switching from Premarin to Tri-est

I have just joined the ranks of those using a compounding pharmacist. I have switched from Premarin .625 to Tri-est 6-3-1 (60% estradiol, 30% estriol and 10% estrone) and progesterone capsules. I have only been on the tri-est & progesterone for 4 days, but my hot flashes are getting worse. I'm having at least one an hour instead of maybe 4 to 6 a day. The reason I switched was to try to control the night sweats.

Is it normal to have an increase in hot flashes when you switch HRT's? (I am not having any other adverse symptoms with the Tri-est) Will they go away with prolonged use? How long should I continue with the Tri-est before contacting my doc & pharmacist.

Thanks for any help.

curlyq

Hi

It's very normal to experience symptoms ie. hot flashes, etc. when you switch from synthetic HRT to compounded cremes. It's my understanding that it can take at least a month for the compounded HRT to build up in your body. So yes, what you are experiencing now is pretty normal! Give it some time and see how you do...if you are still having symptoms at one month...than you might consider going back to Premarin...or try another bioidentical form of HRT, specifically, the patch..Vivelle or Climara.

Good luck on your switch...I hope it works out for you!

's

Hey Curlyq.
I have been on .9mg. Premarin and did very well on this. I decided to switch over to compounded estradiol, at .95mg.
I did a direct switch today, and started feeling hot again. I decided to take 1/2 of Premarin to get some relief.
I may do a cross over taper while starting the compounded and slowly cutting out the Premarin. I also get anxiety and nausia when my estrogen is out of sink...and just can't deal with this.
Let me know how you are doing.
Pauline

You mentioned the triest formula but did not mention what specific dosage you are taking. 1.25 or 2.5 mg. Just another thing to consider, every time I add the progesterone it worsens my hot flashes.

hi Curlyq.
I'm on 'straight' estradiol, compounded, 1.0mg.
I also took alittle to much progesterone cream last night.
I did not now taking to much progesterone can interfer with the estrogen receptors....
Do you take natural progesterone?
Pauline

Hi Ladies!

Thanks for the info & hugs! I feel better knowing that it may take a while to adjust to the new HRT. Hopefully this will work for me since I can not tolerate the adhesive from the patch type HRT, and I am somewhat intolerant of creams. I am on 1.25 of the Triest twice a day. The progesterone is also a capsule, 200 mg taken 1/2 to 1 hour before bedtime. Since my pharmacist is currently studying to become a naturopathic physician, I am sure my progesterone is natural.

Pauline, I will definately keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you do your switch. Keep me informed.

Thanks again! I don't know what I would do without this forum to ask my questions and vent my fears. You are all THE BEST!