SOLUTIONS FOR DISEASES OF MODERN CIVILIZATION
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Expanded Female Hormone Panel
Weight gain.
The patient had gained some unwanted weight. She thought hormones might be playing a part, so the doctor ordered the Expanded Female Hormone Panel (eFHP) to "map" ovarian and brain hormone levels.
DHEA was borderline low. Testosterone was very high. Estradiol was about right most of the time, but could have been a little lower in the luteal phase. Progesterone was too high at the beginning of the cycle and "off the chart" during the middle of the luteal phase. In fact, only one progesterone value was what I would call normal.
The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) spike and luteinizing hormone (LH) spike were both low indicating to me that the high progesterone was not a function of over stimulation by the brain. That raises the probability of overdose caused by exogenous hormone use.
Very high testosterone is often a symptom of ovarian cysts (polycystic ovaries, PCOS). She might want to have her ovaries checked to see if cysts exist. However, because the progesterone likely is coming from an external source, the testosterone may be, too. I suggested the doctor look into all skin care products to make sure none contained hormone(s).
Warm regards,
Dr. Mark Rhodes, Ph.D.
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