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Our bodies make three different forms estrogens:\n\nEstrone (E1) \nEstradiol (E2) \nEstriol (E3) \n\nEstrone is usually considered an unhealthy estrogen. \xa0It is still bioidentical, but you do not want loads of estrone around when you are balancing the hormones. \xa0Estrone is common in young girls when they first get their periods and after menopause. \xa0Estrone metabolites can raise the risk for cancer. \xa0This is why you do not want a high level of estrone, which can also cause moodiness, feeling munchie, puffy and grumpy. \xa0With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), we do not use estrone for the above reasons mentioned. \n\nEstradiol is the strongest of the three bioidentical estrogens. \xa0Estradiol is common in conventional hormone replacement in the form of oral, patches or transdermal. \xa0Premarin and Prempro are not estradiol and are not bioidentical. \xa0Because estradiol is the strongest of the estrogens, it has pros and cons to use. \xa0\n\nPros of Estradiol:\xa0\xa0\n\nGreat for keeping bones strong\nEliminating hot flashes and night sweats\nNeuroprotective for the brain\nGreat for short-term memory and memory recall \nHelpful for libido and sex drive\n\nCons of Estradiol:\xa0\n\n\nEstradiol likes to grow things. \xa0\xa0(i.e. grow the lining of uterus, which can cause a risk of uterine cancer)\nCan cause spotting, bleeding, periods\nGrow breast tissue\nCause breast tenderness\nEnlarge breasts which can be a risk factor\nMoody (weepy, irritable, anxious)\xa0\nCan be similar to a 24/7 feeling of PMS\nWeight gain\n\nMany women report gaining on average 6 to 8 lbs when taking conventional estradiol hormone replacement. \xa0It is primarily in the breasts and stomach.\n \xa0\xa0\xa0\nSo how do we get the positive benefits of estradiol without the negative side effects? The best way to properly balance estradiol is to take estriol with it.\n\nEstriol (E3):\nEstriol is the gentlest form of estrogen. \xa0Some people refer to it as the weakest form, but I think that is a misnomer. \xa0When you combine estriol with estradiol you can get the beneficial effects of estradiol and estriol, without the negative side effects of estradiol.