Estriol alone?

[Bev]

My mom had breast cancer and I am very sensitive
to hormones and wonder if anyone is just taking
the estriol without the estradiol or estrone?
I just heard a lecture and it was mentioned
that it can be done. I am desperate for
help with my bladder. I am 51 and still
having periods, although they are very irregular
now.

[Dianne]

I'm in the same boat. I use estriol 1 gm. three/times a week alone and FINALLY it's something I can tolerate. It's the amount before you have to add progesterone that is the issue. I get mine from Rocky Mountain Pharmacy in Bozeman, Montana. There is a fabulous pharmacist that does long distance phone consults for $50 named Holly and it was worth every cent. They are online too. I dont have the URL handy but you can find it. She specializes in womens health. She said I can't go over 1 gm. three times/week without adding progesterone and I haven't gotten that brave yet. Last time I tried, progesterone about killed me. Good luck.

[Bev]

Dianne, thanks for your reply. Is that oral
or vaginal cream that you use? Does it help
your bladder any? Bev

[lyse3]

Dianne,

Progesterone sent me into the worst flare up I have had in three years. I went back to the patch of estrogen only and it is okay. I'm 62 years old have had a hysterectomy and no history of cancer in family so I am fortunate that I don't have to use progesterone. I wish I had read up before I tried to use it. My husband and I were both trying to revive our sex drives, and that's why I tried it.
Thanks,
lyse

[Dianne]

As an update, I'm still doing very well on estriol cream three times/week. My bladder is also better on estriol days. My GYN disagrees about the need for monitoring at the low dose though and wants to do an endometrial biopsy every 6 mos. for 2 yrs. If no uterine lining changes, then once/year. I'm told the biopsy isn't a big deal and more than worth it to me to be able to continue on the estriol cream without progesterone. It really improved sexual function but not desire. I'm interested in adding a little testosterone cream to it. Have others tolerated testosterone?

[Karen]

Yes, I tried testosterone gel, but it caused me to develop acne. One has to be very careful with this, and not take too much!

[blondie25]

Does anyone have any suggestions for help with hot flashes? I have been taking HRT and then natural progestrone cream, but causing flares.

[DonnaA]

My GYN disagrees about the need for monitoring at the low dose though and wants to do an endometrial biopsy every 6 mos. for 2 yrs. If no uterine lining changes, then once/year. I'm told the biopsy isn't a big deal

I just read your post from 2002! Thanks for all the great information. I'm debating about whether to use an estrogen cream or not for all my bladder problems. My question: Do you have to have regular endometrial biopsies while using the estrogen cream? If so, how often and was it painful? :help: I'm scared of those! Had one once and it was painful.

Thank you so much and best of health to you!!
DonnaA

[ddktt]

I started on bio-identical (exact same hormones the body makes) bi-est, testosterone, and progesterone along with supplements that help the body properly metabolize the hormones at the end of July. I'm 54. No more hot flashes, my bladder is much improved along with my sleep and sex drive. I'm a happy camper. I went to a specialist m.d. that only works in this area. I brought in literature about IC since that is not her area.

The hormones have not caused flares for me.

P.S. I pretty much gave up coffee with the IC and I know that was contributing to hot flashes also.