Questions About Triest Cream and application, etc.

Last week my doctor switched my Triest sublingual drops to the cream form at my request to see if I get less hormonal fluctuations and a better response. I am taking a slightly different ratio and amount also (was taking 1.5mg Triest drops at 80 percent estriol, 10 percent estradiol, 10 percent estrone; now taking 2mg of Triest cream at 50 percent estradiol, 40 percent estriol, and 10 percent estrone).

Here is the confusing part. I am totally unfamiliar with creams so bear with me. I received my prescription from the Women's International Pharmacy instead of the local compounding pharmacy since my doctor thought it would be cheaper for me. It came with a plastic spoon that measures one gram of cream. But I am to take 1/2 a gram 2x per day to total the 2 mg Triest. Well, how in the world do I measure out 1/2 gram of cream using a 1 gram spoon? I started it yesterday and have been using a razor blade to divide the cream in half on the spoon, but I know this can't be totally accurate. Is there a teaspoon measurement that is equivalent to 1/2 gram, for example 1/4 teaspoon? The other question is, I know I was told to rub the cream on the back of my hand or underside of my wrist for best absorption. Has anyone been told differently? And do I rotate the application site from use to use? I didn't think to ask my doctor all this and she isn't in until Wednesday. I will call the pharmacy tommorow but just wanted to hear from your experiences.

Finally, I realize I made some major changes and am expecting some hormonal upheaval, so is it normal to be feeling extremely tired and achy all over since starting the cream Sunday morning? And I have been crying all day again. I sure hope my body adjusts to this soon because I am already miserable. I am trying to be patient but worried the cream isn't absorbing. How will I know? Thanks for listening and any input!

I've been Triest cream from Women's International for about 3 years. I use 1 gram morning and evening, but I've never had to divide it in half so I can't tell you what teaspoon measure 1/2 gram would be equivalent to (call Women's Int'l -- they're very helpful!). I do know that it seems to work well for me, as the Premarin I was on before the cream gave me nasty headaches. I will get headaches on Triest cream only if I forget to apply it (caused by hormone fluctuation). I have always applied it to the inside of my thighs -- goes on quicker because of greater surface area. My nurse practitioner said it isn't necessary to rotate where you apply it. I feel so much better on the cream than any pill I ever took!
Annie


Ovaries removed with tumor?/cyst? in 2001.

Hi!

When I pick up my compounded hormone creams, the pharmacist always includes a no-needle calibrated syringe. Maybe you could ask your compounding pharmacist for one, or check at your local pharmacy--I know they used to sell them for dispensing oral medications.

They are very simple to use. With the plunger fully pushed in, insert the tip of the syringe into the cream, draw back on the plunger until the cream reaches the prescribed amount, and then squirt the cream on your fingers to rub it in where you want it to be. It's quick, accurate and has worked well for me for several years now.

I hope this helps!

s

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Very helpful! I am going to ask about that syringe. Also, just to experiment, this morning I applied the cream to my inner thigh instead of my wrist area. I seemed to be less achy all over today and not as fatigued, and the crying episodes have gone down, so maybe putting it on my wrist was causing it to absorb too fast? I don't know but I hope this works! Thanks again!

I also had to experiment with the best place to rub my cream. For me the inner thigh is the best place because I have a bigger area to rub it in and I believe the fatty area helps.

Thin slinned area such as my wrist was horrible and I would run out of my estrogen after a few hours.

I hope it makes a big difference for you.

My compounded creams come in syringes( without the needle) and all ready to use. All I need to do is squirt out the required amount and apply. It is so convenient.....tweetee