Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: allie007 on June 05, 2019, 08:11:19 PM
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I did one of those home blood tests from Thriva and theyve just emailed my results saying that my oestradiol level is 4824 pmol!!!!
Could anyone advise me what to do? Ive just ripped off my patch in a panic.
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Also :
FSH 11. 9 (previously 60)
LH 10.8
Shbg 48
Testosterone 0.77
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Take the results to your Practice Nurse or local Pharmacist?
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Hi allie07
Firstly, don't panic - even on hrt, hormones can dip and swing during peri.
Secondly, how accurate is the test? You've bought it online, so it could be dodgey?
And thirdly, just ripping yourself off oestrogen like that may only make you feel worse.
How about stopping the gel for a few days whilst you go and see your gp? She may well order another round of bloods to verify that result you've been given.
Please go and see your gp- and don't do anything rash meanwhile. Good luck with it all xx
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Im in bits. Ive camcelled work amd going this morning. My GP has an open surgery in the mornings thank goodness.
They seem like a reputable company, good reviews.
I just don't understand. How can my FSH go from 60 to 11.9? Is that normal??
I feel fine on the dose im on, my mood is ok, im sleeping better. On lower doses im not.
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The only thing i would say is my boobs feel a bit swollen but they have gone from a D to an E. Ive gained a bit of weight on my tum, bum and hips too. My hair is shedding slightly. It did last year when i was using the gel on its own and stopped when i changed to patches. Started again bit not as bad in the last few months.
I feel calmer now talking to you all so thank you xxxxx
Am in the waiting room of GP now xx
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Thank you all. He said not to read anything into it. He said they go on symptoms not blood results as they are unreliable and if my symptoms are managed by my current dose carry on. Ive been referred to a gyni clinic so waiting for an appointment but he said for peace of mind if i can afford it go private for a consultation xx
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I feel confused. If my level is genuinely that high then surely that is dangerous?xx
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I did it Monday morning. Patch change morning. Cant remember if i did it before or after i changed it but it would have been within an hour. The pump.of esteogel would have been the evening before. Had to fast for 8 hrs before doing the test which was blood. X
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I just say I did Thriva test recently and it said I had high cholesterol and Vit D and lots of other things high. I went to the drs he re did it and all came back normal had print out to see. So I'm doubtful I did mine finger **** so I think that way not accurate. I see your Dr to get his opinion mine was good.
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Thats good to know Donna paul 😁
Doctor didn't offer to do any more tests.
I don't feel wired or bloated. A bit 'puffy'. I feel exactly as I did when on a combined contraceptive pill xx
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Thank you Birdy, i really appreciate everyones support. Doesn't help when the results say that high result can be an indication of ovarian cancer. Ive had terrible anxiety over my health for the last year or so. Never felt ill before menopause xx
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He suggested going private and he said he doubted they would do a blood test.
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I will have a look at that, thank you x
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Hormone blood tests are reliably un-reliable which is why many practitioners don't do them. Because hormones rise and fall throughout 24/hours when would 1 need to do tests and how many: after eating/before? with HRT/not.
Most Gynaes go on symptoms. Because these too alter every few hours. Maybe keep a mood/food/symptom diary? The NHS is strapped enough without doing un-necessary blood tests which may/not show 'good' results.
Usually paying for 'tests' aren't worth it. It would never cross my mind! VitD levels can be shown on blood tests available on the NHS :-\. There isn't any other way of finding out if levels are correct or low ::).
HRT needs to be given a chance - 3/4 months - the body doesn't get where it is suddenly as a rule so it stands to reason that HRT uptake will take time.
You can't remember whether you did the test prior or after :-\. Stick to a regime or your body won't know if you are flying a bike or riding a kite ;)
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Im just confused with everything. Some do tests, some don't. If they are that unreliable why do some test?
Despite talking to the GP I am still frightened by my result. He admitted again that he doesn't know much about HRT.
I did put a patch on yesterday but I didn't use the gel. Too scared now.. And is it normal that an FSH level can go from 60 to 11.9?
So fed up.
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Hi Birdy
Only the hair but thats been since ive introduced Estrogel.
I have had a look at Nuffield and I think i will book another test x
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What is worrying you Allie? Testing itself don't always give a 'good' reading. Because hormones flex their muscles 24/7.
