(Pete Hueseman, R.Ph, R.D.'s 12th visit to Power Surge)


Dearest:  Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D., has been a registered Pharmacist for 27 years. His 
work in the area of hormone therapy is with bio-identical,naturally compounded plant-
derived hormones. Pete compounds natural prescription hormones, such as progesterone, 
estradial, estriol, estrone, tri-estrogen, DHEA, testosterone and pregnenolone, plus other 
compounds at College Pharmacy. 

Pete was with College Pharmacy and now has his own pharmacy, Bellevue Pharmacy at 
www.bpharmacysolutions.com 

Pete is always eager to answer our infinite questions about hormones, especially now, during 
a time of even more confusion, what with the recent news about hormone replacement therapy 
and the abrupt halt to the largest and most lengthy study of women and hormone therapy, The 
Women's Health Initiative. Pete Hueseman is professionally associated with NAMS, the Academy 
of Alternative Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine Association, and is registered 
with more than one professional Pharmacist's Association. 

Welcome back, Pete. Thank you for agreeing to do this emergency chat. The NHLBI, director 
of the Women's Health Initiative, a five year study of the effects of hormone replacement 
therapy on women, has pulled the plug on the study and written to the participants to stop 
using the involved HRT, Prempro, immediately. We have been talking openly in Power Surge about 
the risks associated with HRT, synthetic estrogens, progestins (i.e., Provera), heart disease, 
blood clots, stroke, breast and ovarian cancer. Why the abrupt halt and why the hysteria as
though nobody knew this before?


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Patients should be careful when listening to the media
and not be alarmed that HRT has only negative benefits on the heart. Yes, the trial 
was terminated early because some women were found to have increased risk and episodes 
of CHD (coronary heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, blood clots), an increased risk 
of breast cancer. They found there was no apparent cardiovascular benefit in continuing 
the HRT, in this study, Prempro (Premarin, an estrogen made from horse urine and Provera, 
a synthetic progestin).  This does not mean that patients should NOT take HRT. However, 
patients should not start HRT for the sole purpose of cardiovascular protection. 

This study also did not look at the benefits of HRT on bone, quality of life, menopausal 
symptoms, sexual dysfunction, or vaginal symptoms. Therefore, patients must continue to 
look at other benefits of HRT and then make a decision. 


Dearest:  Pete, this study was done using Prempro, combination of Premarin (an estrogen 
made from horse urine), a conjugated estrogen and Provera, a synthetic progestin. Do you 
advise women to avoid synthetic hormones, and are they better off using naturally 
compounded, bio-identical hormones? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, it was done using only the synthetics, and yes the bio-
identical are preferred when one is going to use HRT.


Dearest:  So, you would unequivocally say that if a woman is going to use hormone therapy, 
she should go with the naturally compounded, is that correct? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  This study did show that the synthetics did cause a slightly 
larger problem. Re the naturally compounded hormones, yes, absolutely!


HSpec:  The NIH study was conducted using synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin. what 
is the impact of the study as it relates to natural hormones and the use of just estrogen? 
also, how does this study impact on products such as Revival and other natural soy 
products?


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  It should help Revival sales, it is a phytoestrogen shake and 
bars, and a quite good supplement, estrogen will be used and works especially well for a 
person with no ovaries. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  More women will be looking for alternatives to using Premarin, 
once they found out they can not do without any estrogen.


Vea:  I took HRT for 8 years and last mammogram showed a small lump, stopped taking it and 
now am taking black cohosh and soy products, is there anything else I can do especially for 
night sweats? And, by the way I AM MAD. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Did your Dr. say to quit or was it your choice? What estrogen 
were you on? Maybe try a low dose Bio-identical form of natural estrogen on prescription. 


Vea:  My doctor took me off HRT, was on Prempro. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Has the lump disappeared?


Vea:  No, they check it every six months 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  You might want to try some natural progesterone in a gel form. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  By the way, As Dr. Christiane Northrup 
stated last night, the preferred way to use HRT (natural) is to by-pass the liver, as a 
gel, or a sublingual tablet or an oil capsule. 


Vea:  Is this a prescription medication? 


