Hi Ladies,
I haven't posted in awhile, because I've been trying to cut down on my estrogen dosages. I see a PCP for my hormones and the last time I saw her she about flipped when I told her how much estrogen I was taking--Climara patch .1 changed every 5 days and 4 mg of oral estradiol. I also take Prometrium for 12 days every month. Even that dosage of estrogen didn't seem like enough sometimes. I'm a runner and I was training for Master's Track Nationals at the time so I promised my doctor that after the meet in early July I would taper down on the estrogen. In the meantime, I dropped the oral estradiol and switched to two Climara patches, plus 4 mg per day of compounded estradiol cream. I had also tried compounded sublingual drops but they didn't do anything for me.

My problem now is that everytime I try to cut down on the estrogen I can't sleep! I get the burning face (feel like I have a fever of 105) and adreneline surges. I can't afford to keep using two Climara patches so I'm once again supplementing with the cheap generic oral estradiol. So I'm now on .1 Climara patch, 4 mg of estradiol cream, and 2-4 mg of oral estradiol (I sometimes take the oral estradiol sublingually.) I'm aware that I take more estrogen than anyone on the planet. I am lean and muscular, but that still doesn't totally explain this. I've tried just about every form of estrogen except for injections or pellets (and I won't use Premarin).

I should also mention that I eat really well and take supplements. Anybody have any suggestions?

Could it be possible you need some testosterone? It is all a balancing act, and maybe you are short the T which is driving your need for the E way up? Just a thought.

Skiergirl,

Are you taking any supplements to support your adrenals and thyroid. I use to take bioidentical hormones not as much as you but now I don't take anything any more because of breast issue and I feel better now...this all started for me about 6 years ago and I think my hormones are settling out (knock on wood). While I was on bioidenticals, I also took supplements to support my thyroid and adrenals.

All the best,
Plumeria

Have you had blood tests to see what your actual esterogen levels are? Maybe your body burns it fast or doesn't absorb it well. I suggest getting your Estrogen levels tested before decreasing your dosages.

Dear Skiergirl:

I do understand the situation, and you can go down in dose, but you will have to do so very gradually. Cut back by only 0.5mg of Estradiol once a week, not all at once or every day. After the first week, see how you are doing with less, maybe have to stay at that point for another week? Then lower by 0.5mg again, and keep doing this until you get down to normal levels. It may take 2 to 4 months in your case. I have had other female athletes with similar situations.
Thanks,
Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Floater, I was using compounded testosterone cream for awhile, but my blood test showed levels of T that were so high my doctor told me to stop using it. This was
even after I had cut way back on the cream. I never really had symptoms of low T that I know of.

Plumeria, what could I take to support my adrenals? I did have the 8 a.m and 8 p.m. cortisol test done a few months ago and it came out fine (according to my doctor). I do take 10 mg of over-the-counter DHEA--I think it makes me feel better. I also take a GNC Women's Mega Active multi vitamin and fish oil. I take extra calcium if I don't feel I've gotten enough during the day.

Happymom, I have had my estrogen blood levels checked several times. I probably am due to get it tested again. It tested at 488 (morning test) once when I was using the patch plus the oral estradiol, but I was feeling pretty good and had absolutely no symptoms of high E. I know my E drops at night, so I had my blood tested in the evening the last time and it was around 250 I think. I was feeling pretty good then too. Both times my estrogen was high I also had high levels of SHBG, caused by the oral estrogen I think. The SHBG binds up the sex hormones and it's my understanding that the oral estrogens cause it to go up. Which is why I've been trying to get off of the oral stuff! I bet if we measured the amount of estrogen actually getting into my cells, my levels would be much lower! Does anyone know if it's possible to test "free" estradiol levels?

Pete, I have been trying to cut down really gradually, but I suffer so much at night with even the smallest drop in dosage. Maybe if I could put my life on hold for awhile! I am glad to hear that other women athletes have some of the same issues.