Hormone Level Testing

Hello all!

Has anyone had their hormone levels checked before going on HRT? I was reading Suzanne Somer's book and she seems to think that you can't get the right dosage unless your levels are checked. Well I called my dr. and he said he doesn't do that because it wouldn't be an accurate reading because I'm on HRT already. I just started the Vivelle patch today (.1 every 2 wks) (I was on Estradiol and Estratest before). I am still wondering if I should find someone who does hormone testing. Would love your thoughts on this!

Thanx
Monika

Monika,
I think Suzanne's suggestion is probably meant for those that are in natural menopause, not surgical menopause. If you had your ovaries removed it wouldn't make sense to test your levels before starting hrt as they would probably be very low. Even if you kept your ovaries, testing isn't always the ultimate answer. Levels can fluctuate and test ranges are usually fairly large and there isn't one set level where we will all feel good. Hormones are not one size fits all.

Hi Monika!

You're bound to get a bunch of different views on this subject. Some of us want them tested, some don't care to have it done. Some doctors insist on it while others say it's a waste of time/money.

Unless you are hopelessly lost with no idea how to get balanced my opinion is that it's not necessary. Anyone considering the use of testosterone, or who is already using it, should have the free and total levels of testosterone checked along with cholesterol and a lipid profile.

I have found through my own trek through the Jungle that it's far more accurate to treat me according to my symtoms rather than go by hormone levels. I know how I should feel and I tweaked my hormones until I felt right--and I've managed to get balanced again without any help from testing!

s

Well that makes sense! Thanks. I guess I'll just keep trying until I find the right dosage that works for me.

Thanx again!
Monika