Oestrogen levels

[judburke]

I know this is a menopause question but I can’t find the answer on other forums. I have underactive thyroid and having tests to see if symptoms are thyroid or hrt/menopause

The test for Oestrogen level shows 337 range refers to follicle/luteal phase which isn’t relevant as it’s def menopause

Is 337 optimal? Am using 3 pumps of hrt gel

Thanks for any advice

[Smartypants1]

can I ask how old you are? If you are over 45, it’s my understanding from my doctor and other literature that you cannot go by blood tests for oestrogen as our levels fluctuate so much after that age. It’s best to go on symptoms alone.

[judburke in reply to Smartypants1]

Thanks for your help. I am 60. Practitioner wanted to check that I am absorbing the HRT gel. I’ve recently upped from 2 to 3 pumps but still have symptoms. She’s exploring testosterone next but wanted to get gel optimal first

[Buddy195 Administrator]

balance-menopause.com/balan...

This link is useful for all things menopause related. I haven’t had oestrogen levels checked, but have experimented both adding/ reducing by half- to one pump to achieve optimal results. It’s very much like the thyroid- we all have different ‘sweet spots’ where we feel most well.

[sparkly]

I'm on hrt, 55 and 99% certain I'm post menopause. It's difficult having thyroid and peri/menopause simultaneously as symptoms can overlap and you don't know what's causing what.Hot flushes and night sweats are for certain menopause related so if these have returned then definitely ask to up your gel.

If you are just wondering if your level is satisfactory and wanting to pursue the testosterone avenue then your oestradiol level is OK.

The general rule I've read is for oestradiol to be above 300 as the testosterone can convert to oestrogen and will have no benefi from it.

Mine was only 312 when I started testosterone and by god was it wonderful.

For me it banished my brain fog, got rid of all my aches and pains, gave me loads of energy, feel calmer, happier and just a general well-being feeling. It didn't help with memory though as brain fog and memory issues i know know are two separate issues for me.

This doesn't happen for every lady and sadly some ladies have no benefit at all but definitely worth pursuing.

Glad to hear your gp is open to testosterone. She sounds like a keeper!

[judburke in reply to sparkly]

this is great info Thankyou! It sounds like I should be ok to try testosterone which has tested as very low. The flashes are gone but sleep isn’t great but that might not be oestrogen.

We moved house last year and had to change drs and it’s been the best move ever. Our last surgery was in special measures and gp prescribed combined hrt pill without speaking to me! This dr is being thorough and listening and acting - hopefully I am on the way up!

[sparkly in reply to judburke]

Utrogestan is my sleeping aid. I would be wide awake till 3 am before I started on it. Doesn't have a sedative effect for all women but does help alot

[judburke in reply to sparkly]

I get to sleep usually ok but wake at least once ugh

[farrellkl68]

I’m going through the same . I went to see if endo could test thyroid , T3 and it became a meno conversation . I’m 55 and defo post , my oestradiol is < 18 , which confirms post menopausal but is low as I’m in HRT .

I have used testosterone in the past and it defo helped my energy but not brain fog . It brought me out in a rash though , so I stopped .

I’ve increased my patch , being retested for meno and thyroid in a few weeks .

Meno and hypo are not a good combination…

[judburke in reply to farrellkl68]

It’s so tricky isn’t it?

Thats a shame re testosterone. I hope the tests get you some answers. I am wishing the next 2 weeks away for my appt to discuss these tests. I am weary of feeling rubbish (but grateful for the help I am getting now even though it’s taken years)

[farrellkl68]

I may try it again but because my oestrogen is low , I can’t .

I am also weary of feeling rubbish

[HealthStarDust]

Sort to bother you as I especially have no suggestions. I am just curious as I posted about Thai earlier without responses, do you think or have you been told it is advisable to take your thyroid medication/hormone as you would normally when having the blood tests for menopause?

[judburke]

That’s a good question and one I’ve not thought of before. Sorry I really don’t know if it would make a difference. I took thyroid meds as normal before my menopause test last week.

Maybe give your Dr a call to ask.