Is it the HRT that worries you? Maybe think which symptom you would like to ease first and discuss with your Practice Nurse or GP? Make notes ;-).
Your GP doesn't have to ask for blood tests if they aren't going to give a reading that can be worked on but symptoms can be talked about. What a GP should do is listen and discuss the worries ::) but because many know what is what, they still don't actually explain ...... I've sat by many a patient to explain what the SHO actually meant.
Maybe make a double appt.?
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Its the level, nearly 5000!
My GP said if I went private they wouldn't do a blood test, they wouod go on symptoms. He also said about reducing HRT and using SSRI's.
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I feel fine.Well I did until yesterday.
I think i need to do another test at Nuffield. But what if that is high again?
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I agree with Birdy. When my cortisol levels for example woke me in the early hours I felt DREADFUL - I couldn't see further than the next 5 mins. :'(. When I had period pains, I could have walked into the sea I felt so ill.
Perhaps keeping a mood/food/symptom diary for 4 weeks will give you a clue as to what is/not working? Some ladies find it useful to focus the health anxiety. I have a phobia which can be all consuming .......... which grinds me into the ground sometimes :'(
What symptom would you like to ease?
If HRT is helping then go with that. GPs really like anti-depressants because they are more likely to work more quickly than HRT. Some do help symptoms such as anxiety. But in general, if hormonal upheaval is causing symptoms enough to go to the GP, then hormone 'replacement' therapy should be discussed and offered. But that can be Trial and Error in itself which is why a diary can be of use to both patient and care giver.
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Thanks ladies, you've been so helpful. I've been keeping a diary since April and the only issues seem to be sleep and tiredness. Mood is good.
The message that Thriva sent said that the high level could indicate ovarian cancer. Doc just said I was low risk and i had no bloating or weight loss so not to worry.
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So maybe discuss this Company with 'overacome', the UK-based Charity dedicated to ovarian cancer survivors - certainly they should know about the possible wrong information being peddled by this 'company'.
You can also ask what your risks actually are?
Health anxiety can take over. Which is why keeping notes is important, to reassure us that we are, actually, OK!
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Ive just picked up my blood results from last February 2018 from GP.
Sorry if a stupid question but can FSH and LH levels change so dramatically? These were done before i started HRT.
FSH 60.7
LH 31.5
TSH 1.25
T4 13.4
Results from Thriva
FSH 11.9
LH 10.8
TSH 1.32
T4 15.5
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I think that the NHS results are ones to rely upon. I have contacted 'ovacome' as though I had bought the blood test and they are not aware of 'Thriva' but have sent me guidelines regarding the ovarian cancer risk factors.
So I think you can put that Company on the back burner?
Hopefully you are less worried?
12 months is a long while in the history of hormonal blood tests which is why many practitioners don't suggest taking blood ...... [see previous comment ;)].
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Thank you CLKD 😚
To be honest no. Ive booked another blood test with Nuffield so am hoping I can get that done next week.
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Which blood tests would you ask for though? Let us know how you get on. What do you expect to be suggested regarding the results?
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Ive only asked for oestradiol. I've been going through the forum on and off all day and I haven't come across anyone with results as high as mine.
Should I ask for the other tests to be done again too?
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Who will you see prior to having blood taken? You should have a discussion with someone for advice otherwise you could go back and forwards for months without resolution.
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A GP. It said on the website someone will ring me in the next 24 hours.
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Thats why I am so worried Birdy
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Make a list of your symptoms and queries so that you have it by the 'phone and ASK!
Don't be disappointed if blood tests aren't suggested.
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I am wearing the patch but I haven't used the gel.
I was reading my diary last night and i noted about 6 weeks ago that i had period type pain but havent noted anything since. I felt as if i was having twingey pains last night and again today so paranoid now Ive always had them and not paid attention or is it just my anxiety causing this. Ive been googling and racking my brain all night.
If it wasn't a mistake and the result is high again after the test at Nuffield i will go and see a different GP in the practise.
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Get rid of GOOGLE? I had my last period in 2002 and still get period-type pains occasionally. But never a bleed.
HORMONES >:( ::)
If you keep swapping GPs you won't know where you are. Keep that list ;-)
What have you got planned for a wet Sat., I ought to get on .........
