Hormone Level Reader

[Guest Opal]

I have recently started using a Blood Glucose level meter and strips to monitor my blood sugar levels. Although it is quite annoying, the info it provides is important.

So I was wondering, does a similar type reader exist for quickly measuring one's hormonal levels? If there is, I have not run across it. Would such a device be feasible, or is the analysis too complex for a field device?

Wouldn't such a device be nice to have for monitoring hormone treatment, and what would the market be like? I believe it would not only be useful to the Trans community, but to others as well.

Hugs!

Opal

[Guest Hildagard]

Interesting Prospect Opal, I'm not sure about how It'd work, if its even possible, or if there is one out there, but if you find one be sure to report back to us. Google is always your friend on stuff like this.

Love, Hilda.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Opal, Hon.......

I also do the glucose monitoring with a little maching and test strips everyday...

Yes, a hormone level tester would be wonderful, but even if doable, I think the limited market would preclude anyone actually making one...

If it was out there, I'd buy one (if it was reasonable, of course!)

Donna Jean

[Guest Elizabeth K]

How many of us are diabetic!???!!

Wow - no, I do the 'sugar' level tests (pain having to do so and the blood test strips are expensive).

I don't think there are hormonal testing systems for home use. But I might be wrong.

All I know is if you are suddenly crying for no good reason, everyone says you are hormonal! But then that ain't accurate neither!

Lizzy

[Guest Hildagard]

I don't think there are hormonal testing systems for home use. But I might be wrong.

All I know is if you are suddenly crying for no good reason, everyone says you are hormonal! But then that ain't accurate neither!

Lizzy

Oh Hark!

You made me giggle like a frog after catching her first fly!

I also scared the cat.

Love, Hilda.

[Guest Zoddy]

I made some research are there are "home" hormonal basically.

Basically you have to take many saliva samples and mail them to the lab.

From what I've seen for E/T, if you want one hormone test it will cost about $65 and $100 for both, and it takes 2 weeks to receive the results.

I can't say this is very practical.

[Guest sarah f]

I have trouble affording what I already take, I can't imagine paying more money just to test my levels. I think I will wait until the doc requests them.

[Drea]

I only see nothing but ills that would result from such a test.

It is already bad enough that trans folk tend to compare dosages which motivates some to seek out more just cause others are taking more. I could see comparing serum hormone levels and then deciding they need more. Lots of room for abuse with little information of value provided.

Serum hormone levels are not the be all and end all of significance. The chemistry of what goes on, what the precourses and conversion products are along with what it means as far as effects is not describeable as one single number. One may have low levels because it is absorbed into the tissues and is getting put to work rather than sitting in the blood.

Many docs don't even concern themselves too much with the absolute levels depending on what dosages they perscribe. As long as the patient is on track with treatment, effects are what is expected, its not too important. My doc was never interested in E level but instead would look at T level to see how the blockers were working. And then looked at other more relevent things to his interest that would indicate some negative reaction such as cholestrol, liver emzymes, etc.

The hormone check is however useful to verify patients aren't abusing the perscriptions they are given. I have known docs to do this.

By the way, I believe there is a test to detect ovulation. I do not know if that looks at hormones or some other marker.

[Guest Opal]

The hormone check is however useful to verify patients aren't abusing the perscriptions they are given. I have known docs to do this.

By the way, I believe there is a test to detect ovulation. I do not know if that looks at hormones or some other marker.

Hi Drea!

Yes, I was thinking that a field tester would be useful in an HRT regimen that might even allow for a bit more aggressive treatment. Now, for someone who foolishly attempts to self-medicate, I do not believe that the availability of a field tester would make a difference to them. They might, however, realize sooner that they were harming themselves.

As with any new invention, there is potential for misuse. But in the case of blood glucose monitoring, would anyone want to go back to only checking by means of a lab analysis?

Hugs!

Opal