One of the most common questions where hormones are concerned is what dose of one form is equivalent to another. For example, if you’ve been on 0.625mg Premarin and want to switch to an estrogen patch, what would give you roughly the same amount of estrogen?
Here’s a quick rundown to make matters easier. Keep in mind, though, that not only are these rough equivalencies, but also that your body may react differently to the individual forms of HRT. In other words, the same dosage in different types of HRT might have more or less of an effect on your body.
Estrogen Equivalencies
| Type | Daily Dosage |
|---|---|
| Conjugated estrogen (Premarin, Cenestin) | 0.625 mg |
| Estradiol (Estrace) | 1.0 mg |
| Transdermal estradiol (patches) | .05 mg (50 mcg) |
| Estropipate (Ogen, Ortho-Est) | 1.25 mg |
| Esterified estrogen (Menest, Estratab) | 0.625 mg |
| Tri-est/Bi-est | 2.5 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | .01 to .015 mg (10 to 15 mcgs depending upon the source) |
Progesterone/Progestin Equivalencies
| Type | Cyclical Dosage | Continuous Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) | 5 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Micronized progesterone (Prometrium) | 200 mg | 100 mg |
| Norethindron acetate (Aygestin) | 5 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Norethindrone (Micronor) | .7 mg | .35 mg |
| Progesterone gel (Prochieve 4%) | every other day for 12 days (delivers 45 mg of progesterone per application) | 2 times weekly |