Dee -hormones

[Guest guest]

Dee, just had my

hormones checked again. This is on .075 Vivelle.dot patch,

testosterone liquigel 4 x week and without progesterone for 40 days. Doc

says testosterones are ‘high normal’ but she’s happy with

them there –but I couldn’t catch what she called the last test

shown here. Do the norms of 1-21 mean antyhhing to you. For testosterone?

Maybe ‘unbound’ or something?

My doc is very on edge about my method of taking progesterone

(every 60 days from the date of the first day of the bleed) and fearing

proliferation like I had last year is having me slowly cut slivers off of my

patch so as to reduce my estrogen levels a little at a time. She says

most of her meno gals are on the .0375 patch, some on the .050 and almost none

at where I am. I began this cutting of the patch in April but didn’t

have trouble until about a week ago as noted in the next paragraph below. Also,

I remember you’ve posted several times over the years I’ve

been here that if our blood levels are between 70 -100 , no matter how

much we are taking – we CAN’T get endometrial proliferation.

Is this correct? (Now I can’t find the blamed email –

thought I kept it.)

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I couldn’t

find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under those conditions.

She says she’s happy with the estrogen level – its right where she’d

like to see it –but I think I recall that the 70’s numbers don’t

represent optimum for HRT, and I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere

by googling. I tried several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol

reference range for menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly

articles about the reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

I know from recent reading that some topical estrogen does get into the

blood stream and since direct application to the vulva tends to make me cramp

and spot, last week, I applied the pea size to my leg to see if it would help

with some recent really serious heat “attack’s’ which are

quite debilitating to the point of faintness and nausea. I must sit or lie down

and put cool water on my head or ice on my tummy to cool down. I even

have some difficulty seeing, (my glasses steam up). I’m

pretty sure that this leg application of Estrace probably affected the estradiol

reading by raising it a bit, and hence I’m guessing that the number of 71

is actually a misrepresentation and it’s probably lower.

I suspected my thyroid meds, but called to get my hormones

checked by gyn just in case. Getting thyroid function tested takes longer

– takes longer to get in to see doc.

Your help appreciated where possible here. So

questions are: Endometrial proliferation not possible at estradiol

levels of……..? (2) Topical estrogen

on my leg can raise my blood levels a tiny bit? (3)

This estradiol level might be a tad low – but I can’t find what a meno

women on HRT should read – do you know? (4) Do you recognize the

norms below on the last test score and can you identify what that test might

be?

Oh and the only dramatic increase I see is that the total testosterone

went from 30 in 2003 to last weeks measure of 63. I’m not worried

if she’s not worried, but the testosterone (as I have written several

months ago) seems not to work so well now and libido is flagging even with this

increased dosage. Of course, I AM 58, pushing 59 hard so that may

be normal. She offered me androgel patch, but I have several friends who

have tried it and were very unhappy and I just didn’t feel like upsetting

the apple cart.

8.19.06

Estradiol 71

Free Testosterone 20 Lab

Norms 3 to 29

Total Testosterone 63 Lab Norms

20-76

Testosterone? 11

Lab Norms 1 to21

Thanks

Dusty

[Guest guest]

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I couldn’t find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under those conditions. She says she’s happy with the estrogen level – its right where she’d like to see it –but I think I recall that the 70’s numbers don’t represent optimum for HRT, and I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere by googling. I tried several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol reference range for menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly articles about the reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

Dusty,

I'm sure Dee will have all sorts of things to say regarding your questions, but

i did want to quickly say that Vliet says repeatedly that, in her experience,

serum levels of estradiol need to be AT LEAST 90 pg/mL in order to provide

all the protections e. confers. . . and to feel your best.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

I haven't, but i've certainly fantasized about it.

