How long do you have to be off BCP or HRT before you can check estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels to get a true reading?
I realize they fluctuate how is the best testing accomplished?
This is out of my realm.
Sat, 04/14/2007 - 03:13
#1
Hormone levels
We are a bit larger here with quite a few hospitals, the closest Medical Center is about the same, 2 hours or so. Mainly the best are in NYC for us.
Despite the various hospitals (5) locally the network is so small. The head of surgery (and all disciplines) are generally from the same practice but sit on the same boards throughout the various hospitals. One will not contradict the other's opinions. The most frustrating part, it's an "old boy's" network, which furthers my opinion it's a mans world we are allowed if we play by their rules! As far as MD's, there are perhaps 5 women, the majority are men.
Hospitals locally will not allow a NP to practice but they allow PA's in the ER; meanwhile, to practice as a NP I have to work in the (independent) "walk in" emergency care centers or in a private practice. While I am working in the ER or ICU I have to practice strictly as a RN yet PA's round! All dictated by the "old boys" networks. In the medical centers, they make no delineation.
Talk about lack of objectivity, I think their judgement is skewed by maintaining their "kingdoms".
one link
I found this one link and it said in one part 12hrs and another 72 hrs.
I should try one to test my testosterone... maybe that's why I have no sex drive lol.
Thanks Demon! I appreciate it.
I always had a high sex drive, more then most men. Suddenly it has vanished and I have turned into an "asexual" person. No thoughts, no urges, nothing at all. This all began with low abdominal pain, explained with one cyst which ruptured on the left (w/intraabdominal fluid on CT & US) and one on the right still present, so I know 3 months ago I was ovulating. Pain is now gone for 2 months, went on BCP's for the cyst but had NO libido just before and since. Then no period when taking the placebos, this is now 2 months. The doc even tried Medroxyprogesterone to attempt withdrawal without results. Now having "hot flashes", night sweats and difficulty sleeping--they are so bad, it made my mother's hot flashes look like a picnic (plus it's embarrassing).
The bothersome thing is the Gyn said to wait 7 weeks after stopping the pill, with no real explanation why--I find this hard to believe. I can cry at the drop of a hat(over nothing), kind of young for menopause (41) and too old for premature ovarian failure, I do have mod-severe RA but currently in a "remission" without meds for nearly 2 years (currently on no meds for 12 days--the BCP). Thyroids were normal, no depression, and no real stress. I just watched the movie again, "Airforce One" and cried like a baby, over what? Nothing!!!
I will see another doc (gyn and endocrinologist) but the appointments are booked for about 2 months with a good specialist at the leading medical centers, but I am at a loss right now and half psychotic. :) Need some peace of mind (and some sanity)!
Oh man!!!!
That sucks Sera.. sounds like you are having a time.
I can imagine it is especially frustrating when you have no control over anything and the DRs can't seem to help :(
Just need something to help you survive the 2 months then hopefully they can straighten you out :)
I am surprised by how short the time is in the link Demon provided but the only reason for waiting seven weeks would be to see whether your cycle is "normal." Male doctors actually think there is a "normal" period! OK, that is an unfair dig. I would wait until you finish your present cycle on the pill and then four or five days later do blood testing.
I heartily support your idea to see another doctor if only for a second opinion. It sounds like the endocrinologist part is more important than the gyn part. Even at 41, do not be too surprised if this is found to be related to early onset menopause. I did have some symptoms a few years ago. They abated but I know I am facing the real thing pretty soon.
Brandye & Demon:
Thanks. I completed the pills about 12 days ago, no period, and did not begin them again.
It's frustrating, I feel as if the Gyn is waiting for something magical to happen! Meanwhile, this is small community & getting a different opinion locally is out of the question--we know how that one goes. So the appointment in w/one of the major medical centers.
Thanks for the info., much appreciated!
I, too, am in a small (actually, tiny) village - only three doctors. Ou second opinions are a couple hours drive away. The downside is the imprsonality - especially in the UK NHS. But the upside of the major medical center is more nearly objective analysis. You are better off on that route.
I have lost my objectivity a few times and that jerks me back to reality. Of course, I was never actually wrong!
Here is an interesting update...went to Albany Med. visited the gyn. & endocrinologist. Hormone levels came back the three; est., progest., & testost. all came back as, less then x level and "undetectable"...they said to wait until the FSH & LH come back on Monday.
I thought even post menopausal women have some natural hormones; how can you just miss menopause?
As for "missing menopause," just remember those days of puberty when the hormones were bouncing aorund and you drove your mother round the bend. The same thing is happening in reverse - especially with early menopause. I do not know how the levels could be "undetectable. I have seen that in some few cases but a few days or weeks later, they bounced back. And, yes, there will always be some natural hormones. I am at a loss to say anything meaningful. I hope that future appointments were set up to test again. Looks like the endocrinologist will be more important than the gyn for a while.
Tnx...All I had was a phone call to let me know the labs to date and the remainder to return on Monday, they said they were also verified. I do have to return for additional tests and follow up. If it was not for the institution, I would have wondered if the machines were not calibrated correctly.
I am completely lost, tried a friend of mine who does female gyn as a PA, she is on Vac. I was just looking if any jumped out as obvious or seen before. This is so far beyond my scope. Plus it's a bit disturbing! Thanks for the reply, and hopefully in the f/u labs will look a bit better! If not, hormone replacement! :)
Well did the running around to all the docs, conclusion: Premature Ovarian Failure. FSH greater than 40, HRT begins and fertility ends!
Thanks for all your help Brandye & Demon, I honestly thought 41 almost 42 was a bit too old for POV but according to the docs, not! Most likely culprit? Hx: of Rheumatoid treated with Methotrexate, perhaps this info may help someone out along the line!
Well, sera, you are now safe! Congratulations.