Different Forms of HRT: Tri-Est

Please note: the information below is intended for general guidance only. EarlyMenopause.com cannot guarantee the current availability (or suitability) of any form of HRT. Consult your doctor for further information. Thanks!

Contains: tri-estrogen — estriol, estradiol, and estrone

This is a form of estrogen replacement that has been getting a lot of attention lately, although it’s still not widely prescribed. There is no major pharmaceutical company putting out tri-est, but you can get it with a doctor’s prescription from a compounding pharmacy.

Tri-estrogen is, not so surprisingly, a combination of the three major estrogens your body makes — estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Usually it is produced in as 10% estrone; 10% estradiol, and 80% estriol, but this ratio can be adjusted depending upon your specific needs. Tri-est can come in different forms, including oral (capsules) or transdermal (gel or cream).

The theory behind tri-estrogen is a simple one: By taking it, you get the benefits from three different estrogens, and they are in a ratio similar to that which your body produces. The bulk of tri-est is estriol, which is the weakest form of estrogen produced on our bodies.

It’s a great theory, and one that bears watching. The only problem: As with other newer forms of estrogen, there haven’t been any long-term studies done on this.

  • Standard dosage: 1.25 mgs twice a day to treat mild to moderate symptoms ; 2.5 mgs twice a day for moderate to severe estrogen deficiency; also available in 5 mg dosage
  • Pros: Natural; appears to have fewer health risks than other estrogens, while preventing osteoporosis and heart disease and eliminating symptoms.
  • Cons: May be too weak for some women, particularly those who have just had surgical menopause; no long term studies have yet been conducted on this form of estrogen replacement