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[Pollyanna]

I wonder if any other ladies out there are confused and frustrated regarding NHS blood results. 

For example, I understand that hormone levels change on an almost daily basis, but what seems to be  'normal' for an NHS result, isn't when I've seen a private hormone consultant. 

For example, my recent NHS serum testosterone level came back as 0.6 nmol/L which read as 'normal' for post menopause.  However, and as some of us know, if testosterone gel is started, it can really improve the quality of life.  Improve energy levels, libido, social anxiety, depression, etc, etc.   

So it makes me wonder if the ranges for NHS are accurate.  That probably sounds potty and I'm no scientist or doctor but there's a huge difference between 'running on empty' and feeling healthy and happy. 

I'm thinking maybe Hurdity can help on this because i read somewhere that you are a scientist?     

The Marion Gluck clinic told me that my 0.6 t reading was really low and it wasn't surprising that I felt depressed and has zero motivation. 

 

[Katia]

I've just got some blood results and everything is normal.  I'm 50 and having night sweats and hot flushes and have just been told I'm not menopausal 

[Katejo]

I wonder if any other ladies out there are confused and frustrated regarding NHS blood results. 

For example, I understand that hormone levels change on an almost daily basis, but what seems to be  'normal' for an NHS result, isn't when I've seen a private hormone consultant. 

For example, my recent NHS serum testosterone level came back as 0.6 nmol/L which read as 'normal' for post menopause.  However, and as some of us know, if testosterone gel is started, it can really improve the quality of life.  Improve energy levels, libido, social anxiety, depression, etc, etc.   

So it makes me wonder if the ranges for NHS are accurate.  That probably sounds potty and I'm no scientist or doctor but there's a huge difference between 'running on empty' and feeling healthy and happy. 

I'm thinking maybe Hurdity can help on this because i read somewhere that you are a scientist?     

The Marion Gluck clinic told me that my 0.6 t reading was really low and it wasn't surprising that I felt depressed and has zero motivation.

  I have had similar thoughts about 'normal' thyroid levels. I am about to get mine checked again but expect that the GP will insist that they are normal. Ready for an argument.

[Annie0710]

My nhs testosterone came back at 0.9 in range but I had every symptom of low T

I've been using Tostran gel and honestly it's transformed me (not in to a man lol)
I'm happy, got stamina, keep on about Sex lol, gained confidence, I'm nearly back to who I was before all this meno malarkey wreaked havoc in my Body and mind

I was suffering social anxiety really bad and now I actually look forward to nights out, still not 100% but way better than I was

[Pollyanna]

Haha... Annie, that made me laugh but feeling very hopeful.

Just went to do a dance class at the gym.   Hadn't done one in ages.    I was horrified when I looked at my body in the mirror.   I think this rise in oestrogen has made me gain fluid.   I've never looked so bloated. 

Think 2 pumps is too much for me.   I've also been quite impatient and negative today. 

I wonder if some women use T gel without anything else.   

I'm going to have to wait a few weeks to get my prescription as the specialist nurse I saw, is on holiday.

[Katia]

My NHS T has come back at 1.3. My estrogen at 56 or something similar. I have every symptom of menopause and my GP says I'm not.

Hormines change by the hour and the reference range is large. Sometimes our bodies like certain ones to run higher or lower. I think all the bloods do is give a bit of a starting point. The Gps don't seem to see it that way though. 

Annie, what are you taking with the T?  I'm using gel and utro, no T yet,  but I'm struggling with sleep with the utro and grogginess. I tried low femoston, slept much better, but rapidly gained weight

[Annie0710]

I'm using  oestrogel with the T gel, I think I've been given the non branded oestrogel one this time, but it's still keeping night sweats at bay.    I am noticing fluid retention and bloating but as uncomfortable as it is and not nice to see I have decided my wellbeing is more important than my small weight gain and bloating/retention

[Katia]

My eyes are puffy and swollen today back on the gel and it's hard to focus.   I cannot find out the inactive ingredients, but I think I may have a slight allergy to something in it.   It went as soon as I stopped the gel and returned as soon as I restarted.  I suspected one of the hrt ingredients, but thought it more likely to be the utro and I kept passing it off as hayfever, but it's the gel.

[Hurdity]

The thing is Polyanna - as well as the fact that hormone levels as you say, change daily so a test is just a snapshot in time - normal can be pretty meaningless when it comes to sex hormones!!

Firstly - testosterone tests can never be accurate for women because the sensitivity of the test is designed for men and the much greater levels that they have. At the lower end of the scale they are not sensitive enough. This is why the gynae I went to for testosterone did not do tests before prescribing T and explained this to me.

Secondly - "normal" for post-menopause is definitely meaningless!!! I mean normal estrogen levels for post-menopause are pretty low - but of course many women experience symptoms. Ditto - testosterone declines with age so even if the tests were accurate, a low level eg in your 50's would be normal - but you might still experience symptoms. Even more so if you were in surgical menopause. Normal implies treatment is not needed - which may not be the case for menopause!

Obviously if one is paying for private treatment, tests can be more in depth and treatments given (because you are paying for them) at levels which may be at the edge of the NHS "normal" range.

Sometimes tests are helpful - eg FSH tests for younger women suspecting menopause ( because treatment with HRT is advised) and also for those women without ovaries receiving HRT to see if they are absorbing it - sometimes there are anomalies when women are using a high dose of patch or gel but still getting symptoms for example.

They have their place but always best to get actual results and the lab ranges rather than accepting a docs verdict of "normal" especially when menopause is being considered!

Hurdity x