Will Someone Pls. Read My Hormone Results-Female Low on Testosterone

Hi kittywitty - yes, mornings are the right time for all forms of hormone testing, whether it be thyroid or other hormones. For testosterone between 8am and 10am is the ideal time. Having testosterone tests in the afternoon will show lesser levels than what you actually have. Premenopausal women have lowest levels during the first week of their menstrual cycle, with a small, but less significant variation across the rest of the cycle. Blood should be drawn after day 8 of your cycle and preferably before day 20, while a serum sample is preferred over a plasma sample.

Hope that helps you figuring out when to test. For Thyroid testing, it doesn't matter what time of your cycle you are on, but morning is still best.
 
Thank you, both of you. It's nice to know I'm not alone.

I find I can only take so much of being around others because I'm sooo moody.

I keep thinking the T cream is going to kick in and make things better.

I luv ya both-don't know what I'd do without you two. I want us to all feel better.

Many hugs,

Salty
 
Hi Salty - the hormone road is a difficult one to travel and if the doctor is not up to date with information and learning then you run the chance of not getting the best help.

Removing your fibroid and cyst can help certain things eg: removing fibroid would remove bad pain/cramping and make your monthly cycle a bit smoother, but if the excess estrogen which caused the fibroid is still there, you would still be having symptoms related to estrogen dominance. It's a good idea to have an ultrasound yearly or once every two years to check that fibroiRAB/cysts have not returned.

I've received one of my estrogen tests back and my estrogen has increased. I'm not sure why, whether it's stress related as i've been quite anxious and stressed for the last 1 - 2 months. I'm a bit better now. I had quite high blood pressure last week and thankfully it's coming down on it's own.

I've been on Vitex in liquid herbal form, but now am taking it in tablet form and finally i don't get any more bloating or painful breasts before and during my period. I still do get a bit emotional just before my period even being on Vitex.

I too have read reports saying Vitex isn't good if you have estrogen dominance, but others swear by it helping regulate estrogen and therefore PMS. I don't know who to believe. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. You don't know what to try, who to trust, how long to wait for something to work and are there other factors contributing to the actual problem.

I do know in my case that thyroid and adrenal problems are also known symptoms of estrogen dominance and i've got all of these.

It's great you are exercising again. I stopped doing my morning exercises and i've noticed now and in the past that when i stop i slowly begin to get that lethargic feeling and will feel a bit 'off' and more emotional during PMS time. I'm 'slowly' getting back into it.

I agree, as you are on a low dose hormone cream, it could take twice as long to start working, but as the doctor didn't know how you would react to the cream it was wise of him to start you off on a low dose and gradually build you up.

I'm not sure how zinc, magnesium and calcium should be taken. I do know you can't take iron supplements with zinc or calcium as they inhibit the absorption of iron. Maybe ask someone on the Vitamin section of the boarRAB.

You take care and keep up with the exercise as it gives me more motivation :D
 
Hey, Audrey -

Funny you should mention the liver detoxing. I just finished a complete liver cleanse a couple weeks ago. I think it had artichoke in it. It also had burdock and dandelion root in it. It seems like all did was make me bloated and have to pee, though. I didn't feel any different afterward. I like the whole body cleanses, better.

The herbal supplement I take is called Estrotone and I get it at the health store. It has black cohosh, chaste berry (vitex), evening primrose, ginger, rosemary, and schizandra in it. I've been taking it for about a year now. Prior to taking it, I was suicidal during my perioRAB and would have bed-ridden cramping every other month or so. It's really helped with these symptoms.
 
Thank you both...you're always there. I appreciate it. Thank you for your reassuring worRAB.

The past 2 days I have been crying for stupid reasons--very upset right now--I am ovulating and I guess I can blame it on that...I hate feeling like this.

I always give myself a bad headache when I cry. Something will start me off and then I just lose it, like it's been all bottled up.

Thank you for answering my questions. I guess I want to feel good again and it's not happening...I have to be patient.

I am going to start a thread to see if anyone can share any experiences about the T cream.

