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Too much testosterone not enough estrogen

by Lee
(London, England)

I am 31 and found out that I had pcos about 8 years ago. I have been told I have too much testosterone and low levels of estrogen and I am producing high levels from my pituitary glad.

I suffer with really bad facial hair, acne, very painful and heavy periods which come when they feel like it. I don't ovulate to adult stages and when I do I've been told they are too old to be fertilised, my left tube is also some what blocked. I've tried the contraceptive injection which contained progesterone this made my acne and facial hair 10 times worst in just 2 weeks. I had to go back on the Dianette pill while I was on the injection to help maintain back some estrogen. After 3 years I have come off of Dianette as it was giving me really really bad period pain when I was no where near due on. Excercise and lifting seemed to made the pain even worst. I'm on Yasmin now for 4 weeks noticed my stomach has trippled in size. I would love to come off of the pill altogether and try for a baby soon. The cream sounds like my best bet but Im not sure what one do I use. Do I use progesterone, estrogen or both? The advice given on this site is by far the best I have ever read so I am hoping some one out there can help me. Thank you. x

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Dec 01, 2010
 Too much testosterone not enough estrogen
by: Wray

Hi Lee Thanks for the kind words. Contraceptives, whether injections or pills, can have adverse side effects, as you've found! Please see our page on Contraceptives. Incidentally the injection you were given does not contain progesterone, but a progestin. A synthetic version of progesterone. Unfortunately contraceptives upset the ovaries, and stop ovulation, which means you are not making any progesterone. We do have a page on PCOS too, please read through it. It gives info on what PCOS is, how it occurs, what to do about it and how much progesterone is needed. If you do consider using progesterone, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance first. This can occur and needs to be dealt with before falling pregnant. Finally we do have a page on Pregnancy. This explains how and when to use progesterone before and during pregnancy. I don't believe you need extra oestrogen, the pages above explain why. Take care Wray
Dec 01, 2010
 I wonder...
by: Eve

What types of testing for hormones have you had and how long ago were the tests performed? Excess, heavy bleeding is typically associated with estrogen dominance. PCOS ladies (like myself) typically have low progesterone, high testosterone and the estrogen to progesterone levels are imabalanced - creating estrogen dominance. I am thinking you might need to re-test. You are taking synthetic estrogen and progesterone thru the BCP - my opinion (as I was on BCP for 20 years no breaks), there are other natural alternatives and long term use of BCP will cause you other hormonal problems that are a mile long. It has taken me over 20 months of being off the pill to finally stabalize a bit. I have to take large doses of progesterone and the first year was pretty horrific as finding someone who understood what was happening was quite a challenge. This is a fantastic website with an abundance of information (wish I found it sooner). Good luck!!!
Dec 06, 2010
 I wonder...
by: Wray

Hi Eve Bless you for the kind words about the site, and the encouragement you've given too. I'm delighted progesterone has helped you. It can be horrific starting progesterone, the blogs are full of dire tales! If only women (men too, as it can happen to them!) were warned about Oestrogen Dominance before they start. And I wish they were advised on the amount to use, too often it's too low. This just makes things worse. You say you 'take' progesterone, I do hope this is figurative, and that you use a delivery system which absorbs well. For more info please see our page on Progesterone application methods. I don't know if you've seen our page on PCOS. I'm sorry if I've already helped you, and I'm just repeating myself, too many to remember! Take care Wray

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