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Estradiol level too high

by Donna
(Parma, Ohio, U.S.A.)

I am a 43 year old woman who has not had a period in over 9 months. I also have a list of symptoms which include extreme fatigue, weight gain (10+lbs. in the last 3 months), headaches, anxiety, just to mention a few!

I finally got my doctor to check my hormone levels. My estradiol level was over 740 the first time, so he re-tested and that one came back at 810! He ordered progesterone for me and I pick it up at the pharmacy tomorrow. I think it's the pill form. I am worried that it won't work after reading all the info on this website. I would love to hear any suggestions.

I also wanted to mention that I have been suffering from fibromyalgia for the last 8 years. I really want to get my life back. I am considering calling the doctor and ask him his opinion on the progesterone he ordered and the cream I can get on my own. Please help!

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Apr 08, 2009
Estradiol level too high
by: Wray

Hi Donna. The symptoms you mentioned certainly fall into peri-menopause, which starts 5-10 years before menopause. The average age of this is 51.

It sounds as if you have developed insulin resistance, the weight gain and extreme fatigue are two symptoms of it. It can be reversed naturally, if interested please send me an email from the following web link:

https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/progesterone-faq.html

If the progesterone is oral very little is absorbed, so please check on this. You might like to read the following papers on absorption:

http://www.future-drugs.com/doi/abs/10.1586/17474108.1.2.173?cookieSet=1&journalCode=eog

http://humupd.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/6/2/139

http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/14/8/1944

http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/11/10/2085

Many authorities believe fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of serotonin. Progesterone does raise serotonin levels, but not sufficiently to help greatly. It might be necessary to take the precursor amino acid tryptophan, normally available in health shops. Take care, Wray.

Oct 07, 2009
High level
by: Trace

I too have just had a test done and mine is raised also. I have to go back to my gp end of week. I have had the same symptoms as you but also no sex drive.

Apr 27, 2011
oestradiol level
by: esther

I'm confused as i had my oesrtadiol level tested five days before my period & it 1,540ml which the doc said is fine im 33 & from what ihave read it seems too high to me? Please help!

May 11, 2011
oestradiol level
by: Wray

If your level was 1.54 pg/ml and you're 33, then it is fine, unless your progesterone is very low. It's the ratio between the two hormones which is more important than the actual level. Take care Wray

Jun 12, 2011
Estradiol level seems high
by: Anonymous

I recently had some bloodwork done on Day 22. My estradiol level was 380 pg/ml, which is double the level of previous tests. I am taking 100 mg. of compounded progesterone pills from Day 14 through the start of menstruation. Should I be concerned that the estradiol is so high? By the way, my progesterone was 22.20 ng/ml (day 22). Thanks for your help.

Jul 08, 2011
High estradiol
by: Eileen

Hi -
I'm almost 46 and had blood work done on 6/30 to check hormones. I would like to become pregnant as soon as possible. Test results showed Estradiol level at 843, LH at 7.4, FSH at 6.5 and progesterone at <0.5. I've not had a regular cycle since March 27 altho I had some dark brown spotting that started on 6/23 that lasted about 3 days. Before March 27 my last cycle was in December. I had hoped the spotting last month was implantation bleeding but preg test was negative. My doc seems unconcerned about the Estradiol saying my hormones are "normal". They can't be normal or I'd be having regular cycles. She knows I am interested in conceiving. According to the "reference range" on the test results 843 is almost twice what the level should be even at average/normal peak levels. Hard to tell where I was in my "cycle" because of not having a normal cycle prior to that. I'm seeing higher numbers posted here and am wondering if mine is really high or just a little high and if it is the culprit in my irregular cycles.

Sep 27, 2011
High Estradiol
by: JJG

I am 44 and recently received results of high estradiol level of 793. My doctored ordered a second estrogen test a week later with same resuls. He feels I am perimenapause because of other symptoms of irregularity. He prescribed a very low dose birth control pills and feels this will help. However, he sees no need to recheck my levels until next years annual check up. I am not sure I am satisfied.

