Oestrogen levels

[3girlsunder3]

My oestrogen level is 90 mmol - I've been told this is " on the low side" Can anyone offer any advice please on how low this is - googling hadn't enlightened me at all on whst is the normal range. Im 49. Help please!

I think google can help if you look hard enough- estrogen levels in fertile / post meno women.

What do you intend to do with the information when you have it?
Why do you ask?

Asking because having syptoms which may be related to menopause, or may be unrelated. ( very forgetful, depressed etc)Periods erratic, need to make an informed decision re hrt as strong family history of breast cancer and understand low oestrogen levels could cause my symptoms BUT dont how low levels are relatively and I'm not keen on hrt unless absolutely necessary.

The test for menopause is your FSH level usually. There isn't any point measuring estrogen because it varies throughout the month AND it varies hugely during perimenopause because you will have some cycles with ovulation and some without.

Presumably your GP did the test on a certain day of your cycle?

At 49, your symptoms sound like classic perimenopause. The point is, even if they aren't now, they will be one day because eventually you will have very little natural estrogen.

You need to look at it the other way round; your GP should test you for other things that could cause your symptoms, (ie thyroid and anemia) but if these are normal then it's menopause.

How significant are the breast cancer risks? The 'rule' is women who have had 2 close relatives (mum and sister) with BC at a young age (usually classed as under 50) should talk to a specialist but it's more complicated than that... was the BC estrogen-dependent for example, have you had a genetic test, etc?

Thanks for your reply. My sister had bc at around age 50, half sister had a related brain tumour and several cousins had bc too - all on fathers side. I have months in between periods and last 2 been very light and brown.Think am definitely well into perimenopause, I've read that low oestrogen levels seem to be the culprit in causing symptoms hence wanting to see exactly where my levels are. Have also had over a year of recurrent cystitis so currently using vagifem which seems to have helped. Serum fsh is 15.8 iu/l, although had no idea at the time where I was due to absent periods, bloods were taken just before my period.
It's tricky!

You might find it helpful to read the consultant's comments on breast cancer on Menopause Matters website- Home page- blogs right down at bottom.

The latest thinking- and my own consultant says this too- is that HRT does not cause BC. It 'fuels' cancer in some women that is already there and would most likely have developed anyway.

Personally, I think your cousins are too far removed to be an issue and 1 sister would not be regarded as relevant though I can see why it worries you!

There are different risks with different types of HRT. For example the risks of BC are highest with synthetic progestogens but minimal or no risk / neutral with natural progesterone - Utrogestan (brand name.) My dr has told me this.

I don't think there is any point measuring your estrogen levels because you are clearly in peri meno and they would be low.

When is the best time for a gp to measure
FSH?

There is a huge amount of info online and on the Menopause Matters website.

Days 2-5 of a cycle.

I don't like the MM website at all.
If my cycle is really messed up how can I know when day 2 to 5 is?
So I just have to wait until I have a period again to be able to have the blood test.

mine seems to have disappeared

Sorry. That sounded like I was being a bit of an arse.

Reference levels below

emedicine.medscape.com/article/2089003-overview#a1

If my cycle is really messed up how can I know when day 2 to 5 is?
So I just have to wait until I have a period again to be able to have the blood test.

mine seems to have disappeared

There is no point having an FSH test for accuracy if your periods are erratic. if you want 'proof' of menopause then erratic periods (and nothing else going on is proof!

I see Polly. Thanks.

I've just spoken to my biological mother (who I've only met a few times in my 20's)
She just told me her periods stopped at 38.
Makes sense now.

I've had erratic periods my whole life.