automatically mean better.
And it doesn’t automatically mean someone should take hormones.

What does matter are things like:
• Timing (where you are in the menopause transition)
• Dose
• Route of delivery (capsule, troche, patch, cream, etc.)
• Your individual health history and risk factors

Hormones are powerful tools in medicine.

When therapy is appropriate, the goal isn’t just replacing hormones, it’s doing so thoughtfully and individually. Again, not one-size-fits-all.

This is where our compounding lab can play a role. Customized dosing and/or delivery options allow the prescriber to customize therapy tailored to the individual patient. 🙌🏼

There’s so much to cover in this topic…

Tomorrow we’ll tackle another question that keeps coming up:

Should you have your hormone levels tested?

Like everything related to hormones…the answer is not as straightforward as you might think! 🙃

Most people think of hormone changes as hot flashes and night sweats, right? 🥵Actually…hormones influence far more than ...
03/04/2026

Most people think of hormone changes as hot flashes and night sweats, right? 🥵

Actually…hormones influence far more than most people realize and can show up in ways many women don’t immediately connect.

Some symptoms are well known, like:

• Waking up at 2-3am and struggling to fall back asleep
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating
• Increased anxiety or irritability 😬
• Weight gain (especially around the middle)
• Hair thinning

But there are also some lesser-known symptoms that can surprise people, like:

• Itchy ears
• Dry or gritty eyes
• Heart palpitations
• Joint stiffness or “frozen shoulder”
• Tingling sensations in the hands or feet
• Skin that suddenly feels much drier or more sensitive

This doesn’t mean hormones are always the cause. But when several of these symptoms start showing up together — especially during your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s — it may be worth looking at the bigger hormonal picture.

So those itchy ears?? You’re not going crazy! 80-90% of women experience hormonal symptoms at some point, but most of us are just told it’s a normal part of aging. 👎🏼

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…there is a BETTER WAY! 🎉

So now I’m curious. Have you had your hormone levels tested? And if so, did it provide clarity or create more confusion? Testing can be beneficial, but don’t forget that your symptoms are telling a story too!

Here is what I’m realizing after yesterday’s post about hormones:So many women have SO MANY questions! I’m here to help ...
03/03/2026

Here is what I’m realizing after yesterday’s post about hormones:

So many women have SO MANY questions!

I’m here to help answer your questions, but let me share one important truth right away:

Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all.

We can talk about generalizations on social media, but real decisions should always be individualized with your provider. Here’s why:

•Timing matters.
•Your health history matters.
•Your cardiovascular risk matters.
•The type of hormone matters.
•The delivery method matters.

For example…starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause may carry different cardiovascular considerations than starting later. The dose, and even the route (oral vs. transdermal) can influence risk.

This is also where our compounding lab can play a role. When appropriate and prescribed, customized dosing and delivery options allow hormone therapy to be tailored to the individual, instead of being forced into a one-size-fits-all product. 👩🏻‍🔬

My goal isn’t to push hormones.

My goal IS to help women understand their options…so they can make informed, confident decisions. 💪🏼

We’ll keep the conversation going, but I need your help with the direction. Do you want more info on:

•Perimenopause
•Menopause
•Different types of hormones
•Safety concerns
•Compounded options
•Weight gain
•Sleep
•Mood changes
•Something else?
•or all of the above?! 😉

Trust me…if have questions, you’re not alone!

Whew! I’m happy to leave those Vegas lights behind and get back home! 😅I just returned from a 3-day Functional Medicine ...
03/02/2026

Whew! I’m happy to leave those Vegas lights behind and get back home! 😅

I just returned from a 3-day Functional Medicine conference focused on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). (It’s ok if you don’t know what that means…we’ll be talking much more about it very soon!)

Now that I’m home, the reflection sets in…and the question I keep coming back to is this:

“How do I take what I’ve learned and build something sustainable — within the pharmacy that we already have — that will truly serve our patients and support our providers?” 🤔

I am a pharmacist, and I love pharmacy. I believe in medications, I believe in data, and I believe in evidence. 👩🏻‍🔬

But I’ve also been exploring functional medicine for a while now…because I also believe that there is a BETTER WAY than symptom management alone. 🌱

I can’t ignore that patients are told their labs are “normal”, yet they are not sleeping, gaining weight, losing hair, feeling run down, and frustrated that they can’t find answers.