Nov 27, 2011
High Estradiol
by: Wray

Hi Anon, Eileen and JJG I do apologise about the late reply, I've no idea why your posts didn't come through to me. As they are all so similar and I'm so late in replying, I thought I'd cover them in one answer. Anon's oestradiol is just within the normal range, but Eileen's and JJG's is extremely high, see Medline Oestradiol. The ratio is the critical factor, we've found from Saliva Tests that it should be 600:1 and over to feel well. Anon's is 58:1, Eileen's is 0.5:1 and I can't give JJG's as there is no progesterone result. I can't see how a low dose pill will help, with what?! All Contraceptives have the potential to cause harm. It seems all of you could do with trying progesterone, I recommend 100-200mg/day, more if symptoms are severe. But before considering it, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance as this can occur. Although Anon is taking oral progesterone, this is the least effective Delivery system. I suggest cutting open the caps and adding the contents to a small amount of cold pressed oil or a natural skin cream, and rubbing it on your skin. This way you'll get the full benefit of the progesterone. And Eileen we do have a page on Pregnancy you might like to look through. Take care Wray

Nov 29, 2011
estrogen too high????
by: esther

Hi wray
In relation to my level it wasnt 1.54ml it was one thousand point five four!!

Sep 05, 2012
Estrogen level over 2,900
by: Sherry

Just found out that my estrogen level is over 2,900 and the dr wants to stop taking my natural hormorne placement therpy medicine,any comments or suggestions.

Sep 08, 2012
Estrogen level over 2,900
by: Wray

Hi Sherry That is high, normal ranges are 30 - 400 pg/ml or 110.13 - 1468.4 pmol/L. So even if the measurement was done in pmol/L it's still very high. We do have a page on Hormone Testing which gives the various hormones etc. I don't know what hormones you're taking, but it obviously appears to have oestrogen in it. Stopping this too suddenly can bring on a host of adverse symptoms, one being Hot Flushes. It is safe to do so, but can be very unpleasant. It's gentler on the body to reduce slowly, see our page on Coming off HRT, the Pill etc. You might consider using progesterone, but not oral, as this is the least effective Delivery system. Injections, suppositories or creams are the best methods. I don't know what age you are, but we have more info on our pages about Peri-menopause and Menopause. Take care Wray

Sep 18, 2012
Estradiol very high?!
by: Paris

Hi Wray,

I'm not taking any supplements, and recently had my FSH, LH, Progesterone, and Estradiol tested.

I'm 30 years old.

On day 4 of my cycle, my FSH was 5.3 and my LH was 3.4, while my estradiol was <100 and my progesterone was <2.

On day 22, my progesterone remained at <2, but my estradiol jumped to 1060.

I've been gaining a lot of weight around my hips, and I'm eating next to nothing and working out like crazy, too. My period is also late. My pregnancy test (I am paranoid) was negative.

PLEASE HELP!! I don't know what this means and I am DEFINITELY one of those people who panics and thinks they have every disorder known to man!! So I am obviously in dire need of help.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sep 19, 2012
Estradiol very high?!
by: Wray

Hi Paris I just had to laugh at your own admission of being a panicking person! It is so easy to read into our symptoms something dire, when more often than not it's nothing to worry about. Your FSH and LH are normal, but what measurements were used for the progesterone and oestradiol? Were they ng/ml, pg/ml or nmol/L? If nmol/L then your oestradiol is within normal range, if in pg/ml then it's very high. Your progesterone is low in either case. It should be during the follicular phase, but it appears you didn't ovulate that month as it's low on day 22. And if you've been putting on weight, then it could be you haven't been ovulating. Without progesterone, oestrogen rises. How long is your cycle, as they can vary greatly, from 21 to 35 days. If it's round about 28 days, then day 22 was the correct day to check progesterone. Both this and oestrogen rise mid-luteal phase, but if ovulation doesn't take place, i.e. progesterone is not secreted, then oestrogen remains the dominant hormone. We have more info on our Oestrogen Dominance page. Has anyone checked for PCOS? The weight gain is caused by oestrogen, unopposed by progesterone. It's a mitogen, causing cells to proliferate, including fat cells. Progesterone inhibits mitosis, plus it speeds metabolism slightly. Apart from the weight gain and lack of period, do you have any other symptoms like PMS? Maybe you could come back to me with the measurements used. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2012
Thank you!!
by: Paris

Wray, thank you for writing back! I'm up to my ears in research. I think researching is making it worse. Your post is very helpful, because it is clear and straightforward!! I don't even understand my own cycle. :S

The measurements for estradiol is in pmol/L and progesterone is in nmol/L.

