I had some bloodwork done recently and just received the results.
Estrone Normal Testosterone Normal
Estradiol Low Progesterone Low
My LLMD wants me to start Bio-Identical Progesterone and Estrogen. He says they will also help with sleep, fatigue, cognitive function, memory and depression.
Any thoughts on Bio-Identical Hormones, I have lots of research to do yet, but any help would be appreciated.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
I had saliva testing done,and all of my levels were low. I have used bio-identical hormones (soy based) for some time, and I believe they have helped.
Posted by elainer97 (Member # 33917) on :
I had to have my ovaries removed, 1 in 2008 then the other (and my uterus) in 2009. I've been on compounded bioidentical hormones ever since.
Without them I'd be a bigger mess than I am now. Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
I love bioidentical hormones.
Oral progesterone at night and topical estrogen and testosterone in the morning.
Helped alot with sleep and fatigue for sure, along with oral DHEA in the A.M.
Posted by APMOM (Member # 28786) on :
Thank you for the replies! So no bad reactions and are there any safety concerns?
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Be careful of any BREAST issues
Posted by elainer97 (Member # 33917) on :
Bio identical hormones don't carry the same risks as the synthetic ones like Premarin.
I'm sure if you used them when you didn't need then you'd get everything out of balance and that wouldn't be good.
Using bio ident progesterone will protect breast tissue and bone health. Also the progesterone got rid of the fibrocysts in my breasts.
I wish I had done the saliva hormone tests before I developed the huge ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid- I might've been able to head all that off and not be in full menopause at the age of 37. Fun, fun!
It's hard to get all the hormones regulated when I have so many similar -to-menopause symptoms from all the other crazy stuff going on.
My NP called me "a case study" but I think if she had been Lyme literate she wouldve added everything up to = Lyme & co. and I'd already be on treatment. (ditto that for the many other docs I've seen over the years!)
I guessing if I'd had treatment my hormones might've stablized and I might not have lost my female bits. B/c from what I've read, Lyme screws up your hormones and I believe it.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Gluten also screws up hormones for some women.
I find my Progesterone level plummets when I get exposed to gluten, and then I get migraines and bad cramps during my cycle. Also, I no longer get the painful ovarian cysts periodically now that I've been eating gluten-free (I've been on a gluten-free diet since 2005).
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Both my lyme Dr (who studied hormones) and my Ob-gyn told me that I must take ORAL progesterone along with the topical estrogen and testosterone.
They said it protects the uterus.
I'm sure there would be some who would disagree and use topical progestreone, but that's what they both said.
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :
I have been on them for years - after my hysterectomy. Dr. says they help and I say they help....
Posted by APMOM (Member # 28786) on :
My Mom developed breast cancer from Premarin, so that is my concern with anything concerning hormone treatment. I know Bio-Identical hormones are different, but just want to be absolutely sure I don't risk anything because I also have a VERY strong family history of breast cancer on my paternal side (males included in being diagnosed even).
I have been Gluten free for almost a year. I also have a ovarian cyst. My cycle was regulated with thyroid treatment from my LLMD for about 6 months, but is now all out of wack again so that is why he did this testing. (since my last bio-son almost 6 years ago I haven't had regular periods, maybe a few a year).
Thanks all!
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
I have been speaking with 2 different doctors about possibly starting bio identical hormones and they both question me as to why?? They say that testing hormone levels is never accurate and they fluctuate throughout the month. They would rather I don't go on hormones. I am following up with a gyno to get his opinion.
Posted by whitmore (Member # 28721) on :
Progesterone is required to protect the uterus, but does not have to be oral. I personally found oral progesterone to be depressing and sedating, though some appreciate the effect. Topical is better absorbed, so can be used in much lower doses with the same benefit(uterus protection). Topical can build up in fatty tissue if applied to it, so could be used intra vag. or on bony areas. Like everything, it's complicated....sigh...
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Premarin is to be avoided, that is for sure. Bio-identical hormones have helped me a lot.
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
I thought I read where extended time on Bio Hormones like testosterone and estrogen, ect was not good.
The body gives up its methods of making the hormone naturally because of the constant supplementation.
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