Women: Stay informed with the Menopause Type^® E-News. Subscribe Now!
Home | Symptoms & Risks | Ask Dr. Collins | Q & A Library | Find a Physician | Choose a Pharmacist | Site Map Speaking Schedule | The Book | About the Author | Herbs | Nutritional Supplements | Your Hormones | Seminar Questionnaire | Lab Tests | Hormone Choices | Resources for Women | Pharmacists Resources | Physicians Resources
	Normal Test Results Answers, by Dr. Joseph Collins Question: I have had 18-20 different tests ran that all come out normal. I have been told there is nothing wrong with me . . . yet by the questionnaire I am TYPE 9. Is there a right or wrong time for a lot of the tests that have been done? I have brought perimenopause up to my doctor several times; just keep sending me for more tests. I'm at my wits end. I just turned 40 & have been going through a lot of symptoms for 2 years. Please help!! Answer: You are expressing a common concern. When any individual is being treated by a healthcare professional such as a physician, it is important that the physician looks at the entire presentation - both the lab tests and the symptoms. Remember, the word diagnoses means "complete knowledge" (page 28 -29). Though I have consulted with laboratories for years, I frequently say, "Lab work is half the work. It's important to look up from the lab report and see how the patient is doing." Review page 49. Remember that a woman may be in "normal range" and still be miserable. This may be because she is barely into normal range, such as the first quartile - but her hormone levels have been in a higher quartile most of her life. In these situations a woman's receptors are sensing a "relative deficiency" even though she is in "normal range." I am a strong proponent of using lifestyle, foods, nutrition and herbs in such cases. Many times these non-hormonal choices can relieve symptoms and help the body tolerate the changes of menopause and perimenopause. In perimenopausal women I often advise these non-hormonal choices first, the next step may include precursors, such as DHEA or pregnenolone. I have found precursors such as DHEA and pregnenolone to be quite helpful in perimenopausal women. If a woman chooses these precursors. it is important that she informs her physician of this choice and asks the physician to monitor her hormone levels. I find Don Quai and Black Cohosh to be very helpful in management of symptoms with "normal tests." Also review Chapter 11. After seeing how important vitamins and minerals are needed for production of hormones, there should be no doubt that supplements play an important role. Dr. Joseph J. Collins
	YourMenopauseType.com, Inc. Copyright © & ® | Disclaimer and Legal | Contact Us