(Pete Hueseman, R.Ph, R.D.'s 15th visit to Power Surge) Dearest: My guest tonight is Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. Pete has been a Registered Pharmacist for 30 years. Although Pete is a registered pharmacist and dispenses all sorts of prescription medications, he's focused his area of expertise on women's healthcare, and to naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones, such as estradiol, estriol, estrone, tri-estrogen, micronized progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, pregnenolone). Pete specializes in counseling patients and physicians on the use of natural hormones. He advises patients and physicians, nationwide, and is an acknowledged expert on the use of *natural* hormones or NHRT (natural hormone replacement therapy) Pete is professionally associated with NAMS, the Academy of Alternative Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine Association, and is registered with more than one professional Pharmacist's Association. Pete also is co-owner of Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions. Pete, it's always a pleasure to welcome you back to Power Surge :) Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Thank you for having me back, and it is always a pleasure to be here. Dearest: Great to have you back, Pete. For those who aren't familiar with the differences between synthetic estrogens and progestins, and natural estrogen and progesterone, could you please explain it to our audience? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The natural means that it is chemically identical in structure to the hormones that were produced by the ovaries in the past, and synthetics must metabolize into something the body can use. In this metabolism, other side products can be produced that can be detrimental to the body. They are also derived from soy and yam plants. Dipsy: I have been on Premarin for 14 years since a total hysterectomy at which time I tried compounded Estrace in various strengths and it was a disaster. I have thrived on the Premarin. Can you tell me why I should switch when I'm doing so well. I think I'm part horse I love it so much? LOL Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You may not have been getting good absorption, and possibly should try again with our sublingual tablet of Biest. There is no reason why the Estrace should not work as well. Dearest: With regard to all the recent negative studies about combined synthetic (conjugated) estrogen and progestins, what impact, if any, do these studies have on the natural, plant-derived estrogens and progesterone? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Actually since these study results have come out, the phone never quits ringing, for everyone wants to switch to the naturals. Dearest: Well, for example, what is basically the difference between between a commercial estrogen, such as Estrace, that calls itself "natural" and the 17-beta estradiol you use in naturally compounded hormones? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is the same product, for the Estrace is made with the 17 beta micronized estradiol, we can add in the Estriol, and we can make different doses to fit each person more specifically, and we can put it into many other dose forms too. Jane25: My last period was last August. The last few months I have been getting dry, very itchy skin on my face, neck and, worst of all, ears. Is this related to Meno, do you know? Is there anything I can do or take to stop it? thank you Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You could try some natural estrogen, if you are not already on it, or call me and we will go over your hormone history in depth. Dearest: You can call Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at Pharmacy@power-surge.com. Andy: How does a person know if she should take DHEA and what side effects might one experience if you take too much? Thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Too much could cause facial hair, oily skin, acne, and too much aggressiveness, the best way to test it would be with a saliva test to measure your current levels of it. It can help you have better energy too. Dearest: And you do saliva tests, don't you, Pete? Through Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We do sell the saliva test that is furnished by Aeron Life Cycle labs, and I can get it covered on insurance if you have Blue Cross or United healthcare insurance. Dearest: Are there certain health conditions that would contraindicate the use of any type of hormone supplementation? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Recent cancer situations would make it rather doubtful to use. Severe blood clotting in the past, and strokes that would be recent. Dearest: Pete, for those who don't know, can you explain what the three main estrogens are and what each does in a woman's body? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estriol is the weakest estrogen and is most prevalent in a pregnant woman, and is supposed to help protect against breast cancer. Estrone is the strongest, and if turns into too much 16 hydroxyestrone, that can be carcinogenic, and the Estradiol is the one that helps with most of the vasomotor symptoms. Dearest: So, the three main estrogens - to list are: estradiol, estriol and estrone. Claudia: I tried to call the 800 number with lichen sclerosis about 8 or 9 years ago. It is not sticky and greasy, and most women love it. DHope: What would you say would good natural herb or vitamin for helping with sleeping? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Black cohosh,and valerian root. DHope: I'm unable to do either any others maybe, please? Dearest: See the Recommendations page on the Power Surge web site at www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm for all sorts of recommendations about vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, amino acids, a few herbs (I'm not a big lover of herbs). Pete, there's been some controversy about black cohosh recently. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, the recent findings say it can cause an increase in breast cancer, and we will have to research that study before jumping to any conclusions. MeeMee52: I have Blue Cross PPO, but my pharmacist told me just today that Blue Cross won't cover saliva tests. You say they do. Does it depend on the Lab doing the work? Thanks! Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, it does depend on the lab, and I have a working agreement with the lab I use (Aeron) and they definitely bill for Blue Cross patients directly for me. Nan421: I have had a hysterectomy. I had heard progesterone wasn't necessary. What can it do for me? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is officially not necessary, but it can help smooth out moods, build bone, and help with energy and libido in some cases. SuperGrammieJean: Sorry, I missed the beginning of this chat. What does the saliva test look for? I am taking Revival and still am having hot flashes, sleeplessness and loss of libido. Would natural hormones help with these symptoms? How much does a saliva test cost? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The saliva test can measure any one or all of the hormones, that are in the system, Estradiol, estrone, estriol progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, DHT, melatonin and cortisol, if you were out of balance in these, and then used some natural HIH hormones, your symptoms, most likely would be relieved. The cost depends on the number of hormones tested, and this pricing can be found on my website. Dearest: Pete's Web site is at www.bpharmacysolutions.com Chantal: I had an hysterectomy at the age of 24, that was 23 years ago, will I experience the same menopause problems as others, I still have my ovaries but I have experience none of the hot flashes or other system. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say you are not into menopause yet then, and yes eventually you will probably have some of the many symptoms that they talk about and that will happen when the ovaries quit secreting on you. To solve your complaints you probably need some estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Toobusy: What do you do when 2% progesterone cream doesn't seem to be working anymore? What is the next step? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The next step is to test your hormones, and see if you need some natural estrogen, or just a stronger progesterone. Dearest: Pete, thank you once again for educating women about our hormones and menopause. If anyone has further questions about naturally compounded hormones, you can ask Pete by typing into your browser, www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm and Pete will get back to you on any questions regarding natural hormones and menopause, or you can call him at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at Pharmacy@power-surge.com Read Pete Hueseman's first transcript Read Pete Hueseman's second transcript Read Pete Hueseman's third transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fourth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fifth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's sixth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's seventh transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eighth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's ninth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's tenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eleventh transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twelfth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's thirteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fourteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's sixteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's seventeenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eighteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's nineteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twentieth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twenty first transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twenty second transcript Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994- by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.