Am I truly menopausal?

[Liz S]

BC Dx 2003 Age 46 at diagnosis; ER+/PR+; chemo(A/C)induced menopause so am now taking exemestane (was not at all perimenopausal before dx).  My FSH levels (3 tests in last year) are consistently over 30 (50; 50; 100) - I want my FSH monitored closely to ensure the exemestane is appropriate for me.

My question - I have dense breasts that over the years have produced a lot of cysts.  This week my surgeon aspirated another cyst and mentioned he's somewhat concerned that I'm still producing cysts - raising the possibility that my body is still generating estrogen (or perhaps residual estrogen?)

Recent blood work results as follows:

FSH         100
LH Serum     70.7
Estradiol    173

Also, comparing a recent vaginal ultrasound to one done in 2002, my ovaries have shrunk by about half (don't have exact measurements)

Do the above results conclusively indicate menopause?  I am concerned that I might still be proucing estrogen via my ovaries.

thanks

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Liz S:  While your FSH and LH are elevated.  If you have typed the estradiol correctly, it is also high.  The estradiol is the test, not the FSH, that should be followed.  If this estradiol level is true, you may wish to review the medication with your doctor.  Post menopausal levels of estradiol are usually low (depending on the lab and measurement <30 or lower).

[Liz S]

Do you have any information? Thank you.

[Liz S]

Thanks - yes that is the correct Estradiol number and it's what's concerning me - I'll follow up with my oncologist and an endocronologist as well.  Have a lovely long weekend.