Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.
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Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. |
2003: The HRT Controversy Series
Power Surge™ Live!
May 15 2005
Host: Dearest
Guest: Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.
Naturally Compounded Hormones
 About Pete Hueseman |
 Ask The Pharmacist |
(Pete Hueseman, R.Ph, R.D.'s 14th visit to Power Surge) Dearest: My guest tonight is Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. Pete has been a Registered Pharmacist since 1973. He has worked exclusively in the women's healthcare field for years devoted exclusively to compounding prescription hormone products (progesterone, estradiol, estriol, estrone, tri-estrogen, DHEA, testosterone, pregnenolone). Pete specializes in counseling patients and physicians on the use of hormones. Pete advises patients and physicians, nationwide, and is an acknowledged expert on the use of *natural* (bio-identical) hormones for HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Pete 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. Pete also is co-owner of Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions. Pete, it's a pleasure to welcome you back to Power Surge. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Thank you for having me back, it is my pleasure. Dearest: Have you found that since the halting of the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) Study last year and the concern over risks of using synthetic hormones, such as PremPro, that more women are turning to natural hormones? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, definitely. Dearest: That's it? Can you share with us why you think they're turning to naturals? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: They are safer and much less side effects. Dearest: Why are they safer? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: They are chemically identical to what the ovaries used to produce, they don't have to metabolize to something to be active, and therefore less side products, and safer. The body can recognize them right away. Dearest: What do you mean by "don't metabolize to something to be active... and therefore less side effects?" Thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estrone can turn into 16-hydroxyestrone which is carcinogenic, and for example, there is lots of estrone in the Premarin. Dearest: Thanks, Pete :) I appreciate the explanation. Kataneena: Logically, because men have less osteoporosis one would think testosterone would help with bone health, but the studies don't show this. Without knowing the long term effects of added testosterone, would you recommend it for women and why or why not? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You are exactly correct, the testosterone can help promote good bone health, as well as an anti-depressant action. Testosterone is a very important part of the hormone picture, and lots of doctors ignore it. Moozie: Can switching a hormone regimen cause anxiety? I tried estradiol and prometrium and had a horrible side effect. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: To change medications will only cause a side effect when the doses are not proper yet in most cases. It sounds like they need to be fine tuned. Dearest: Pete, maybe I can explain a bit better. Moozie is suffering from terrible anxiety. She was taking Ogen and Medroxyprogesterone and the anxiety felt much better. Then she wanted to use something more natural, so she started using Estradiol and prometrium and her anxiety became worse. Moozie, what doses were you using of the Ogen and Methy? And the naturals? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It sounds like the switch over dose was not equivalent for her, and therefore the symptoms came back. Moozie: .325 of Ogen Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would need to know the exact dose of each, and the dose form and the directions, and then I could help her better. Dearest: Moozie, I recommend you write to Pete directly and maybe you can sort this out, ok? You can write to Pete at Pharmacy@power-surge.com. Pete, what's the phone number? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: 1-800-728-0288 Dearest: I think all she needs is her dose tweaked and she'll be fine. Kar: Many women can drink soy milk and they are helped by it. But it gives me even more hot flashes. Any idea why? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Sometimes, the phytoestrogen content is not strong enough to solve everyone's symptoms. Dearest: Especially soy milk - has very little soy isoflavones in it. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would use a natural HRT in a low dose to go along with it. Have you tried Revival? Check out the Revival on the Power-Surge recommendation area. Dearest: And if you didn't want to use hormones, you can read about Revival soy protein on the Web site. Email me for more information at Dearest@aol.com Scentsitive: Hello. I'm 43, was taking TriLevelen for ~11 years but stopped 1 year ago due to terrible menopause-like symptoms. I feel fine now, symptoms are gone and have regular periods, no other health issues, EXCEPT have a practically non-existent libido. I hoped this would improve after discontinuing the birth control pills. Can this be improved with hormones? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Email me later, and we can talk about adding only some testosterone to your daily regimen. We have several forms available, and it should work to improve the libido. She can email me for exact symptoms, and a dose to fit her. Dearest: You can E.mail Pete at Pharmacy@power-surge.com BarbiLynn: My doctor prescribed estring for vaginal atrophy. Is there an alternative for vaginal atrophy because I've had breast cancer. My 5th year anniversary this month. Dearest: That's good to hear, Barbi. Continued good health from all of us. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It would be the estriol and testosterone combination in a vaginal cream to use 2 or 3 times a week at bedtime. BarbiLynn: And I can get that from you? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, it does require a prescription and we can ship it to you, we also do accept hundreds of insurance plans. Send me a separate email, and I will give you the exact dose for the doctor to write for. BarbiLynn: Thank you Pete, I think you have my information. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Remind me in the email, or I might forget. Dearest: Maybe you need hormones, Pete :) Elena: I am 46 now and I had gone through an early meno at 42 within 2 years went through with it I have never taken anything for it but I drink soy milk now and try and eat right. I am worried about the long term effects of it. What vitamins can you prescribe that might help? I get heart palpitations and headaches though. Dearest: Elena, you can find all that information on the Power Surge Recommendations page at www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm. Are you worried about the long-term effects of soy milk? Elena: I hear good things and bad. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't think you have a thing to worry about with the soy, keep checking your bone health, and take the active women's multi vitamin by Power-Surge and sold by Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions, you may need some natural estrogen for the headaches and palpitations and, of course, balance it with some natural progesterone. Dearest: Soy milk doesn't have enough of anything in it to have long term effects (or even short term). I wouldn't worry. Elena: How is magnesium? I heard it's good for that. Dearest: It's on the recommendations page. You have the link above and E.mail me at Dearest@aol.com to send you a welcome letter with lots of links and information. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Magnesium is great and important to work with the calcium for good bones. PortiaPoo: Hi Pete. I am on the biest dosage 3.75 and progesterone. 75 mg. and I still feel it wear off after 8 hours. The 2.5 mg of biest did the same thing so you put it up. Why is this happening? Getting headaches too! Is 3.75 biest twice a day high for biest? Testosterone 1.2 and no sex drive still. Eye brows are falling out in clumps! Even with 2 mg. testosterone the same thing. Do I need DHEA? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Maybe, and maybe we should do a saliva test to figure it all out, and measure the Estriol, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHT, and DHEA, and go from there. Dearest: Give her the number, Pete. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: 1-800-728-0288, it should be on her bottle. Dearest: She might look at a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon instead :) I don't think that would have your number. LOL Twinkle: What are "natural hormones"? I am 46 and in peri-meno. Would I benefit from these? I'm taking Paxil now for anxiety. Thanks Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Natural hormones are derived from plants and most importantly have the same chemical structure as what the ovaries used to produce, and therefore less side effects. I do believe you would benefit greatly from using them. The natural estrogen and balanced with progesterone can help the anxiety. Kataneena: Do you think testosterone is safe? Does it build bone? Dr. Susan Love says it is dangerous and untested. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is safe if dosed properly, and yes it does build bone, there are lots of studies about it actually. Bray9946: I just bought Revival. Is it ok to drink one shake and eat one bar a day or is that to much soy? And how long will it take to feel the effects of the Revival? Dearest: I think you have to ask the Revival people about that, Bray. You can do so at www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: That is not too much, and I am not sure about how long until you get relief. Some get effects in one week, others not for 3 to 4 weeks. Salaskie: I recently had a bone density test done, with the results being +1.5. I was told I am producing a lot of hormone to reach this level, and it can result in increased risk of breast cancer. Is there a way to reduce my hormonal output?? thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Not naturally, only by surgery. Salaskie: Suggestions? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Do your check ups religiously and do testing every year or two. Exercise and eat a good diet. Dearest: Pete, since HRT, whether commercially prepared or naturally compounded, is metabolized through the first pass of the liver, wouldn't you recommend liver function tests before starting a woman on oral HRT? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Not unless she was having problems the first month or two. They can get expensive, and the insurance companies don't like to pay for unnecessary testing. I usually recommend sublinguals or a gel so as to bypass the liver on the first pass anyway. ChocChip: I have just started using estradiol. How soon should I start seeing results and will this help with low libido? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It can help with the low libido, yes, and I would say you should see results in 2 to 3 weeks for sure or at least some improvement. GardenGal: Hi Pete, I have been steadily on Revival for 8 months., taking black cohosh-80mgs daily and have tried progesterone cream (Progest). I have horrible sweat flashes that drain my energy. I no longer have any other negative symptoms other than the now left with hot flash sweats.Can you suggest anything else for the hot flashes? Water literally drips from my forehead. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: How about calling me and we will determine what dose of Biest to have your doctor order for you. It is a natural estrogen made of 80% estriol and 20% estradiol. You can still use the Revival along with it. Dearest: Pete, give the number again, please. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: 1-800-728-0288 in St. Louis on CST 9AM to 6 PM Dearest: Many natural hormone mixes only contain 17-beta estradiol. What is the importance of adding estriol that's used, for example, in your bi-est and tri-est? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is supposed to help especially with dryness of the skin, eyes and vagina, and it has some good breast cancer prevention activity to it we do believe. Selavita: I take clonazapam 0.5 twice a day for anxiety. Can I take over the counter estroven safely since it has kava kava? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You could try it for a week to 3 weeks and see if it helps, and that should be safe for you. Dearest: Safe to use kava kava while she's also using Clonazapam? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Sounds like you need some natural Biest and progesterone though. It will be OK to try. Dearest: Power Surge doesn't recommend it. Selavita: I'm just concerned with the Kava Kava and clonazapam. Dearest: Anyone using tranquilizers or anti-depressants, or drugs of that nature shouldn't mix them with kava kava. I don't agree with Pete on this. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Just take what is recommended on the bottle, don't over do it, I would prefer the natural hormones though. Dearest: Estroven has about 100 mg. of kava kava, doesn't it? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't have my book in front of me. Dearest: It does and it can be dangerous mixing that dose of kava kava with drugs like Clonazapam, Valium, Xanax, etc. Perhaps if it were a tiny dose of kava. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Remember, I said only try it, that could only last for a day or two. Dearest: Sorry to disagree. CrazyLinda: I have hair loss and after 50 mg. of progesterone cream much greater loss. Any suggestions? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Test your levels of estrogen, and a full thyroid workup, and DHT level, then we may want to add in other hormones to solve the problem. The Progest can make it worse, if the other aren't also balanced. Dearest: You can always write to Pete and get his email and phone number on the ask the experts page at www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm of the web site. Guest0: What about Rainbow Light Women's Nutritional Supplement, supposed to be hormone balancing? I think it's good. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't know what is in the formula, maybe you could type it out and email it to me. Guest0: I will do that. It is a B-complex with herbal supplements, Vitex, fo-ti, calcium, magnesium,etc. You are advised to take 6 a day. I take 2. Also more. I will check the bottle and email you the specifics. Thanks. Dearest: Guest, you might want to look at the Power Surge Recommendations page at www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm Pete, there are supplements available of that kind on your site, aren't there? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, we have many good products, and lots of them are listed on the Power-surge.com/recommend.htm area. Guest0: Thanks, Dearest. I have been there. Gotten so much great info and support here. Micki: Hi Pete. When would you advise taking DHEA and has it been proven safe for women to take? Thanks Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I usually recommend it be taken in the A.M. after breakfast, and also usually it is low in people over 40 years of age. It is safe to use, yes. FullerJean48: What can I take instead of Advil or Excedrin since I am now on Warfarin 1mg? Tylenol don't work on me for headaches and pain. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Advil, nothing with aspirin in it, and I do believe the Excedrin has ASA (acetylsalicylic acid - aspirin) in it. Jimi: If I feel good taking/using nothing, except multi vitamins, should I be using NHRT anyway or leave well enough alone? fsh is 89.2. oestradiol is <80. DHEAS is 1.8. progesterone is <1.0. I am postmenopausal. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Don't do anything else, if your bones are healthy, then don't fix something not broken. KyraRose: My Gyn just prescribed Menest 0.625 mg and Prometrium 100mg - he said the Menest is soy based and the Prometrium is micronized. Are these naturally compounded hormones - I have a problem with anxiety and afraid they will cause more. Should I try Revival first? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Menest is only partly natural. It is from soy but Esterified, and anything esterified is not totally natural. It should help you though, my Biest would be better, and the prometrium is natural, but in peanut oil; these should both work to solve the symptoms quite nicely. You could try the Revival for a month or so, if you want to first, but, it probably will not be the total answer for you. Dearest: If anyone wants information, Email me at Dearest@aol.com and I'll send out a welcome letter that will guide you around Power Surge's Web site. Also, if you want to contact Pete, you can get his information on his Ask The Pharmacist area at www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm PortiaPoo: One more question Pete. Could you tell me what the average dosage for women is for biest, progesterone and testosterone and also how many times per day? I read it in another transcript but it didn't mention how many times a day for the dosages. Not for peri but menopause. Dearest: One thing you'll learn, Portia, there's no such thing as "average" especially in menopausal women. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Biest 2.5mg. and Progesterone 50mg. and Testosterone 0.625 mg all in one sublingual tab and dissolve one under the tongue two times a day every 12 hours, is pretty average for menopause. PortiaPoo: I understand that. I just wondered for most women what what enough to relieve the symptoms. Dearest: I know :) But one woman can take 1/2 that dose and feel great. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Portio: Dearest is correct about that. PortiaPoo: That's why I thought 3.75 mg biest a day seems like a lot to take 2 times per day. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would start with a low dose of the Biest and progesterone, and adjust as needed, there should be no problem with blood clots. You could take an aspirin 81.mg. E.C. (enteric coated) tablet daily as a safety precaution. Varicose veins do not mean you will get blood clots. 3.75, is only slightly higher than the 2.5mg dose actually. Dearest: How much estradiol is in the 3.75 bi-est? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: 0.75mg of estradiol in that. KyraRose: My levels from Aeron lab was 1.5 Estradiol, <.05 progesterone and 18.1 Testosterone - are the levels of Menest .625 and prometrium 100 look like good levels and hopefully starting out easy - I tend to have side effects from most medicines. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, that should be a good starting point for you, I would prefer you eventually call me for some Biest though. If you have any problems then try to cut the menest in half with a pill cutter. Sula: What are the side affects one should look for when taking the natural hormones. I just read about blood clots? Weight gain? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Weight gain, would only happen if the dose was not fine tuned properly, other side effects could be bloating and breast tenderness, or headaches. Dearest: Pete, Where did the term "estrogen dominance" originate and can you explain what it is. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is when the symptoms of menopause seem to say there is too much estrogen in the system, and not enough progesterone to balance it with. Coined by doctor, John Lee, MD. I think it is a bad term, and I call it hormone imbalance. Most women actually need some estrogen too. Progesterone is usually the first hormone to go once the menopause approaches. BarbiLynn: I'm not sure if this question has been answered, but are some of the over the counter progesterone creams working and as good as they say they are? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, some do work, and we do sell the one by Emerita, the original Progest Cream, I would tell anyone to go ahead and try it. If it does not seem to work well, then get the doctor to order the prescription one, that is stronger. BarbiLynn: I've been using one for 2 years and seems to be working well for me except for no libido, thank you. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Then we need to talk about adding in some testosterone, or to measure your estrogen level, and adjust from there. Bray9946: I had a hysterectomy February 17. My doctor said he didn't think a blood test for hormones was necessary because my ovaries hadn't been working for 2 years as I haven't had a period. I am having symptoms of vaginal dryness, weight gain and no energy. I have ordered a saliva test and am anticipating getting the results. Any comment on what I can do in the meantime? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Are you on any hormones since the surgery? If not, then call me tomorrow for a recommendation to start on. The saliva test results should be done within 10 to 14 days of sending them in. Dearest: Pete's number is 1-800-728-0288 Bray9946: He said I didn't need any unless I had symptoms. He did order vagifem. Sula: What percentage of the Progesterone should be in a cream? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Each person and each situation requires a different percentage, so the range is 1.5% to 10% and use it 2 or 3 times a day. PrematureWorries: I have been on Premelle 2.5mg for 2 years. I am 42. How long can I safely be on this? I am very comfortable with this now. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: What is Premelle 2.5mg.? It must be from a foreign country, but probably for 5 to 7 years safely. Is that a foreign name for Premarin? PrematureWorries: 0.625/2.5mg conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: That is PremPro, I would wean off it soon, and email me for a natural bioidentical substitute for your doctor to order for you. Dearest: There's also an excellent article on weaning off hormones at www.power-surge.com/educate/weanoffhrt.htm Pete, thank you once again for educating women about our hormones and menopause. If anyone has further questions about naturally compounded hormones, you can ask Pete by typing into your browser, www.power-surge.com/askthexperts.htm and Pete will get back to you on any questions regarding natural hormones and menopause, or you can call him at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at Pharmacy@power-surge.com Read Pete Hueseman's first transcript Read Pete Hueseman's second transcript Read Pete Hueseman's third transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fourth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fifth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's sixth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's seventh transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eighth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's ninth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's tenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eleventh transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twelfth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's thirteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's fifteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's sixteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's seventeenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's eighteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's nineteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twentieth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twenty first transcript Read Pete Hueseman's twenty second transcript Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994-2008 by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.