So the results are in and I'm trying to make sense of them...
Estradiol = 1.3 (low/norm)
Progesterone = 437 (high, but target range when using cream is 200-3k)
Ratio = 336 (100-500 norm, when e2 is 1.3-3.3)
Testosterone = 34 (slightly elevated, 30 is prime for age)
Dheas = 2.6 (low, 2-23 is range, prime for age is somewhere around 6)
Cortisol = 5.5 (spot on for time of day)
I have an appt with my doctor at the end of the month, I'm going to get my thyroid tested then too and request to see an endocrinologist. I'm wondering how I can be so low in DHEAS but have elevated testosterone, since DHEA/DHEAS is the precursor to T. (?) Any insight, theories, or interpretations would be greatly appreciated!!!
I would like to add, while doing the NPC, I do feel better and didn't get a single new blemish during the entire last three weeks that I was supplementing, although I did notice some bloating happening during just the past week. (I have ceased using it for the time being--based on where I am in my cycle.)
I've been doing some research and it would appear that I am, at least, suffering from some significant level of adrenal fatigue.
Okay, been doing tons off research. The low DHEAS does imply that my adrenals have been under-performing, which could be responsible for the hormone imbalance, at least in part.
I'm not panicking so much now, because apparently 80% of peoplehave this [adrenals] happen at some point in their lives. Women will feel the effects more...for obvious reasons and some not-so-obvious...
I have made a lot of lifestyle changes recently (not staying up late, juicing and eating a ton of vegetables, etc.) and I have already noticed a difference in how I'm feeling.
I'm guessing that my adrenals crashed a few months back--at the point where I was SO exhausted all the time I was loopy all day! I really felt awful. I read that it takes several months to recover [adrenals] with effort. Considering that I've been gradually feeling better with the changes, my adrenals are probably on the mend...I will have to retest in a few months to really get a gauge for what's happening there.
As far as the NPC, as long as I can find a dosage that alleviates my symptoms...I'm actually reaching good therapeutic-range saliva levels.
I've been supplementing with DIM the past two months. Turns out, DIM raises your free testosterone levels. It prevents aromatase from covering it to estrogen. Great if you're a guy with low T, not so much if you're a woman, or your E to T ratio is okay...I think that may explain why my E is on the low end right now and my T is elevated. I've read several other thread boards where people have reported their T levels rising significantly after beginning DIM. I'm going to stop the DIM...I don't think it's for me.
I stopped taking the DIM, since it can raise testosterone more. I hadn't taken the chasteberry consistently before, but now I am. I am also taking Inositol. It can help to lower the testosterone also.
FYI, I'm not taking any synthetic hormones. I'm using bio-identical, natural progesterone. There is a big difference and if you don't know it, you should look it up--don't use the synthetic stuff--it's bad.
An update for this month...all around I am feeling way better. During this cycle, I had a few run-of-the-mill zits along my jawline, but NO cysts!
It's a huge improvement.
I need to get some more in depth hormonal testing like you, but now that I'm on spiro it might mess with the results. I only had my total testosterone tested which was at 25. That is supposed to be good but I still had the hormonal acne going on and PCOS. I have heard a lot about DIM too but I would need a doctor to guide me before I start taking supplements.
I have some symptoms like you my adrenals felt burned out and i started taking Adenal health capsules by Gaia herbs all natural stuff it helped me alot from always feeling exhausted. Maca root also helped my energy and regukated my cycle. You can maybe look into DHT block if you're test is high, lmk if you do , I am thinking about getting a hormonal test done, just so many options,,is saliva the best way to test them? Also I heard saw palmetto is natural for raising progesterone so if your estrogen is low or even normal and your progesterone is low this will help.