Dearest:  Yes, Vea, it is. Pete, can you tell those who may not know exactly what
bio-identical hormones are. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Bio-identical means the following: The chemical structure 
matches that found in the body, a 3-dimensional structure that has been designed by nature 
to fit the receptors, on every cell in the body. As a result the biologic effect will be 
different. 


LighthouseCS:  What about Activella is it on the study list? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The biological effect will be different and more beneficial, 
that is.

Activella, was not in the study, it is estradiol and Norethidrone all in one pill; a 
different Drug Company's version of Prempro. But the Norethidrone is still synthetic. 
The estradiol is one of the natural estrones however. 


PatC:  My 79 year old mother is currently taking Premarin, exelon, and Premival. She has 
high blood pressure, has had a couple of strokes, and has trouble with short-term memory. I 
am hoping some general advice from you may have more of an impact than I have had in the 
past. Would her current HRT interfere with the saliva test? Would you advise a saliva test 
for her? Thank you in advance.  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, I would advise a saliva test, and stay on the current 
medications while doing it, so we can see what levels the meds put her at; and then we can 
adjust from there for her.  


CindyTree:  I am on a compounded prescription progesterone cream, mainly to regulate 
periods. (I'm 45, perimenopausal and periods were starting to become irregular.) Should I 
be concerned about using that or is the study mainly about estrogen? I still miss periods 
now and then even with the progesterone and see no other benefits physically. I wonder now 
if it is safe to use if I'm not seeing benefits and in light of this study. Should I have a 
saliva test before continuing?  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, stay on the cream. It is natural progesterone. The
study 
had a big problem with the synthetic Medroxyprogesterone, which is not the same thing. 


CindyTree:  So maybe the dose just isn't right? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The progesterone cream should be helping to regulate your 
periods, if it isn't then it needs to be fine tuned. 


Dearest:  You can contact Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com 


Bushbaby:  I have severe osteoporosis, gall bladder problems and had DVT (Deep Vein 
Thrombosis). I have been on Premarin .3mg for 10 years. Also started on Rocaltrol recently 
for the osteoporosis. What options should I look at to avoid taking synthetic hormones? I 
get very bad hot flashes without the Premarin but don't want to risk future worse health 
problems. 


Suellie:  I have been on Premarin for 11 years,I had a hysterectomy and my ovaries out 
should I stay on the estrogen? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  I would advise using the Biest formula to replace the Premarin.


Dearest:  Pete, would you say in all cases women should replace their Premarin if that's 
what they're using? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  I would advise that, yes.  


Dearest:  And your thoughts on Provera?  Not necessarily when it's used with Premarin, but 
other estrogens. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Do NOT ever use PROVERA!!!!  


Linda950:  What about osteoporosis? will Fosomax improve bone mass without HRT? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, it will.  But, it could be a problem if you have 
esophageal problems.   


Toobizee:  What's the best supplements to take to help prevent osteoporosis?


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Calcium & magnesium, exercise, weight-bearing, and  phytoestrogens 
if you don't want natural HRT. 


Dearest:  And Revival soy protein, too. Excellent for bone health.


Dearest:  You can contact Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com 

 
JJ:  Hello Pete. What about HRT with Prometrium (200 Mg)and Estradiol (1Mg 2x a day). Is 
there a study that has been cancelled with that? Is there a difference with those 
prescriptions regarding cardio-vascular benefits? Are these bio-identical? Thanks. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Those are both bio-identical, and no there was no study with 
them and therefore nothing was canceled. They probably will also not have any better cardio- 
vascular benefits. 


Dearest:  Pete, I gather we can we assume that women shouldn't go on HRT for 
the sole purpose of improving her heart health - that heart disease is not reversible by HRT.  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, that is absolutely true. 


AuntA:  I had my uterus removed 15 years ago and have started hot flashes about 4 years ago 
an tried natural things like Remifeminen, Revival, Progest cream. I went on Premarin and 
stopped and started Estrace then my Dr put me on Vivelle patches twice a week--a low dose--
and I seem to have no more hot flashes and am now scared about taking anything? I thought 
patches do not go through the liver but now see that is wrong. Should I continue with 
Vivelle patches?  I also tried Tri-E and the flashes kept coming. My bone scan was perfect 
and I take lots of vitamins and minerals. Heart problems run in my family, but this is not 
my sole reason--just quality of life and NO HOT FLASHES! 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Patches do by-pass the liver on the first pass, so if it is 
working why not keep using it?  The Triest dose was probably not high enough, why not get a 
RX for Biest? 