The “Better Way” doesn’t mean abandoning what we know, or choosing one over the other. It has to be building a bridge between the two.

So now the real work begins. Last year we built a building…this year we will build a bridge! 💪🏼💚👩🏻‍⚕️

Three full days. Hundreds of practitioners. One central theme: HORMONES. 🤓And yes - that includes estrogen. The one tha...
03/01/2026

Three full days.
Hundreds of practitioners.
One central theme: HORMONES. 🤓

And yes - that includes estrogen. The one that carried a black box warning for over 20 years! 🤯

But here’s what you maybe don’t know…in 2025, the FDA removed that warning!

For decades, fear shaped the conversation around menopause and hormone therapy.

Is it safe?
Does it cause cancer?
Should I take it?

Well…here’s what we now understand:

For the right patient, started at the right time, estrogen therapy can be not only safe — but profoundly beneficial. In many cases, the benefits FAR outweigh the risks. 🙌🏼

It’s SO much more than just hot flashes…

Estrogen also plays a role in:

• Brain health
• Bone density
• Cardiovascular protection
• Metabolic function
• Mood stability

The era of “it’s a normal part of aging” is over. Who’s ready to dive deeper?! 🙋‍♀️

Alright Vegas…let’s talk hormones! 3 straight days of nothing but hormones…Hormones matter. Sleep matters. Muscle, mood,...
02/27/2026

Alright Vegas…let’s talk hormones!

3 straight days of nothing but hormones…

Hormones matter.
Sleep matters.
Muscle, mood, metabolism…it all matters, and I’m here to take it all in! 🤓

(And yes…I’m still that girl who brings a notebook and takes notes with an actual pen and paper!) 🤦‍♀️👵🏻

Who’s ready to dig deeper with me?

🇺🇸 Are you keeping up with the Olympics? 🇺🇸Here’s a fun fact: Did you know the captain of the USA Women’s Curling Team, ...
02/20/2026

🇺🇸 Are you keeping up with the Olympics? 🇺🇸

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know the captain of the USA Women’s Curling Team, Tabitha Peterson, is also a pharmacist?!

Just look at that focus and determination…that’s how we feel most days in the pharmacy too! 😉

She’s not only representing our country on the world stage, but she’s also making the pharmacy profession proud! 💪🏼

Go for gold, Team USA…we’re all cheering you on! 🥌🇺🇸

One of my favorite things is hearing a new customer walk through our doors and say “I heard your pharmacy could _____”. ...
02/18/2026

One of my favorite things is hearing a new customer walk through our doors and say “I heard your pharmacy could _____”.

I don’t even care what fills in that blank, I just love that the word is getting out that we’re not your typical pharmacy! 🙌🏼

So here’s another one to fill in that blank:

Did you know we offer custom hormone compounding?

Hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We work closely with your provider to create personalized options — prepared right here in our professional compounding lab.

Questions? We’re here, and always happy to help! 💚👩🏻‍⚕️

Address

790 W. McCord Street
Centralia, IL
62801

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+16185322200

Website

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Welcome to Byrd-Watson!

Byrd-Watson Drug Co. is a family-owned, community pharmacy and home medical equipment company. We have proudly served Centralia and surrounding communities since 1906! Byrd-Watson has become the leading pharmacy in the area and strives to provide excellent, personalized care to each of our patients. The knowledgeable pharmacy staff is always available to answer your questions and is dedicated to providing fast, convenient, and friendly service. While you wait for your prescriptions, you can shop in the Byrd's Nest Gift Shoppe. The friendly staff is always there to help you find the perfect gift...and don't forget they gift wrap for free! They strive to have "something for everyone", or that special something for yourself. Stop in and see for yourself. There's a lot to see at Byrd-Watson Drug!