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Suggest Treatment For Fatigue, Weight Gain And Headaches
Question: Hello,
I have had a number of test done because of some symptoms I have been having for the last 6- 12 months.
1) Fatigue and lower energy level
2) Weight gain ( about 10 pounds outside of the norm) 5'1 and I'm at 145lbs but usually 135lbs
3) Irritability
4) Headaches twice a month ( seem to match up with drops in estradiol and progesterone during my cycle)
Tried a 30 day SALIVA testing - (I can send full hormone profile from saliva)
Estradiol was low ( day 3 of cycle was .6 pg/mL)
Progesterone was low (day 21 was 235.2 pg/mL)
Cortisol ( 1 day & 7:00am test ) was 2.2 nM/L
Then proceeded with further BLOOD work:
Estradiol (3rd day of cycle) 25.9 pg/mL
Cortisol 6.3
Prolactin 8.3
TSH: 1.84
Not on any medications, not trying to get pregnant, no allergies, always have had a clean XXXXXXX of health.
Should I take any further action? An appointment with endocrinologist in my area is 3 months out.
I have had a number of test done because of some symptoms I have been having for the last 6- 12 months.
1) Fatigue and lower energy level
2) Weight gain ( about 10 pounds outside of the norm) 5'1 and I'm at 145lbs but usually 135lbs
3) Irritability
4) Headaches twice a month ( seem to match up with drops in estradiol and progesterone during my cycle)
Tried a 30 day SALIVA testing - (I can send full hormone profile from saliva)
Estradiol was low ( day 3 of cycle was .6 pg/mL)
Progesterone was low (day 21 was 235.2 pg/mL)
Cortisol ( 1 day & 7:00am test ) was 2.2 nM/L
Then proceeded with further BLOOD work:
Estradiol (3rd day of cycle) 25.9 pg/mL
Cortisol 6.3
Prolactin 8.3
TSH: 1.84
Not on any medications, not trying to get pregnant, no allergies, always have had a clean XXXXXXX of health.
Should I take any further action? An appointment with endocrinologist in my area is 3 months out.
Brief Answer:
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have reviewed the attached laboratory report. Such testing is not uniformly practised globally. It is not considered part of best practice ('standards of care') in Endocrinology. Expert guidelines by authoritative bodies does not endorse the use of these in practice because solid evidence for it's use is grossly lacking.
Regarding the blood tests for TSH and Cortisol, I will comment that the TSH and Prolactin are normal while the 8 am Cortisol is a tad low. This generally indicates the possibility of a condition called adrenal insufficiency. However one of the hallmarks of this problem is weight loss, while you are in fact gaining weight. Nonetheless, you are free to discuss this report with your doctor and consider proceeding with a test called ACTH stimulation test which can confirm or rule out this diagnosis.
Generally, as long as menstrual cycles are regular, one does not really need to check Estradiol, Progesterone and related hormones.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person. I understand you have an appointment although I am aware of the delays in scheduling with Endocrinologists.
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have reviewed the attached laboratory report. Such testing is not uniformly practised globally. It is not considered part of best practice ('standards of care') in Endocrinology. Expert guidelines by authoritative bodies does not endorse the use of these in practice because solid evidence for it's use is grossly lacking.
Regarding the blood tests for TSH and Cortisol, I will comment that the TSH and Prolactin are normal while the 8 am Cortisol is a tad low. This generally indicates the possibility of a condition called adrenal insufficiency. However one of the hallmarks of this problem is weight loss, while you are in fact gaining weight. Nonetheless, you are free to discuss this report with your doctor and consider proceeding with a test called ACTH stimulation test which can confirm or rule out this diagnosis.
Generally, as long as menstrual cycles are regular, one does not really need to check Estradiol, Progesterone and related hormones.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person. I understand you have an appointment although I am aware of the delays in scheduling with Endocrinologists.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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