Hello all,
I've just got my female hormone results back. As expected, they're less than stellar!
Edit to add: these were taken on Day 4 and I usually only have a 3 day bleed with a day or 2 of spotting.
So I'm looking at low cortisol, high DHEA, unstable thyroid results, and now perimenopause? Does this test confirm that?
I'd be grateful to hear some thoughts!
radd TiggerMe Jamima Hidden
♥️
Right then...
FSH high at the beginning of cycle suggests egg production is declining especially if it ties in with menstrual changes
Oestradiol on the low side which ties up with lower ovarian reserve
Testosterone a bit on the low side so no suggestion of PCOS
Free Androgen Index... low which ties in with low testosterone
Doesn't really tie in with your high DHEA result which should make you more masculine and raise your hormone levels? Doesn't anxiety raise DHEA??
Your latest thyroid bloods...
29/03/23
TSH: 3.47
FT4: 13.4
FT3: 5.2
Looks like you are running a bit lean to which will have a knock on effect... Have you tweaked since these results?
Menopause clinics like to go on symptoms as bloods are up and down like the proverbial fiddlers elbow!
Time for a bit of body identical me thinks to even you out 😉
radd Jamima Hidden tag didn't seem to work on OP so I'll try it again 🤗
Hope the others kick in with their thoughts, I'm a bit pooped from helping clear a house today... but I did actually stay the course! 😅
Yeah! Well done! 😁
Now I've calmed down a bit DHEA is increased with both PTSD and stress. And I was near total burn out before Easter so that helps account for the high result!
I've tweaked my levo up from 50 to 75 although useless as I've only been on this dose 2 weeks the female hormones included TSH & T4. TSH was 0.66 with T4 15.3.
Almost all my remaining symptoms could be low estrogen!
Witchinghour,
Yes, insufficient oestrogen and high FSH (trying to initate further) equals perimenopause.
You could try the Wellsprings range (links below) but if this were me I would visit a hormone specialist clinic to discuss the neccessity/benefits of HRT, and get your GP involved so you can access free prescriptions if HRT is warranted.
Todays busy lives don't allow for the slowing up these hormonal deficiencies dictate and you are young to be going through this so consider the many years ahead of night sweats, poor sleep, low mood, declining cardiac and bone health, thinning vaginal tissue, ... oh joy, the list is endless.
Louise Newman (Balance) wrote .. ' The most effective way to treat symptoms of the perimenopause is to supply your body with a steady dose of the hormones that are now in fluctuation and on decline in your body. HRT usually involves estrogen replacement and – if you still have your womb – you will need to take progestogen as well. It is likely you will also benefit from taking testosterone in addition to estrogen and progestogen. HRT is most effective when it is started before the ‘menopause’ point of time, or at least within 10 years of this.'
At 54 I was much older than you when I started HRT but it made my thyroid meds work so much better. In fact everything worked so much better 😉. Don't start the Wellsprings therapy if you are considering prescribed HRT because you may have to do further sex hormone tests for monitoring purpose.
Perimenopause and HRT ... balance-menopause.com/uploa...
O & P cream ... wellsprings-health.com/page...
O cream ... wellsprings-health.com/page...
God. It's such a relief to have confirmation. I genuinely thought I was losing my mind... I'd almost started to believe all those medics were right and it was 'all in my head'.
Thank you.
I've got an appointment with a new endo in a couple of weeks who prescribes HRT as well so with some luck she will prescribe until I'm stable and then I can try and get the NHS to take over.
It's a decade too early but I'm glad... I might start to feel better soon!
Yeah I'd think the time has come to add a little top up, not much chance of stabilising your thyroid needs whilst having drops in oestrogen to deal with... wish someone had told me to add it in at least 5 years before I was on my knees!
Extra T4 looks like a sensible step as adding HRT often needs a little increase too so if you creep them up a bit before you start and aim to balance them
Lay it on thick with your GP mentioning all the classic symptoms and ask for a 'trial' (they prefer not committing don't they!) seems they preferring a crisis rather than a drama! Age really isn't a thing if you are lacking you are lacking! 🤗
Now I know that they're night sweats I've been having then for a couple of years. Only infrequently but they've been there.
I've been having hot flushes without realising that's what it is too. 😂
That's the problem isn't it we put it down to something else and push on through... we are so programmed that low hormones only kick in in your 50's WRONG
100%. I rather wrongly assumed that I was much too young and it couldn't possibly be perimenopause but it all makes sense now!
Eeyore,
My tags and notifications aren't working ..... it's a case of some browsing around and coming across my name 🙄.
Agree with everything ... particularly reference to 'the proverbial fiddlers elbow!' 😬
Hi Radd, Witchy thought we were ghosting her so luckily pm'd me to give me a kick 😏 that's not very helpful is it, I was too tired to cruise last night but I'm amazed I feel remarkably perky (though aching) after 6 trailer loads to the dump yesterday
Your words as ever are spot on, especially the endless joy list 🤣 how's your bum still hairless? 🤗 Mine is yet to sprout 😅
Yes, I got very needy and went knocking on Eeyore's door. PLEASE PAY ME SOME ATTENTION. 😂
Just as well... what's the plan tackle your GP or a Menopause Clinic?
Didn't you approach your GP once before or did you talk yourself out of it?
I approached my GP this time last year when estrogen was just 9% through range and she told me I'd just gone off my husband and needed psychosexual counselling.
Since then I've been too afraid to approach them again. I did speak with a meno clinic but they were pricey and I couldn't afford it at the time.
I see a new endo who deals in female hormones too soon so with some luck she will prescribe HRT.
Perfect!
Awww, the forum never ghosts. Everyone deserves an answer even if only to bump for others viewing.
You certainly sound perky. Me too. Rode for 14 miles off-ride and it’s very hilly here, and next day I wanted more. Usually I’d be zonked out for days. Perhaps it’s the testosterone!
Posterior remains hirsutism-free , and thank you for checking 🤣
Wow that sounds great! It does give you back a little joie de vivre doesn't it 👏
I seem to have found 2nd gear but no real power to my muscles yet! I live on the flat lands so numerous trips up and down the stairs had my knees complaining!!
I have messaged support about the radd issue 😉
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