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Just Had my Levels done And they are too high now?

by Marianna
(Boston MA)

Hello,

I had Estriol/Estradiol/progesterone/testosterone/dhea blood test done by a medical doctor which showed they were very low (out of range low). But the FSH and Lutenizing hormone showed as something (not postmenopausal but pre menopausal levels) (my last period was 8 years ago) I was very symptomatic of menopause. Super dry skin, vaginal atrophy, muscle loss and thinning hair.

I started using Estriol lmg every other day (vaginal oil)
and Progesterone Cream (160 mg) every day.

My Saliva tests came back and I am so confused. I feel so much better using these items but ZRT labs states the levels are High.

Estriol 82.3 Estradiol 3.3 Progesterone was 764


Other than Hypothyroidism I have no diseases that I am treated for. I did have a bone density test done at 50 and was told it was exceptional. In comparison to other women my age; mine showed more equivlent to a 37.5 year old female.
Also, when I went to have my mammogram the technicians commented on my breasts. Apparently other females my age are have some sagging and are much less dense than mine. My own PCP comments every year that I am in very good shape for my age.

I am a little confused as to what these levels are showing.

Should I stop using the Progesterone Cream every day or just lower the level. and use the Esriol oil once a week????



Comments for Just Had my Levels done And they are too high now?

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Jan 25, 2012
Just Had my Levels done And they are too high now?
by: Wray

Hi Marianna I'm very relieved, in spite of the low oestradiol and testosterone, that they didn't give it to you too. Why they test oestradiol in a menopausal woman I'll never understand, it should be low! It's the pre-menopause oestrogen, only made by the ovaries. Once these stop functioning, oestradiol diminishes. But, and it's a big but, our fat cells continue making oestrone till we die, this is never tested for. It's the menopause oestrogen, and it as potent a mitogen as oestradiol. Oestriol is the pregnancy oestrogen, rising to high levels when pregnant. And apparently it's a safe oestrogen, see here. Interesting and unusual that your LH and FSH didn't show up as menopausal. I'm delighted you are using 160mg/day progesterone, and levels do show up as high when supplementing with it. You might like to see this page we have on it here. There's no cause for alarm, as no harm is being done. Another page you might like to look at are the results of Saliva Tests we run. A naturopath in the UK does them for us, a before and after to see how well the progesterone is being absorbed. You'll notice levels up to 3000ng/ml, but as you've found, the women were feeling well again. That's the whole point! So please don't stop, and if you should go through a stressful patch, please increase the amount. Stress drops progesterone levels, so symptoms can come back. Many women use it in their vagina too, I do at night only. It helps prevent dryness and inflammation, as it's a potent anti-inflammatory. It's excellent on the face too, see here. Incidentally, hypothyroidism is often due to a lack of vitamin D, see here, here and here. Please have a test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Continued below.

Jan 25, 2012
Just Had my Levels done And they are too high now? Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Marianna Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. You might like to read these papers on mammograms here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray

Jan 25, 2012
Just had my levels done
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray,

Thanks for the information. My Vitamin D levels were excellent last tested. My symptoms prior to being diagnosed with hypothyroidism; were vitiligo, severe fatigue, loss of eyebrows, muscle pain and depression. It was several doctors who tried to convince me it was mental illness and the same Dr's who wanted me to take the fake hormones. Forunately my PCP does not force regular medicines on me at all. He gives me the choice. He also supports my use of the Progesgterone/Estriol that I am using on my own. As a matter of fact he did let me know that most Dr's do not study alternative medicine or Nutrition. Also, my testosterone levels (saliva) were in range on the high side. I am not sure if that is why my libido is back like I am 30. (LOL). Just a note: I do only use Solar Brand Vitamin/Mineral 75 capsules and additional Vitamin D/Calcium and Vitamin B for stress.

Jan 26, 2012
Just had my levels done
by: Wray

Hi Marianna I do wonder if your vitamin D levels were excellent. Did you see the results or were you merely told they were. Vitamin D has some bearing on vitiligo, see here, here, here, here, here and here. One paper says ' Vitiligo aetiology involves….. impaired antioxidative defences leading to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affect melanocytes.' Vitamin D is a potent antioxidant. A lack of vitamin D also causes muscle pain, see, here. And depression, see here and here. Your higher libido is probably due to the high amount of progesterone you're using, and not testosterone, although men like us to think it is! In fact the jury is still out on whether it is testosterone, it does seem more likely to be progesterone, see here. Dopamine is also essential for a normal sexual response. I hope you are taking magnesium to counter the calcium. Our diets are high in calcium, low in magnesium, and this is a vital co-factor for vitamin D. Low levels can lead to muscle pain. Take care Wray

Jan 26, 2012
just had my levels done
by: Marianna

Hi Wray,
I did actually see the results. But I did not know about magnesium with the Vitamin D.
Just love your website. Between your response and being able to 'search' my questions, I feel much more informed.

Thanks.

Jan 27, 2012
just had my levels done
by: Wray

Hi Marianna Thanks for the kind words! Take care Wray

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