I vary month-to-month from a 28 day cycle to a 35 day cycle, but I would NEVER put money on getting my period on a 28 day cycle. 35 day cycles are much more common for me.

I don't fit into any of my work clothes anymore...even my gym clothes look bad around my butt and hips. I *never* gain weight here!! I'm going to read the link you provided about Ostrogen Dominance. I have never been tested for PCOS. I see my doctor on Tuesday, maybe I should ask her to test for that??

I fly to Aruba with my boyfriend in a week...was hoping to look better than this...especially considering how much I diet/exercise. :(

Thank you, Wray...you are a blessing..

Sep 19, 2012
Thank you, Wray!
by: Paris

Hi Wray,

I tried posting an update, but it isn't there when I refresh the page?! Oh, man.

Thank you for writing back! I feel SO lost and inundated with information I cannot process!! Your post is so much clearer than websites I have read!!

The estradiol is measured in pmol/L, while the progesterone is measured in nmol/L. That's bad, isn't it? You're correct in that I am typically on a 35 day cycle! But I've always been hit or miss with my periods..I have a hard time believing that in only January, my estradiol was 345 pmol/L on day 22, and my progesterone was higher. I feel really awful. I've never been tested for PCOS. I see my doctor on Tuesday--do you think I should ask her to test me for that?? In the meantime, I will read that page about oestrogen dominance.

I don't fit into any of my work clothes..even my gym clothes don't fit..I workout a lot, and I eat 12xbodyweight, mostly protein and fat, and I eat paleo style..this fat gain has happened within the last 6 weeks...

I'm meeting my boyfriend in a week in the Caribbean.....I was hoping to look stunning in my bikini...now I am shopping for cover ups..

Sep 21, 2012
Thank you!!
by: Wray

Hi Paris The posts first go to our server site, and then get posted on our site by me. The whole process can take about 2 days, longer if I'm out of range when travelling. So there was no error on your part. I'm pleased I helped clear up some things. You could get tested for PCOS, did you have a few more of the symptoms on the page? This would be a clue. Although you've always had erratic cycles, it's only recently you've had the weight gain. It could be you have a cyst or two on the ovary which is producing more oestrogen than normal. This would certainly account for the weight gain, as you haven't changed your diet and you exercise too. I follow the Paleo Diet too, find it excellent. Thanks for clearing up the measurements used, so your oestrogen is within normal range, but your progesterone is very low. This would also account for the weight gain, no cysts need be involved. It appears you didn't ovulate, and maybe haven't been for a few cycles. But it doesn't seem to have affected your mood, which is strange, as low progesterone/high oestrogen leads to PMS amongst other symptoms. If you mostly have a 35 day cycle, the test for progesterone should be done on day 28, i.e. 7 days before bleeding, and during the mid-luteal phase when it peaks. Oestrogen also peaks then, so it gives a better indication of levels than taking the test at any other time. In a 35 day cycle ovulation occurs ± day 21, so by day 22 progesterone could still be low. Although there should be a rise in progesterone just prior to ovulation. This surge comes from the brain and not the ovaries. So maybe in January you did ovulate, but since then you haven't. Anovulatory cycles begin round about age 35, but can be earlier. Depends on when you go into menopause. A good way of checking is asking your mother when she did, as daughters often follow their mothers. Peri-menopause starts about 5 to 10 years before Menopause, the average age of this is 51. If your mother had an early menopause, then anovulatory cycles would begin earlier. If you can have a test done on day 28 it would be a good idea. Assuming that that cycle is going to be 35 days! If it turns out to be a 28 day cycle, it will show very low progesterone, and slightly lower oestrogen which is not going to help. Do you know when you ovulate? I'm sure you will still look stunning, go and enjoy yourself! And forget all about the weight, it will take longer than a week to correct things. Take care Wray

Apr 17, 2013
High Estradiol
by: Kim S.