The real drag is that she USED to accept Medicare -- which i have -- but has

opted out. They will provide you with all the itemized bills, which you can

submit yourself. I have no idea how much would actually be covered that

way, though. Probably not much, but i might look into it.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Yes. Get estradiol replacement, either by patch, troche, or sublingual drops

to bring your levels up. It certainly could be part of the problem.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Yes. Get estradiol replacement, either by patch, troche, or sublingual drops

to bring your levels up. It certainly could be part of the problem.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

There are certain phases of your cycle (which I don’t know but others on the list do) when you are not menopausal – when you should be tested so as to get the most accurate reading.

The best time to have serum testing done is sometime between Day 1 and 3 of your

cycle and again between Day 19 and 21 of the same cycle. You should have

estradiol, progesterone, testosterone (both free and total), FSH, LH, cortisol (8 a.m.),

and DHEA-S all tested for the first round and then just a repeat of the E & P

for the second. (Did i forget any tests, Dee?)

Anne, if you're really interested in pursuing female hormone balancing -- and

with your low levels and your estrogen-draining reproductive history, it really

sounds as if you should -- i would really urge you to get a copy of Dr.

L. Vliet's Screaming To Be Heard: Hormone Connections Women

Suspect and Doctors STILL Ignore. In my opinion, it's the single best source

of information of the subject. It's a long book -- over 800 pages -- but very

well-written and very, very informative and empowering. Vliet devotes a

whole chapter to the relationship between low estradiol and vulvar pain

issues.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I couldn’t find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under those conditions. She says she’s happy with the estrogen level – its right where she’d like to see it –but I think I recall that the 70’s numbers don’t represent optimum for HRT, and I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere by googling. I tried several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol reference range for menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly articles about the reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

Dusty,

I'm sure Dee will have all sorts of things to say regarding your questions, but

i did want to quickly say that Vliet says repeatedly that, in her experience,

serum levels of estradiol need to be AT LEAST 90 pg/mL in order to provide

all the protections e. confers. . . and to feel your best.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I couldn’t find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under those conditions. She says she’s happy with the estrogen level – its right where she’d like to see it –but I think I recall that the 70’s numbers don’t represent optimum for HRT, and I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere by googling. I tried several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol reference range for menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly articles about the reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

Dusty,

I'm sure Dee will have all sorts of things to say regarding your questions, but

i did want to quickly say that Vliet says repeatedly that, in her experience,

serum levels of estradiol need to be AT LEAST 90 pg/mL in order to provide

all the protections e. confers. . . and to feel your best.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I couldn’t find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under those conditions. She says she’s happy with the estrogen level – its right where she’d like to see it –but I think I recall that the 70’s numbers don’t represent optimum for HRT, and I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere by googling. I tried several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol reference range for menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly articles about the reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

Dusty,

I'm sure Dee will have all sorts of things to say regarding your questions, but

i did want to quickly say that Vliet says repeatedly that, in her experience,

serum levels of estradiol need to be AT LEAST 90 pg/mL in order to provide

all the protections e. confers. . . and to feel your best.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

How

old are you Anne?

Have you had a

hysterectomy?

There are

certain phases of your cycle (which I don’t know but others on the list

do) when you are not menopausal – when you should be tested so as to get

the most accurate reading.

If you are

young, have not had a hysterectomy and had the blood test in the right phase of

your cycle – this reading of 38 is VERY low.

See this site

where the Norm for hysterectomized and menopausal women is 40 and you are 38.

This site also shows what you could expect your reading to be a certain phases

in your cycle – but as I said, you’d have to get others to explain

this to you. I haven’t had a non drug induced period for many many

years and no longer have “phases”.

http://www.labcorp.com/dos/index.html

Regards

Dusty

Re: Dee -hormones

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about

that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once.

Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

On 8/23/06 9:09 AM, " Zdamaskwmconnect "

<Zdamaskwmconnect> wrote:

In a message dated 8/23/2006 7:54:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

dustybrookehurst (DOT) net writes:

Personally, I think the estrogen is low – but I

couldn’t find a chart for estradiol on HRT and where we should be under

those conditions. She says she’s happy with the estrogen

level – its right where she’d like to see it –but I think I

recall that the 70’s numbers don’t represent optimum for HRT, and

I’ll be hanged if I can locate it anywhere by googling. I tried

several ways estradiol reference ranges, estradiol reference range for

menopause and just had a dreadful time. Mostly articles about the

reference ranges and no real tables with numbers.

