If you are currently using another form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), do not stop your current HRT when you begin Oestra® unless specifically instructed to do so by one of our clinical providers.
Our Recommended Transition
For most clients, we recommend a 2-week overlap period when starting Oestra®.
This means:
Begin using Oestra® as prescribed.
Continue your current HRT during the first 2 weeks.
After the 2-week transition period, discontinue your previous HRT and continue Oestra® alone.
This gradual transition helps support more stable hormone levels and may reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms related to sudden hormonal changes.
Important Exceptions
Special Considerations:
Pellet Therapy
Do not begin Oestra® immediately after receiving a new pellet insertion.
Ideally, you should be approaching the end of your pellet cycle (typically around 3 months after insertion) before beginning Oestra®. This allows most of the previously implanted hormones to naturally decline.
Starting too soon may result in excessive hormone overlap and unwanted side effects.
Hormone Injections
If you are currently using hormone injections please reach out to our Clinical Team before beginning your transition.
Injection schedules and hormone levels can vary significantly from person to person, and our clinicians can help determine the safest timing for your switch.
Not All Hormone Delivery Methods Are Equal
It’s important to understand that transitioning to Oestra® is not a one-to-one switch.
Even if the “dose” may look similar on paper, your body will experience it differently - often as a meaningful increase in active hormone support.
Here’s why:
Hormones can be delivered in several ways - oral tablets, patches, creams, pellets, or vaginal formulations like Oestra®. Each route affects how much hormone your body actually absorbs and uses.
Oestra® uses vaginal delivery, which:
* Bypasses the liver (avoiding first-pass metabolism)
* Allows for significantly higher bioavailability
* Leads to more consistent and efficient absorption
In contrast:
* Oral HRT must pass through the digestive system and liver, reducing how much is ultimately available to your body
* Patches and topical creams vary widely in absorption depending on skin permeability, placement, and individual factors
Estimated absorption rates:
* Vaginal delivery (Oestra®): ~80%
* Oral or transdermal methods: ~10–30%
👉 This means that even a starting dose of Oestra® may deliver more usable hormone than higher doses from other methods.
Why Switching May Feel Like a “Step Up”
Because of this increased absorption, many women experience Oestra® as a step up in therapy - even if they were previously on HRT.
This is not a negative thing, it reflects:
* More efficient delivery
* More stable hormone levels
* Greater ability to support full-body systems (brain, skin, vaginal tissue, bones, etc.)
However, it does mean your body may need a short adjustment period.
What to Expect During the Transition
If you are currently on HRT:
* Your transition is often smoother
* Symptoms tend to be milder or shorter-lived
* Your body already has some hormonal baseline support
If you’ve been off HRT for a while:
* This transition may feel more like starting from the beginning
* You may notice more pronounced symptoms initially as your body readjusts
* Patience is especially important during this phase
The Bottom Line
Switching to Oestra® is not just a change in product - it’s a change in how your body receives and utilizes hormones.
Because of its high absorption and bioavailability:
* Doses do not translate equally between delivery methods
* Even a starting dose can be highly effective
* Your body may need a brief period to recalibrate
Consistency Is Key
No matter your starting point, the most important factors for success are:
* Consistency in use
* Patience during adjustment
Most women find that their bodies rebalance more quickly with Oestra®, as it is designed to work in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms.
If you ever feel unsure during your transition, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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