Interesting sublingual estrogen levels...

[teeg]

I hope it's OK by the rules to post this, I'm not seeking medical advice.

In the past 4 months I've had my estradiol levels checked three times. The first, my estradiol level was 240.5 pg/mL. Second, 166.5 pg/mL. Third, most recent, 370.5 pg/mL.

I take my doses twice per day, once at 8AM and once at 8PM. When my level was 370 the lab was drawn at 9AM, 240 at 12PM, 166 at 5PM.

It seems my level spikes immediately after I take my dose, then tapers off during the day to when I'm just about to take my second daily dose my estrogen level is quite low.

My SHBG was also tested and was 88 (normal range 18 - 57). This confirmed my fears that having such a large spike would convince my body that I have too much estrogen, thus making it want to bind it and leave it un-usable. My prolactin level is also high, 44 (normal range 4 - 18).

I'm afraid taking estrogen sublingually might be confusing my body, especially in terms of it not knowing if it should initiate development or not, sending mixed messages so to speak. I'm going to get a level check right before I take my dose, and another level check right after I take my dose.

Anyone have similar experiences with sublingual estrogen?

[luna nyan]

Hi teeg,

Sublingual will give you a bigger spike within the first hour compared to taking it in pill form.  The half life is still the same, but your initial maximum level will be higher.  That's why ideally your doses should be spaced apart evenly timewise to average it out better.  My levels tended to spike to about 240-280 pg/mL about an hour after taking my dose.

You will still develop regardless, but if you want a more constant level, consider the alternate methods - patch/injection/pellets.  The pellets will most likely give the most constant level.

[Satinjoy]

As far as I am concerned, those are terrific levels to have.  Your endo will know for sure, but that decay rate is a gift the way you are currently taking this.  I have testing tomorrow, and I am close to max dose and under 200 about half of the day.  Menapausal in the morning and about 4 hours from the first dose.  I am going to test at peak tomorrow morning and ask the endo to do a peak followed by a half life test for my own peace of mind.... before going to other delivery methods. I can't afford them or I swim too much.

[JennX]

Your levels are fine. You want to wait to test your blood ideally 12 hours after taking your last dose... or at least 10 hours. That way you get the most accurate baseline low level for serum E2. Yes... it's normal to have a spike right after taking a pill... and no you are not tricking your body. The same thing happens with injectable estrogen valerate... but even more dramatically so... your E2 serum level can jump to 1500-2000 pg/ml and then drop back down over a period of days, not hours. You're doing fine.