Estrogen dominance

Hi Ladies,

I had my first hormone saliva test since going on bio-identical hormone therapy (trans-dermal) last November. Even though I am on a very low dose of estrogen with progesterone, my estrogen levels are too high! (I didn't think that was possible without ovaries.)

My pharmacist is cutting the estrogen even further and adding more progesterone as well. So ladies, if you're worried about estrogen-related complications or side-effects, I hope you'll consider getting your levels checked.

Blessings to all,
Laura

Laura:

If you're overweight, or your endo is active again, you can have sources of estrogen other than your ovaries.

Fat cells contain estrone, which is a very weak form of estrogen, and endo can make its own estrogen as well.

One piece of good news is that, even if cutting your patch dose (or cream) you may have relatively few symptoms to deal with, as you seem to have your own intrinsic estrogen.

Also, is it possible that your diet contains a lot of soy? At our house, it does, and I'm considering dropping it to see if my endo (which may have recurred) is improved.

Good luck on the lower dose and let us know how it's working, OK?

Audrey

Hi Petit4

I have a question for you. Are you cutting back on your estrogen because you are symptomatic for to high estrogen or just because your levels show you are to high?

My levels were fine for my situation, but because I'm still showing physical signs of to low estrogen (hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, etc.) we're still working with increasing my estrogens. Doc says seeing what the levels are is one thing, but how I feel is another. If I don't feel right then I'm not getting enough. And believe me I'm on a ton of estrogen(Tri-Est) along with progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and suppliments.

Just curious.

Teresa

Hi,

Thanks for both your responses. I am not overweight; in fact, I'm probably thinner than I should be (not on purpose). I don't know how that might affect anything hormone-wise.

I have migraines, so I do not eat soy or soy-based foods (a pretty common trigger). Due to endo and family medical history, I want to keep my estrogen intake as low as I can stand without being symptomatic. So far I do not have hot flashes or other common menopausal issues.

If I still have endo, it isn't obvious to me yet. I pray that's not the case.



Laura