Getting Started on Physiologic HRT

Following the Dosing Cards

You should have received:

a dosing card labeled in pink for estradiol and
a dosing card labeled in purple for progesterone.

Each dosing card corresponds to the color of the device and hormone you received. Your pharmacy has indicated the column on the dosing card that specifies the dosing instructions you will follow to achieve your optimal dosing cycle. The dosing regimen may be adjusted by your practitioner as you achieve hormonal balance.

When reading the dosing schedule, you will read from left to right:

Dose	Frequency	Cycle
8 Twists	Twice Daily	1-5

Choosing A Calendar

The manner in which you get started begins by selecting the appropriate calendar.

Lunar Calendar

Some evidence suggests that if not for the constant ambient light in the modern world, women may naturally cycle in closer alignment with the phases of the moon, where peak estradiol levels would coincide with the full moon.
If you are not cycling, menopausal, do not expect to have a period within the next 28 days, or have had a hysterectomy, then you have the option to follow the cycles of the moon with the Lunar Calendar, which has been provided for you with your hormones from one of our partner pharmacies. You may also opt to create and print a calendar from our site

Personal Calendar

If you are still cycling with your period on a regular basis, use the Personal Calendar provided with your hormones from one of our partner pharmacies, or create and print one from our site
The First day of your period should be indicated by assigning it as “Day 1”
If you are not cycling, menopausal, do not expect to have a period within the next 28 days, or have had a hysterectomy, and prefer to start NOW, or if your practitioners has indicaged to do so, feel free to use the Personal Calendar.

Applying your Hormones

Dispensing Your Creams

The HRT Ticker is an accurate, easy-to-use dispenser for your transdermal bioidentical hormones. As you twist its base, it clicks. You can feel it, and hear it! Each twist is 0.05ml If you are used to “lines on syringes” that is now TWO twists.

Cream will dispense from the top of the device after the cap has been removed
It is normal that air may be trapped in your ticker during shipping. If this occurs, firmly tap the bottom of your ticker on a counter to readjust distribution of the cream.

Applying your Creams

More Cream Application Tips

When applying the creams, spread them over as large of a surface area as possible to ensure the absorption of the cream.
Rub the cream in thoroughly until the skin is no longer tacky.
Do NOT apply one cream on top of the other.
Rotate the application sites every month.
Gently exfoliate the site of application when showering.
It is best to apply the cream AFTER you shower. It is best to wait a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours after your cream application before bathing or swimming.
If you plan on exercising, it is best to apply the hormones after you have exercised to decrease the chance of hormones being excreted with sweat.
ALWAYS remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying your creams to prevent transferring your hormones to someone else.
Hormones creams can be transferred. Cover up, and minimize contact with small pets and children.
To minimize hormone contact with your hand, you may use the end of the applicator to rub the cream into your skin.

Assessing Your Progress

What Should I Expect?

Most patients require 3 to 6 months to fully adjust to physiologic hormone levels. During this period, you may experience some discomfort related to introducing the hormone.. Symptoms such as headaches, slight weight gain due to bloating and/or water retention and breast tenderness may occur. Your calendar lists additional possible symptoms, all of which are linked to excessive or insufficient levels of estrogen and/or progesterone. If you experience more adverse symptoms than anticipated, please consult your doctor immediately to determine if your dosage requires adjustment.

When Should I Expect to Have My Period?

If you do not have a uterus, you should not expect to have a period.
If you have a uterus, you should expect to have a period between Cycle Day 25 to Cycle Day 2 of your cycle.
A 28-day cycle is only an average cycle for all women; each woman’s menstrual cycle length is different.

Getting Your Hormones Measured

Your doctor should test your hormones between the 1st and 3rd month, and then at least every 6 months thereafter.
Estradiol should be tested on Cycle days 12 and 21. Progesterone should be tested on Cycle day 21.
Apply your hormones on an area where the blood draw needle will not enter your skin (e.g. thighs, back of knees, etc.), THEN 3 to 4 hours later, have your blood testing done

What Should I Do If I Have More Questions?

Please contact your physician and/or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your hormone medications. Here at Women’s Hormone Network, we offer more than just the hormone replacement protocol; we also provide education, training, and support to physicians prescribing the physiologic restoration hormone program. Through this closed network of thoroughly trained healthcare practitioners, patients like you are guaranteed an enhanced experience using physiologic hormone restoration.

Print Your Calendar

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Progesterone Cream
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Find a Physiologic HRT Provider

Every person’s body is different. There are many genetic, health and lifestyle factors to consider for hormone restoration. It’s important to work with a practitioner who you can trust.

FIND A PR PROVIDER

The Mission of WHN is to expand the Standard of Care by promoting, advocating, and advancing women’s wellbeing and longevity through clinical research and education about the benefits of Physiologic Restoration™ to reduce the symptoms of hormone imbalance, chronic disease and degenerative decline.

WHN is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation

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