Hoping for some help here. I stopped the pill in late December 2012 and have felt crappy since early January. Had bloodwork 2 weeks ago, and I am 41. Estradiol was 563 pg/mL, progesterone 0.43 ng/mL, and testosterone <20 ng/dL.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Apr 18, 2013
High Estradiol
by: Wray

Hi Kim Are you sure those results are right? I have never seen such a low ratio before, 0.76:1. Mine was 5:1 and I was a basket case, heaven only knows how you must be feeling! It appears you must be in Menopause, and yet you say you stopped the pill last year. All Contraceptives have the potential to harm, and it's certainly sent your oestradiol sky high. Normal ranges are....
Female (premenopausal) 30 - 400 pg/ml
Female (postmenopausal) 0 - 30 pg/ml
Medline Oestradiol
Progesterone ranges are...
Female (luteal) 5 to 20 ng/ml
Postmenopausal <1 ng/l
Medline Progesterone
There's more info on our Hormone Testing page.
The only safe way to get your oestradiol down is using progesterone, this will also raise levels of that. Although I generally recommend 100-200mg/day, I feel you'll need at least 200mg/day. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. But please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance before you start it. This can occur and puts people off using progesterone. Take care Wray

Apr 18, 2013
Estradiol Too High
by: Kim S.

Thank you for responding Wray. The resullts that I listed came directly from my blood test results, so I assume they are accurate. My dr. tested my levels again yesterday. My cycles have been crazy since stopping the pill; I am on day 11 of bleeding this month. I don't know what to do and am seriously considering going back on the pill just to shut my ovaries down. I am exhausted....
Thanks for listening!

Apr 19, 2013
Estradiol Too High
by: Wray

Hi Kim Well we'll have to assume they are accurate. Going back on the pill is not going to solve your problem, it will continue to elevate oestrogen, and depress progesterone. Please take a look at the contraceptives page, the HRT page too, at what excess oestrogen does. Stopping the pill also means both testosterone and oestrogen rise initially, it can be many months before you start ovulating again and make progesterone. Using enough progesterone, i.e. 400mg/day will shut your ovaries down, but will be supplying you with much needed progesterone. As you are bleeding continuously, please take a look at our Menstruation page, it explains what's occurring and what to do about it. There are nutrients which help stop it, plus the progesterone. Please add to those nutrients 1000mg/day bioflavonoids. I haven't put this info on the web page yet, but bioflavonoids help strengthen capillaries weakened by continual bleeding, see here. It's important to get your vitamin D levels up, please have a test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although recent research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray

Apr 24, 2013
is this high
by: sally

Hello, im 23 yrs old im having PMS , difficult concentring, very bad memory and i seem to have low energy all the time, im over weight and i loss weight with difficulty inspite dieting and excersing i did blood test for estradiol and the result came 421.8 pg/ml is that high? Should i test my progesterone levels as well??

Apr 26, 2013
is this high
by: Wray

Hi Sally It is better to have progesterone done too if oestrogen is done. That way the ratio can be worked out. This is the critical factor not the amount of each hormone. You might like to see the results of Saliva Tests we run. You'll notice the ratios are over 600:1. The range for oestradiol is 30 to 400 pg/ml, so yours is slightly high. But your progesterone is probably low, which would account for your symptoms. I wouldn't bother to have another test done, unless you can get in on insurance, your symptoms speak volumes. I would hazard a guess you are not ovulating, or if you are your corpus luteum is making insufficient progesterone, it's known as a defective luteal phase. We do have more info about this on our Pregnancy page. Please don't rely on progesterone for weight loss. Although it does speed metabolism slightly, it's not sufficient to cause rapid weight loss. What it does do of course is suppress excess oestrogen, this does cause weight gain. Oestrogen is a mitogen stimulating cells to proliferate, including fat cells. These also secrete oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. I would also guess you are deficient in vitamin D as a lack of this also causes weight gain, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Plus a lack reduces the benefits of progesterone. In fact it's almost pointless using progesterone if your vitamin D level is low. Please have a test done. Although I normally recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, I would suggest you start on 200mg/day if you should consider using it. You might need more, only trial and error will tell. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

May 06, 2013
My level are high too
by: Judy

I am 52 and having high anxiety that comes and goes. Longest bout was 4 weeks straight. My cycle is totally random now and my periods usually light and short with an occasional long and light one.