AtinaLee:  How long can we safely stay on compounding meds?  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The natural hormones, are believed to be ok to take longer 
than the 5 years, especially is you lower the dose over time, but we probably will never 
have a study to show this definitely.  That is what Dr. Christiane Northrup thinks, too.  


Idie:  I am currently taking 5 mg Biest a day and Natural Progesterone 200 mg 
daily.  Suffer from sore breasts about 5 days after starting the natural progesterone 
until I get my period. Why? And still getting heart palpitations too. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Your dose needs to be fine tuned, maybe less progesterone, and 
a little higher estrone dose.  


Dearest:  For more information, you can contact Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at 
consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com 


HollyD:  What do you do if you cannot tolerate natural progesterone? I haven't had a period 
since March. Is this bad because of build up in the lining of uterus? I'm only 44! 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  You need to use progesterone intravaginally for 12 days every 
3.5 months to protect the uterus and avoid the progesterone side effects.  


HollyD:  Do you have that? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  We make a gel or suppository.


HollyD:  And no side effects? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The side effects would be minor and only last for 8 to 12 days 
every 3.5 months.  


VictoriaSecret51:  Are phytoestrogens or testosterone cream safe to use if you have had 
breast cancer, also using natural progesterone cream? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  I do believe so, many women are using them and no re-
occurrence of the breast cancer.  


Dearest:  Pete, another important point. Those who are planning to stop HRT, you do 
recommend weaning off slowly, yes? If so, how do you recommend stopping? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, if someone is going to quit, do not go "Cold Turkey" do 
it this way, wean off by using for 2 days then 1 day off and etc, over a period of 5 weeks.


Dearest:  I read that while weaning off estrogen, one should continue to take progesterone. 
Do you agree? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, that would be advisable.


ZJ:  (Zelma) Is Bi-est better than Estrace? And is Estrace 1mg. considered high? Does 
estrogen supplement block what little testosterone someone with a full hysterectomy might 
still have? I've read that recently. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Estrace 1. mg is an average dose. The Biest would add a little 
estriol to the regimen, and that is supposed to be beneficial, and the estrogen will not 
block the testosterone.


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Estriol can help with dry skin, vagina, and tears, maybe even 
have a slight breast cancer protective quality to it. 


Tori:  Does one need to take Progesterone (OTC or Rx) to oppose the Rx Estriol vaginal 
cream? If so, is the OTC Pro-Gest enough?  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The Progest would probably be strong enough, and yes, if you 
have a uterus, I would recommend using the Progest, otherwise it would not be necessary. 


Linda950:  So, if we should not start HRT solely for the heart does the same hold true for 
osteoporosis?


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  No. the bones will definitely be benefited by the HRT, however 
this was not addressed in this study, but other studies have been done to show HRT and it's 
good benefits to bones.  


Chris2You:  I had the ablation surgery, to control bleeding I was having. It was very 
successful. I am still on HRT He changed the pill to Femhrt. He says I should now have no 
more bleeding :) Which is a good thing. My ? is should I try and stop the pills. I don't 
have hot flashes or night sweat. I do have mood swings but working hard on that one with 
breathing and self help books that I am reading. I try and exercise but haven't since the 
surgery. Do I need to talk with him or just do it??? I don't have to see him until next 
year. All is good.   


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Try going off, and see how you feel, if not, then I would 
recommend trying a natural combination of Biest and progesterone, the progesterone could 
help solve the mood swings. Hopefully the hot flashes, etc. won't come back for you.  


Odky:  Dr. Hueseman, you made reference in one of your other chats about a letter that Dr. 
Joel Hargrove wrote. It was presented with a cover letter from Dr. Christiane Northrup. 
Do you by any chance know where I can get a copy of this letter? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  I can send you a copy, if you e-mail me privately later and 
remind me to send it to you. My E.mail is consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com 


Odky:  Thanks so much. I will do that. 


