Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Chi chi on May 25, 2015, 07:56:59 AM
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I've been keeping a diary of my cycle and symptoms/mood etc, I printed a sheet off the internet that someone on here recommended (sorry can't remember who)?
I'm currently on day 16 which according to an app I've got says my estrogen is low and my progesterone is rising??
My question is can I really go by all this? As aren't my levels dictated by my implants and when I take my progesterone? ??? I thought the whole reason of HRT was so we didn't have fluctuating levels each month and that it kept them on an even keel?
I'm still feeling really quite low and my anxiety was really bad yesterday (the worse it's been in a long time ) :(
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An app has absolutely no idea what's happening on a personal level - its based on usual patterns of usual , probably menstruating (?) women. The algorithms can't take into effect all other variables from the HRT you're taking, any other medication and indeed your diet.
Keep a diary of what's happening to you personally each day and you'll get a much better idea of how your body's reacting.
GGx
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Thanks GG :)
Will my levels still be fluctuating though as they would be naturally if I wasn't on HRT? Do I still have a monthly cycle?
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I suspect someone who knows more about this will be along soon, but I'd say it would depend on whether you're peri or post menopausal? I'm post and haven't been aware of any cycle before HRT and as my doses are the same every day I suspect there's none now - I suspect the cycle only occurs when your body is producing its own hormones in its usual monthly rhythm?
GG x
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Estelle can you post the link of the sheet you use? I've been keeping a written journal but it's quite cumbersome and I type up the information in tables for the Dr - but if there's something out there on the Internet that's easier to use, I would be interested.
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Here you go
http://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/daily_perimenopause_diary.pdf
There's different ones for peri and menopause depending on where you are?
GG I'm peri ( I think ) so I suspect my own levels are all over the place ::)
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Here you go
http://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/daily_perimenopause_diary.pdf
There's different ones for peri and menopause depending on where you are?
GG I'm peri ( I think ) so I suspect my own levels are all over the place ::)
Thankyou! :)
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Also, what a fantastic site - cemcor - and it's in Canada!
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If you still.have your.ovaries.there is a real chance the implant may kick them in at times then crash. The only way to know is to have bloods at.least once a week. I had.this when i had one.ovary left and fluctuated badly.
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The idea is to put down how you feel regardless of where you might be in your 'cycle' ;) as well as to note food/drink/alcohol intake, plus any exercise/not.
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Yes still have ovaries, I do feel very up and down :( well mostly down to be honest, had a good day on Saturday and thought finally things are beginning to pick up but nope :( woke up today feeling ok ish, had a nap this afternoon and woke up really anxious again??? It's really all starting to get to me now, just wish I hadn't had the implants.
CLKD my diet doesn't really change, don't drink and not much exercise except running around after 4 dogs, 2 kids and a husband ::)
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Waking up from an afternoon dose (doze even ::)) can cause anxiety but it does pass.
As for not doing much exercise - how much more would you have time for ::)
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I do think giving you such a high testosterone implant was.wise.when you still have ovaries. High test can.make.you feel out of sorts.
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So do you think that it's counteracting the estrogen and that's why my anxiety is up and my mood is low??
But doesn't test convert to estrogen :neutral:
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I've just dug out my last blood tests that prof Studd did and it shows my testosterone was 8.3??? The range says 0-1.8!! It also says
? Validity of Testosterone result;
? Analytical interference.
Suggest fresh sample for repeat analysis and/or
Free Testosterone and SHBG.
This was way back in September so could poss be higher than that as I was still using a tube of testim per week prior to the implant.
Surely that level of 8.3 is way too high and why wouldn't he have requested me to do another test??
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Where is your GP in all this :-\
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I tend not to discuss it with him as he was the one who thought there was nothing wrong with me hormone wise, he just kept saying it was all to do with my anxiety since my breakdown 3 years ago.
I saw a different doctor a while ago for my back pain, when I sat down she said to me "oh so your on all those fancy hormones? You do realise they haven't actually been proven to be any good"!!
Me and hubby just looked at each other ::)
I fear if I go back to my usual Dr with any concerns or questions about it he's not going to be too keen to offer advice or even treatment and will just give me that look of "I told you that you didn't need it"! ::)
On another note still no reply from Studd >:( I honestly thought going and paying privately that any worries, questions would be answered relatively quickly? :-\
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I expect that Pro Studd has his own agenda, he's seen you, prescribed and assumes what ever will work ::)
With that history of GP comments I would be looking for another Surgery ::) or going back with a large hammer :beat:
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I have been thinking about changing doctors ???
We'll see what today brings seeing another "private" doctor ::) at the moment my anxiety is quite bad, really foggy headed and panicky :-\ been trying to find symptoms online of high testosterone but all that comes up is deepening of voice, excess hair, enlarged genitals :o etc nothing about anxiety/low mood :neutral:
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8.3 is wayyy too high. Mine is 2.2 anymore you feel agitated anxious. Test coverts to oestrogen i am puyting money on it that this has caused your oestrogen to rocket high. Ill eat my words if wrong though
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I hope so, I just want there to be an explanation/reason I'm feeling so bad so it can be put right :-\
I've been thinking high testosterone and looking for symptoms for that, do you think it's high oestrogen then?
The more I think about it I just can't understand why he didn't test my levels before the implants and address my high? testosterone or at least repeat the test?? >:(
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Your test will be in double figures i reckon. High e can make you feel as lowsy as low.
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Well I had my bloods taken today, looks like I should get the results on Monday , usually a couple of days she said but with it being the weekend a bit longer.
Took a few notes on history and why I wanted the tests, also asked how I felt about prof studd not responsding to my emails (thought that was a bit odd)?? Anyway said "annoyed"! She said hmmm I can imagine?? Then went on to ask how long the appts were with him??
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Just a little update, I phoned to see if prof studd was away again as I'm waiting for his response and yes he's been away but should of still been receiving and replying to emails?
Had a chat with his secretary and she seems to think all my symptoms are low estrogen?? But can't understand it herself, she said most ladies feel better on the implants than gels? She said it sounds like I'm the opposite to most ::)
To have the implants removed would need to be done under a general, so that's out as I don't fancy that :-\
Apparently the high testosterone reading isn't anything to worry about as it's usually high when on gel and dependant on how soon it was applied before the blood test?
She asked if I had tests done before the implants were inserted and I said no! She then said well I think we need to get you in for some ::) I said I've already done it, had to go elsewhere as I wasn't getting any response!
She also mentioned that we need to make sure I'm not getting used to levels that are too high? Not really sure what she meant :-\
Anyway I've had to re send the email so she can forward it on again and mark it as urgent, he's not back in until Monday so will have to wait a bit longer :-\
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I would take.what she says with a pinch of salt.she has contradicted.herself.for.one. low and high e can.give similar symptoms. She is talking rubbish about the test.if.you were using half a tube a day yes.wou would have levels of 8 plus.but if you have been using a.pea sized amount which is the recommended amount it would be around 2/3. Wait until you have the other results before.you do anyrhing.
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Thanks lancashirelass, yeah am anxious for my results I can't do anything but wait :-\
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Why would a Consultant be receiving/replying to e-mails if away :-\ ……… makes no difference if a person is paying/not for advice ……
let us know how you get on!
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I don't mean away as in holiday away, I'm not that unreasonable ;)
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My consultant has responded to me.when on leave when i needed advice so not.uncommon