Kittywitty, when you start the T cream, will you please keep me posted about how you're feeling on it? Thank you.

Hugs to you both,
Salty
 
I just wanted to say that is makes me feel better to see other women out there with the exact same problem as me. I also have almost undetectable levels of free testosterone. I have taken testosterone injections, creams and gels. The only thing that worked even a little bit was the injections, but the effects only lasted for 1 weeks, was supposed to last 8 weeks. Also, the testosterone replacement therapy has side effects. I started to get pimples on my face and back, my voice was hoarse and I noticed the usualy blond peach fuzz on my upper lip began to darken. I recently started taking Wellbutrin Sr because I read that it can increase your sex drive. I have only been on it for a week so I have not really noticed a difference yet. I sure hope it works because this is my last resort. i have had this problem for 6 years and am only 30 years old. How long have you had this problem for?
 
Hi Salty - now that you mention 'pea' sized amount, i do feel a bit of 'dejavu' :) and recall people mentioning the size of a 'pea' when discussing hormone replacement creams. I just didn't tune in much back then as i didn't think i needed to know that stuff. See, you never know what will come in handy and when :D

Hi Kittywitty - i agree, i too think in years and years to come they will realise that the pill can have a lot of negatives. I think it's only just now starting to be discussed. But then again, so many health issues get covered by a bandaide rather than treating the actual root cause. That's why it's so good to have the internet as you can pick up knowledge here and there. If it wasn't for the net i'd still be sitting there wondering what was going on and why were doctors constantly telling me i was 'fine'. With the knowledge i learnt off here i was able to find a doctor who also had a brain and was willing to use it. Now i'm so much better and know what's going on.

I feel it's up to us, as individuals, to be proactive and do something for ourselves as we have so much more information available to us.
 
Audrey-B, I had that freezing done a really long time ago and it worked for many years.

The boric acid was amazing. Of course I was scared to death of it, but it did wonders. My bleeding became so much lighter. Then when my surgeon went in, he made my uterus the size it should have been--it had become much too large.

I read all the time on the boarRAB about bleeding after sex...it's very common. I had a cervical biopsy done in the gyn's office during a pap smear to find out about the cervical bleeding and it was also seen during my intra-vaginal ultrasound.

Then they ran the cancer screening (the CA-125 blood test) and that ruled out cancer.

Just to let you know, I didn't realize the biopsy would be slightly painful and I was pretty shaken afterwarRAB...my gyn and assistant should have prepared me more for it, but I think what they were trying to do is get it over as soon as possible.

I was scared too about the bleeding, but they can pretty much rule out cancer right away with the blood test and the biopsy.

I'm sure you'll be okay, dear. I'll put you in my prayers. Get it checked out, okay?

And thank you for your suggestions about the T cream.

Hugs,
Salty
 
Audrey-B, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the bleeding on top of everything else.

When I had the bleeding, it was found I was bleeding from the cervix and the gyn put me on boric acid suppositories to try to build up my cervix before I was operated on.

Fortunately, it worked.

Let me know what's going on with you when you figure out the bleeding.

Hope it can be easily corrected.

Hugs,
Salty
 
Hi, Audrey, thank you for all the great info. When you say 'serum sample is preferred over plasma sample, what does that mean? Do you mean saliva testing is better than blood testing?
 
Val7, sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I don't understand why your book was deleted...it says you can post books...maybe you posted a website also which is not allowed. You can always private msg me if you want.

I'd like to know the name of the book, but really at this point I don't know what else to do except try to get my testosterone up. It was the only thing that was low--my estrogen and progesterone were okay.

What are you low in? What did your test results show?

Welcome to the boarRAB...they really are a big help.

Salty
 
Hey, Audrey. I've been lurking but not really posting, been busy. When I first took the chasteberry, it made my cramps and bloating worse to the point of being bed-ridden. Since I've been using the progesterone cream along with it, though, it's been much better. Have you ever tried the herb uva ursi? It's supposed to be good for bloating.

