Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.
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Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. |
2003: The HRT Controversy Series
Power Surge™ Live!
August 7 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 15th visit to Power Surge) Dearest: My guest tonight is Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. Pete has been a Registered Pharmacist for 30 years. Although Pete is a registered pharmacist and dispenses all sorts of prescription medications, he's focused his area of expertise on women's healthcare, and to naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones, such as estradiol, estriol, estrone, tri-estrogen, micronized progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, pregnenolone). Pete specializes in counseling patients and physicians on the use of natural hormones. He advises patients and physicians, nationwide, and is an acknowledged expert on the use of *natural* hormones or NHRT (natural 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 always a pleasure to welcome you back to Power Surge :) Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Thank you for having me back, and it is always a pleasure to be here. Dearest: Great to have you back, Pete. For those who aren't familiar with the differences between synthetic estrogens and progestins, and natural estrogen and progesterone, could you please explain it to our audience? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The natural means that it is chemically identical in structure to the hormones that were produced by the ovaries in the past, and synthetics must metabolize into something the body can use. In this metabolism, other side products can be produced that can be detrimental to the body. They are also derived from soy and yam plants. Dipsy: I have been on Premarin for 14 years since a total hysterectomy at which time I tried compounded Estrace in various strengths and it was a disaster. I have thrived on the Premarin. Can you tell me why I should switch when I'm doing so well. I think I'm part horse I love it so much? LOL Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You may not have been getting good absorption, and possibly should try again with our sublingual tablet of Biest. There is no reason why the Estrace should not work as well. Dearest: With regard to all the recent negative studies about combined synthetic (conjugated) estrogen and progestins, what impact, if any, do these studies have on the natural, plant-derived estrogens and progesterone? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Actually since these study results have come out, the phone never quits ringing, for everyone wants to switch to the naturals. Dearest: Well, for example, what is basically the difference between between a commercial estrogen, such as Estrace, that calls itself "natural" and the 17-beta estradiol you use in naturally compounded hormones? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is the same product, for the Estrace is made with the 17 beta micronized estradiol, we can add in the Estriol, and we can make different doses to fit each person more specifically, and we can put it into many other dose forms too. Jane25: My last period was last August. The last few months I have been getting dry, very itchy skin on my face, neck and, worst of all, ears. Is this related to Meno, do you know? Is there anything I can do or take to stop it? thank you Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You could try some natural estrogen, if you are not already on it, or call me and we will go over your hormone history in depth. Dearest: You can call Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at Pharmacy@power-surge.com. Andy: How does a person know if she should take DHEA and what side effects might one experience if you take too much? Thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Too much could cause facial hair, oily skin, acne, and too much aggressiveness, the best way to test it would be with a saliva test to measure your current levels of it. It can help you have better energy too. Dearest: And you do saliva tests, don't you, Pete? Through Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We do sell the saliva test that is furnished by Aeron Life Cycle labs, and I can get it covered on insurance if you have Blue Cross or United healthcare insurance. Dearest: Are there certain health conditions that would contraindicate the use of any type of hormone supplementation? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Recent cancer situations would make it rather doubtful to use. Severe blood clotting in the past, and strokes that would be recent. Dearest: Pete, for those who don't know, can you explain what the three main estrogens are and what each does in a woman's body? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estriol is the weakest estrogen and is most prevalent in a pregnant woman, and is supposed to help protect against breast cancer. Estrone is the strongest, and if turns into too much 16 hydroxyestrone, that can be carcinogenic, and the Estradiol is the one that helps with most of the vasomotor symptoms. Dearest: So, the three main estrogens - to list are: estradiol, estriol and estrone. Claudia: I tried to call the 800 number mentioned in power-surge.com to contact you, but got a recording saying that number is no longer in service, can you please give me a number to call? The number I used was 1-800-728-0288. I need help. Menopause is ruining my life. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: 1-800-728-0288, it worked all day today. Claudia, where are you calling from? I have no idea why it didn't work for you, it worked for everyone else today. PlanoSmith: I have been having lots and lots of hot flashes. Taking evening primrose for about 2 weeks and black cohosh for over a year. I have been using Revival daily for about 8 months also. What else can I do naturally? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say we need to do a saliva test and measure the Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA levels, and then talk about some natural HIH therapy regimen to fit you. Jillian: I have a fast metabolism, weigh about 90lbs (5'1). I want to find a multi vitamin that is not too potent, as sometimes get stomach aches and flushes from niacin. I am on Klonopin for anxiety, so I want to be sure it "mixes". I don't like vitamins with a lot of fillers and don't want something that will cause weight loss. Any suggestions? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would try the Active Women's Multi and take only one or two a day instead of three per day. Dearest: I call it the kitchen sink of multi vitamins. MrsSquirrel: Pete, I have been working with you and am on Biest and Progesterone. I am losing my hair, still have anxiety, and now acne that I didn't have before. I wondered if you would consider 17-beta estradiol - I've heard good things about it. Maybe it would work better for me? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We could try just the Estradiol, but it is in the Biest. Maybe we need to talk about lowering the progesterone, and increasing the Biest or estradiol portion. Kataneena: Pete, I am desperate. In spite of my running, weight training, Revival soy, Biest and natural progesterone I am still losing A LOT of bone. What do you think about Evista? Would I have to give up my Biest if I take Evista? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You would not necessarily have to give up the Biest. Have you considered the Fosamax or the nose spray? Kataneena: I don't want to if I don't have to. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Let's discuss it and make a decision to suggest to the doctor. Dearest: There are many conflicting opinions about estrogen dominance. Many say, it's not estrogen dominance, but the fluctuations of hormones that cause menopausal symptoms. Can you share your thoughts on estrogen dominance, what it is and if/how it affects premenopausal women? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't like the term, it usually is actually hormone imbalance, and in perimenopause we need to add progesterone usually, and sometimes a little bit more of the estrogen too. It definitely is a fluctuating time for the hormones. Blondie: What is the best HRT for someone who has gone through surgical menopause? And is natural progesterone a no-no? I have been on natural OTC hormones for over 4 years and feel pretty good! But, I have recently been diagnosed with LSD (Lichen Sclerosis). Good bones, etc. Thanks! Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We have many women using the natural progesterone along with estrogens and testosterone, when they are in surgical menopause, usually a lower dose is all that is needed for the progesterone. Blondie: I understand that you compound a lot of testosterone for some of the women who have it! Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes we do, and we also make a lot of the estradiol in the thick gel too for that condition. Blondie: Is gel better than cream? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The gel (thick) seems to be preferred and works quite well for most. Blondie: Estrace cream topically is the norm, I understand! DHope: I hope this question is ok here first time I am premenopausal and feel horrible. Nerves, hot flashes, but my doctor isn't really doing any tests on me, would progesterone cream work or estrogen are they both the same can I do one or the other or both and I am scared wondering how long does it take to feel better? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would start by cycling the progesterone, if it works, then great, if not then we need to add in some natural estrogen to balance it with. You are the perfect candidate for a saliva test on day 21 of your cycle, to determine the exact needs. DHope: I would like to but I'm not working now what would cost be and what do you test for? Dearest: You can call Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at Pharmacy@power-surge.com. Is there one delivery system you've found to be more effective than others, such as orally, transdermal cream, gel, patch? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I find the sublingual to be very effective, the topical gels are good, and the oil capsule also work fairly well, I try to suggest something that will bypass the liver on the first pass. MeeMee52: Why is it that my pharmacist is more in tune to my needs than my doctor? My pharmacist is a lot more helpful than my doctor. Do doctors prefer that you stay on synthetic HRT? Dearest: How true that is. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The doctors are only taught about synthetics, since the big companies are paying the salaries of the professors at the medical schools, and therefore the Pharmacist seems to know more about it all. Toobusy: California now requires a doctor slip to get a saliva test. My doctor does not believe in saliva tests so she won't write the order, what can I do to get one? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Call me and I can get it sent to you anyway, no problem. Dearest: Pete, two medical studies released Wednesday provided more damning evidence that giving female hormones to older women does little to improve their health and may in fact harm it. In one study in this week's JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association, a research team led by JoAnn Manson of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that women taking estrogen and progestin increase their risk of a heart attack by 81 percent in the first year. The researchers said the findings mean that most women who are taking the hormones should stop, and those who have reached menopause should not start. Your thoughts? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The research was again on the same old study from last year, PREMPRO, not the HIH version, so I don't think the statements are totally accurate for most women. That is why the phone rings off the hook, how to switch to the naturals. It is also best to start early on, not wait until you feel totally miserable. Dearest: HIH are human identical hormones - bio identical, naturally compounded hormones that Pete works with. Nan421: Can natural hormones help with my increased cholesterol since menopause? I am not taking any hormones at present, just increased soy in my diet. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: They might help, you would have to try them for 3 to 6 months and retest, also exercise is the best to lower the cholesterol and a better diet, and Policosanol will help an new natural item that we sell. NancyJoyce: I'm using the natural compounded hormones. You mention that the hormones can be compounded according to a person's needs. How would one know if they're getting too much or too little of a particular hormone. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: That is why you do the saliva test periodically, once to start, again in 2 to 3 months, to be sure you are on the right track and then once a year thereafter, to check again. Marlo: I started on estradiol/progesterone(mic)0.6mgs-200mgs/0.5mls. through a hormone study. Why am I getting headaches and experiencing bloating? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The dose is probably not correct for you, or maybe you are not absorbing well through the skin. It's usually too low on the estrogen and it looks too high on the progesterone side. Mair: I am currently taking Estradiol 2MG and Remifemin to relieve the hot flashes that resulted after my hysterectomy 2 years ago. My Doctor wants to phase out the Estradiol, but each time we cut the dose the flashes come back. What else can we do? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would use a lower dose, but not stop it totally. That is for the estradiol. Chantal: Pete I have a question. Nothing to do with hormones but mainly with allergies to NSAID. If you're allergic to NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and ASA (aminosalicylic acid) what can one use for inflammatory drugs if ever needed? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Did you try Vioxx or Bextra yet? Chantal: No, they said if I did I would have to be hospitalized for the treatment since NSAID and ASA causes brochospasm. Dearest: What about taking something like Advil or Tylenol gel caps? Chantal: Same thing Dearest: Asprin? Chantal: Worst Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: This sounds like a very complicated case, and can't be discussed in depth on this chat room, call tomorrow and ask for Dr. Paul Hueseman for that one, ok Chantal. Cookie531: No period 11 months, then wham! another one, hot flashes completely gone (all medical tests were normal) but have bouts of anxiety and depression. Also hypothyroid. Where did the flashes go? Is there anything I can take for the anxiety/depression problems? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say we need to do a saliva test, and consider the Biest and progesterone in the natural form and as a sublingual tablet for the natural estrogen can also help with anxiety and depression too, not just hot flashes. Dearest: When is it appropriate to include testosterone supplementation with natural hormone therapy, or could estrogen help the waning or lost libido in many pre and postmenopausal women? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estrogen is very important for the libido, and the best time to add in some testosterone, is when tested and it is actually low. Kataneena: In an earlier chat on Power-Surge, a OB/Gyn Dr. claimed that estriol was too problematic, with too many side effects. Do you disagree with this? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I totally disagree with that, and I did see that comment when I reviewed one of her chats. We find it to help with skin and vaginal and dry eyes; it also has some breast cancer protective qualities to it, as does the natural progesterone. Blondie: My pharmacist compounds my testosterone in a Vaseline base. Icky. What do you usually use? Is there anything better? And what natural HRT can you get in sublingual form? Thanks! Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We can make any and all natural HRT in the sublingual tablets, and we use a special thick gel, that I formulated for several women with lichen sclerosis about 8 or 9 years ago. It is not sticky and greasy, and most women love it. DHope: What would you say would good natural herb or vitamin for helping with sleeping? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Black cohosh,and valerian root. DHope: I'm unable to do either any others maybe, please? Dearest: See the Recommendations page on the Power Surge web site at www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm for all sorts of recommendations about vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, amino acids, a few herbs (I'm not a big lover of herbs). Pete, there's been some controversy about black cohosh recently. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, the recent findings say it can cause an increase in breast cancer, and we will have to research that study before jumping to any conclusions. MeeMee52: I have Blue Cross PPO, but my pharmacist told me just today that Blue Cross won't cover saliva tests. You say they do. Does it depend on the Lab doing the work? Thanks! Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, it does depend on the lab, and I have a working agreement with the lab I use (Aeron) and they definitely bill for Blue Cross patients directly for me. Nan421: I have had a hysterectomy. I had heard progesterone wasn't necessary. What can it do for me? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: It is officially not necessary, but it can help smooth out moods, build bone, and help with energy and libido in some cases. SuperGrammieJean: Sorry, I missed the beginning of this chat. What does the saliva test look for? I am taking Revival and still am having hot flashes, sleeplessness and loss of libido. Would natural hormones help with these symptoms? How much does a saliva test cost? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The saliva test can measure any one or all of the hormones, that are in the system, Estradiol, estrone, estriol progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, DHT, melatonin and cortisol, if you were out of balance in these, and then used some natural HIH hormones, your symptoms, most likely would be relieved. The cost depends on the number of hormones tested, and this pricing can be found on my website. Dearest: Pete's Web site is at www.bpharmacysolutions.com Chantal: I had an hysterectomy at the age of 24, that was 23 years ago, will I experience the same menopause problems as others, I still have my ovaries but I have experience none of the hot flashes or other system. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say you are not into menopause yet then, and yes eventually you will probably have some of the many symptoms that they talk about and that will happen when the ovaries quit secreting on you. To solve your complaints you probably need some estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Toobusy: What do you do when 2% progesterone cream doesn't seem to be working anymore? What is the next step? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The next step is to test your hormones, and see if you need some natural estrogen, or just a stronger progesterone. Dearest: 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/asktheexperts.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 fourteenth 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©1994-2009 by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.