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Estradiol – E2 |
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Biest |
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Testosterone |
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Estriol – E3 | |
Triest | |
DHEA - Dehydroepiandrosterone |
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Estrone – E1 | |
Progesterone |
Estrone (E1)
Estrone (E1) is the estrogen most commonly found in increased amounts in post-menopausal women. The body derives it from the hormones that are stored in body fat. Estrone does the same work that estradiol does, but it is considered weaker in its effects.
Estradiol
(E2)
Estradiol (E2), the principal estrogen found in a
woman's body during the reproductive years, is produced
by the ovaries. Estradiol is very effective for the
symptomatic relief of hot flashes, genitourinary symptoms,
osteoporosis prophylaxis, psychological well being
and reduction of coronary artery disease.
Because it is much more potent than stroll, it can be more effective for symptomatic relief than estriol. When Estradiol is replaced using a parenteral (sublingual, percutaneous, or transdermal) route, it is not subject to first pass metabolism by the liver, and therefore does no produce high levels of Estrone. Using these routes of administration a woman can mimic the physiologic release of estradiol from the ovaries, thus receiving natural hormone replacement.
Estriol
(E3)
Estriol (E3) is the weakest of the three major estrogens.
In fact, it is 1000 times weaker in its effect on
breast tissue. Estriol is the estrogen that is made
in large quantities during pregnancy and has potential
protective properties against the production of cancerous
cells.
Estriol is the estrogen most beneficial to the vagina, cervix and vulva. In cases of vaginal dryness and atrophy, which predisposes a woman to vaginitis and cystitis, topical estriol is the most effective and safest estrogen to use. Because of this estriol is better than estradiol for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Estriol is not available in most drug stores, although it has been used widely in Europe for over fifty years. Because estriol cannot be patented it does not hold much interest for the pharmaceutical industry. Its availability through compounding has caused its use to grow rapidly throughout the country.
Biest
Biest is a combination of two estrogens: estriol and
estradiol. It is most commonly found in a ratio of
80:20, estriol to estradiol. This combination allows
for all of the protection of estriol while providing
the cardiovascular and osteoporosis benefits along
with the vasomotor symptom relief of estradiol.
Triest
Triest is a combination of three estrogens: estriol,
estradiol and Estrone. It is most commonly found in
a ratio of 80:10:10, estriol, estradiol, and Estrone.
This combination is very popular and contains all
of the three major circulating estrogens. It is slightly
weaker in its effect when compared to Biest. However,
this can be compensated for by increasing the strength
or by slightly changing the ratios.
Progesterone
Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal
glands in women and, in smaller amounts, in the testes
and the adrenal glands in men. One of its most important
functions is in the female reproductive cycle. Progesterone
prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation
of a fertilized egg, and then helps to maintain it
during pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur it signals
the uterus to shed this lining.
Progesterone also plays an important role in brain function and is often called the "feels good hormone" because of its mood enhancing and antidepressant effects. Optimum levels of progesterone can mean feelings of calm and well being, while low levels of progesterone can mean feelings of anxiety, irritability and even anger. Current research shows that progesterone may pay a role in the maintenance of the nervous system, the sense of touch, and motor function.
Testosterone
Testosterone - Usually considered a male hormone or
androgen, women also produce testosterone although
in much smaller amounts than men do. Testosterone
works differently in the bodies of men and women,
but it plays a very important role in the overall
health and well-being of both sexes. Often called
the "hormone of desire" because of its powerful
effect on libido, testosterone is also important in
building strong muscles, bones, and ligaments as well
as increasing energy and easing depression. Low levels
of testosterone have been known to cause fatigue,
irritability, depression, aches and pain in the joints,
thin and dry skin, osteoporosis, weight loss, and
the loss of muscle development.
As with all of the hormones, testosterone must be dosed properly to be effective without causing unwanted side effects. The dose in women is generally one-tenth that used in men. Because testosterone is not effective when it is taken orally it is usually prescribed as a topical gel, cream or as a sublingual tablet. Although testosterone was discovered more than sixty years ago, only very recently have we begun to fully understand and appreciate the power of testosterone.
DHEA
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is a steroidal precursor of both androgens and estrogens. Concentrations of DHEA and its metabolite, DHEA Sulfate, peak at about age 20 and then progressively decrease with advancing age.
DHEA and its principle metabolite DHEA sulfate were once consider unimportant and were overlooked by many researchers as simply weak androgens. However, scientists have found that DHEA levels drop in such illnesses as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. A few studies have demonstrated low levels of DHEA in obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and some types of cancer. There is speculation that low levels of DHEA might be partially responsible for age-related degenerative diseases and replacement therapy may be of value. Studies have also shown that DHEA stimulates the immune system.Many physicians feel that DHEA-S levels in the blood should be maintained in the range of 150-200 mcg/dl in women and 200-400 mcg/dl in men. A blood level test to determine your current status is available from you physician.
Side effects seems to be rare when patients maintain the above levels in their blood , however, at higher levels there is potential for adverse reactions. In women DHEA can be converted to testosterone which can cause acne along with oily skin and unwanted hair growth. This problem is minimized by keeping the daily dose at 50mg or less. Also, there is conversion to estrogen which may be dangerous in women with a history of breast cancer. Because DHEA is metabolized in the liver patients with a history of liver disease should be monitored closely to avoid toxicity. Men with enlarged prostates should discuss the benefits versus risks with their physicians due to the conversion of DHEA to testosterone.Recently, DHEA has been marketed as a nutritional supplement. However, we feel that it is more prudent to be under a physicians supervision while taking this or any other hormone.
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