Q: I'm 54, very healthy & thin, and have been on hrt for 4 years, after being on birth-control pills a long time. my estadial was reduced from 1 mg. To .5 mg./day almost a year ago because my estradiol level was too high in my saliva tests. I also take 100 mg. Prometrium every night and use testosterone cream 3x week. i've noticed some weight gain in my abdomen over the past few months, although nothing else in my lifestyle has changed. could this be from the reduction in my estradiol?

A: Dear Jan,

There has been some research and theory linking lowering estradiol levels with an increase in the accumulation of abdominal fat. This midsection weight gain is a common complaint among peri menopausal and menopausal women.

When had you taken your estrogen dose prior to when your blood was drawn? If you took it within a couple of hours of having your blood drawn, your results may have been showing the peak level of hormones. If your physician's office advised you to test this way, then they would want to see the peak. We often look at the trough to see how low the levels get prior to the next dose, so advise to hold the morning dose of hormone until morning blood is drawn and then take the dose after.

You don't mention having any symptoms since your dose change - have any returned? Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, cognitive issues, vaginal dryness, declining libido, etc? If these have worsened since the dose change you might follow-up with your physician and advise them of these changes and see if they will make a dose adjustment.

We would be glad to schedule a consultation with one of our pharmacists to evaluate your situation and to make a recommendation for possible adjustment to your hormone therapy. To get started, please click on the following link and complete and submit the online Patient History form. We will review your information and call you to schedule a phone consult with one of our pharmacists. https://www.bellevuerx.com/patientempowerment.aspx

We look forward to working with you and your physician and in being your compounding pharmacy. We accept prescription insurance and ship nationwide via UPS Ground. Please let us know if you have additional questions.

Janna Gordon, R. Ph.

Consulting Pharmacists at Bellevue Pharmacy
13+ years helping Power Surge's members
Pete Hueseman, R.Ph, PD
Paul Hueseman, Pharm.D.
Brock Smith, R.Ph.
Janna Gordon, R.Ph.
Tiffany Spudich, Pharm.D.
Lee Ball, R.Ph.
Nelly Atallah, PharmD
Ph. 1.800.728.0288 or 314.727.8787
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