Hi-
I do not visit this board regularly, so I may not reply to posts...sorry in advance! I was certain I had CFS. Achy joints, memory loss, *extreme* fatigue, "brain fog"...it turns out I do not have CFS...my estradiol levels are extremely low! I am only 26 years old, but my estrogen is at a post-menopausal level. Look at a list of the symptoms of menopause and then a list of the symptoms of CFS. It is uncanny! Plus, the majority of CFS patients are women, which makes me wonder if there's a hormonal connection for at least some of us. If you are a woman and you suspect CFS, demand to have your estradiol checked!
Good luck to you-
-Chris

WOW Chris... I started hormones, a low dose.. ESTROGEN two months ago.. I've been sick since the summer of 96... doc finally put CFIDS as my diagnosis... Started having hotflashes about 3 to 4 mo. so he tested my estrogen level and other tests.... said I definately was in menopause... it's been two months now, my aches and pains are soooo much better, brainfog is getting better, hot flashes gone...thank goodness..LOL I have so much more energy!! I'm wondering if I've slowly been losing estrogen all these years... or totally bottomed out back in 96!!! what a difference this low dose of estrogen has made for me... I even sleep better and everything else *wink* has returned to normal... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

was so glad to see your post and I wish it would help others.... hasn't helped my friend though with CFIDS and FIBRO bad... he hasn't noticed any difference!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

D <---first time poster in here!!

oh and I'm 41... 26 seems so young for estrogen deficiancy.... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif

ooops... that should have said 'SHE' hasn't noticed any difference!!! LOL

It's late and I should be in bed!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

CA Girl...

Hi,
I had a total hysterectomy(ovaries too) in l996 at the age of 51 years and that caused a surgical menopause. I was put on estrogen(Estrace) immediately and have been on it ever since.
Just prior to the hysterectomy I had no symptoms of the usual that indicated peri-menopausal..sweats, mood swings, irregular periods. But for about 2 years, prior to the surgery, I started having chronic swollen glands really a majority of the time with extreme, in-bed fatigue and cognitive impairment. It was frightening. My doctor did ALOT of lab work, x-rays, all normal. My FSH(follicle stimulating hormone) labs were normal too. He diagnosed CFS.
I can say that during the last 6 years almost of being on estrogen, it has done nothing regarding my continuing issues with CFS. I have my estrogen levels done with each yearly PAP smear and they are still within normal range...

Hi,
I am 45 yrs. old and had a total hysterecomy (overies too) at the age of 20. I was not put on estrogen until 5 or so years ago. My doctor just increased the dosage abour 3 months ago. Unfortunatly it never did anything for my CFS, which I've had since (diagnosed) in 1990.
At first I was in denial, then I sought out the "magic pill" to get better. I've tried so many meds. with no help. I also have fibromyalgia. And several other medical problems, that ad up to chronic pain. And they wonder why I'm depressed!Out of room! Thanks, litlbo56

[This message has been edited by litlbo56 (edited 01-24-2002).]

I had a total Hyst. at age 29 and went on estradiol for many years.
I am now 45 and I find the estrogen does nothing for me so I just take calcium tablets daily.

I am fine off the estradiol.

Saw on the news that estrogen is too dangerous to take any more.