My latest blood test levels were

Estradiol 2106 pm/l = 573 pg/ml
Progesterone 8.8 nm/l = 2.8 ng/ml

The day the test was done I was feeling just great. A couple of days later the anxiety started up again with a vengeance and lasted for 4 weeks.

I'm using 3% progesterone cream to a maximum of 3ml (about 1 1/4 teaspoons) a day but more usually 2-3 ml a day unless I am desperate. I am taking the progesterone every day as my cycle is unpredictable.

The anxiety is ruining my life! I was also getting migraines which are now much reduced by taking 5 mg of amitriptyline every day. I also have an ovarian cyst which the doctor is just keeping an eye on. I had one maybe 10 years ago that was endometriosis. Can the cyst be generating extra estrogen?

Is it the high estrogen compared to low progesterone that causes anxiety, or the fluctuations in the levels?

Any advice? Is this going to stop soon before I go completely bonkers and lose my job?

May 07, 2013
Correction
by: Judy

Should have said I am taking up to 6 ml progesterone cream a day.

May 08, 2013
My level are high too
by: Wray

Hi Judy Anxiety hits so many of us, I had it. The worst aspect was I couldn't see why I had it. It did eventually go using progesterone, but in the early days I was using the standard amount of 20-40mg/day, so it took 6 months before all symptoms had gone. This and reading studies have made me realise far higher amounts are needed if a quicker solution is wanted. Your ratio is 5:1, the same as mine and I understand fully what you feel like, I thought I was bonkers too! I'm a bit confused by the info you've given on the cream you're using. You say it's a 3%, which means each ml contains 30mg progesterone. 3ml will be giving you 90mg of progesterone. 3ml is equal to 39⁄64 US tsp or 27⁄32 UK tsp. And yet you say you're using 1 1/4tsp, which is 6.25ml which will be giving you about 190mg progesterone. Please can you clarify which you are using. The 90mg will not be enough, the 190mg probably won't be either. You might have to consider using about 400mg/day. There are a number of nutrients listed on the anxiety page which I feel you should consider taking, progesterone alone will have an uphill battle. Progesterone does help Migraines, so too does vitamin D, please get your levels checked. Vitamin D also helps anxiety, plus a lack of it reduces the benefits of progesterone. We do have a page on Ovarian Cysts you could look through too. I'm pleased you're using the progesterone every day, it is impossible to follow a cycle in Peri-menopause. You're in the final stages before Menopause, which I found the worst part, as progesterone is barely being made due to anovulation, whereas testosterone and oestrogen are still being secreted. So the rare months when you do ovulate progesterone will rise, and you would feel slightly better. Oestrogen is an excitatory, inflammatory hormone, it increases glutamate our most excitatory neurotransmitter, see here. Continued below

May 08, 2013
My level are high too Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Judy Whereas progesterone protects against glutamate toxicity, it also increases BDNF (brain-derived neuroptrophic factor) in itself protective, see here and here. Excess glutamate increases levels of calcium, an excitatory mineral. Progesterone also protects against calcium induced excitotoxicity, see here. Excess glutamate will cause a feeling of being wired up, i.e. permanent anxiety which is exactly how I felt. But please have your vitamin D levels checked, I suspect they are too low. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although recent research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray

May 08, 2013
My levels are high too
by: Judy

Thank you for your comments.

I should have said I am taking a maximum of 3 ml of progesterone twice a day, so 6 ml total. When I am feeling better I take less, should I keep taking the same amount all the time instead?

I am taking 5mg Amitriptyline a day to help prevent migraines which seems to work quite well. I am also taking 10 mg Paxil with the intent of coming off it eventually. I have been taking it for a long time.

I am taking vitamin D. Also a custom vitamin formula. We have a very good pharmacy clinic here that tests for what you need.

I have a supplement that contains 60mg phosphatidylersine, 50mg suntheanine, 100mg G-aminobutyric acid and L-glutamine. I can take about 6 of these a day. They are to calm me down.

