Serum estradiol levels with Menostar patch

When the blood draw was done was it at the same time of day and was it similar timing to when a new patch was applied? I think these variables can factor into comparing these values.

Have you had bone markers CTX and P1NP run before starting the patch and then checked after using the patch for some time? These two bone markers can help tell you if the patch is helping by slowing bone loss.

Yes, more or less - same days and general time of day.
I haven't had the bone markers done. When I asked my endocrinologist, I was told it wasn't done there. Now that I'm no longer being treated by the endocrinologist, I could ask my HRT provider, although she's also at the same institution.

@tillymack

Bone markers can better tell you if your bone loss has stabilized.
When using HRT, my understanding is the bone markers will reflect changes similar to an anti resorptive med.
CTX should go lower so less bone loss.
P1NP will also slow down since less bone building due to less bone loss.
Definitely asked for these it will give you the information you need to know if your HRT is working for bone health.

I use very low dose topical HRT creams, my bone markers were taken before starting and again about a year later. My bone markers trended in the right direction confirming my bone loss has stabilized even with the low dose HRT.

That's good to know! Are you using Menostar by any chance?

@tillymack
Not using Menostar.

I'm using compounded creams, its gives me more control of the amount of estradiol and estriol that I am able to use. I had a reaction to too much estradiol. Compounded creams allowed for the modifications.