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Ive only just joined that practise and seen the same doctor twice. He was the one that admitted in the first appointment he didn't know much about HRT.
The weekend.....am a single mum so just.me and my little boy doing something outdoorsy.
Hope you both have a lovely weekend xxx
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So you and your GP can work as a Team - introduce him to MM Forum ;-). Tell him that you are aware that Research long ago has been discredited and can we work in the here and now, take a list of symptoms and work through them. That's what I do with my GP and he usually takes the list so that I don't avoid anything ::)
Hopefully the weather will be better so that you can do outdoorsy things today :). How much worry is caused by your having less back-up than if you had a partner? Maybe time to put measures in place ?
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Hi Allie, are you peri or post meno? If you're peri, your fsh levels will go up and down in accordance with your cycle. For example, an fsh level of under 20 means that you might be ovulating.
During peri, your oestrogen levels go a bit hay wire, so when they're low, your fsh levels keep on rising. And rising. This then indicates to the adrenals to produce more adrenaline, as a weaker kind of oestrogen is produced from it. This is where the adrenal surges and hot flushes happen....basically it's down to the HPA (hypothalamic- pituitary - adrenal) axis taking over where our ovaries leave off.
An fsh reading of 11 is ok, as it shows the oestrogen is being well absorbed and keeping that level low. Post meno levels are less than 100 for oestrogen and anything over 30 for fsh.
I hope this helps xx
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Hi ladies
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for that info North Arm.
Ive been in such a state this last week, broke down in tears an hour ago in work, am really struggling to hold it together.
Whats worse is I have been pain in my lower pelvis this week which seems worse when I'm sitting. And getting worse daily. Its not there when I wake up but starts a few hours after.Anxiety maybe? Or coincidence?
I had an estradiol blood test at Nuffield on Tuesday morning, they said I could get the results today.
Im not sure if I am peri, haven't had a period for years because I have a mirena.
Surely my levels wouldn't go up as far as nearly 5000? Im only on 100 Estradot and 1 pump of gel.
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Ive been googling like crazy. Is it because I drink too much coffee? Is it because I was taking Kalms that weekend? Is it because of my multivitamins or collagen supplements?
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STOP GOOGLING :poke2: what do you hope to find there that you can't ask about here? Or talk to a Pharamacist about?
HORMONES >:( ......... also, we evolved upright. So it may be that pressure from the head is causing back ache, plus anxiety will cause tension in all the muscle groups. Is it bad enough to take pain relief? How is your seating position? What footwear do you use daily - I could cure half the World's backache!! by suggestion correct footwear otherwise the body compensates to maintain balance = aches and pains ::)
"surely" ? what makes you ask the question? Hormones are what they are, up and down 24/7. 'could get the results' so don't worry - Labs. are notoriously busy and it may be next week B4 they arrive. Then what? Who will interpret them or do you need another appt.?
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Its not in my back its in my pelvis and yes I have taken pain relief. Not working.
I'm going to see a different GP in the practise, a female one that was recommended.
I was also thinking about emailing Dr Currie.
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OK - another nosey question: where abouts in the pelvic area is it painful? Low back pain in the 'small' of the back is a different causation from for example, hip pain [which occurs in the groin] ....... pain relief should help - I find Nurofen far better, 'paracetamol' makes absolutely no difference.
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Look :o. Stop panicking.
So what if your oestrogen level is high? What do you think that will do to you? The answer is, if you feel OK then it's fine.
Chances are it's dropped down again now anyway. You can't possibly have levels that high off a patch and some gel so if it is high its your own hormones fluctuating and they will drop again. I've had high levels up in the thousands and low down less than 50 during peri. It won't harm you if you don't have symptoms.
The groin pain could be an ovary trying to ovulate. Or simply twisted gut or trapped air because of the stress you have put yourself under.
The worst thing you can do in this state is Google. The second worse thing you can do is just randomly remove all your hormones in one patch removing swipe. You really do just need to settle down.
If you are suffering anxiety (from before the panic not now) then perhaps you could try reducing your dose a little to see if it helps. If it doesn't, keep as you were.
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I have low back pain this afternoon. In face, I need to shuffle off this sofa and get a cuppa. I've been busy cleaning white goods in the utility room which meant a lot of bending etc..
