Estradot bioidentical hormone therapy VS Compounded BHRT

Another Canadian here! I am on compounded HRT and have been since 55 (currently 65). I was shocked to learn I had osteoporosis, even though I was on HRT. I can only tell you my personal experience - I have to get my blood checked every six months and they base my hormones on my blood work so it's tailored to me. I don't know if the patch is given as specific to your blood estrogen?

Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m hopeful that it will make a difference (or at least make a difference).

My next DEXA is supposed to be in September so we shall see

Hello. I have been on bioidentical hormones for 20 years. I am now 67. I have osteoporosis with 1.9- 2.8 numbers. They have improved with the hormones especially L1-4 at 1.9 one time 2.5. I just started with the testosterone, estradiol pellets. My doctor feels they will deliver a greater amount of hormone to my body. Everybody is different. Your blood has to be measured to see the level of hormone you need I also take compounded progesterone. I am hopeful this well, either improve my scores or keep them the same. I do not want to take osteo meds. Also vitamins and strength training. Pilates are helpful.

Thanks! Why did you choose the compounded HRT over regular pharmacy?

Compounded or regular BHRT?

Regular pharmacies do not carry bioidentical hormones. 😀

The general recommendation is for estradiol delivered through a transdermal patch along with oral micronized progesterone. The conventional estradiol patches that you can get with prescription through your regular pharmacy are bioidentical. You can also get the oral progesterone there but since it has peanut oil and artificial colorings, I prefer to get that through a compounding pharmacy. It is not necessary to get your estradiol through a compounding pharmacy and it is less expensive through a conventional pharmacy. I would recommend looking up Dr Felice Gersh. She has been prescribing HRT for decades and really knows her stuff. She does not recommend pellets. Over the years, she has seen levels that climbed way too high with pellets and it is more difficult to control since it's inserted into your body. Much easier to manage levels with a transdermal patch and safer too. The lowest dose of transdermal patch estrogen is .025 and at that level, there have been positive bone effects demonstrated. Many integrative practitioners will prescribe in the .025-.05 range taking into account your comfort level and risk factors.

They do in Canada, very common. Estradot, Estradiol.

Do they have the estradiol/testosterone pellets? Do the compounding according to you blood levels. I did the creams for 20 years believe it or not the minute I went into menopause in the last couple years. My doctor had increased the dose, and I am personally convinced for myself that it kept my osteo numbers lower I think, without the hormones and exercise I would’ve been far worse. He was encouraging me to do the pallets for years, but I was so resistant and finally I gave in. I am praying they really have a better impact. I do know my energy level has increased within 10 days… My mood is very positive. I am sleeping much better, I am just praying that this works and lasts. I do not want to go on Teal or Forteo, which is the drug. My Endo wants me to go on unfortunately she is not positive about hormones conventional in her thinking. Her I am going to make this choice now and take a chance. There are many chances with the synthetic drugs such as femur, jaw, problems, etc. so there’s a chance in anything. It’s very discouraging when one doctor is so against what you’re doing but I respect integrative medicine, Doctor Who has done this for 37 years.

They do in Canada, very common. Estradot, Estradiol.