When to have sex hormone tests?

[fragrance850]

Hi, all,

I plan to have my sex hormone panel tested, including 6 hormones,
Estrogen (E2)
FSH
LH
PRL
Testosterone
Progesterone

However, I received contradictory information from two endo doctors. One told me to have them tested on the 3rd day OF(within) the mentrual cycle, the other said I should be tested on the 3rd day AFTER the menstrual cycle. Also I saw on the internet that some people tested the first way, some other tested the second way. I am really confused!!

I googled for follicular phase, it lasts for about 13 days when the mentrual cycle began. So both times are included in this phase, and the lab references are in this phase, too. But that information doesn't give a clear clue/hint on the best time for tests.

Last time I have 3 of them tested, but tested on the 3rd day OF(within) the mentrual cycle, found the E2 is a little low. But I heard that it will be up after the menstrual cycle is finished.

E2 22.3 (11-165)
Progesterone 1.08 (0.15-1.4)
Testosterone 33.10 (14-76)

Anyone has wise points or experiences on it? Should I ask a 3rd,4th...Nth doctor to confirm? Thanks.

[laura1967]

How come they are only testing one estrogen instead of all three??  I think it is the 3rd day into your menstrual cycle you want to have the testing done. Except if you are on the pill, then you wait until the end of the week of your cycle.

[fragrance850]

Hi, laura,

Because the tests are "demanded" by myself, I paid for them. So if the tests I have had were done in the appropriate time. My Estrogen hormone is at a very low level. I am very worried about it, and don't know what it will cause problems.

[Rachel4]

I have no clue. I've been wondering about hormone testing for myself.

This has been a helpful website for me http://labtestsonline.org/index.html

[laura1967]

I had a complete hormone panel done myself a little over 1 yr ago. I was low on estrogen and progesterone. I had estrogen deficiency and estrogen dominance! lol  Double whammy! I decided to go on birth control pill to cycle myself out for a couple of years....I was to the point I was missing periods. The pms was aweful too! But also for the fact I have all the thyroid issues, I am sure it made things worse. If I was all the way through menopause I would take bio-identical hormones, but right now I don't want to chance a mid life baby so I am taking bcp's.
There are some great bio-identical hormone creams out there....just remember you need to take progesterone too if you take estrogen. Also make sure the creams don't have any parabens in it. (Nasty chemicals)  :)

[fragrance850]

Hi, laura,

What do you mean by "taking bcp's"? I heard that some others recommended DHEA which can be found the health food store, but I am not sure if it is safe to take it as treatment.

I have made an appt for a Reproductive doctor to see what she would say about that report. Also I think I should have another sex hormone panel including DHEAS rechecked during the period next month to make sure that I really do have Estrogen deficiency. And I heard that the test for Progesterone can be done a week before the cycle to see if females ovulate.

:)

[laura1967]

bcp's- birth control pills
I would highly recommend against taking Dhea without testing to see if you have a deficiency.  Glad to hear you set appt with hormone doctor...that is the best way if you want to supplement after testing....I would ask for bioidenticle. Let me know how your testing turns out! :)