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[SueLW]

Hello Ladies

I'm good at reading and understanding thyroid blood test results, but I'm novice at sex hormones because I've never asked for copies before.  Can anyone give me any advice with these?  I am just 55, I am using a combined oestrogen/progesterone/testosterone compounded cream (I know you all disagree with those, but it has helped up until this year, when I now think it's not doing anything for me.). I have been on HRT for 3 years.  Tried Estraderm patches with progesterone and testosterone compounded cream, but found the patch too strong when new and wore out too fast.  As if I got it all at once. I also tried Utrogestan for 3 days and felt suicidal so I am not swallowing those things again, although I would try vaginally.  I have had a Mirena coil for birth control in the past and it was OK.  I used to be on the pill before that so I don't think I can be progesterone intolerant, it was just taking Utrogestan orally that nearly killed me. 

I have just had a scan (last week).  Lining measures 2mm and no other issues of any kind.

FSH 106.0 - ref range post-meno 25.8 - 134.8

Progesterone 1.9 - ref range post-meno 0.2 - 0.4

Testosterone 0.9 - ref range for adults 0 - 1.8

17-Beta oestradiol <44 - ref range post-meno <183

DHEA Sulphate 2.1 - ref range 0.26 - 11.0

I don't know how to interpret these results because I'm using an HRT product.  Any ideas what this tells me?

I'm seeing the specialist next week and want to go in armed with a plan.  I'm thinking of asking to try the gel and vaginal Utrogestan.  But I want to try sequentially.  So far I've been continuous all the way and I'm horribly bloated and slow and sad and fat.  I thought if I pulled them apart I'd find out which was the problem hormone. 

Apart from the test results I have terrible joint pains now in my feet, ankles, knees and lower back + shoulders.  I can no longer crouch down because of my knees and because I can't get back up!!!!  I feel about 100.  I have lost all my ambition and enjoyment in life.  I am often really sad and depressed for a few hours or days and then it fades.  I almost never feel happy.  I think my body is still surging, but it's not doing a very good job.

I also have hypothyroidism, and am still working my way painfully slowly up the dosing for that condition too.  At this rate it will be another year before I reach my optimal dose, but I have to go so slowly or my body reacts, possibly because my sex hormones, especially oestrogen, are too low.  Thyroid hormone needs good levels of oestrogen to work properly.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[Dotty]

Hi your results are basically telling you that you are post menopausal and your symptoms are backing that up too. You need to increase your oestrogen to alleviate the symptoms . Oestrogel and Utrogestan is a good choice.

Blood results are difficult to read because every woman is different. Some ladies will have the same results as you but they will feel fine.

Good luck 😄

[pepperminty]

Hi SuelW,

horrible isn't it? I have the same issue about crouching down, and achy joints. I suspect that my HRT regime either needs an increase of tablet strength another route. I am reluctant to change it though as my side effects are minimal on this progesterone.  I had extreme effects from other progesterone, so I know how hideous that can be, but I also started with extreme PMS on Femosten for 3 months which eventually stopped as my body adjusted.  There are some ladies on here with a wealth of knowledge, who may be able to give you some good advice. When you feel tired achy and in pain, everything is much harder to cope with.  Good luck.

Peppermintyx

[Donna-paul]

Have you had Vit d tested? I had them symptoms still have but not so bad and it was my Vit d was low. People don't realise once deficient you have to take for life.

[SueLW]

Thanks Dotty. 

So that level of oestrogen looks low to you?  I'm not sure where we are aiming to have it when on HRT.  I'm not sure what "balanced" should look like.  To me, these results look like I have too much progesterone for the oestrogen, which might explain the fluid retention.  This progesterone cream definitely does't act as a diuretic for me, even though it is supposed to.

I certainly don't feel fine anymore.  I don't feel like I have any oestrogen most of the time.  Then I will get a day or half a day when my own body throws some into the mix and everything is much better for a short time.

Thanks for the Vitamin D suggestion Donna-paul.  It's not that.  I have good levels, I check it regularly and supplement in the winter to keep it up.  But you are right, it could have been.

[Donna-paul]

Did you know you have to take Vit d for life even through summer and drs don't tell you what is a good level to be lot higher than they say. Look on Vit d council if you haven't already.

[SueLW]

It really is fine.  I'm not struggling with Vitamin D.  I supplement in winter to make sure I don't slump, but I have no problem making it.  I have never been deficient in it.

[Dancinggirl]

SueLW - I am not a medical professional but your test results show that everything is low. You say you are using some hormone therapy cream - well this isn't working.You are probably deeper into menopause and your body is suffering -   No wonder you are getting menopause symptoms.  If you want relief, then you need a standard HRT regime that will bring your oestrogen levels up.

If you got on well with the Mirena, then do consider having another fitted and then use oestrogen patches or Oestrogel alongside.  I bet you will get you life back on track. DG x

[SueLW]

Thank you DancingGirl. 

This is what I have been suspecting for most of this year.  But having a thyroid problem I'm trying to deal with at the same time, with a lot of overlapping symptoms, has made it doubly hard.  However, I am on track at the moment with thyroid, slowly working my way up the dosage scale and now it's time to change the HRT.  I am a bit scared of asking for a Mirena.  When I had one before it was inserted at the local hospital under a sedation and I was given a nice long sleep afterwards.  These days I fear it's more like a painful smear test.  I've not had a child so I am dreading the insertion.  Hence wondering if I should try Utrogestan vaginally.  I have never felt so awful in my life as when I tried swallowing them!

[Dancinggirl]

Why not try the Utrogestan vaginally but I don't think anyone has found they can use it vaginally continuously.

It is trial and error I'm afraid. 

You could request having the Mirena fitted under GA - if you have this done privately you certainly could. DG x