[bryony]

I am very grateful for the thoughtful and wise comments of this thread. I also review the yahoo group TS Do it Yourself Hormones for additional thoughtful discussions.

What has struck me as an important question, that fits this thread, is the relative risk and benefit of NBE versus bio-identical topical creams and gels. Specifically, the relative risk and benefit of concentrated liquid extract PM administered sublingually versus estriol USP or estradiol USP administered as a topical cream or gel?

PM as described is obviously proven relatively safe and makes NBE attractive, but the benefit is highly varied between individuals' program and sensitivity. By going with concentrated liquid extract and subligual admin, the benefit should be maximized (and I quickly became accustomed to the flavor).

Bio-identical estrogen is clearly very potent without qualification, but the risk is highly varied. Does going with a non-prescription topical cream or gel mitigate much of the risk without sacrificing too much potency?
see ready-to-deliver legal non-prescription estriol USP (E3) and estradiol (E2) cream on amazon:
****Estrogen/Estriol (Bioidentical) Paraben Free & Fragrance Free Cream 2 oz. Bottle - Measured Pump by Natural Radiance (1.25 ml = 1 mg Estriol USP)
****Estro500 Bio-Identical Estriol/Estradiol Body Moisture Cream 1 Bottle (For Menopause, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats). by Natural Living (# NEW! - Formulation contains 80% estriol, 20% estradiol; # Two pumps of Estro500 equivalent to .500 mg of Premarin)

Clearly since these are legal non-prescription topicals of E3 and/or E2, then safety is implied? Even though the E3/E2 is absorbed through the skin into the blood stream and eventually to the liver, no serious risk should be assumed?

If topical E3/E2 is relatively safe and more potent than PM or at least more consistent, then does that not reduce the desire for NBE?

Your thoughts?
Sylvia

I think you should be asking this question on the yahoo group TS Do it Yourself Hormones ... they will have more experience.

Bryony