In this episode, we discuss Connie’s question about her hormone levels in menopause. Hormone therapy should be tailored to the individual and not just blood work levels. We discuss how labwork can be important in determining hormone dosing. But it is only one part of working with hormone replacement. It is not wise to just depend on blood work to treat a client. It is taking in the whole picture, including their health history, family history, health goals and intention with hormone replacement. Blood work and lab values are an essential part of creating optimal hormone levels, but not the only consideration.
We discuss:
Connie’s Question:
"Hi Dr. Maki and Dr. Davidson, Really appreciate your podcast and
listen to all of them. My age is 56 and I went on BHRT about 3 years ago, while not
quite in menopause. My plan was to be proactive before the levels tanked, but it did
create some issues with uterine buildup. That was addressed and all ok, but still trying
to find a perfect balance. I am in menopause now, based on blood levels and my goal is
to be at optimum levels of hormone replacement in order to protect bones, heart and
brain. My current compounded cream of Estradiol is 1 mg and Testosterone 0.5mg.
Progesterone compounded capsule is 225mg (a bit higher due to my lining build up in
the past). Last labs showed Estradiol at 51.2 and FSH at 70. Labs were run about
halfway after applying my hrt, which I apply at night. Wanting estradiol to be higher and
fsh lower and realizing blood work with creams is maybe hard to pinpoint accurately, but
do you think staying with these doses is optimal? Can the numbers get better with the
same static dosing or is this the best range I will get? Not really interested in having a
period what with the bleeding concern before, but does it make sense to not take
progesterone every night, maybe every other? Would that help or hinder things? Thank
you for any information!"
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