Hi girls,
I did as you suggested and I got a copy of my hormone blood test results from my doctor. I want to to share my results with you wise gals but there's a whole bunch of numbers on the page. What numbers should I look for do you know? I've had progesterone, estrogen and testosterone tested. Can you advise me. I really want your opinion.
Hugs to all
Gabby

You should have a number that is your own result for each hormone level, and then set of numbers that cover the normal or reference range for each hormone. Each lab has their own reference range based on how they perform the test on their equipment but the range is usually fairly close to other labs. You will have a multitude of reference ranges because the level depends on what point you were at in your cycle when the bloodwork was done - follicular, mid-follicular, late follicular, luteal, etc. Just give us "your" actual number and tell us whether you are still cycling or meno. If you are still having periods, then what day of the cycle you were on when the labwork was drawn. If you don't remember then even roughly will help...was it at the start of your period, a few weeks after your period or just before you started another period? And were you using any hormones when the testing was done? We can work to figure out the rest!

Thanks NiteOwl,
Here are the results of my hormone blood test.
FSH 3.46
LH 2.32
PROLACTIN 120
OESTRADIOL 287
PROGESTERON 26.97
As far as I can recall, I think I was about day 15 in my cycle with day 1 being the first day of my period.
I'd appreciate any comments you might have. The doctor told me emphatically that I was not in peri. In one way his comments flattened me because I have so many symptoms which can be reasonably associated with peri. I feel like I'm in nowhere land now. No explanations as to why I feel the way I do and no help either. I really appreciate your time and knowledge.
Hugs
Gabby

Gabby,

Your doctor can't tell you that you aren't in peri, based on one set of numbers. I would have to agree that you aren't in menopause though! Peri is the time when your hormones are all over the map, when the hormones can go out of balance in relation to each other. To say you are NOT in peri is short sighted.

With the numbers you have I am not sure hormone replacement would be the answer for you, not traditional hormone replacement anyways. But maybe something natural like Estroven, and some supplements. My naturopathic healer said all women should take Red Raspberry Leaves and Red Clover, as both of those are supposed to be helpful with the hormone balance.

The other other thing I could suggest is the old adage we all know, and so often ignore (including me!) Exercise and eat healthy, keep your weight down, drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep. I know, how droll and boring!!

Don't expect any fast results from these natural remedies as they are slow to make you feel better, but if you are consistent they can help.

Wishing you good health!! And happiness!

Floater

Hi Gabby,

For what it's worth, when many of us first started to have peri symptoms, our numbers appeared to be normal. My doctor told me for at least 2 years that I was "fine". But I did not feel fine. I could tell that strange things were begining to happen. For one thing, my PMS was lasting longer and longer, I was also for the first time in my life, unable to fall asleep at night.

My peri seemed to progress slowly over time. I was in deep peri for at least 4 years before I even skipped a period.

At that time, I did things that "floater" recommened in her post. I tried the "Estroven" and found that it did give me some relief. You have to try things and see if they work for you.

The hardest part of peri for me was losing my energy level's, being so tired that I could not get things accomplished. I would be sitting around at 2pm wondering if I had the energy to take a shower and start my day. That happened to me many times during the worst of my peri. It does get better, but it's a process that our bodies have to adjust, for most of us it takes time. At first you do feel like freaking out, wondering what has happened to the person you once were. It's a loss. You feel it. I think that was a real eye opener.

I hope that you start to feel better soon.

Juliann

Thanks for your relies girls,
I really feel like no one's listening to me. I can't stand it sometimes. I feel like I'm being fobbed off and my symptoms disregarded. I feel like a prisoner in the medical system with nothing I say taken into account. I'm so glad I have my PS pals support. I don't know what I'd do without you. I've made an appointment to see a natural health care professional so hopefully I'll get some help.
Take care
Gabby

Gabby, I'm sorry I misssd your call for help. And much sorrier that you are having such a rough time.

I know how I felt before I assembled an excellent team of doctors to take care of me. Like a non-person. Please let us know how you do with the new health care pro. We all worry about you.

Hugs,
Marcy

Hi everyone! I hadn't had a period for 3 months so my Dr ordered blood tests. Of course the next day I started Went ahead and had blood drawn but didn't get it done till the next week. Nurse just gave me results over the phone. I will be seeing the Dr to discuss the results but thought I would ask all of you smart woman if any of you know what these results mean. It would of been day 5 of my cycle
LH 15
FSH 20
Estrogen 137

Are these considered "normal" ??

Cathy

Did she not give you your progesterone and testosterone results?

(I clipped this)
The follicular phase begins on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during menstruation. During this phase the uterine lining, or endometrial lining, both sheds through menstruation and begins a period of regrowth and thickening in preparation for an embryo should conception occur. The follicular phase lasts about 10 to 14 days, or until ovulation occurs.

The second phase of the menstrual cycle called the luteal phase begins when ovulation occurs. During ovulation the ovaries release a single egg from only one of the two ovaries during each menstrual cycle. Ovulation is a process that begins when the level of luteinizing hormone or LH surges, and ends 16 to 32 hours later with the release of an egg from the ovary.

The luteal phase continues until Day 1 of your next menstrual period. Your levels of estrogen and progesterone rise during the luteal phase. These hormones work together to cause changes to the endometrial lining that prepare it for an embryo should conception occur. When conception, or pregnancy, does not occur, levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease causing the endometrial lining to shed through menstruation.




So from what I can tell... you would have been at the end of the first phase going into the 2nd. Your E & P would be at the lowest, LH high.

If you are talking about estradiol during the follicular phase, which you probably are if you are in day 7-14 , then the normal averages are as follows

Age 20-29:149
Age 30-39: 210
Age 40-44: 152
Age 45-49: 130

For FSH levels

premenopausal: 4 to 30 U/L
midcycle peak: 10 to 90 U/L
pregnancy: low to undetectable
postmenopausal: 40 to 250 U/L
Note: U/L = units per liter


HTH