Too Much or Too Little?

Several patients have requested that I describe the most frequent symptoms associated with having a free estradiol which is below the normal range, and conversely those associated with being above the normal range (which is 0.5 to 1.5 picograms per milliliter).  Normal free testosterone levels are between 2.2 and 7.2 picograms per ml.

Low estradiol (estrogen):

1.      Sleep disruption – wakes up 3-4 in AM

2.      Headaches

3.      Mean

4.      Teary

5.      Exhausted

High estradiol:

1.      Can’t get to sleep at night

2.      Breast soreness

3.      Fluid retention

4.      Feels wired

High progesterone:

          1.     Swelling

          2.    Weight gain

          3.    Depression

          4.    Bloating

          5.    Sleepiness

Low progesterone:

           1.    Abnormal spotting or bleeding

           2.     Breast tenderness

Low testosterone:

1.      No libido

2.      Difficulty reaching orgasm

3.      Low energy and stamina

4.      Bad mood

High testosterone:

1.      Hair loss

2.      Aggressive

3.      Weight gain

4.      Increased facial hair