Indeed, blood levels of estradiol associated with the standard dose of HRT (1 mg of oral estradiol or 50 mcg estradiol patch) are between 150-370 pmol/L. It is therefore accepted that blood levels greater than 700 pmol/L should be avoided.
Adequate estradiol levels (100-150pg/mL) indicate that continued vasomotor symptoms may have another etiology. Conversely, the patient may have increased estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. In women with estradiol levels greater than 100pg/mL and mastalgia, it may be necessary to reduce the estrogen dose.
Optimal Result: 50 - 170 pg/mL. Where is estrogen made? Estrogen is made primarily in the ovaries of cycling women, while smaller amounts can be converted from testosterone through aromatization.
Women in the prime of their reproductive years have estrogen levels of 400, progesterone levels of 25, and testosterone levels of 100. Target levels for treating menopausal symptoms are 50 for estrogen, 10 for progesterone, and at least 40 for total testosterone and 1.3 for free testosterone.
Before puberty: 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL (0 to 4.0 IU/L) During puberty: 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L) Women who are still menstruating: 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL (4.5 to 21.5 IU/L) After menopause: 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL (25.8 to 134.8 IU/L)
How are hormonal imbalances diagnosed? Healthcare providers typically order blood tests to check hormone levels since your endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream.
An example may be an estrogen patch, gel or spray, with micronized progesterone, the progesterone being taken for 12 to 14 days per 28 day cycle, in a dose of 200mg daily at bedtime.
Optimal Result: 200 - 1000 Ratio.
Is estrogen or progesterone better? Estrogen and progesterone are both equally important for the healthy functions of the body. If they're at proper levels, these two hormones can support your optimal health and wellbeing. The only time this question may be relevant is in regards to hormonal contraception.
Estrogen helps protect the heart from disease, potentially by maintaining higher levels of good cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL), in your blood. Lower estrogen levels, especially during menopause, can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Optimal Result: 0.3 - 50.6 nmol/L, or 0.09 - 15.91 ng/mL.
A low dose of HRT hormones is usually prescribed to begin with. If you need to, you can increase your dose at a later stage. Once you've started HRT, it's best to take it for a few months to see if it works well for you. If not, you can try a different type or increase the dose.
Your body needs estrogen for your reproductive, cardiovascular and bone health. Too much estrogen, though, can cause irregular periods and may worsen conditions that affect your reproductive health.
The optimal type of progestogen is called 'micronised' progesterone (Utrogestan in the UK). This is a “body identical” progesterone as it has the same molecular structure as the progesterone in your body.
If several months have passed and you are seeing no improvement in your menopause symptoms, it could be one of the signs that HRT is not working for you. You might need to increase your dose of HRT, specifically the oestrogen you are taking.
In HRT, the progestin is added to the estrogen to protect against the risk of hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. More than 30 studies have shown that the administration of estrogens alone to non-hysterectomized women considerably increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer [23,27,28].
That said, when it comes to sex hormones, too much of a good thing isn't always great; a change in weight, water retention and changes in sex drive may all be a result of high progesterone levels. The most common signs and symptoms of high progesterone levels include: Weight fluctuations. Fatigue.
Continuous combined HRT is usually recommended for women who are postmenopausal. A woman is usually said to be postmenopausal if she has not had a period for 1 year. Continuous combined HRT involves taking oestrogen and progestogen every day without a break.
During menopause, progesterone levels are typically 0.20 ng/mL or lower.
Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea). Weight gain, especially in your belly. Headaches before or during your period. Decreased sex drive and painful intercourse (dyspareunia).