I also have a supplement that contains 375 mg L-tyrosine, 37.5 mg L-5-hydroxytryptophan and 9.4 mg vitamin B6. I was taking 2 of these a day but they seemed to make me more anxious so I am not taking them right now. As I come off the Paxil I am supposed to take more of these.

Instead of that supplement I have 5-HTP to take now.

I also take magnesium glycinate 120 mg 4 a day.

Thanks for all the wonderful information you have here.

I am hoping all this will be over soon...


May 08, 2013
My levels are high too
by: Wray

Hi Judy I saw your comment about using 6ml/day after I'd replied. The worst possible thing you could do is alter the amount you use. Each time you do it allows oestrogen to rise again. This is what accounts for your up and down times. I don't know if you've read the migraine page yet, but I have found 400mg/day is needed to help them. This is also the amount I felt you needed to use for the anxiety. Are you taking enough vitamin D, and have you had a test done. The minimum should be 5000iu/day but if low 10,000 to 20,000iu/day should be taken to bring the level up quickly. I would never advise taking tyrosine and tryptophan together. They compete for uptake, the tyrosine winning out. This should be taken in the morning and the tryp at night. The B6 is an essential co-factor for both, I'm glad to see it's been included. Both should be started low at about 250mg/day and increased very slowly, too fast or too much brings on the very symptoms they're trying to help. The magnesium glycinate, is the 120mg/day the elemental magnesium, or the total of the tablet? If elemental you're getting about 480mg/day magnesium which is a good amount. If not then you're only getting about 67mg/day magnesium which is not enough, the glycinate is only 14% magnesium. The minimum should be about 250mg/day. That supplement you're taking must be costing a fortune, phosphatidylersine is not cheap. It would be far better to buy everything in powder form, it's much cheaper that way. We do make a calming complex which works, unfortunately not on our site yet. But it contains all the nutrients listed on the anxiety page I gave you, except for the tryp, that should always be taken alone and at night. And always with some carbohydrate such as a small amount of juice. Thanks for the kind words. Take care Wray

May 09, 2013
Estradiol level too high
by: Judy

Thanks again Wray

My vitamin D was tested. It was low and I am taking vitamin D, 2300 IU a day.

The magnesium is elemental.

Yes that supplement with the phosphowhatever is very expensive!

I will try keeping my progesterone dose the same every day and see how that works. How many ml is 400 gm with a 3% cream?

May 10, 2013
Estradiol level too high
by: Wray

Hi Judy If your vitamin D was low, that would mean it was really low, as the FDA gives 30ng/ml as adequate. Specialists are suggesting an adequate level of 50ng/ml, some 70-100ng/ml. I would suggest you increase it to 10,000iu per day, as the 2300iu will not raise your level at all. It really is essential to get it high, as it's almost pointless using progesterone without a high level. Pleased the magnesium was the elemental dose. 400mg would be 13ml of cream. Take care Wray

May 24, 2013
thank you, Wray
by: Sally

hi, wray i tested my blood estradiol level as I'm having PMS and other symptoms of estrogen dominance that i mentioned in my post, i'm only 23 years old, my result was a bit high 421.8 pg/ml. And i did progesterone blood test, it was 16.4 ng/ml. does this mean that i'm not estrogen dominant? i know that if estrogen levels were high progesterone is usually low, how to make sure that I don't have high estrogen that causes my symptoms, should I try taking progesterone!. many thanks for your help, Wray.

May 28, 2013
thank you, Wray
by: Wray

Hi Sally Well your ratio only proves you do have excess oestrogen, it's only 39:1, very low. The only way to correct it is by using progesterone. Please make sure you use enough, I normally recommend 100-200mg/day, but feel you will need the 200mg. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Please have that vitamin D test, as I'm sure it's low and another reason for your symptoms. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray

Nov 05, 2014
So aggravating!
by: Vic3209

I am 23, diagnosed with PCOS and premature ovarian failure 2.5 years ago. At that time my testosterone levels were higher than most males. Now after having my daughter my levels have drop significantly but my estrogen is extremely high. I haven't had a period since April of this year(had my daughter at end of February) and before that had not had a period since December 2012. Now my GP doesn't think it is PCOS but doesn't know what it is. My current levels are as follows:
Estrogen: 704.1 pg/ml
LH: 2.2mIU/mL
FSH: 3.0 mIU/mL
Progesterone: 5.7 ng/mL
Free T3: 2.6 pg/mL
TSH: 1.26 UIUML
Free T4: 1.01 NG/DL
T4: 10.2 UG/DL
My BMP levels were all normal except my BUN level was a tad on the high side at 18.
A week prior my FSH was 7.0 mIU/ml
LH: 10.6 mIU/ml
Prolactin: 4.5 ng/ml

