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Recent lab results: Saliva and serum

by Cyndi
(Dallas, TX)

I will list my saliva, as I understand Wray, this is more accurate?
Estradiol: 5.5
Progesterone: 51
Pg/E2: 9
Testosterone: 47
DHEA: 5
Cortisol am: 7.8
Cortisol pm: 2.2

My serum FSH: 14.2
LH: 4.93

So my doctor prescribed compounded progesterone cream 50mg every pm. Before starting this, I was at least having a period every month, although I don't know if I was actually ovulating? Now, I don't have a period at all, no spotting, nothing. My main question and concern is, why am I taking this cream every day-shouldn't my dose at least change according to my natural hormone fluctuation monthly? Sometimes during the month I feel great, but then other times I'm miserable...not sure if I should be increasing the progesterone during these times or not. Also, since taking the progesterone cream, I am sooo tired. I have no motivation, but to lay on the couch which is not like me at all. I'm retaining fluid, have a pot belly and am getting more cysts in my breasts. I'm so confused, I just want to stop the cream, at least to get my period back and then maybe start over???

Also, they prescribed DHEA 25mg daily and I notice you don't suggest that.

Thank you for your advice!

Comments for Recent lab results: Saliva and serum

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Feb 25, 2012
 Recent lab results: Saliva and serum
by: Wray

Hi Cyndi Your ratio is low, we've found from Saliva Tests it's best if it's around 600:1 or over. I'm really puzzled why you don't have a period, as 50mg/day doesn't normally stop it. It needs to be 400mg/day and over for that to occur. If you could let me know how old you are it would help too. For instance are you in Peri-menopause, as our cycles do become very erratic. Normally I recommend following the cycle, unless symptoms are severe. In this case I do suggest using it daily, for at least 2-3 months or until stable. I also suggest using 100-200mg/day, as anything less causes Oestrogen Dominance as you're now experiencing. You might like to see the page we have on Progesterone Misconceptions. It also gives an explanation on the low amounts. I'm inclined to agree with you about stopping the progesterone, although you will get oestrogen dominance again, a double edged sword! It would help to know your age, as it might be better to stick to the daily application, but increase the amount. Yes I don't agree with DHEA, you might like to see why here, here, here and here. Please come back to me with your age. Take care Wray
Mar 09, 2012
 Response to Wray
by: Anonymous

Thank you Wray. I am 48 years old and peri-menopausal. I tried stopping the progesterone for 3 weeks and was miserable and never did have a period. I just recently started back at 100mg daily and am feeling better. However, I am noticing at this higher dose that my temper is out of control. I'm starting fights with my husband and arguing with people at work. Close friends have even asked what is wrong with me. Could that still be estrogen dominance? Do I go up and how long do I stay on that high of a dose, how do I know when to back off the dosage? Do I take a monthly break if I'm peri-menopausal? Any other suggestions? Thank you Wray, what you do is such a blessing!!
Mar 11, 2012
 Response to Wray
by: Wray

Hi Cyndi Ah so you are in peri-menopause. This would explain the erratic cycle, I hope you got a chance to read the link I gave you. I suggest you use the progesterone daily, as it's impossible the follow a cycle. In fact I did this, even when my cycles were still regular, as stopping for the break caused all my symptoms to come back, something I could do without! I'm pleased the 100mg/day is helping, but it seems you could do with more, particularly with the rising temper. Not that you are aggressive by nature (women generally aren't!), but you might like to read our page on Aggression as it explains why tempers can rise. Try increasing to 150mg/day and see if that helps, you might need more initially. It's impossible to tell, once symptoms calm down you can begin reducing very slowly. I still use about 170mg/day. Bless you for the kind words! Take care Wray

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