Does you Onco check your hormone levels?

DianaNM

If so, what is the test? My appointment is Friday, I'm going to be asked if I want a prescription for Tamox or Aromisin. I really don't want either without knowing what my estrogen status is.

I know I've been very low in the past, and my Estradiole has been low for years. Onco says that test doesn't mean anything, I am post menopausal. Had both Mammaprint (low risk) and Oncotype (8). I think the first one says my Estrogen status is +34% unless I'm reading it wrong.

I have had this beast twice. But I'm convinced the reason is not completely related to estrogen, but more to my sensitivity to radiation from exposure in my 20s.

I don't want to be old before my time. But if the test, whatever it is, says I still have tons of estrogen I will take the scrip.

I'm asking because my Onco is pretty by the book and not a great listener. For him, ER+ equals hormonal pills. I think I will need to tell him what test I want.

CAMommy

I'm going to ask mine to test my levels. In had a hysterectomy/BSO two years ago and was on estrogen which I had to stop because of this mess. My DCIS is 70%+ for estrogen. I'm thinking I don't have a heck of a lot left anymore without my ovaries.

ksusan

My BS ran hormone levels pretty early on. Because I'm still producing estradiol, I'm considered premenopausal. Therefore, I'm getting tamoxifen. If my MO wouldn't test me but wanted me to choose, I might say, "It depends on my hormone levels."

katcar0001

I get mine checked, and my onc wants me to do it every 3-4 months to determine when I can switch to an AI. I get FH, LH tested as well as the various estrogens (estradiol, etc.) and also progesterone. I am nowhere near menopause, but he did not recommend shutting down my ovaries :-(.

DianaNM

Catcher, what is the complete name of the FH, LH test? Maybe that's the test I need to ask for.

The typo in the title is driving me crazy. Is there a way to edit the title?

katcar0001

I don't know how to edit the title, but don't worry about it. What's important is that you get your questions answered ;-).

I meant FSH, which stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone. The other is Luteinizing Hormone.

DianaNM

Ok, have heard of those, and was thinking that is what I need to ask for. Thought I had them pre-surgery but it was TSH only. Thyroid Screen, and low again.

Anonymous

Hi,

I didn't ask my MO, but my gynecologist/nurse practioner instead. And she did them, no problem, after she heard my explanation about why I wanted/needed my estrogen levels tested. You might try your gynecology office, but you'll probably have to make an appt and talk to whoever.

After she got the results I had her fax/e-send the results to my MO.

Claire

Slappy-Squirrel

My onco never offered to test my hormone levels (estradiol) or do a bone scan before starting Anastrozole. I asked him for the bone scan before starting Anastrozole. Good thing I did; I went from strong bones to osteopenia in just 7 months. I asked my PCP for an estradiol test while on the drug and again a few months after I stopped taking it. While on the drug, my estradiol was <15; off the drug, it was 16.4. Before my hysterectomy, it was 65. Did the drug make a big difference? No idea, can't get a straight answer.

vlnrph

Baseline bone density/DEXA scan should be routine prior to starting an aromatase inhibitor. Maybe snappy-squirrel's oncologist thought her primary care provider would order it? Good job on requesting one.

I had FSH, LH & estradiol checked twice, a few months apart, before being switched from tamoxifen to AI therapy.

Even with no ovarian function, we have our favorite female hormone supplied internally via enzyme action in fat cells. I think this is why it is so hard to lose weight after menopause: our bodies know how good it is for mood, cardiac health, etc which means every shred of adipose tissue stubbornly hangs around so we can make more...

Anonymous

vlnrph,

Well said!

Claire

Kicks

A bone scan and a DEXA test (bone density) are not the same. Bone scans are not to look for density - DEXA tests are for that.

Because of strong family HX of osteoporosis and relatively early nature meonpaouse (44) I had been having DEXA for years and was already osteopenia - now osteoporosis. Was 63 at DX.

All our bodies produce estrogen - even men - even afer natural or surgical menopause, we ingest estrogen in many things we eat.

live_deliciously

im not an expert here by any means but I was in hormone therapy for about 9 months before my diagnosis. Depending on when they take your estrogen level if you are pre menopausal anyway it varies during the month.

Cmo65

Mine did. She said: oh yeah you're still kicking! So Tamoxifen for you!

debiann

I had a partial hysterectomy in 07, but still had my ovaries so my MO checked my estrogen level just to make sure I was post menopausal. He does not routinely check them and said regardless the number still doing AI's. Luckily my se's are very mild so I don't mind being on them.

Anonymous

I had mine checked twice: one as a baseline and then 9 months later, another. Both times proved I was in permanent chemo-pause, so it was goodbye Tamox and hello Arimidex (now Aromasin) for me.

bevin

HI, Mine checks, up front prior to starting the AI and then at the 1 year mark. LH, FSH, estrogen were checked both times.. I'm glad. Its good to know the AI's are working!

Tresjoli2

I just had mine checked, but I am not sure what they mean. My Estradiol was 5, my FSH was 11, and my LH was <1. I am on Lupron and had my last injection July 31st.

Slappy-Squirrel

Means your Lupron is working I think. That's a really low Estradiol level.

Shirley

Slappy-Squirrel

Bevin,

Can you remember what your pre and post estradiol levels were/are? I'm really interested since my oncologist didn't test mine.

Shirley

Tresjoli2

I'm surprised that the FSH is in the normal range.

Anonymous

I think you can Dr. Google what estradiol levels are and what they mean, also.

DianaNM

After all the worry, since both the Oncotype and Mammaprint came back low risk, my Onco is not pushing the hormonals. He strongly advises it , however. I'm going to ask my GP to have my FSH, LH, TSH and estradiol checked in a couple months since I'm trying a new thyroid med and also added Indole 3 to my supplements.