Estrogen replacement therapy

Hormonal replacement with the triestrogens ( estradiol, estriol and estrone) is recommended for women to mimic the body's natural levels of these hormones. The suggested dose is 1.25 to 5 grams applied to the skin twice daily until symptoms of deficiency ( such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness) are eliminated. The ideal approach is to use the lowest dose possible to eliminate symptoms. Progesterone replacement should start with 20 to 200 mg twice a day in the form of a transdermal cream. Progesterone can also be given orally in a dosage of 50 to 250 mg daily ( the usual dose is 100 mg) before bedtime. If hormone creams are used, they are applied twice daily, morning and evening, to maintain stable blood levels around the clock. Symptoms of progesterone deficiency - water retention, width gain, bone loss, anxiety, sleep problem, painful breasts, and shorter menstrual cycles - should also be monitored until subjective improvement is documented.