What Do The Results Mean
If your estradiol or estrone levels are higher than normal, it may be due to:
- Early puberty in girls delayed puberty in boys
If your estradiol or estrone levels are lower than normal, it may be due to:
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, a condition that causes a woman’s ovaries to stop working before she is 40 years old
- Turner syndrome, a condition in which a woman’s sexual characteristics don’t develop properly
- An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormone disorder affecting childbearing women. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
If you are pregnant and your estriol levels are lower than normal, it may mean your pregnancy is failing or that there is a chance your baby might have a birth defect. If the test shows a possible birth defect, you will need more testing before a diagnosis can be made.
Higher levels of estriol may mean you will be going into labor soon. Normally, estriol levels go up about four weeks before you start labor.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Poor Sleep Anxiety Irritability And Mood Swings
Progesterone stimulates GABA receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages through the brain and nervous system.
The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce the activity of the neurons or nerve cells, which have a sedative effect on the moods.
This perhaps explains why many women feel their best during the second trimester of pregnancy when progesterone level is high.
Correspondingly, if progesterone is low due to menstrual disharmonies or during perimenopause and menopause, one tends to feel irritated and anxious, have lower tolerance for stress, and sleep poorly at night.
Changes In Weight Distribution
As estrogen levels decrease in women who are postmenopausal, they may notice they gain more weight around the abdomen and arms. This central obesity, as it is known, is dangerous because it increases a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease. In one study, postmenopausal women who received hormone replacement therapy did not experience weight gain in the trunk and arm areas compared to women who did not take HRT. Women treated with hormones gained an insignificant amount of weight during the study in their legs. This pattern of fat distribution is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The treated women had better bone mineral density compared to those who did not receive hormone therapy, too. Talk to your doctor if you notice you’re gaining more weight around your middle. Hormone therapy, if it’s appropriate and safe for you, may help.
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Youre Getting Hot Flashes And Night Sweats
Youâve probably heard of these symptoms through menopause. These really annoying symptoms occur during perimenopause , but they can also occur at other times when your estrogen is low. People can “start having perimenopausal symptoms in their late 30s,” Dr. Minkin says, so it’s not something to rule out.
Hot flashes and night sweats happen because low estrogen messes with your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that controls your body temperature, among other things. When you donât have enough estrogen, your body is tricked by this part of your brain to think itâs too hot. In an attempt to get rid of the fake excess heat, your body expends heat in a hot flash â opening the blood vessels in your head and neck skin more than usual. These may be another reason why youâre having trouble sleeping â because itâs hard to sleep when your body is on a temperature rollercoaster.
Take A Progesterone Test
If you have one or more symptoms discussed above, it helps to get your progesterone and other key hormones tested.
Our friends at True Health Labs provide female hormone imbalance test that you can take at the convenience of your own home.
After you take the test, you can also schedule a consultation with Dr. Brady Hurst and his colleagues to explain the results to you.
Standard Reference Range for Progesterone
For your info, heres the standard reference range for progesterone:
- 0.2 0.8 ng/ml during follicular phase
- 4.1 23.7 ng/ml during luteal phase
- 0.1 0.6 ng/ml for post-menopausal
So if your progesterone level during the luteal phase is lower than 4.1 ng/ml, it indicates an insufficient level of progesterone.
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Symptoms Of Low Estrogen And Menopause
As women enter middle age, estrogen levels begin to decline and hormones become unbalanced. Most women attribute this transition to menopause but don’t realize their estrogen levels are declining. Common symptoms of low estrogen include irregular or missed periods, which normally occur in the years leading up to and during menopause.But what are the causes of low estrogen and what symptoms are associated with this change? Read on to learn about the symptoms of low estrogen during menopause.
How Long Does Estrogen Therapy Last
If youve had a complete hysterectomy, youll likely be on a medically-supervised hormone replacement therapy for at least a few years. This is longer than a woman undergoing regular menopause . This is especially true if youve already had the surgery and youre closer to normal menopause age .
In fact, some experts recommend estrogen therapy until you hit the age of natural menopause . And some experts favor ET until age 60 and beyond
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Synthetic Hormones/ Hormone Replacement Therapy
These are manufactured in a laboratory and are animal-derived . They are not molecularly the same as the hormones in your body. You can only get them with a prescription from your doctor.
Some doctors suggest using these products for short periods of time as they may increase your risk for cancer. See your doctor to find the right plan for you.
