Alternative estrogen?

[kaceyk]

I've started HRT and realized that I'm allergic to estradiol. What are my available next steps? I can't find anything online about similar experience 

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. I don't think there is an alternative to estradiol. Estradiol is a naturally existing hormone in both genders but the levels will vary based on gender and other factors. It is possible that you're using something other than estradiol as there are several other estrogens that aren't natural in the human body. The other issue I have seen is some people react badly to blockers that are normally used in treatment. If it's a blocker, it's possible to transition without one though it might be more difficult. This is something you need to discuss with your Endo so you can find what alternatives are available to you.

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[Dena]

I realized there was something else I forgot. Estradiol is very potent so the bulk of anything you take is an inert filler. Injections use vegetable oil which people are sometimes allergic to. Jells and patches also contain compounds that sensitive skin can react with. You should read the label on the medication you're having trouble with and see if there is something that might be causing the reaction.

[josie76]

What form and what exact prescription of estradiol are you taking? Like Dena said, you may be allergic to parts of the medication itself.

[kaceyk]

It is possible that you're using something other than estradiol as there are several other estrogens that aren't natural in the human body.

It was estradiol. So I guess I'm <not allowed>. Is it even worth trying different estradiol manufacturers just to narrow down what on the list of ingredients is causing my airways to close up? Oh well 

[AnneK]

I've started HRT and realized that I'm allergic to estradiol. What are my available next steps? I can't find anything online about similar experience 

Talk to your doctor about your problems  They are in the best position to help you.  All we can do here is offer opinions, which are worth what you pay for them.

[Dena]

The ingredients should be on the insert or available from the drug manufacture. You may provide the drug name but you may not provide enough information for somebody to self medicate. That normally would be the dosage and how often. If needed, you may post lab results which would tell us much more than knowing the dosage.

I am not sure why the not allowed appeared in your post. If you didn't provide it, you're using a medication which should never be used in treatment because it's inappropriate or dangerous. I wasn't aware of drugs being added to the filter list but they could have been added without my knowledge.

[PurplePelican]

If you are injecting, it's likely a reaction to the oil it's suspended in, try another brand. If you are taking pills, again, it's probably one of the fillers or additives that you are reacting to, tray another brand. Patches, it's almost certainly the adhesive.

Now, despite the reactions of some around here, allergy to estradiol is possible, but it is incredibly rare. I can't find a case study. There is/was some data to suggest that estradiol played a part in anaphylaxis, but this was proven not to be the case. An allergy to estradiol would likely have revealed itself before HRT, as some is present in all humans.


EDIT: Are you injecting and do you have a peanut allergy?