posted
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.
Posts: 76 | From IL | Registered: Oct 2010
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
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.
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posted
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. Posts: 77 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2011
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
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.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
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.
Posts: 77 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2011
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
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).
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
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.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
I have been on them for years - after my hysterectomy. Dr. says they help and I say they help....
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
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!
Posts: 76 | From IL | Registered: Oct 2010
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lululymemom
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Member # 26405
posted
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
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...
Posts: 226 | From Princeton | Registered: Oct 2010
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