Premarin is probably the most commonly used synthetic estrogen. It is made from the urine in pregnant mares, hence the name, Pre for “pregnant” and for “mare.”
What Causes Brain Fog
“Brain fog” is a common complaint even though this is not a true medical term. It is a commonly reported symptom with many potential underlying causes. Women in perimenopause and after menopause report more memory complaints and difficulty concentrating than premenopausal women. Declining estrogen levels may be to blame, but other factors may play a role. Perimenopausal and post-menopausal women often have trouble sleeping and experience hot flashes and increased depression. These, in turn, may contribute to brain fog. Thyroid disease is another common cause of brain fog. See your doctor if you are experiencing brain fog so you can find out and treat the root cause. If declining estrogen levels are to blame, hormone therapy may offer some relief and restore hormonal balance.
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Your Circadian Rhythm Is Off
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland that is located in the brain. It produces melatonin, which affects circadian rhythm and the levels of other hormones in the body. A pineal cyst is a disorder of the pineal gland that may not produce any symptoms. If the cyst is large, it may produce symptoms including water on the brain , headache, eye problems, and vision problems. Large pineal cysts that cause problems usually affect women who are in their second decade of life.
Managing Low Estrogen Symptoms After Hysterectomy
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February 26, 2019 By Judd Handler
Are you experiencing hot flashes, low sex drive and other low estrogen symptoms after getting a hysterectomy? Discover what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Theres nothing hysterical about the sexist derivation of the word hysterectomy. The root word, hystera, is Greek for uterus. We have much to thank the ancient Greeks for in terms of natural healing philosophy. Hippocrates famous quote, Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food, comes to mind. However, the ancient Greeks believed only women were capable of becoming hysterical. Over 2000 years later, a defect in the womb that needs to be surgically removed is called a hysterectomy.
While its indeed sexist to pin the emotion of hysteria to just women, let alone name a surgical procedure after it, theres no denying that starting menopause early can lead to undesired side effects.
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Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Women: What Is Going On
Estrogen is a vital hormone that can be found in women and men. In women, it is responsible for maintaining the reproductive system and forming female features such as the development of breasts, enlargement of hips, and pubic hair. Ladies can monitor their impact when they have a menstrual cycle. Mainly, it is produced by ovaries. And, when the time comes to menopause, low estrogen symptoms start emerging and causing changes such as cessation of menstruation, ovulation. Accordingly, a woman can no longer bear a child. However, during the onset of menopause, estrogen still allows one to perform a reproductive function but only with the help of gynecologists who will appoint the correct treatment to prolong the first stage.
What Happens During An Estrogen Test
Estrogens can be tested in blood, urine, or saliva. Blood or urine is usually tested in doctor’s office or lab. Saliva tests can be done at home.
For a blood test:
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a urine test:
Your health care provider may ask you to collect all urine passed in a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample test. For this test, your health care provider or a laboratory professional will give you a container to collect your urine and instructions on how to collect and store your samples. A 24-hour urine sample test generally includes the following steps:
- Empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine down. Do not collect this urine. Record the time.
- For the next 24 hours, save all your urine passed in the container provided.
- Store your urine container in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
- Return the sample container to your health provider’s office or the laboratory as instructed.
For an at-home saliva test, talk your health care provider. He or she can tell you which kit to use and how to prepare and collect your sample.
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Signs You Might Have Low Estrogen
1. You frequently experience brain fog
Brain fog is commonly reported by women in menopause or perimenopause. Brain fog can manifest in several ways, including:
- Trouble concentrating on tasks
- Difficulty remembering things
Estrogen helps to sharpen your cognitive acuity, and low levels of estrogen prevent your focus and memory from operating at full capacity.
2. Your mental health is declining
Poor mental health can result from low estrogen levels. Since estrogen is believed to help with your neurotransmitters, low levels are associated with a risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, and worsened symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Since estrogen helps the body process stress, low estrogen levels can make stressful situations feel overwhelming.
Estrogen is associated with serotonin, which is one of your brains neurotransmitters responsible for boosting our moods. This is why women with low estrogen can suffer from depression. They can also experience strong mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and anger.
3. Youve gained weight
A drop in estrogen corresponds with a desire for comfort foods, i.e. foods high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt. Foods high in these elements can lead to weight gain and water retention. Estrogen also decreases your levels of leptin, which can act as an appetite suppressant.
4. Advanced skin aging
5. Higher frequency of UTIs
6. You arent sleeping well
These irregular sleep patterns could also correspond to the risk of developing sleep apnea.
