can anybody help??

ERNurse752, RN · Jun 28, 2003

That stinks that they're just going to leave you hanging like that...is there another doctor in their practice who could talk to you about the tests?

With the weight gain and acne, those are two signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is an endocrine disorder. I'm not sure about the low estrogen level though...with PCOS a high testosterone level is something you see.

There are some good websites out there about it, http://www.pcos.net is one of them.

But don't jump to conclusions...I'm not a MD or NP, and I don't know the whole story.

Good luck :)

Spaniel gal · Jun 28, 2003

hi thanks for the info

all the other GP's are 'busy' and my GP put a note on my file that he wants to see me personally, he said its not urgent but needs sorting. i think if i remember rightly the test for PCOS was ok (i think...? :confused: )

thanks again

Ruby

ERNurse752, RN · Jun 28, 2003

Busy, eh?

You're welcome...keep us posted.

Spaniel gal · Jun 28, 2003

its a week to a week and a half for an appointment and you might get an appointment if you are at deaths door. im being honest.

ERNurse752, RN · Jun 28, 2003

Oh, I believe you...that's the way it is here also. Makes it fun for those of us working in the ER.

Good luck getting in touch with your doctor...hopefully you can get in as soon as his vacation is over.

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 29, 2003

Make sure you have the thyroid tested too..It can wreak havoc with all the hormones and , if the culprit, can be easily controlled, usually...Good luck!

pappyRN · Jun 29, 2003

Hi,

I am certainly no expert but am willing to venture a guess. Your low estradiol could be indicative of approaching menopause, premature ovarian failure or PCOS- polycystic ovarian syndrome, along with other possiblities. You can also have many of the symptoms of PCOS without actually being diagnosed as having the disease. It requires a thorough workup to make the diagnosis but the symptom such as acne seems to be common with it. Insist on a full hormonal workup including an FSH level. Be sure to have thyroid levels checked as other medical problems can co-exist along with it.

Estradiol is also referred to as E2. It is the primary estrogen produced by your ovaries. Before menopause, E2 is the predominant estrogen.

There are two books that seem to be recommended although the first one has been said to be complex and more difficult to read. I think that must just mean it is very technical.

The first one is "Screaming to be Heard" and the second one is "Women, Weight and Hormones".They are both by the same author-Dr. Elizabeth Vliet, MD. "Screaming to be Heard" is also said to cover cardiac problems such as premature ventricular contractions, chest pain, palpitations etc. in women and in which the author has successfully treated women with estradiol for persistent PVC's with very good results due to estradiol's action as a vasodialator. I am hoping that my local library has this book or can at least order it for me. The problem is that I have fibromyalgia/CFIDS along with a gazillion other medical problems and have cognitive difficulties along with falling asleep at the drop of a hat. I have tried reading the same book for about 3 months and have never made it through the first chapter. So, if it is as technical as is reported, I'll be lucky to get to page 3!

There is also another book called "PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic" which was written by Samuel Thatcher.

I haven't personally read any of these books so I don't know very much about them except that some women rave about Dr. Vliet's books and others were dissatisfied because of the technical nature of them.

Hope this has been of some help. Good luck at your doctor appointment. Be sure to write down your questions and don't leave unless you fully understand the implications of the low estradiol level.

Warm personal regards,

PappyRN

Spaniel gal · Jun 29, 2003

thanks for the info and advise everybody.

i forgot to say i have been on Depo-provera for 2 years and i have pernious aneamia. as far as i know my throid is ok just border line low.

thanks again Ruby