Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: SkyIndica on July 18, 2018, 06:06:46 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Pills
Post by: SkyIndica on July 18, 2018, 06:06:46 PM
So, I started taking testosterone blockers and estrogen. The form says to take the estradiol by mouth, and I thought that I'd just have to swallow it whole. Then I read on Wikipedia that estradiol can be taken sublingually. Some people even say that it works better when estradiol is dissolved under the tongue.

Does estradiol work better when dissolved under the tongue, or just swallowed whole?

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Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 18, 2018, 06:12:57 PM
Quote from: SkyIndica on July 18, 2018, 06:06:46 PM
So, I started taking testosterone blockers and estrogen. The form says to take the estradiol by mouth, and I thought that I'd just have to swallow it whole. Then I read on Wikipedia that estradiol can be taken sublingually. Some people even say that it works better when estradiol is dissolved under the tongue.

Does estradiol work better when dissolved under the tongue, or just swallowed whole?

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@SkyIndica ... almost all forms of pills will work faster if taken sublingually, but your doctor may have a good reason for wanting you to take them by mouth and swallowing...  sometimes the medication will last longer in your system if swallowed,  sublingually it can be a big hit that may not last as long.   I am not a doctor nor am I a pharmacist... so those are the ones you should consult instead of all of us guessing.

My best advise is for you to follow the directions ....  taken by mouth almost always mean swallowed.   You should ask your doctor that prescribed the meds, or at the very least your pharmacist.

Danielle
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Rachel on July 18, 2018, 06:13:25 PM
Hi,

when taken under the tongue the E bypasses the first pass through the liver to metabolize. So more E gets into your system. I do not know if it is better, you should consult with your doctor.

I take E via injection and found that to be more consistent levels over time in my system and I feel better. Some swear by pellets.

Anyhow, the most important thing is to suppress your T  and get "enough" E into your system for a period of time (years). Excess E is secreted out of your system.

Best,
Rachel
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Mendi on July 18, 2018, 07:41:41 PM
The thing is, that none of the oral estradiol products have been studied to be used as sublingual, that´s why the prescription is always, oral or via mouth, meaning that the doc wants to you swallow it whole.

There is slight difference taking it with sublingual, not much and how much it actually affects things in a bigger picture is really unknown.

You could ask from your doc if you can take the estradiol sublingual. Just remember, that not all estradiol pills are suitable for sublingual method and even with that reason the doc might want to take it whole, because it would take a whole day to dissolve the pill in your mouth  ;D
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Laurie on July 18, 2018, 07:52:09 PM
Quote from: Mendi on July 18, 2018, 07:41:41 PM
The thing is, that none of the oral estradiol products have been studied to be used as sublingual, that´s why the prescription is always, oral or via mouth, meaning that the doc wants to you swallow it whole.

There is slight difference taking it with sublingual, not much and how much it actually affects things in a bigger picture is really unknown.

You could ask from your doc if you can take the estradiol sublingual. Just remember, that not all estradiol pills are suitable for sublingual method and even with that reason the doc might want to take it whole, because it would take a whole day to dissolve the pill in your mouth  ;D

   There have been studies comparing the two methods. A simple search on google can find some.

Here is an abstract of one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9052581 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9052581)

Laurie
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Mendi on July 18, 2018, 07:59:14 PM
Quote from: Laurie on July 18, 2018, 07:52:09 PM
   There have been studies comparing the two methods. A simple search on google can find some.

Here is an abstract of one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9052581 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9052581)

Laurie

Yes studies done in academic world, but not clinical trial studies, which would be sufficient for changing the summary of product characteristics and allow sublingual dosage form for it.

That would require new Phase III/IV studies and no company is going to do that. No reason at all.
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Breeze 57 on July 18, 2018, 08:48:27 PM
I take my estradiol sublingually and my doctor approved.  I think I read it on a thread here that the pill has to be micronized to be effective sublingually.  I checked with my pharmacy, they looked up the manufacturer's specifications, and indeed it said the pills were micronized.  I'm not sure how much is absorbed under my tongue, but I figure even a little bit is better than none.  I can't see how it would effect the half-life of the estradiol.  Taking it sublingually should just avoid a little wear and tear on your liver.
Title: Re: Pills
Post by: Dani on July 19, 2018, 03:16:01 AM
I take my micronized Estradiol sublingually. There is a technique for taking Estradiol this way. First make sure your mouth is moist. I take my Finasteride first with a big gulp of water. Then I place the Estradiol under my tongue and I try not to swallow for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is important because once the Estradiol tablets dissolves, the remaining liquid needs to set under the tongue for a few minutes to be absorbed into the blood system. If you swallow right away, the Estradiol will be on it's way to the stomach, where absorption goes to the liver first and metabolizes most of the Estradiol.