Hair Loss Or Dry Brittle Hair And Skin
Estrogen is a beauty hormone! Estrogen has a plumping, healing effect on the skin. It promotes collagen synthesis, wound healing and blood flow and helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. All of these lovely effects create beautiful, glowing, collagen-rich skin. As estrogen declines after menopause, skin loses its elasticity and becomes more dry. And Im not just talking about the skin on your face and décolleté .
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How Serious Are Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Most side effects of HRT are not severe. However, HRT can rarely cause more severe side effects, including double vision, depression, extreme weakness and fatigue, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you experience these or any other concerning or persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Hormonal Imbalance And Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom that may have many potential underlying causes. Just as too little progesterone can make it hard to sleep, too much progesterone can make you more tired. Another common hormonal imbalance that causes fatigue is low thyroid hormone levels . This condition is easily diagnosed with a blood test. If your levels are low, you can take prescription medication to bring your levels back up to normal. Regardless of any hormone imbalance that may exist, practice good sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep. This involves going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and exercise from the late afternoon on to avoid interfering with sleep. Establish a relaxing nighttime routine to give your body the message that it’s time for sleep. Take a warm bath, sip a cup of chamomile tea, or listen to relaxing music.
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Why Choose Focal Point Vitality For Hormone Therapy For Women
Focal Point Vitality is a top provider of hormone therapy in Phoenix and the surrounding valley, and we offer a diverse range of options to choose from. Our estrogen treatments use bioidentical hormones for the best possible results, supporting your bodys natural function and aiming for an ideal balance. Whether you opt for treatment in the form of pills, patches, or creams, you can be confident that youre receiving the best HRT Phoenix has to offer.
But beyond the quality of our treatment options, Focal Point Vitality is also committed to caring for every guest as an individual not just any other client on our list. Customized care is the foundation of our Phoenix age management clinic, and our goal is to support you in achieving the best version of your happiest, healthiest self.
Do You Have Low Progesterone Or High Estrogen
Last updated on By Jing
Low progesterone and high estrogen can both manifest as PMS, period pain, or other menstrual disharmonies. So how can you tell which is the cause of your symptoms?
If you suffer from PMS, period pain, or other menstrual disharmonies, you may be wondering if they are caused by high estrogen or low progesterone.
Youve probably learned that high estrogen levels can produce PMS, mood swings, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, and a whole slew of other menstrual problems.
But so can progesterone deficiency, because estrogen dominance is often accompanied by low progesterone levels .
It can be confusing to sort through the often-contradictory symptoms and come up with a correct diagnosis.
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Signs And Symptoms Charlotte Nc Residents Can Watch Out For
Sexual Health
Estrogen not only plays a role in sexual desire, but it also aids in vaginal lubrication and in making penetrative sex more comfortable. Any sudden or gradual loss of sex drive and/or lack of vaginal lubrication may be indicative of low estrogen levels.
Urinary Tract Infections
A lesser-known symptom of low estrogen is the frequency of urinary tract infections . When estrogen is low, the lining of the urethra can become thinner, increasing the chances of developing UTIs.
Irregular Periods
Although not every womans menstrual cycle is regular, those with moderately consistent cycles may notice a significant change in when and how they occur. In some cases, low estrogen can result in absent periods altogether.
Mood Swings
Estrogen can have a profound impact on brain chemistry and emotions, with high, low, and fluctuating hormonal changes influencing mood and behavior. If you notice that you are having significant mood swings or over-reactions to things that normally wouldnt cause you distress, it may be a sign of low estrogen.
Hot Flashes
A common symptom of pre, peri, and post-menopause, hot flashes can also indicate low estrogen levels. Women who experience these report a sudden hot, flushed feeling, especially in their face. A hot flash may also be accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of increased temperature and sweating.
Tenderness
Headaches
Brain Fog / Concentration
Chronic Fatigue
Depression
Concerned that Low Estrogen May Be to Blame?
Will Estrogen Therapy Help With Low Libido
Maybe. But what might even work better is also getting a boost of testosterone. Testosterone is the major male sex hormone. But women need adequate amounts of it. This research suggests women suffer symptoms of testosterone deficiency which often go untreated.
Heres what the researchers conclude:
Testosterone supplemental therapy for women following hysterectomy not only can improve the quality of their lives in terms of sexual libido, sexual pleasure, and sense of well-being but also canas does supplementary estrogencontribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.
Testosterone promotes cellular growth in every tissue of the body. Having enough of this hormone also prevents heart disease in women.
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