Dusty,

I'm sure Dee will have all sorts of things to say regarding your questions, but

i did want to quickly say that Vliet says repeatedly that, in her experience,

serum levels of estradiol need to be AT LEAST 90 pg/mL in order to provide

all the protections e. confers. . . and to feel your best.

Hollis

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dusty,

I have not had a hysterectomy.

I was 38 and still totally normal when this hit, but I had been pregnant and nursing for 9 straight years, which is a very low estrogen way of life :-) Maybe that accounts for it. Couple that with the stress of my youngest being slightly autistic and some major yeast infections, and maybe that’s why I’m still here? Maybe?

What do you think is the best way to supplement?

Trying not to get too excited,

Anne

How old are you Anne?

Have you had a hysterectomy?

There are certain phases of your cycle (which I don’t know but others on the list do) when you are not menopausal – when you should be tested so as to get the most accurate reading.

If you are young, have not had a hysterectomy and had the blood test in the right phase of your cycle – this reading of 38 is VERY low.

See this site where the Norm for hysterectomized and menopausal women is 40 and you are 38. This site also shows what you could expect your reading to be a certain phases in your cycle – but as I said, you’d have to get others to explain this to you. I haven’t had a non drug induced period for many many years and no longer have “phases”.

http://www.labcorp.com/dos/index.html

Regards

Dusty

Re: Dee -hormones

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dusty,

I have not had a hysterectomy.

I was 38 and still totally normal when this hit, but I had been pregnant and nursing for 9 straight years, which is a very low estrogen way of life :-) Maybe that accounts for it. Couple that with the stress of my youngest being slightly autistic and some major yeast infections, and maybe that’s why I’m still here? Maybe?

What do you think is the best way to supplement?

Trying not to get too excited,

Anne

How old are you Anne?

Have you had a hysterectomy?

There are certain phases of your cycle (which I don’t know but others on the list do) when you are not menopausal – when you should be tested so as to get the most accurate reading.

If you are young, have not had a hysterectomy and had the blood test in the right phase of your cycle – this reading of 38 is VERY low.

See this site where the Norm for hysterectomized and menopausal women is 40 and you are 38. This site also shows what you could expect your reading to be a certain phases in your cycle – but as I said, you’d have to get others to explain this to you. I haven’t had a non drug induced period for many many years and no longer have “phases”.

http://www.labcorp.com/dos/index.html

Regards

Dusty

Re: Dee -hormones

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dusty,

I have not had a hysterectomy.

I was 38 and still totally normal when this hit, but I had been pregnant and nursing for 9 straight years, which is a very low estrogen way of life :-) Maybe that accounts for it. Couple that with the stress of my youngest being slightly autistic and some major yeast infections, and maybe that’s why I’m still here? Maybe?

What do you think is the best way to supplement?

Trying not to get too excited,

Anne

How old are you Anne?

Have you had a hysterectomy?

There are certain phases of your cycle (which I don’t know but others on the list do) when you are not menopausal – when you should be tested so as to get the most accurate reading.

If you are young, have not had a hysterectomy and had the blood test in the right phase of your cycle – this reading of 38 is VERY low.

See this site where the Norm for hysterectomized and menopausal women is 40 and you are 38. This site also shows what you could expect your reading to be a certain phases in your cycle – but as I said, you’d have to get others to explain this to you. I haven’t had a non drug induced period for many many years and no longer have “phases”.

http://www.labcorp.com/dos/index.html

Regards

Dusty

Re: Dee -hormones

Wow,

My estradiol level was 38. Do you guys think I should do something about that? If so, what? Maybe that’s part of the problem?

Hopefully,

Anne

Has anyone ever seen Dr. Vliet? She is $3,600 to visit with once. Why are these doctors so expensive? It’s not fair!