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[Gilla999]

I just got them back Spangle and thought I'd update...

My estrogen was 797pmol two days before I ovulated. The range given for follicular period is 45-84 and for ovulation 151-1461, so from what I can see I don't think I am on too much (2.5 sprays), which is really reassuring to know.

I'm doing another E & P test tomorrow which is day 21 of my cycle and will be the real test of potential estrogen dominance which always seems to be measured on the luteal phase.

A couple of additional interesting things from the rest results:

- My testosterone has dropped from just over the top of the range to just under the bottom of the range. I have no idea why this would be (does HRT affect it?) or whether it could be responsible for the weight gain

- My Free Androgen range is also just below the bottom of the range. Again I have no idea what this means!

I'm going to follow up on both of those points and will let you know if I get any answers!

[Gnatty]

I imagine as you head into menopause just as oestrogen levels drop so too do testosterone. Both produced in ovaries. So maybe some testosterone would be helpful for you. GPs can prescribe it but you have to say it's for low libido rather than say brain fog or tiredness or depression - all of which are helped by testosterone but NHS don't recognize as such, but private clinics do. Bit like if you want a PCR test you have to say you have a fever or cough whereas these days neither are in the list of top five symptoms....

[Gilla999]

Gnatty thank you that is SO helpful, I wouldn't have known to say that. I had a look at the BMS website and it does say women with a level of less than 1 would benefit from testosterone replacement therapy so I think at least I'm on the right track.

Fingers crossed 

[Postmeno3]

There seem conflicting issues amongst the medics about oestrogen needing to be "at a certain level" and/or "consistent" before testosterone should be prescribed. I think it is eventually produced in the adrenal glands as the ovaries start to fail (and especially after hysterectomy and postmenopausally) which certainly joins the dots for me in terms of libido, energy, mood etc. Just wish the medics could be on the same page for such an important hormone!

[Gilla999]

Just thought I would give an update on this thread Spangle. My testosterone prescription arrived today so will be starting that, however I also had the blood tests results this morning from day 21 in my cycle, which is the classic/standard day to test hormones. As I intuitively felt was going to happen, my Estrogen is too high. I think I made a mistake in increasing to 2.5 sprays of Lenzetto in a panic after having some sleepless nights. However I actually feel that even when I was on 2 sprays it was too much and I think it has played a big part for me in the weight gain and constipation.

The problem is that I seem to get "addicted" to Estrogen and even when I have tried to lower to 2 and 2/3 spray, I get "withdrawal" from it in much the same way as I do with antidepressants. I have absolutely no idea if this is a known medical thing or just a problem with me...

All I can think to do is gradually taper over a number of months my Estrogen by taping over the dispenser and increasing the tape by a tiny bit each month. Pretty gutting to be stuck on another medication like I am with the antidepressants that I don't need anymore, but I have no other idea of what to do 

Of course this may not be the case for you, but thought it might help to share my experience.

My results are - day 21:
estrogen: 1846 pmol (range 82-1251)
progesterone: 53.3 nmol (range 5.82-75.9)

[Gnatty]

It's great you have a testosterone prescription! That will help with your anxiety too plus any brain fog, lack of energy etc. Let me know which prescription you get. I have testim which is in little tubes. Just spoke to my Meno doc at Newson Health. I am going to get blood tests done hopefully from GP and then see whether there is room for more testosterone. She is thinking moving forwards in a few months to come off the mirtazapine and therefore be good to have optimum testosterone levels first. Have to say am in no rush to come off mirtazapine until maybe next Spring or Summer.

[Gnatty]

Forgot to add, I think testosterone helps with curving weight gain too. Win, win!!

[Gnatty]

Also....Louise Newson has just made another podcast about testosterone. It's on her website menopause doctor. Under resources - podcasts.

[Gilla999]

Ooh thanks so much Gnatty! I will check it out.

I got a compounded testosterone prescription - I know there is lots of debate and controversy about compounded hormones but I've always got on well with the progesterone I was given and more importantly I'm quite happy under the care of the meno specialist (trained by Marian Gluck) I'm with at the moment (which is something of a miracle as we all know!) so I didn't really feel I wanted to go elsewhere to get it. But if for any reason I can't get on with what she's given me, I will try to switch to a normal one.

One pump of the cream I have = 1g (?) of Testosterone - I'm not sure if that's high or low but she said to start there for now.

In general I find it's best to taper from antidepressants over a period of time, so at whatever time you do decide is right for you, give yourself a bit of space. I'm so glad you've got on so well with it and as you say, there is no rush!