WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 2000: Re: Question about hormone levels

Re: Question about hormone levels

From: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 1 Nov 2000 09:45:49 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Angie: "Question about hormone levels"

At Wed, 1 Nov 2000, Angie wrote: >
>I have several symptoms of both Endometriosis and PCOS, though have not
>yet been diagnosed with either (my first OB/GYN visit was just 4 weeks
>ago, and anyway I've no interest in lap surgery to diagnose endo, unless
>it becomes unbearable). I'm trying to get pregnant, so had some blood
>tests the week before last to determine hormone levels. This was day 24
>of what turned out to be a 35 day cycle. We're going to do more blood
>tests in a few weeks' time, on day 29, assuming another 35 day cycle, to
>see if the levels are any better. My question is does the LH to FSH
>ratio signify problems if taken at this time in the cycle, as it does if
>meeasured around day 3. I know the main issue is my low progesterone
>levels at the time of the cycle we're testing at, but I'm wondering if
>my results are indicative of PCOS? The blood test results are: LH-26.5;
>FSH-5.2; Progesterone-2.2; prolactin-17.5; TSH-1.41. And secondly, am I
>wise to continue down the 'can I get pregnant?' route, or should I also
>do a full PCOS checkup at day 3 to try to put a 'name' to my problem?
>
>--
>Thanks for your advice,
>Angie
>

Angie, Alot of what you ask depends somewhat on how long you have been pursuing pregnancy. Given the fact that you are obviously not incredibly symptomatic from the suppossed endo, then waiting on the scope is reasonable. On the other hand, if the infertility thing has been going on over a year, the scope might be something to consider. Remember, endo cannot be diagnosed by exam-it is a diagnosis of visualization and/or biopsy. Nobody can definitively tell you that you have endo by a pelvic exam and history. Whether or not you are PCO at this point is somewhat irrelevent. What you want to concentrate on is ovulation and whether or not you are. My suspicion with a 35 day cycle is that you are not. It may be that you will require some mild form of ovulation induction to regulate your ovulation and increase the odds of conception. If you go down the infertility path, don't forget to have the male factor evaluated also... Lynn

--
Lynn D. Montgomery, MD
Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Rocky Mountain Perinatal Center
Missoula, Montana

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.  This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options and/or interventions.

**Private e-mails cannot be entertained due to time constraints, consequently no private e-mails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

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