Hi power-surgers,
I have been experimenting trying to find the right HRT combo as I walk through this menopause maze. I started out with bi-est 80/20 then went to bi-est 50/50 since the 80/20 didn't seem to help my sleep issues. Plus I starting experiencing breast pain and developed a vaginal odor which I had never had before. I had seen on this site that there were other women who experienced problems with estriol so I asked my gyn to switch me to ESTROGEL---I seemed to do fine on that--vaginal odor disappeared--sleep seemed to improve--breast pain went away. Even my toenail fungus which I have been battling for years went away. BUT THEN--I heard that estriol is the protective hormone and one should really include some estriol when taking HRT--SO--my gyn agreed so she prescribed biest 20/80--this time only 20 percent estiol and 80 percent estradiol. After four days on this combination some of my symptoms are returning. The vaginal odor is back. Last night I was awake until 4 a.m.. Feeling headachy. SO--I WAS WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE WHO ALSO HAVE SYMPTOMS FROM TAKING ESTRIOL. MAYBE I AM JUST STRANGE. So--I am thinking about going back on the ESTROGEL.
Strangely enough I was doing fine taking 1/2 of pump instead of a full pump so I was only getting .375 mg of estradiol per push of pump. The 20/80 biest I am getting .40 mg. per 1/2 ml. SO I AM SO CONFUSED. You ladies are so knowledgeable and I would appreciate any comments. Thank you so much.

I am unable to tolerate estriol at any strength-not even the vaginal cream and I have seen many posts on this site from women who say they cannot tolerate it. Estriol is the weakest of the estrogens but it is the one which is made in abundance by the body during pregnancy. This could be why it causes such problems. I find I get foggy headed, depressed and tearful if I use it and many others who have tried larger doses say they get sore breasts also. It is interesting that in actuality it is so much weaker than estradiol yet it causes so many problems for some women.

So you are not strange at all and if estrogel suits you then why don't you go back on it?

You are actually getting a higher total dose of E now as you say and maybe this is just too much for you?
I am by no means an expert as I am finding it hard to tolerate estrogel but I find it easier than estriol which I now wouldn't touch with a bargepole!
Maybe someone else will be along with their experiences to advise you futher.

janet c

Dear Avalina:

The estriol can cause some breast tenderness, fluid retention, and possible breast tenderness. If that is happening with you, then I would suggest using the Estrogel as you are. BTW: there is essentially no difference in 0.375mg and 0.4mg for a daily dose of Estradiol. Math people would consider that the same dose, as would doctors. I have not heard of estriol causing a vaginal odor though.
Many women do have a slight problem with the Estriol, but for most of them their bodies usually do adjust to it. Were you ever pregnant, did you have problems near the end of the pregnancy, when the estriol levels are very high. If yes, then you are not a candidate for the Estriol without having some problems to go along with its use.

Thank you, Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.

hi Pete,

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it so much. Actually, I have never bee pregnant. I also have a hard time with the progesterone. I get gastrointestinal issues. Since I have crohns disease I have to be careful. ALSO-after 10 days of using the P and then suddenly stop my crohns disease goes crazy. I don't understand that? I just got through cycling with the progesterone gel--vaginally and it didn't seem to give me as many problems as the progesterone cream that you apply on your skin. After many years of no period, the vaginal P even caused a super mini period--few drops here and there. But, like I mentioned--the Crohns got so much worse when stopping the P suddenly. I do have a question that I can't find the answer for.......the Estrogel box says that it contains thirty-two 1.25 g doses--does that equate to .75 milligrams of estradiol per squirt? Thanks Pete

Oh, one more thing...........since switching from the estrogel to the compounded 80 percent estradiol and 20 percent estriol I have been experiencing headaches. I never had the headaches on the estrogel. So--again another interesting symptom. ?????????? thanks