Symptoms? I have gained 12 lbs in 3 months(after loosing 20 while pregnant!) I walk 3 miles daily and eat healthy for the most part. Hot flashes, night sweats, no periods, worsened migraines, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, hair loss, mood swings, etc. my grandmother and mom have both recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto. I am so confused!!! Idk what is going on with me and I am at my wit's end here! Please help!

Nov 26, 2014
Same here
by: Lucy2425

When I was 25 I started experiencing hot flushes, blocked ears, inability to retain fluids, headaches etc. I was prescribed prednisone (corticosteroids) for the ears and all symptoms went away.

Two years later the symptoms returned and I received the following blood results (no prednisone present):

FSH 8.4
LH 6.6
Oestradiol 652

One year later the symptoms returned and I was given a lower dose of prednisone and diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. I received the following blood results (prednisone present).

FSH ??
LH 71.5
Oestradiol 53.5

I am now on contraceptive pills to mask the hot flushes, however, these have a negative effect on my mood and mental/emotional wellbeing.

Does anyone know the difference between these sets of blood results and is able to explain the effect of the prednisone?

With thanks.

Apr 23, 2015
ttc and levels
by: Debbie

Hi,i am 46 and trying to conceive,doc did blood work,here are my results......
progesterone 18.0ng/ml
LH 2.0 MIU/ML
FSH 3.2MIU/ML
Prolactin 4.7 NG/ML
Estradiol 118PG/ML

how do these levels look and help would be greatly appreciated

Apr 27, 2015
Please help give me an idea of what's happening
by: West ausannonymous

26 year old female
NOT PREGNANT!
Oestradiol 820 pmol/L
FSH 2 U/L
LH 2.5U/L
17 OH-Progesterone 6.8 nmol/L

Ferretin also now low

Headaches constant (months)
Long heavy periods
I'm currently around Ovulation CRAMPS for 3 days
super bad mood swings
Depression

Any idea what the possible causes are

Jun 24, 2015
High Estrogen
by: Nat

During Infertility treatment (unsuccessful IUI) it was discovered that my Estrogen level was high. MD recommended watching it and following up with PCP. We are no longer pursuing IF treatments with him. Please help me understand how these work together. I also have weight gain that I am unable to loose with personal training and diet management, intermittent anxiety and fatigue.

Estradiol 1749 pg/ml
Progesterone 0.629 ng/ml
LH 20.66 miu/ml

Not overly confident in my PCP, will have labs redrawn Monday and want to go in with somewhat of a knowledge base. Thank you.

Feb 03, 2016
Hard to trust Drs. so I will ask you
by: Anonymous

Just had blood work done and my Estradiol level was 496 pg/ml with a FSH of 27.2. I am 54 and have been having irregular periods over the last year. Should I have an ultrasound to see if there are possible tumors or is this a normal number for peri-menopause? My doctor is always ordering tests for things that are not necessary, so I was just wondering if this was worth having. Thank you.

Feb 12, 2016
Estrogen dominance
by: Joanne

Hi Wray
I am 51 years old. My periods are still every 28 days. For the past 8 months it has been impossible for me to lose weight, even though I exercise diligently and watch my diet. It is annoying belly fat. I also get frequent headaches and intermittent bloating with breast tenderness.
Had labs the other day:
Estradiol 512
Progesterone 1.59
Testosterone 48
These were drawn on day 14 of my cycle
My doctor was alarmed and wants me to have a pelvic ultrasound. I have a history of pcos. But it has been well controlled during the past decade. I had my son at 45, naturally
Thank you for your reply!

