This is overwhelming & confusing to me. I am going to a GYN on March 4th & I am hoping she can better explain things to me. The testing I had done was from a community clinic because it has been cheaper, but have never dealt with hormonal issues with them?I am new to the forums, but have posted on a few. My Dr. said that my estrogen level tested between the range of 2-45 and the lab report said that is within normal range. The Dr. said she didn't have a number to give me. But, when I came here and posted my result - I keep hearing this is considered low range. I have been reading on the internet and found a website that says Estradiol (I am assuming this is the same thing as estrogen?) should be 50 – 145 in the follicular phase, 112 – 443 mid cycle peak & 50 – 241 luteal phase. I don't no what any of this means, but I'm thinking it has something to do with your periods?I don't have a period anymore due to hysterectomy, altho I have 1 ovary left. But, in a range of 2-45, that does seem low?

Thank you for any information
Amber

If you are not having periods anymore, than luteal and follicular phases doesn't apply to you. Those levels are LOW, and yes, they may be normal for a post-menopausal woman, but they are not optimal in order to feel well for most women. Dr Vliet and Gillespie say that if you E levels are below 90, you will not feel well, and should be higher than that--90-120.

More importantly, how do you feel? Are you having symptoms?

Well, I pretty much feel like crap to just put it out there. And yes, I am having symptoms.UGH. Thank you for that post, it made perfect since to me. They must have put me in a normal range of post menopausal women?But, if they are saying I am post menopausal, isn't that after a person has gone thru menopause & shouldn't have these horrible symptoms anymore??Excuse me, for I am still trying to learn. And learn as much as I can, before seeing my GYN on the 4th of march.

How you feel is what is important! Your symptoms require supplementation. Since your appointment is not until the 4th of March, I would suggest educating yourself before the appointment by reading up on things... Two good books that can help you make an informed decision would be Uzzi Reiss' Natural Hormone Balance for Women and The Perimenopause and Menopause Workbook by Kathryn Simpson. You can google Kathryn Simpson's book on google books and read a lot of good information in the excerpts online! You might be able to find both of these at the library. I found Reiss's at the library and am checking on the other one!

Best Wishes...


TJ

Thank you so much, I am going to the book store today. I will call the Library first tho, so maybe I can save some $$ I'm guessing the Vivelle Dot the other Dr. prescribed to me won't affect to much as it is a low dose of 0.05. I went ahead and applied that on Friday just to see what would happen. I change it out this evening. She told me she didn't think it would help me anyways, but I could try it if I wanted.
Amber

I would suggest reading two of the best books I've read on hormones, both by Dr. Elizabeth Vliet

"Screaming to be Heard--Hormonal Connections that Women Suspect and Doctors Ignore"

"It's My Ovaries, Stupid"

These two books have been my hormone bibles. The others I have are good, but I find them lacking.

I have many hormone books, including Reiss and others, and STBH helped me more than any of them to understand the role of each hormone and their impact on our health. Dr. Vliet has treated thousands of women, has vast clinical experience, and has done extensive research. I have underlined in red pencil all through each book and each time I re-read them I discover some other valuable piece of info that ends up being another piece of my hormonal puzzle.

I have found her info and advice to be spot on with my own hormones, and she is very highly regarded on a couple of hormone forums I am on. Her books are the equivalent of taking a few in-depth classes on hormones.

Hey Sariah, I agree those are also excellent, I just thought it might be a little overwhelming for some people with so much info. The two I suggested are my most recent reads, Reiss was the one recommended to me recently on these boards. I think I like Reiss so much because he helped me to see a pattern with one of the examples that he gave and it was rather short and sweet but provided the how to's in terms of dosing, and I honestly can't remember if Vliet's booked did that or not (although she probably does but I'm always overwhelmed when trying to find anything). The other book that I recommended was an online resource that you can read online and she gives a lot of free info there which I found useful.

They all are very good reads, however, and can be found at your local library!

Good luck to you!

TJ

You still have a functioning ovary so you are still cycling, the stages would matter in your case. We guessed my test were on day 21 of my cycle, tis difficult without a period to guide off of. Try to journal during a couple of months and you might be able to pinpoint what day you are on.

The levels you mentioned are low. Generally and according to Dr. Northrup's "Wisdom of Menopause", normal levels range from 250 on estrogen and 10-15 nanograms per 1 milliliter of blood. Try to get more info by reading on your symptoms and recommendations so you can be more aware of what to ask your doctor. Good luck.

[quote name='Orchid131' date='Feb 24 2009, 01:19 AM' post='269639']
The levels you mentioned are low. Generally and according to Dr. Northrup's "Wisdom of Menopause", normal levels range from 250 on estrogen and 10-15 nanograms per 1 milliliter of blood. Try to get more info by reading on your symptoms and recommendations so you can be more aware of what to ask your doctor. Good luck.


hi! i am writing this to offer some support, hopefully. my levels [blood], can be found on my profile notes. i'm not having any symptoms.

best,
ep