Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.
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Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D. |
2004: The HRT Controversy Series
Power Surge™ Live!
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 18th 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 dispense all sorts of prescription medications, he's focused his area of expertise on women's healthcare, and to naturally compounded, bioidentical, 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 the kind introduction, and it is a pleasure to be here. Dearest: Let me begin - because there's much talk about Suzanne Somers new book on the boards. Pete, Suzanne Somers is promoting her new book about naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones, yet when you and I spoke, you say her suggestions for postmenopausal women cycling wasn't advisable. Could you share your thoughts about her ideas and how you believe NHRT should be taken - both by peri and postmenopausal women? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The idea of cycling when you are post- menopausal is old fashioned, and seldom used anymore by any doctors. It can be an awful nuisance if you are used to no periods for a long time because then you start bleeding again on a monthly basis. So, if in post menopause, I would suggest if it works for a women to use the progesterone and natural estrogen daily, and if in perimenopause to then cycle: Estrogen daily and progesterone for 12 to 14 days per month, stop and then bleed. Dearest: Why would a postmenopausal woman who's been without a period for some time want to start having periods again? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: That was my first question when I saw her statement! Dearest: I don't know the answer, Pete. Maybe it makes them feel younger? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: To create that would need lots of extra Estrogen, and lots of Progesterone for the 14 days, and the side effects would be rough. Dearest: Interesting. Thanks, Pete. Lynne2: I'm 48, no period for 19 months. I'm in menopause, but my sex life is is like gone, what can I do? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would advise a complete clinical evaluation with one of our Pharmacists, testing, and then we will give you a recommendation to discuss with your doctor and have him or her order from our Pharmacy. We do now charge $25.00 for the evaluation, but once you get your first order from us, we apply the $25.00 to the price of the prescription ordered. Guest74: Dear Pete, I have tried natural compounded progesterone gel, cream and also a progestin. They all give me an itchy rash. Can I still take estradial without the progesterone (I have a uterus)? Thank you. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: You can, if you go in to your doctor every 6 months and do an ultrasound to be sure the lining has not thickened up and becomes a problem. Some women only use the progesterone in a suppository form (vaginally) twice a day for 14 days every 3.5 months. Jmgiacov: I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis several years ago. I am using testosterone ointment 2%, estrace, and betamethasone. I am weaning myself off of ortho-est (doctor's advice). I know lack of estrogen can make it worse. Any advice? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: The suppository every 3.5 months, does seem to prevent the problem. You may have to just use more of the ointment and creams to stay in relief. Babatjie: I had only stopped bleeding for 4 months when we started with the compounds. But that was 8 months ago. So I am cycling as described above but when do I know I am truly menopausal and should stop cycling? And which choice (cycling or not) is best for sustaining (or boosting) libido? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Libido is probably best when cycling for most; when the period doesn't come when you stop the progesterone is when you probably should then switch to continuous therapy. Dearest: Pete, would you say that bio-identical hormones are safe for a woman with a history (or family history) of breast cancer? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: They would be the only way to go, and monitor every 6 months with the advice of a doctor familiar with them. CW: What would you recommend for a woman that has had breast cancer (surgery, no chemo/radiation) and is now going through the change (age 52) and experiencing frequent hot flashes? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estriol in a high dose (possibly a very small amount of Estradiol) and balance with natural progesterone, and use in our sublingual tablet dose form. Doses to be determined after talking with you. Testosterone can help to relieve some of the hot flashes too. Mouse: If there is a ranking order, what are the best body locations to apply a Triest cream? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Inner thighs, lower abdomen, inner forearms, neck and shoulders. Elyssa: I've been having a lot of anxiety lately and am still having erratic periods, so my gynecologist gave me the BCP Yasmin. Really bad as it exacerbated my anxiety. How to I find the right kind of natural hormones for my situation? Thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Please call me and we will do an evaluation, then I will make a recommendation for you to start on, have it ordered from my pharmacy by your doctor, we do ship everywhere. Kimberly: I have recently been having dizziness while sitting and standing. Also stumbling, pressure in my head, and walking like I'm drunk. Sometimes cannot finish sentences. My Dr. is said she thinks it is a hormone imbalance (bio-identicals) and is running blood tests. Have you every heard of this? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, if you email me, give a lot of history, or a number where I can get back to you at some point. Dearest: If you need additional information about naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones, you can call Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com - or you can ask him a question at www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm Wooomb52: I'm 52, perimenopausal, I take Prometrium 200 mg. Today is the day I should start the Prometrium again (day 15) but I started bleeding again yesterday. Do I take the Prometrium as on schedule or wait till the bleeding stops (when ever that will occur). Last month my cycle was normal, this month its all messed up, I have a history of dysfunctional bleeding and we're trying to find something that works with me. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't like the Prometrium 200 mg as one dose a day, and I believe the progesterone should be split up like 100 mg 2 times a day. Don't start the Prometrium, wait it out, or you will just be wasting your money on the caps. I would inform your doctor on what is going on, and see what happens next month. You may even need to add or adjust your estrogen situation. Jb: Is there a health benefit to taking the bio identical hormones if I have a uterus and no terrible symptoms, I'll be 55 and periods far between. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Then if not many symptoms or discomfort, stay off the HRT, even if natural, but be sure your bones are healthy too. They do protect the bones. Melissa: Some doctors advise using only estradiol, not tri-est. I have read that estriol is the predominant pregnancy estrogen, and that it is not the best for post-menopause. Your opinion? Also, what can we expect if we call you for an evaluation? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: We ask lots of questions, and testing info if you have any, and we give you an answer to talk about with your doctor for therapy. Dearest: Pete, could you explain the differences between tri-est and bi- est - or simply using estradiol and micronized progesterone. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Estradiol is the estrogen that helps with most of the menopause symptoms and can be used along with progesterone. Biest is 80% Estriol and 20% Estradiol; and Triest is 80% Estriol and 10% Estradiol and 10% Estrone. Heart: Do you recommend progesterone gel for women who have had their uterus removed? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Sometimes we do, depends on each individual situation, and sometimes we take it totally away. It depends on symptoms and side effects, if any. YoungOldMe: I heard some PhD physiologists are using "natural" low-dose estrogen patches and then using 10 mg/g progesterone cream for about 5 days every 3 months and that's all. Thanks for your opinion on that. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: They can't prescribe, only an MD, DO or Nurse Practitioner, but I am not aware of this technique as of yet. MaryAnne: Hi, Pete. I've been getting my medications threw you now for awhile. I take a small pea size of test 2%, 2 tablets a day 5/25/2.5 and estriol 0.5. My question is I still don't see a big difference in my sex drive and still don't have the sensation I use to have in my clitoris area. You know, that excited feeling. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say call me tomorrow, and let's see if something else may be interfering with something, I'll be happy to go over it with you on the phone. You make want to try a little extra Testosterone and use it daily. Barb: Does IBS get worse with menopause and are there supplements that one might take for it? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: IBS can get worse yes, and you would have to use the standard medications for it, hopefully your doctor has suggested some of them for you. Helene: I am taking a dose of Revival every day. I also take one gram of 10% Progesterone cream every night. I had an ovary removed almost a year ago causing severe meno symptoms. I seem to be OK now. Am I taking too much? I am 52. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Sounds like a good balance to me, especially if you have a uterus still intact. MoodyWoman: I have been started to skip my period for 3 or 4 months and then it comes on but this is the first time that it has come and lasted for one whole month and I have been bleeding heavily and now I have headaches now is this part of the territory of menopause and I am beginning to have mood swings and hot flashes all this is new to me is there anything out there that one can take for these things without having a lot of side effects? I am getting ready to turn 50 in a few months. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would say it is time to do a saliva test and measure Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA, then do a complete evaluation, and we will give you a suggestion to have your doctor order. I would recommend to do it in a cycling fashion with natural bio-identical hormones. Dearest: MoodyWoman, everything you're going through is "normal" for perimenopause. Kimberly: I have recently had dizziness both while sitting and standing. I stumble, cannot finish sentences sometimes and completely lose my thoughts. Have pressure in my head. I am on Bi-est cream and progesterone, which I am cycling. My doctor thinks it is just an imbalance and has ordered blood tests. Have you ever heard of these symptoms being a result of hormone imbalance? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, it is possible that it is a hormone imbalance, I hope you didn't have a stroke, did the doctor do a thorough check up on you? We can't blame everything on hormones all of the time. Kimberly: No, but I decided to contact a neurologist on my own. I have an appointment in a week. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Good luck, and good health! Dearest: If you need additional information about naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones, you can call Pete at 1-800-728-0288 or E.mail him at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.com - or you can ask him a question at www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm Wooomb52: Pete, in a recent hormone test I took, my estradial level was 99. Is this high or low? Also my DHEA was low (15) and my testosterone level was on the low side (0.6) Should I take DHEA supplements or testosterone? Will taking DHEA increase my estrogen levels and make me bleed more? I'm a little leery of taking it.I'm 52. Thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Which lab did you use, and did it say the 99 was in range or out of range? Do you mean Estriol or Estradiol? Wooomb52: Estradiol Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: DHEA can turn into some Testosterone, and/or Estrogen, it is safe to use, and doesn't turn into too much Estrogen in most women, and should not make you bleed more at all. 99 sounds high to me. Check the ranges, though. DLS: I am using the Vivelle patch and Prometrium. Are these "natural" forms? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes the Vivelle and Prometrium are some of the natural hormones. TheCelestialSpirit: I have hepatitis c, and will be starting natural HRT. Along with my Biest, progesterone cream, and testosterone, I've been prescribed 25 mg of DHEA daily. Is is better to take it every other day, or is every day ok? thanks. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would start with one every day if that is what the doctor recommended, if it seems like too much in 3 to 4 weeks, we can compound a 10mg or 15 mg caps for you to use. We can also make it in a sublingual tablet, to bypass the liver on the first pass for you. Heart: Can the saliva tests be used for men with low testosterone symptoms? Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: Yes, we test men with the saliva test every day, and it can measure their Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol, DHT, and Estrogen too. GoBirdy: I have been seeing Dr. Warner in California now for one month. Boy am I getting happier every day. I had my thyroid killed by radiation. Which in turn destroyed my VOICE. My voice has started coming back but is still in and out how long will it take for it to finally come back? I talk a lot but then again what woman doesn't? But it is scratchy and any one reading, this really does work. I can talk for the first time in years. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I don't know how many months it will take for sure, only time will tell for any one individual. RettaPepsi: I had a partial hysterectomy. I am new to menopause, I am so unclear were to begin in my search for help. I have started estroven. MY question is are there any other over the counter drugs I should try with the estroven/until I am able to see the gynecologist. I am suffering with severe spinal pain too. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: That is one of the best OTC items to use, it is mainly Black Cohosh, and may give some relief until you can get to the doctor for a prescription for the natural bio identical hormones. Dearest: There's another excellent one including black cohosh - called Menoplan - you can read about it at www.power- surge.com/educate/holt_menoplan.htm PatC: You explained Biest and Triest earlier. What would you consider in deciding which one of those to use? Thank you. Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.: I would only use the Biest, for my belief is you don't need any extra estrone, for the other two will turn into all the body needs. If you get too much estrone and it converts into 16 hydroxy estrone (which can be carcinogenic) that would be bad for all of us. Thank you all for the great questions tonight. 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 directly at consultph@bpharmacysolutions.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 fifteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's sixteenth transcript Read Pete Hueseman's seventeenth 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.