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What do you know about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy? Does anyone have any experience with Estrogel? Please let us know your thoughts.

I've never done hormone therapy...somehow, I was blessed, and sailed smoothly thru menopause with only a mild hot flash once a month or so.

I have no experience with this, but I would be very interested in knowing more about the subject and will look forward to reading the comments. Thanks,

I have no experience with Estrogel, but I take bio-identical testosterone and progesterone. I get terrible PMS -- always have -- and am perimenopausal. I'm 50. I knew 'something' was up several years ago when my emotions got out of control, my libido hit the floor, I started losing copious amounts of hair.... someone at my exercise class (aside -- people -- GET OUT THERE AND EXERCISE ESP IF YOU'RE IN PERIMENOPAUSE!) told me about a dr. who specializes in women's hormonal issues. I tried him and have not gone back. It's not perfect, but it's better than what I had before. I do a blood test every 6 months to measure my hormone levels. The initial test also measured thyroid levels and iron levels since they can often go wonky during perimenopause. The dr., after looking at my levels, put me on the testosterone and progesterone. I can't say that they helped immediately or that I got "dramatic" relief, but my libido returned to an extent and the progesterone sometimes helps for PMS. But not always. I'm never sure what exactly progesterone does. You need to check back with the dr. because adjusting hormones can be tricky. The same friend who told me about him needed several adjustments. I've not needed much historically but I've noticed my emotions are getting out of control again so I'll be making an appointment soon. That said, bio-identicals aren't a magic bullet -- for me anyway. They help some. Enough so that I'm not a crazy woman except for my still-awful PMS. I frankly love the testosterone. It's nice having a libido again, my body fat is lower and I have more muscle definition. I suck on a troche (think like a soft mint candy) 2x/daily -- it's absorbed through the gums -- and it is easy to manage. The progesterone is a cream that you rub onto your skin. You can also buy progesterone over the counter at health food stores but it is MUCH lower dosage. If you try it don't use the one made from wild yams -- I've read it's not nearly as effective as the other kind. Don't know if this is helpful. Finding a dr. can be tricky. Mine is a former OB and like I said, someone told me about him. Another dr. advertises in our local women's magazine. You might try asking your OB but to be honest mine gives me the "well you can try it but I don't think it will help" line. Good luck.

I am 49 years old and started menopause around 46 and am currently on HRT which includes Estrogel, a compounded progesterone and testosterone. This has been a life saver for me and my family - things are a little calmer now. Prior to Estrogel, i was using an estrogen patch. Both the patch and the Estrogel resulted in reducing my hot flashes and overall HRT has helped me feel like myself again - rather than a raging lunatic that can be set off by God only knows what. In reference to the Estrogel - it has been wonderful. I have found it better only because the patches would irritate my skin and i had "patch tracks" all across my abdomen - and it wasn't pretty.

I am not using any of these because I am not quite having those symptoms yet but my sister is and she is SO confused! I would love some clarity around the term "bio-identical", I mean aren't all ERt/HRTs bio -identical? I now my mother was on Premarin and came off it after the Women's Health Institute study some 5 or 6 years ago which said there could be some heart health risks. Well She got all her menopause symptoms back so she went to a naturopath and fixed her diets consuming more phytoestrogens and taking supplements. she also found exercise helped with et mood swings! i am not sure if Estrogel is available in the UK? is that a once a day estrogen replacement gel?

I am pretty sure one of my ovaries stopped functioning when I was 29. I have tried different doctors and as I am not trying to conceive or close to the typical menopause age I have not found them to be of much help. I am using a progesterone cream and found it definately helps with libido. It has also helped with my mood swings although I am still struggling with finding the right dosage. I am concerned about what I use as I have high cholesterol and there is a high risk of heart disease in my family.