I have sciatica occasionally, eased by pain relief and a brisk walk. Pain in the groin originates from the hip.
:thankyou: SueLW!
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Is there a way of attaching my results? Its just come through. It says 395!! Am i dreaming??
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What were you expecting :-\ - ring the Company and ask, after all you paid for the blood tests, they should have explained what they might mean. Do you have another appt.? 4 which you will probably need to pay!
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Im seeing the GP next week
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But your GP didn't organise these tests :-\ ......... why not ring The Nuffield ??? which is who took the blood unless I've mis-understood :-\
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I will definitely xx
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Friday tomorrow, ring in the morning? No point being worried until you see the GP who may not be interested anyway if you have gone privately.
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Already have. Couldnt get through so have left a voicemail
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It said pmol/L. Just checked the other one and that was pmol/L too
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Maybe visit a Pharmacist tomorrow?
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A bit stunned really. Dont know what to think.The Thriva test is ridiculously high and the Nuffield is to the other extreme. I know it goes up and down but that much??
Still in pain, sitting with a hot water bottle on my tum. Cant really feel it when Im standing up bit its definitely there when Im sitting down.
Thank you for all the replies. I owe you all a glass of wine xx
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I have. I put that back on the other day as soon as you advised me to. When I got the results last Wednesday evening I took the patch off. When I came home after the doctors on the Thursday morning I put a new one on so i was approximately 14 hours without a patch. I haven't used the gel though since last Wednesday, the evening I got the results, and I only use 1 pump every evening. Test at Nuffield was this Tuesday morning.
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No definitely not but need to sort this pain out whatever it is. How have you been?
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So allie - what are you going to do, other than fret? It's Friday, maybe phone the Nuffield for advice? Or accept that the GP may/not discuss the results at your appt.?
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I need to see the GP about my pelvic pain as its still there. Its not there on waking but gets worse as the day goes on. I will go Monday morning
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No it doesnt hirt when i wee. Its just there when im sitting, very low down, in the middle and to the right
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Never! What did your GP say? Mine isnt there in the morning, seems to start aftee ive got to work and then gets worse. Pain depends how im sitting. Gets more painful the more upright i am sitting and then it seems to travel down my leg.And if i cross my legs.
Was yours all of a sudden? Did it affect your urgency to wee?
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How do you cope??!!
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Good, i hope it hasnt disrupted your life. And hope you have a lovely weekend Birdy xx
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Isn't it hard when things start going wrong with your body? Hope it stays that way for you for a long time.
Glad its the weekend so I can rest....well as much as you can with a 6 year old! Been a tough week. Im a supply teacher at the moment and im working in a really tough school. Ive been shouted at and sworn at virtually daily. That hasn't helped.
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Teaching it tuff and ruff. For kids as well as teachers. Sometimes children don't know any other language. Sometimes it's rage and frustration that causes aggression, people when frightened can be violent if they think that their needs aren't being met. R U able to have a 'calm' few moments during each lesson Allie007? Everyone put their hands in their laps and bow their heads and breath deeply? A sense of regaining control?
Raised voices make my guts churn due to growing up in an angry household and I did a lot of shouting myself due to fear. :'(
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Im giving it up soon, I qualified 2 weeks ago to teach exercise classes to over 65s so Im starting a business doing that.
Had a bad day yesterday. Pain is more often, when Im leaning over as well as sitting in certain positions. Rested for a few hours then took my son out for a walk. After 10 mins I could feel my legs going from underneath me. Could barely make it home. Felt weak but heavy and tingly all over and cold. Had to lie down for an hour before my strength came back.
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I think so. I didn't make any entries in my diary of it before.
Ive been resting all day, sitting on sofa with feet up. No pain. This evening was bending over bathing my son etc and the pain has come back and has been there now an hour or so. Its an inch or so above my pubic bone.
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I hope so Birdy. Im going to ring the local private hospital first thing tomorrow to get one done this week x
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Not stressing , just want to know what it is if they can tell me. Got a scan booked for tomorrow afternoon x
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Had a vaginal ultrasound yesterday, all ok with uterus and ovaries. Giddy spells every day since Sunday and ache still so am going back to my GP if I still feel like this on Friday. My dad's friend is a GP, hes suggested possibly a virus!x
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I will. Thanks Birdy