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Post by queldegat on Nov 28, 2011 17:30:30 GMT -5
Hi;
I just got some blood test results back & apparently, I have low estrogen. I know too much estrogen is bad for endo, but the problems low levels cause are...brutal. I was at a health food store today and they recommeded Estrosmart to balance the hormones. Have any of you tried it?
Maca root was also suggested but I've read some not-so-nice things about it. Then again, most of the reviews seem to be coming from people with estrogen dominance so I'm really not sure what to make of them. Any comments on either of these, or other suggestions? Thanks! -QD
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Post by Karen on Nov 28, 2011 18:38:35 GMT -5
I have low estrogen, too, and I feel you on the problems that it causes! Do you know what your progesterone levels are as well? During which part of your cycle were your levels tested? How old are you? Although there may be some things out there that claim to help balance hormones, they may not be effective or may not be enough to balance hormones, or may balance them in the wrong direction.
A quick google search shows this product has vitex in it, which is used to convince your body to increase progesterone levels. What has your doctor suggested to balance your hormones?
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Post by queldegat on Nov 28, 2011 21:19:31 GMT -5
Oh hi Karen. My GP hasn't made any suggestions at all and progesterone wasn't on the list. I've been referred elsewhere but that takes time. I did the test right at the beginning of my period. I'm 31. I know I'll have to see someone about this specifically, I was just hoping there was something short-term I could try.
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Post by Karen on Nov 29, 2011 7:10:07 GMT -5
Right at the beginning of your period, estrogen levels are low. That's part if the normal ebb & flow of hormones. Were you just tested the one time? What caused you to get tested? Are you on any birth control? Do you have any thyroid symptoms?
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Post by redwood on Nov 29, 2011 12:11:16 GMT -5
hmmm, that's odd that they tested your hormones at the beginning of your cycle. Usually it's mid-cycle or a little after that. First time for me was day 14 and then the urine hormone test done on day 20 and most recently a blood test done on day 17. Both estrogen and progesterone will be low in the beginning of the cycle (as Karen mentioned above).
I'm in Canada too and am using a naturopath to manage my endo. What type of Dr. are you seeing and who were you referred to? I did also go to a GP who specializes in women's health that ordered an ultrasound and then an MRI for me as it is suspected I have an endometrioma on my abdominal wall. Just wondered if it was a gyn who ordered your test. It just seems strange as I wouldn't think that anyone would order a test that early in the cycle.
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Post by queldegat on Nov 29, 2011 13:49:14 GMT -5
It was my family doctor who ordered it. I know estrogen is low at the beginning but I just felt like it was going a bit too low. This is when things get bad. I sweat to the point of feeling sick, which is the main reason I asked about it. It doesn't happen at any other time. Also, my chest has gotten noticably smaller. Grrr.
This is the first test I've had. No BC (can't handle the side effects). Thyroid was tested & is normal. The gyn I'm waiting to see is for a lump on my ovary but the hormone stuff is definitely worth bringing up when I go. They should at least be able to tell me who I should be seeing about it.
Sounds like I need to wait until I can get more info. For now, maybe I'll just get myself a case of gatorade and some smaller bras instead. I appreciate your input though.
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Post by redwood on Nov 30, 2011 11:04:42 GMT -5
ah, so you are having symptoms at the beginning of your period. I wonder if they should test your estrogen in your late cycle and see if it's high. Maybe the symptoms are caused by a huge change in estrogen, as in your estrogen is high but then it drops dramatically when you get your period and the difference is what causes the symptoms? Of course, this is just a wild guess as I have no idea if that could cause symptoms like that. Hopefully your gyn will be able to find out what is causing it.
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