Blood results

[becky77]

Following my fist appointment with GIC in London I had my blood tests done, last time was back in may so 6.5 months ago. Since then my E was upped to three patches a week but Anti-Androgen remained the same.
I had a phone call from a Doctor I don't know saying have I stopped taking the Androcur because my Prolactin is so high, I said the Endo last time round didn't seem phased and upped my E so speak to him.

So today I pick up the blood tests, as expected my Testosterone is lower and pretty much where it should be, my Prolactine is raised more but not worrying (at least for what I can see with the information I have found online) but it worries me I might get grief to stop before I next see an endo.
However my E has gone down? It's now just above normal male range which is baffling, perhaps my body just doesn't like the patches, or maybe something is amiss somewhere, it should have gone up not down.
Right now I feel pretty frustrated with it all, GIC asked for the blood test but the next appointment isn't till June next year. I'm hoping they get me to see an endo once they see the results but it's more likely they will ask me to stop till they have time to see me which would be ridiculous.

Anyone else use patches?

[Rianna Humble]

Did the doctor say where he was from? Could he have been from the GIC?

I find the wording of the question interesting, this person seems to be worried about whether you are taking enough anti-androgen.

Rather than use on-line resources which may or may not be reliable, I strongly urge you to discuss the risks with your GP. Side effects of a Prolactin imbalance can include problems with your vision even up to blindness.

The specialists in the GIC will be aware of what is going on and will liaise with your GP about treatment.

[I Am Paula]

I'm on two patches a week (Estradot), and my E seems to be stabilized, and fine. My T, from Androcur, is almost zero.
My Endo seems happy with where I'm at, and, I trust him completely.

[GabbiSophia]

I just had my blood done and i am at the 7 month mark. I was suprised at how low my e was also. I am only about 10 points higher than a normal high end male. I am on patches also. My total t was higher then i thought would be also. With that said though i am still seeing results but do wonder how good they would be if my e were up a little.

[Nigella]

I assume that the tests were at the request of either the GIC or your endo. If this is the case, would it not be more practical to send them to the person who requested them. Whilst I was under the GIC, my GP just took the blood but left the resulting reading and prescribing to the Endo/pharmacist at the GIC.

The problem with most GP surgeries now a days is that you can hardly ever get to see the same Dr twice. So the call could have been from some locum who has no idea about you.

[becky77]

The problem with most GP surgeries now a days is that you can hardly ever get to see the same Dr twice. So the call could have been from some locum who has no idea about you.

I think you are right. He was from my local practice but I was confused at first as I assumed he was calling from GIC.

I'm between private endo and GIC currently, the Prolactin (can I say the level here?)
As far as I know is still within an ok range for TS, I think the doctor is reading a male range.
I just don't get why the E has gone down despite taking more?
GIC requested the blood test so I guess I will await their response.
I might book in to see the private endo in the mean time just in case, but I could really do without the extra expense.

[Frances]

I use patches, always have. My absoption levels are very good. It depends from one person to the next. I put them on my love handle, as fat cells absord really well. Where do you put them?

[whowhatwhen]

Wouldn't the edges of the patches collect lint and drive you crazy?

[Frances]

Is the question directed at me? If you only you would be alowed to quote a previous thread. If so, yes, there is lint, and no, it does not bother me.

[Nigella]

Whowhatwhen

I use patches just like Frances, and as she says they do collect lint, however, a quick rub over with oil soon removes that.

Becky, I think what you will find is that the GIC requested the bloods to set base line for when they take on responsibility for prescribing. They will more than likely contact you to discuss any changes they may think fit prior to taking you on.

Are you registered at the GP practice as male or female? Although I have yet to change my "official" gender, ( no GRC ) yet, as soon as I registered my name change at the GP practice, it automatically changed my gender marker on the GPs system, to the extent that my GP had to remove the automatic recall for cervical smears :)

[becky77]

Where do you put them?

I was wondering this last night, I put them where the pamphlet recommends, several inches under the belly button. I'm going to put it a bit higher onto the tummy fat and try that.
I am now wondering if what you say has relevance, they probably were not connecting to fat cells.

I'm on exactly the same as Paula, Estradot and Androcur.

Having been told I can put my levels on here, my current Prolactin level is 682 mu/L
T - 0.5 nmol/L, E - 186 pmol/ L.

Patches can get lint from say black knickers, its happens no big deal.

Nigella, I had baselines done over a year ago with a private endo. GIC consult with him and are happy to use his notes and even asked if they can contact him on my behalf.
They also did a bloodtest on a workshop I attended in summer so they have a lot of info already.
They agreed to take over my monitoring, but I'm sure they will want to make their own changes.

I will be changing to female with the GP very soon, it is getting frustrating but my problem not theirs.

[Cheryl123]

Hi Becky,
My Estrodot instructions (US Manufactured) simply recommend anywhere on the stomach. I used patches with good results for about a year and placed them a few inches above the belly button. I also covered the patches with surgical tape -- if you do this find the kind that won't irritate your skin. The tape keeps moisture from seeping under the patch and ensures the patch presses tightly onto the skin. The instructions also recommend that the patch be placed where clothing will not rub against the patch.

One of the problems with discussing patches here in the forum is that mentioning the strength of the patch is not allowed -- and I understand perfectly the reason behind the restriction and have no problem with it. The point is that some patches are 4 times stronger than others. Comparing results with others is difficult unless everyone is using the same strength patch. And even then, some women just need more estrogen. These are matters to discuss with the Endo. It would be great if you could get a test done before next June (can that be done privately, or too expensive??) If the E is still to low, you could then ask for more Estrogen. Good luck.

[Traci Elizabeth]

Getting back to your blood test results. You will find that even with long term use of "E," you can still have variations from one blood test to another. You may go four blood tests that the "E" is exactly the same then on the fifth it has gone up or down for no apparent reason.

You should be on patches if you are over 40. My patch instructions show stomach or upper backside. I tend to put mine on my upper arse as I think they stay on better there than on my stomach.

Also remember that there is a difference in ranges for Estradiol vs. Estrogen. They are NOT the same. In the past one of my doctors would have my "Estradiol" tested then the next time my "Estrogen." The results confused the hell out of me until my doctor explained the difference between the two tests. Also one lab can use one scale say pg/ml and another lab pmol/L the results for the same test will differ depending on the measurement used by the lab. Make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples with blood test results.

[MarieTS]

Same here, estradiol tests, patches on the upper fanny, works and holds better than on the tummy.

[Linda Z]

What the point of testing Prolactin levels, is there a interaction?

[whowhatwhen]

IIRC If it's too high that could mean you have a pituitary tumor.

[becky77]

When I posted this it was just after my 'When does it start getting better' thread. Since the advise to try putting the patch in a fatty area my next thread was about my great Christmas.
Coincidence? or are the patches working better now and returned me to sanity?

Just wondered it today. Powerful stuff hormones.

[Frances]

There you go. This forum is good for something.