Glad to hear your test results are better. My thyroid is still whacked out. I've been so tired lately and I feel like I've got the memory of 80 yr old! The stupid endo I saw didn't even comment that my TSH has soared to 3.41 from 2.08 since last Noveraber. Just said 'it's normal' and scooted me out. Well, I say the hell with doctors for now. My friend who works at the health store had thyroid problems, hypo and hyper. She weaned off of her thyroid meRAB and started taking vit E and selenium and now she's fine. I started on them recently I hope they help me like they've helped her.
 
Do you all think that other meRAB can affect the T cream? Do you know any that definitely do?

My prim. has been suggesting lamictal as an add-on to the lexapro that I've been on for years (to boost it) because I've been feeling so down, but I know for a fact I will break out from it and I'll have to go on minocycline. :(

I'm afraid to go on anything since the T cream hasn't kicked in (especially an antibiotic).

I just know my symptoms are hormonally-related and I want to give the T cream as much time as needed to start working (even though I'm pretty miserable right now).

It's tempting to want to take something else, but I don't want to just jump into another med. (especially when I know how low I am in T).

It won't be 4 weeks until the 7th. My appointment is on the 11th. I know I'm repeating myself, but he said it may start to kick in by the 3 week mark and not to be surprised if it doesn't that soon.

I'm even thinking I should move my gyn. appointment back another week because there's no sense testing for it too soon.

He told me we'd check it in a month, but maybe I should give it a good 5 weeks, what do you think? :confused:

I'd hate to pay for a visit if it hasn't started working yet.

I'm also concerned about the post on here where the T cream never kicked in at all...can't get that out of my mind. I know kittywitty is wondering about that too.

Audrey-B, you might know...is that common...where it just doesn't get in your system--ever?

I'm sorry for all the questions and for needing more advice. Take your time writing back...I'm slow getting on the computer right now.

Hugs,
Salty
 
The only things they checked were estrogen, progesterone, testosterone (free and total), DHEA, and TSH thyroid. My cortisol or ferritin was never checked. Does 'ferritin' mean your iron level? I actually take 2000 IU's of D-3 every day. The progesterone cream I use has B complex in it. Again, though, I've never had these levels checked.
 
Val7, i don't know if i answered your questions. i'm supposedly only low in T and i'm on the 1% bioidentical cream for that.

i have a little increased facial hair so i guess it's starting to work, but i can tell you it's doing nothing for my mood or my hormonal hell (as i call it) a week to 10 days before my period & pretty much until it's over.

I'm really, really tired of it.

hugs,
Salty
 
kittywitty, i haven't felt anything yet from the T cream. I know I have to be patient. I am blah, no energy and blah.

Thank you for asking and caring.

I really want the T to kick in.

Take care of yourself.

Hugs,
Salty
 
Hey, Audrey -

Yeah, most doctors here only want to zero in on the TSH. You basically have to twist their arm to get them to look at anything else. The endo tested my t4 and t3. Is that the same as the free t4 and free t3? I'm guessing not or else it would have said that on my blood work report. My antibodies weren't tested I guess because I didn't request it. There again, you have to twist their arm. Anyway, he said my TSH was normal at 3.41. However, if you look at the range approved by the American Endocrinologists website, the ones many labs use are wrong because the range should only go up to about 2.0. I mentioned that my t4 was in the low end of the range. He didn't seem to care, though, and was only concerned with the TSH.

Regarding the other hormones, like I said I do believe my high estrogen is contributing factor to my hypothyroid. I agree with you if one thing is corrected, it becomes a domino effect and things fall into place, because hormones work together.

By the way, I've been taking the vit E and selenium for about two weeks and I think it's working. I've had more energy today and yesterday despite limited sleep yesterday. That's unusual because usually I'm very run down no matter how much sleep I get.
 
Thank you for everything you wrote, Audrey-B. I adore you.

I'm so glad that your new results were fine. That makes me happy.

I am going to ask my gyn. all the things you have brought up...i will make a list.

According to my test results my estrogen and progesterone are in balance.

I'll have to really question him. You bring up so many good points.

