WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1998: Re: Cause of Low Estradiol Level

Re: Cause of Low Estradiol Level

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 1 May 1998 19:33:41 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Thanks, Dr. Kelly S. (please read inside)"
Previous message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Progesterone Cream and the Effect on BBTs"
In reply to: Lisa: "Cause of Low Estradiol Level"

At Fri, 1 May 1998, Lisa wrote: >
>I am 33 years old and have been having what I believe to be hormonal
>problems for the last two years. I have recently been tested on Day 1
>and Day 20 of my menstrual cycle for 17-Beta Estradiol, progesterone
>(Day 20) and testosterone (Day 1). The only result that seems to have
>come back below normal is my Day 1 17-Beta Estradiol - <10.0 pg/mL
>(normal range for my lab is 19.0 - 83.0 pg/mL). My Day 20 17-Beta
>Estradiol level was 140.2 pg/mL (normal range for my lab is 60.0 - 211.0
>pg/mL. What might the low level on Day 1 mean?

prbably nothing. estradiol levels tend to be very low during menstruation (10 - 50 pg/ml in my hospital's lab)

Am I premenopausal?

probably not (unless you consider that all women who are not post-menopausal must be pre-menopausal!)

I >have been experiencing a number of symptoms (heart palps, severe
>anxiety, mood swings, depression, breast ternderness, acne, weight gain,
>chills, etc.) during the month but a couple of days before my period all
>of these symptoms (especially the emotional ones) seem to much worse (I
>guess from the lack of estrogen). I have since started using the
>Climara patch (.05 mg) and this has helped somewhat but I believe I
>would benefit from an increased dose. My doctor wanted to start me out
>on a low dose to see how I responded. Any information you could provide
>me would be greatly appreciated.

Your symptoms sure sound an awful lot like PMS, which by definition only occurs in ovulatory cycles, which only occur if estradiol levels are adequate. I'd try traditional PMS remedies before trying estrogen in your case

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
Sorry, but private e-mails will not be answered.

Next message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Thanks, Dr. Kelly S. (please read inside)"
Previous message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Progesterone Cream and the Effect on BBTs"
In reply to: Lisa: "Cause of Low Estradiol Level"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: