hormone imbalance - any clues?!

[debradee]

Hi, can anyone help me please with recent hormone imbalance test. I’m really not clued up on hormones! I needed to check my ft3 and was offered a free blood test from Forth to fully check my hormones. I’m now more confused than ever with so many over range results..

I’m 49, not aware I’m going through menopause, but may be starting. I have a mirena, progesterone coil.

I am hypothyroid, have moderate / severe ME, mostly housebound, tonne of debilitating symptoms, additional fibro diagnosis plus more. Currently battling chronic follicultis and acne Rosecea so thought hormone tests might shed some light!

On T3 only (68 mcg) and taking adrenal cortex for adrenal support. I do have untreated low (considered normal by nhs) aldosterone. My thyroid results here are fine, not concerned about them.

N.b. I’ve been taking quercetin 400mg + Bromelain 100mg as a Natural Antihistamine - can this amount increase testosterone?

‘Forth’ hormone imbalance results 31.8.23:

Follicular stimulating hormone FSH 27.5 IU/L ( 3.5 - 12.5) HIGH

Oestradiol 213 pmol/L ( 45 - 854) normal

Free Androgen index 7.42 ( 0.3-5.62) HIGH

Luteinising hormone 27 (2.4-12.6) HIGH

Progesterone 1.2 nmol/L (0 - 0.6) HIGH

Prolactin 365 mU/L (102 - 496) normal

Sex hormone binding globulin 31 nmol/L (24.6 - 122) Normal

Testosterone 2.3 nmol/L ( 0.3 - 1.7) HIGH

TSH 0.01 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.2)

FT4 1.1 pmol/L (12 - 22)

FT3 6.1 pmol/L ( 3.1 - 6.8 )

Thank you

[waveylines]

So sorry I can't help you with these results as its way out of my experience but just thought I'd reply and send you hugs. You must feel rubbish! Hope someone replies soon Xx

[debradee in reply to waveylines]

That’s very kind thank you. This is my ‘normal’ rubbish now tbh, has been for 12 years unfortunately, but always looking for clues to help reduce symptoms, particularly new ones in anyway 🥰 Xx

[Auntbessy]

It's very likely that your mirena coil is throwing your results out. Also from personal experience poorly treated thyroid conditions run in conjunction with hormone issues although your levels as you say seem ok. I had a mirena coil placed and noticed that it added to my chronic inflammation in my body and discovered that the ingredients (not progesterone but progestin) are manufactured from testosterone which in some women can convert into androgen. High androgen levels can cause acne. Your testosterone and androgen level is high. I don't want to put your off having the mirena because many women including me have had them for fibroids, endometriosis but it's worth thinking about. Did you suffer with your sex hormones before becoming unwell with thyroid problems? I found Lara Briden's menopause book very balanced and helpful.

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to Auntbessy]

Did you continue with mirena or have it removed? I’ve been offered one as I have fibroids but have held off as I’m not convinced. I certainly don’t need any more inflammation. 🌱

[Auntbessy in reply to Regenallotment]

I had mine removed as it started to cause intense pressure headaches at the back of my head and I could always feel it prodding my cervix. I don't think most people experience this though. This got worse after the 3rd year anyway. I also feel that although it stemmed the heavy flow really well, I developed more fibroids from it. I ended up going with tranexamic acid instead. I have read that fibroids develop due to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. Too much estrogen. Now that my estrogen is dropping due to my age, the bleeding has improved. Im currently in the process of trying to sort my sex hormones out but as you know GPs can be a bit disagreeable and will try and through birth control at you for most things.

[debradee in reply to Auntbessy]

Thank you. I’ve got endometriosis so I’ve had several mirenas over 20 years, with the exception of when I was conceiving / having my two children. I know it’s not great, but like you, it’s not really an option to have it removed as my periods were also debilitating. I’ve always suffered with bad acne since puberty, but the specific acne Rosacea has been just for the last 5 years and got steadily worse.

I don’t really have any idea about my hormone levels etc prior to this (other than acne issues) as it’s not something I’ve seen on my blood tests. I’ve been treating my thyroid for about 5 years, but I think I was untreated hypo for a good 5-7 years prior to that.

I’ll have a look at the menopause book, thank you. It is something that’s clearly on the cards!

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Hmm... what time of the month was this done as ranges change through the various stages?

High FSH and LH suggests menopausal

[debradee in reply to TiggerMe]

No way of knowing as I don’t have periods with the mirena.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

What phase of your cycle was the test? I guess with mirena you might not know. It helps to know if you should be seeing follicular or luteal phase results. Maybe the mirena is giving you luteal anyway.

High FSH is an indicator the pituitary is signalling for more hormone to be made. So can rise when approaching peri-menopause. But I don’t know enough to know if your combination of results is this.

🌱

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Regenallotment]

Snap 🤗

[debradee in reply to Regenallotment]

Thank you. I don’t have periods with the mirena so don’t think I have cycles as get zero symptoms indicating anything period related.

[Fliss1234]

Hi - you need to get these results interpreted by a professional, naturopath /hormone coach. I had a DUTCH test recently and worked with an amazing naturopath who has put me on supplements to level up my oestrogen and hormoes which have been out of whack due to my endometriosis. It's the only thing that has made me feel better. Its not cheap but shes so worth it - also healing my gut which is all linked to hormones and how we get rid of imbalances. This is her: bridgetbnaturopathy.com/