Cityknitter:  I have been on Premarin for 10 years since a full hysterectomy (ovaries out 
too); have had a rough time with side effects; how do I get RX for Biest and progesterone? 
Do you advise I switch from Premarin to Biest?


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Yes, I advise the switch, and contact me at the number that 
Dearest has given you. 


Dearest:  For those of you who don't know, Pete has been Power Surge's pharmaceutical 
consultant for seven years (and proud we are of it).


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Thank you!!! 


Soozans:  how long can I expect to be on HRT?  These women are on for years and years -  
why?  I thought once you have not had a period for a year, your hormones begin to settle 
down.  Why would I NEED to, is my question.  Shouldn't symptoms subside?  


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  If it is natural, then stay on it as long as you need to, if 
synthetic, then 5 to 6 years.  Symptoms for most will subside in 2 to 5 years. 


Maxmom:  I am on estradiol .5 mg and medroxyprogest 2.5 mg. Should I stop taking them. I 
get panic attacks and they seem to keep me in balance. What could safely replace them? I 
have osteopena and high cholesterol also. I have been on this regime for 6 years and am 54. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Menopause is no periods naturally for 1 year or longer. Try 
Biest 3.75mg. & progesterone 100mg. all in one oil capsule and take one a day at bedtime.


Joa:  Pete, why do you think there will never be a study done on the effects of naturally-
compounded hormones? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  The naturals are not made by a large drug company, so they 
will not spend millions of dollars on a study, and I can not afford it myself. 


MsMonty:  Family history of breast cancer but I am on HRT anyway. Is it realistic for me to 
think I can just stay on a brief time past the worse part of menopause? Does it just end? 
Is there something that works that would be better? 


Dearest:  Please visit Power Surge's recommendation page at www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm 
for various remedies. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Use a natural form (Biest and progesterone and maybe some 
testosterone and DHEA), then add in some indole 3 carbinol to take daily to help prevent 
estrone conversion and transformation into the carcinogenic 16-hydroxyestrone. 


Kalanie:  Pete, I am wondering how this study might relate to Birth Control pills? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  I would say most women use the Birth Control Pills when 
younger, then stop for a while before menopause, so they will probably will not be a 
problem. Then the doctors put women on the relatively low dose BCP for peri and menopausal 
symptoms for a short while only, so they can be ok.  I still prefer the natural bio-identical HRT.


Kalanie:  Me too :) 


VictoriaSecret51:  Do you treat many women that has catamenial seizures with natural 
progesterone and what type of natural progesterone do you recommend? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Please contact me about the catamenial seizures specifically, 
and we use natural micronized progesterone when we compound. 


Sandra:  On Prempro - 1 every other day - seems to help control hot flashes, etc.  No periods for 
6 years - how long do I stay on this. Spot with more or less. What is a natural form (the best) 
of HRT to take? How do you quit Prempro? Cold turkey? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  Do not quit cold turkey, see a previous answer to how to stop, 
I would use Biest and Progesterone in one combination capsules to be taken daily, and fine 
tune the dose to fit you. 


DShorty:  Has anything about testosterone been in question? I have been using a testosterone 
patch for libido it has helped me tremendously, but with all the concern about HRT, should 
I be concerned? 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  No, the testosterone was not in the study, and it should not 
be a problem, so if it is working, and you have no acne, deepening of the voice or facial 
hair then stay on it.


Busymomofive:  Can I quit my HRT cold turkey? 


Dearest:  You can E.mail me at Dearest@aol.com for instructions on how to wean off HRT. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.:  No, do not quit cold turkey, wean off, as I have stated in a 
previous answer back up the page somewhere earlier.


Dearest:  Pete, thank you for this special chat about the HRT controversy and for all the 
valuable information you provided about hormones and menopause. If anyone is interested in 
using naturally compounded hormones, you can talk to and purchase them directly from Pete. 
He an be reached at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mailed at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com. 

And be sure to visit Pete's new site for Bellevue Pharmacy at www.bpharmacysolutions.com

Those of you not on the mailing list for reminders of our guest chats, you can sign up at 
http://www.power-surge.com/mailsubs.htm. 


Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Thanks to you all. Please thank my partner Brock, too!
It was a great chat.



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