Apr 17, 2016
Estradiol 3398 pmol/L
by: Ashley

I went for bloodwork and my estradiol level is 3398pmol/L (there was a caution symbol beside) my progesterone is 2 nmol/L. I have endometriosis, 1/4 of an overview. I had the bloodwork 1 week before my period. Any explanation would be great.

May 14, 2016
Are my estradiol levels too high
by: Shari

Hi,
New to this board. I am 54 years old; still regularly menstruating, but definitely perimenopausal.

I had a hormonal panel done last year. I was concerned about my estradiol level, but doc was not. This past Tuesday I had my annual pap and in the pap were abnormal uterine cells. I'm worried now and wonder if the high estradiol could be an issue. Waiting for a consult.

CORTISOL (AM) - 04/20/2015
Note: Hours Fasting: N/G 20.83 ug/dL (6.20-19.4 ) completed High 04/20/2015

ESTRADIOL - 04/20/2015
Hours Fasting: N/G 659.5 pg/ml (See Comment ) completed 04/20/2015

FSH - 04/20/2015
Hours Fasting: N/G 5.00 mIU/ml (SEE COMMENT ) completed 04/20/2015

TSH, 3rd GEN. - 04/20/2015
Note: Hours Fasting: N/G 3.26 uIU/ml (0.270-4.20 ) completed 04/20/2015

Jan 28, 2017
please help
by: Favour

l did a blood test and here is my result estradiol level 104 pg/ml and my progesterone is 13.6 ng/ml. please l want to know if it is on good or normal range. Thank you please reply.

Jan 28, 2017
current labs seem to be low
by: Anonymous

I take 1 mg of estradiol a day. Also take 10 mg of Provera, and estrace cream 3 times a week. My estradiol is 57 is this really low? My progesterone is 0.5 is this also to low and what can I do about it. Seems like to me I'm taking to much meds.

Aug 30, 2017
I'm 54yrs old with estradiol at 1130
by: Anonymous

Hi...I had my hormones checked recently because of my age. I have no menapasal symptoms except loss of a period this year one time? Thought I might be pregnant? But it was negative. So hormones are being checked. I also have 28day to 30 day cycle. Two of my periods were early like 3 weeks apart.

This year has been crazy trying to get weight off. Even though I'm not eating as much? Dr. wants to do ultrasound, he says to see if there are cysts? I should be ready to go into menopause soon? Why is this so high. I have a history of hypothyroid and currently take 120mcg. I take Aumour thyroid once a day. My level's currently are at 1.5.

I have no menopausal symptoms that I can see and much wetness down below, which has become real anyoing? Why would I have such high estradiol? Help?

Sep 07, 2017
I'm 54yrs old with estradiol at 1130
by: Joy

You don't state what unit your estradiol was measured, was it saliva or blood tests? Without a progesterone test result I have nothing to compare with and work on. While each individual test result is important, it is the ratio between progesterone:estradiol (E2) that is important. You can look this up on the Hormone Testing page listed below.

You are in Peri-Menopause which starts at around 35 years of age when progesterone levels start to drop. It's a time when the ratio of progesterone to estrogen gets out of kilter. This is due to the anovulatory cycles which begin round about age 35. It can be a torrid time for some women, but it need not be with the help of a good quality natural progesterone cream such at Natpro. Progesterone therapy will then help to prepare you for menopause. A missed period for 12 months puts one in menopause.

What is your Vitamin D3 level? A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone, it is also connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies. This makes it vital. A deficiency also affects the thyroid. Co-factors are needed when taking vitamin D3.

You may not have any menopausal symptoms, but unless you are supplementing with progesterone, you will be suffering from Estrogen Dominance and your hormones are not balanced.

Please read the pages listed below and the study papers as they well help you to understand how progesterone works.

Peri-Menopause - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/peri-menopause.html#axzz2m6SW8qc0

Menopause - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/menopause.html#axzz2og853i1N

Estrogen Dominance - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/estrogen-dominance.html#axzz3fNOYF0aj

How to use Progesterone Cream - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/how-to-use-progesterone-cream.html#axzz2mglwLvMr

Vitamin D3 - http://www.progesterone-info.com/benefits-of-vitamin-d.html

Magnesium - http://www.progesterone-info.com/magnesium.html

Hormone Testing - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/hormone-testing.html#axzz2og853i1N

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