Hi Snoopin
The hormone testing issue is a very controversial one. First of all, there is disagreement about whether saliva or blood tests are more accurate, and which one is more representative of the tissue levels (which is what's really important). I've had both types done multiple times, and for me, the blood tests more closely mirrored how I felt at the time. Which brings me to the second major issue... whether or not testing is necessary at all. Many, if not most, DRs feel that it's much more productive to prescribe HRT's according to what symptoms you are having. I personally agree with this... with one exception: testosterone supplementation. The symptoms of too much testosterone can be unpleasant and hard to get rid of, so it's a good idea to test the serum levels of free and total testosterone before prescribing it. Additionally, since testosterone use (especially oral) taxes the liver and can adversely affect your cholesterol, it is important to check liver function and lipids before prescribing it, to make sure you're a good candidate, and then follow both periodically as long as you're on it.
Our experience in the Hormone Jungle
is that a sound approach to HRT's is to start a journal, in which you log the date, which vitamins, supplements, HRT's and other meds you're on, and what symptoms you're having... adjust only one hormone at a time, by small increments... and wait a few weeks between adjustments to give your body time to fully acclimate to the new levels before deciding whether or not the change was for the better or worse.
Yep, it is basically trial and error, and it can be a long, slow process. My first six months post op, I basically only learned which estrogen dosage worked best for me and that I didn't do well on much progesterone. Even then, as my general health changed over the years, I've had to adjust the estrogen dosage from where I was then. I have also had to adjust progesterone and testosterone as my general health and exercise level have changed. It's a work in progress, and always will be.
When your DR says the bleeding is 'hormonal or endometriosis', what does she mean by that? Is she suggesting that you can buy yourself time (and possibly the ability to conceive) by using hormonal medications? If so, I would suggest you consult a reproductive endocrinologist for an opinion on how realistic this is for you, as well as which meds are safe for someone who is going to be trying to conceive. I understand your reluctance to use Depo Provera, BTW... while I used it for a few years as birth control and felt great on it, I have since then had breast cancer which I feel might be related to my use of the synthetic progestin Provera for more than a short period of time. My DR no longer recommends it for long term use.
Has your DR suggested that you consider the Mirena Coil for a little while? Some women do very well on this... but I'm not sure how it ability to conceive when it's removed. That would be a question for the DR.
I'm sorry I've probably created more questions in your mind than I've answered. It sounds like you need more information in order to make a decision about how to proceed. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
s,
-Linda
Update on me - test results - hormone questions
