Well..an update..the ultrasound I had came back normal. The every 14 day periods have stopped (for now). I did have complete new labs drawn on Oct. 1. This time for the first time since I began BHRT (2 year) I had my estradiol # checked as well as total estrogens. Total estrogens came back at 124..up from my last labs in July of 50. But my estradiol was 29??? So I have an appt. with my NP early in the morning to review the labs, etc. I have noticed some good responses about Estrace. I just feel like I am wasting my money on the estrogel ($50 per month co-pay). I would like to ask my NP about Estrace. Any suggestions, feedback, dosage, etc. about Estrace would be appreciated. All my other #'s looked pretty good. Total T was 47, but free T was 0.3. The last time this happened the compounding pharm. added a product called Steel Libido that was supposed to help convert some of the T into more free. It did work, but after a while I stopped taking it. Guess I might add that in.
Thank you for your help! Everyone is so helpful here!

Hi there,
It's interesting that you mentioned switching from Estrogel to Estrace. I am on Estrogel also and am thinking about switching to estrace. Have been reading about it in Dr. Vliet's book "Screaming to be Heard!" She talks a lot about (17-Beta Estradiol). Have a lot more reading to do........so much to learn. My total T was also 47 the last blood work I had and my Estradiol was 20 pg/ml. Anyhow, good luck.

Hi Stewcake,

Check some of my prior responses regarding b/hrt. I too spent alot of money on copays for a couple of years now (during peri). Tried the patches, gels, spray, vag E cream. Finally, have switched over to the oral (generic) estrace ($4.00 co-pay too!) and feel great. My results: Vivelle patch - poor absorbtion (never got my e above <32 which is still in Meno range for those NOT even taking bht), Divigel - got into bloodstream too fast and made me feel jittery, along with no symptom relief, Evamist spray - same result as Divigel, Vaginal Estrace cream (ahhhhh, my new best friend!!! Been using it right from the begining (some breaks when we tested other stuff and needed to check absorbtion and bloodwork/e levels) The vag Estrace cream does get systemically absorbed and resulted in - healthier vag tissues, lubrication, energy, sleep, better moods, skin, etc. (downside is the 1/2 life is <12 hours), So, finally got the oral Estrace, discontinued the stupid patches and wowwwwwwwwww, I am so much better. It's like someone put the Me back in Me!

I split my oral estrace pill in 1/2 and take it morning (sometimes afternoon) or early evening. I also use the vag Estrace at bedtime. Basically, I titrate the dose as needed. Good luck with everything and PM me if I can be of help. JZZ

Hi avalina,

Both of you have low estradiol numbers (20pg and 29pg) for being on b/hrt. While numbers are important we need to consider syptoms too. How do you feel? I felt lousy when mine would drop <32 and that was while on the patch. What do the docs say? Regards, JZZ pm me if I can help.

Hi jzz,

What dose of Estrace are you using?
I'm just about to jump back into BHRT switching transdermal P to vaginal P after a break of two weeks...(felt pretty good until recently when the low estrogen anxiety came back and some hot flashes in the early AM).
I was on Estrogel, but prior to that was taking Estrace and really did like it best. So, I'm thinking of going back to the Estrace and vag P.
Do you use progesterone (sorry if I've asked this question before....;-)?


c

Hi Manyboys,

I titrate the oral Estrace from .5 to 1.0 depending upon where in my monthly cycle I happen to be. And, I vary the amount of vaginal Estrace cream too. 1/2 to full gram at bedtime but don't do it nightly anymore. (still working on that schedule, might settle on every other night). Also, forgot to mention above that I've added in transdermal T (testim 1%) too (recent addition). Since, I still am in period and still have monthly periods I don't have to take a P. When my ovaries stopped (for 8 months) I had tried the Prometrium (twice) with horrid side effects. Now, if I skip more than 2 or 3 periods I will then have to cycle in a P for 2 weeks. (This schedule of P has been determined by 2 different gyn's for my own particular needs. ie - 1. I am intolerate of supplemental P and 2. We have done many transvaginal ultrasounds and have verified how my uterine lining is looking. For now, my own ovaries are producing enough Progesterone to keep it thin enough and have a period. Please search my other posts/responses on the Many, many options of P to use. My best to you. Please feel free to PM me if I can be of help. Regards, JZZ