@pdhuston the doctor ran simple blood test to check for levels, however, there are saliva testing and urine testing as well, which I believe is called the DUTCH test.
I was originally started on an estrogen patch and because I have a uterus, I also took a progesterone pill. Also vaginal estrogen.
Note that since the time I first talked about this, I had to stop all treatment with the exception of the vaginal estrogen which is not systemic and does not cause me any side effects. I was so disappointed.
The progesterone led to severe acid flux and even worse I began having fainting spells and serious heart racing. My doctor immediately stopped the progesterone, only temporarily, to see if this was the cause. While the acid reflux and fainting spells stopped, the heart racing continued to get worse. My cardiologist even put me on a 7 day heart monitor. My cardiologist believed the estrogen was the cause since it was the only thing different in my routine. I stopped it and immediately the heart racing stopped.
I was very disappointed, but grateful nothing else came of it.
I know it’s not easy to find a doctor to help with this, but maybe now that the black box warning has been lifted and the WHI study has clearly been debunked, women will start getting the help we deserve when it comes to our specific health needs.
Good luck,