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[Mindfulmoomins]

Hi,

I have the results from my oestrogen and testosterone blood tests.

I have had a look online to try and find out what the normal parameters are but I'd really like to know what levels are usually considered optimal in perimenopause?

The results are apparently ‘normal' and I'm seeing my Gp on Wednesday anyway but I have had problems with anxiety and low mood in peri so I'm wondering if that has a bearing on things.

Thank you.

[Dotty]

Perhaps post the results so people can comment.  They might be normal but might not be optimal.

[Mindfulmoomins]

Hi Dotty,

Yes I'm a bit scared to post in case I get replies that worry me!

So anyone who replies please be gentle!

I am one month into 3 pumps of Estrogel.

Testosterone 1
Estradial 616

I am sure my anxiety and low mood (which is improving slowly) have been down to hormones so I'm worried someone will say ‘your levels are fine - it's all in your mind'. Of course no one would but I'd like to know if the estradial result is ok or on the right track for someone who perhaps has reproductive depression.

Thanks.

[Dotty]

Hi

I'm no expert but having looked online (as I'm sure you have done) the testosterone looks in range.

I can't comment on the estradiol, as I'm not sure how it works with taking HRT.  But it looks quite a good figure.

It's not all in your mind.  These hormones are powerful things.  I've been very ill for the last 5 months and its only now that I am beginning to feel a slight improvement and I am into my 13th week of HRT.....3 weeks on a low dose and now 10 week son high dose.  So HRT does take time to work.

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thanks Dotty xx

[Annie0710]

Your estradiol looks good but don't take notice of testosterone as a trial of the gel is the real test.  I was 0.9 and feel much better using testosterone.  Give our experiences to your gp and ask if they'd seek approval from a gynae if they're worried to prescribe x

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thank you Annie x

[Salad]

Hi 
 
I agree that the Oestrogen level looks pretty good.
The Menopause Specialist I'm seeing says the Testosterone range they go by is 1-6, so I'd say the Testosterone level is on the lower side.

Have you had your Vitamin D level checked as that can cause low mood?

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thanks salad, that's really helpful re testosterone.

Yes I think vit D was tested but not sure of the result.

Iron came back as low so that's something I can get some advice on from the Gp. I eat really healthily with loads of greens so it might need to be a supplement.

X

[Mary G]

Mindfulmoomins, re the oestrogen level, it's very much about how you feel.  Some women feel very good on that level others while need more.  For hormonal anxiety and depression, I know Professor Studd likes his patients to be in the 700-800s and although I don't suffer with it myself, I do need very high levels to feel completely normal and keep the migraines away.  So there is no right or wrong level as such, it is about your own personal needs.

I can't comment on the testosterone level.  Although I take it I still don't know if it works or not.  My last testosterone blood test was 2.07 pg/mL which is apparently within the normal limits for a woman.

[Hurdity]

Hi Mindfulmoomins

Just to ask - sorry I can't remember if you are taking testosterone at all already? As Annie0710 says test results are unreliable because they are not sensitive enough for women - the test is designed for men who have much more testosterone. If you have reduced or no libido then this would be a sure sign that testosterone is low ( although anti-depressants also reduce libido), and later tiredness, general lethargy, muscle pain etc can also occur (although these have multiple causes).  I agree that perhpas  a trial of T gel would be the way to go - pea-sized blob - but needs to be given months rather than weeks to fully take effect.

As for the oestrogen readings - yes that is a high reading but yes for women with reproductive depression Studd may suggest higher  levels as Mary G says. You can read about it here:
http://www.studd.co.uk/reproductivedepression.php
If you go to this page there are loads of sub-tabs on the rhs also:
http://www.studd.co.uk/depression.php

Hurdity x

[racjen]

Hi Mindfulmoomins

I just had my estradiol result back and it was around 1200 - although that's high my specialist said it's not outside the normal range and it really can take levels that high to deal with mood problems. So I wouldn't worry, I think you're well within the normal range.

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thank you everyone, seeing gp today so all your thoughts are very helpful x

[Dotty]

Good luck with yr GP

[Mindfulmoomins]

Hi again, my gp has admitted she is no menopause expert but that if someone had a reading of ‘6' for testosterone she'd be worried. I tried to explain that someone on here had said ‘1' might be low even if in the normal range but she really felt it was fine.

I am seeing the private specialist next week (I was hoping not to but my nhs menopause clinic appointment is not until early March and I am struggling mood wise). I hope she has some suggestions based on the symptoms I continue to experience. Basically low mood, really low self esteem, off work, anxiety etc. I feel like my other peri symptoms have largely cleared up (itchy skin, brain fog, fatigue) but mental health wise things are very hard.

I keep hoping something will help me turn a corner. Stories of others eventually finding the HRT and ad's that worked (not perfectly but enough so they felt more like themselves) are very encouraging.