When I turned 51 I was fully menopausal. I have interstitial cystitis and the lack of estrogen in my system was making my IC symptoms worse. In short, with compounded bioidentical HRT I am able to receive hormonal support from all 3 estrogens, favoring estriol, the weaker estrogen/less potentially harmful in general. As a result, my IC is well controlled. My provider and I have found that when estradiol is increased, my uterine size increases causes bloating and more cramping so it has been important for me to use estriol predominantly. I cannot tell you what a blessing this has been to be free of the bloating, cramping, and painful urinary symptoms. Thank you for listening. Sincerely, Karen