Hey ladies,

quick question for you. I've been reading Dr. Vliet's book "Screaming to be Heard!" and she said that the best estrogen for us to take is 17-beta estradiol. SO--I want to make sure that the Estrogel I am taking that contains that. When I looked at the insert that comes with the estrogel it says it contains estr-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17B-diol. Can anyone dicipher this? Curious???????
Also, I am thinking about taking Estrace because my total cholesterol is a little high at 205 and LDL is 119. Dr. Vliet "suggests that the patch may be all tht is needed for women who have a normal cholesterol profile but for women who have high total cholesterol and low HDL, an oral form of estradiol provides more decrease in total cholesterol and a significant increase in HDL for cardiovascular protective effects." THINKING OF GOING TO ESTRACE. Any feedback? Also in her book (page 122) she mentions that "estrace (17-beta estradiol) gives only estrone (made in the liver) and 17-beta estradiol. Does that mean it contains estrone also or our body (liver) is making the estrone.
Thanks for any help. avalina

Avalina:
I need to re-read these sections, but I think you may have it backwards. Any estrogen that has to go through the liver increases SHBG, worsens insulin resistance, etc. Estrace is estradiol, not estrone...estradiol and estrone convert back and forth and both proper liver functioning as well as ovarian are necessary. Our bodies make estrone from androgens (as long as we are not aromatase deficient) and, theoretically, estradiol from estrone. A lack of ability to convert androgens to estrogens may be one reason why some women have a harder time at menopause than others.
Additionally, if your cholesterol is high, you may also want to make sure thyroid function is optimal...one of the first symptoms of low thyroid function is high cholesterol.
Avi

hI avi,

thanks for the response. My gyn gave me a blood test and one of the tests is TSH--(is that thyroid)-if so it was 1.503 uIU/ml. The range is 0.450-4.500. So--I think I was okay. You sound so knowledgeable-so any help is so appreciated. avalina.

Avalina:
TSH alone is not adequate to assess thyroid status..although some doctors will tell you that it is. Ask your doc to run, at a minimum; TSH, free T3, Free T4, TPO antibodies...
Avi

Once again Thanks so much AVI--I am seeing my GYN on November 2--I will talk to her about running those tests. Avalina

You're welcome, Avalina...good luck.
Avi