My last B-12 was fine and same w/the zinc, but I always take the B-complex and the zinc.

I can't really pinpoint when all this started because i've had it for so long on and off...i always know when i have a fibroid or cyst because my period goes haywire.

I think in the last 2 years, the PMS has become very bad.

I will have to discuss all this w/him and i really don't know if he'll have the answers.

Thank you for your good wishes. Of course i want the same for you.

I'll let you know what happens and please keep me posted if any changes occur with you.

luv,
Salty
 
Hello ladies :wave: I've been away for a bit visiting family and helping out my dad who has had some surgery. I've also caught some annoying throat infection and the caughing is driving me nuts. Don't need everyone looking at me like i've got swine flu!! Everybody is suspicious of swine flu the moment you so much as sneeze.

Since posting before i had another visit to the naturopath and found out the previous person i had dealt with had changed my mixture and i ended up spotting last time from mid cycle to start of my period. I found out from the original naturopath that the herbs they gave me were wrong. She said to help normalise monthly cycles and help out the hormones the herbs needed to be 'astringent'. Aparently the new batch of herbs used were not astringent. It's got something to do with the uterus, when the herbs are astringent ones they do something particular (can't recall now). At least i know now and if anybody wants to change the mixture i'll be telling them a definite NO.

My monthly cycle is upcoming again so will be interesting to see if i get overly emotional again as i have the last few cycles. If my emotionas stay more or less close to normal then i'll know that the change of herbs i was on didn't only cause a change in my cycle but in my emotional state at PMS time.

I'm still taking the Vitex tablets (Chasteberry/tree) and they are wonderful. No bloating or painful breast area at PMS time.

Val7 - you are right, balancing hormones is totally an individual thing. Are you able to post the name of the author and book you mentioned. The moderator's note in red mentions you are allowed to post those. It's always good to find good books which give helpful insight into hormones.

Kittywitty - yes, i couldn't agree more, that endo does sound like he got his endo licence out of a cereal box in 1972!!!!! How do doctors get away with that type of doctoring. I'm sure any one of us could become doctors in that case.

My doctor is however giving me meRAB for my T3 which is too low. Low T3 causes mood/libido/metabolism issues also. My T3 med is a natural one though, not synthetic. If you found a compounding chemist and asked which Endo's he makes up natural thyroid treatments, he ought to be able to give you at least one name of an Endo he compounRAB meRAB for and i'd be then making an appointment with that Endo.

My doctor is addressing my elevated estrogen and is keeping an eye on it, but at same time he getting my T4 and T3 on target so my thyroid is functioning properly. He's also looked at my adrenal function and Vitamin D. He says if you can elevate you Vit D, have good adrenal function and good T3 levels that this can inturn help the other hormones like your estrogen. Sometimes tackling just the estrogen is hard work and it might be worthwhile attempting a 'reverse' approach and getting other key things where they ought to be and this might help drag the estrogen back into place.

Salty - sorry to see you aren't feeling quite the thing. Are you still on same amount of testosterone cream you were taking or are you taking extra? If you are taking extra and it's still not doing anything, i'd say something has been overlooked somewhere eg: other hormone levels, thyroid/adrenal function, low in certain key vitamins/minerals.

Like kittywitty said, those other meRAB which have a side effect of lowering testosterone/libido/mood altering, might be worth looking into that side of things. Might also be worth doctor shopping at some point and finding someone who might be able to look at things via a different angle. Someone who can look at all your results across the board an create a link as i'm sure it's not just a case of low testosterone. I'm sure there is either something helping to keep it low or something preventing it from rising, which amounts to the same thing i guess.

Did you ever end up taking a zinc supplement? Are you still doing your exercises?

The weird thing is that you really feel so much worse at PMS and then at period time. This must mean some dramatic hormone shift is occuring and i can't help but feel it's estrogen/progesterone related. Have you ever thought of visiting a homeopath or a naturopath. I also hear Chinese medicine has helped loaRAB of people.

Hang in there, you can't give up at this point. Answers are out there somewhere and i'm sure you will find them. Be strong and take care :)
 
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