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[debbs]

Hi everyone, my first post, a complete beginner.

I am 52, and at 50 - my endo said I was starting the menopause - I am not sure what test he did. Oestrogen low I think. At this time I had not had a period for about 6 months.

No hormone treatment offered or recommended. by endo or gp.
I am hypothyroid/adrenal/Crohn's/Cfs issues, so have so many symptoms I am not sure what is what, all I know is everything is bad! I feel all over the place hormones wise.Also severe withdrawal symptoms from prescription drugs. (this must be the worst of them all).

About 6 months ago, I had my Oestrogen test done again, and the reading was 3 times higher than it was 2 years ago. I know that Oestrogen is tied closely to the thyroid.
My endo has said now I maybe still peri-meonpausal - but I haven't had a period now for over 2 1/2 years? Confused?

My Dhea and Testestorone also checked, and they are barely non-existent.
He would not check my Progesterone levels. Why?
I asked him how am I supposed to balance my hormones then? I got no answer.
He did say I could use Testosterone Cream for low sex drive.

I have just read that Testosterone should not be used without Oestrogen, is this correct? Would he know this? Also Progesterone maybe not good for people withdrawing from drugs/pills due to the gaba receptors.

So if someone could advise me where I start, what tests should I ask the gp/endo for. I am not sure what Oestrogen type is tested on the NHs, but know that they only check for one, and why would it be raised so much. I realise that blood tests are only a moment in time, but need to start somewhere.

Thank you!

[CLKD]

 


Have a read of menus, left of screen.  Testosterone is rarely available in the UK.  My Gynae won't do blood tests at this stage of Life because hormone levels alter almost hourly.  My Gynae prescribes treatment on symptoms because women know their bodies the best. 

There is surely only 1 'type' of natural oestrogen?  It's which type of HRT that is recommended that becomes a bit Trial and Error 

Browse round!

[Hurdity]

Hi debbs

  from me too

There are lots of issues in your post!

Are you in UK? I ask because you have been tested for a lot of hormones and most GPs don't offer these eg testosterone.

There is information about menopausal blood tests on this site here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/diagnose.php

It is usual to measure FSH, and oestradiol. There is no need to test for progesterone as this will be low both in the first half of the menstrual cycle and when post-menopausal.  As CLKD says a comparison of a single blood test from two years ago with one now does not necessarily tell you anything. Saying it is 3 x higher also doesn't necessarily mean anything. Do you have a print-out of your actual FSH and oestradiol levels now? This would be helpful. It would be surprising to have a high level of oestradiol and not have a period for that long....

That's right testosterone is not recommended unless you are already taking oestrogen and as CLKD is rarely prescribed on NHS although you can go a private gynae for this.

My view would be to wait until the side effects of the prescription drugs subside and go from there.

If you are taking thyroid meds then it's best to use transdermal HRT if you want to go down this route.

CLKD there are several types of oestrogen, the major one being (o)estradiol - the one they test for. Estriol and Estrone are the other two main types.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Thanks  -  learn something everyday! 

[debbs]

Thanks Hurdity for the information.

I will ask my gp or Endo to check my latest FSH and Oestrogen and go from there.

or should I really be asking to see a Gynae?

My Endo said in his last letter that Testosterone is sometimes recommended for people with low Testosterone. He did not say I could not get it on NHS, but if you say it is not available on NHS. It does worry me that he did not know that if used it needs to be used with Oestrogen.

and yes it is difficult for me to go by symptoms, because I have so many from all my issues. I do get hot flushes from time to time though.

Will post when I get bloods tests done.

[Ju Ju]

Testosterone for women is not available on the NHS any more, as all licensed methods have been withdrawn from the market for commercial reasons. All that is available is licensed for men only, so it is available only from some private gynaecologists and you have to sign a disclaimer. You use a fraction of what men use. It will not be prescribed without oestrogen, which means progesterone as well, if you have a womb.

For me, oestrogen was like magic. I felt well very quickly, but once I introduced progesterone into the mix, I struggled. My gynaecologist has adjusted my prescription, which I am waiting to receive. I have been applying Tostran gel for over 2 months, but have not noticed any benefit as yet. The side affects are acne like marks on my face.