be compounded by a compounding pharmacy. Healthy women (no CV risk factors) under 65 years old should take the oral form as this conveys much more long-term CV protection. Oral estradiol dra- matically reduces arterial plaque formation. Oral estrogen needs to be micronized to be effective. The better compounding pharmacies will use the more expensive European estradiol that is micronized to a size of 10 microns or less. Less reputable pharmacies use the cheaper Chinese sources. The larger particle size (30 microns or larger) is much less effective. Contrary to claims by many practitioners, the best way to moni- tor estrogen (and progesterone) levels is via serum blood levels, not saliva testing. The goal for preventive and wellness purposes is an estradiol level of 60-80 pg/ml, measured 5-6 hours after taking the morning dose. Research indicates that the minimal effective level is 50 pg/ml.
Side effects of excess estrogen include breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding, bloating, “bitchiness,” and acne. Treatment is either to decrease the dose or balance the estrogen with the proper level of progesterone.
Estrogen should not be measured or replaced in pre- or peri-
menopausal women. For perimenopausal (but not postmenopausal) hot flashes, the preferred treatment is progesterone.
Progesterone Replacement
As mentioned earlier, aside from the immense feel-good benefits of progesterone by itself, progesterone is necessary to balance both the side effects of estrogen and the slightly increased risk of estrogen- induced uterine cancer. Contrary to claims by people like Suzanne
ON THE PATH OF HEALING
Auriculotherapist, Aromatherapist level 1 ~ Also Offering Usui Reiki & Lightarian Classes ~
Information at
www.onthepathofhealing.com Carol Hipkins • 860-413-3592 LightarianTM Usui Reiki Master/Teacher Reiki Master/Teacher
NaturalNutmeg.com 21
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