Recent Lab Findings
As an athlete, I have been dealing with hypothalamic amenorrhea since January, a situation I arrived at after a period of weight gain followed by restrictions and intense training, eventually returning to my original weight over a few months. I had my lab work done in April and again just yesterday. I’d like to share some significant changes in my results and would appreciate any feedback about whether this trend indicates I’m making progress. Most values appear to have improved, but my cholesterol levels remain unchanged, and my estradiol has declined. I understand that high cholesterol may arise from stress related to inadequate nutrition; however, since I’ve adjusted my intake to include more fats, this might surprisingly be contributing to elevated cholesterol levels. **Improvements Noted:** - AST: Decreased from 73 to 39 - ALT: Dropped from 45 to 26 - BUN: Lowered from 23 to 21 - BUN/creatinine ratio: Reduced from 24 to 22 - WBC count: Increased from 3.5 to 4.0 - Bilirubin: Improved from .9 to .5 **Concerning Changes:** - Total cholesterol: Slightly decreased from 257 to 253 - HDL: Decreased from 102 to 95 - LDL: Increased from 144 to 154 - Triglycerides: Dropped from 37 to 31 - Estradiol: Decreased from 29 to 17.4 I highly value any insights you can provide!
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 3:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you've tracked your progress with lab results, and it sounds like you're going through a significant journey in managing hypothalamic amenorrhea while maintaining athletic performance. Let's break down your findings and what they might mean for your overall health and recovery.
Summary of Key Points:
- Improvements: Your liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and kidney function (BUN and BUN/creatinine ratio) have shown significant improvement, which is a positive sign of your liver and kidney health.
- Concerns: Cholesterol levels and estradiol have shown concerning trends. Despite improvements in some areas, the decrease in estradiol and the increase in LDL cholesterol may need further attention.
Explanation:
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Improvements: Lower levels of AST and ALT indicate better liver function, while the improvements in your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels suggest good kidney function. A higher white blood cell (WBC) count can indicate a improving immune response, and lower bilirubin can signal better liver health too.
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Cholesterol:
- Total Cholesterol and HDL: While cholesterol levels have slightly decreased, the drop in HDL (the "good" cholesterol) can be concerning. It's important because HDL helps transport cholesterol away from arteries.
- LDL (Bad Cholesterol): The increase here suggests that your dietary changes might be affecting your lipid profile.
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Estradiol Decrease: A decline in estradiol is particularly relevant in the context of hypothalamic amenorrhea, as it is a key hormone in menstrual health. Its drop, especially given the stress of your training, could be related to inadequate energy availability or ongoing stress.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Nutrition: Since you mentioned increasing dietary fats, ensure you're consuming a well-balanced diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to support recovery. Consider consulting a dietitian specializing in sports nutrition for a tailored plan that meets your caloric and nutrient needs.
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Monitor Stress and Training: Evaluate your current training regimen and stress levels. Incorporate rest days and recovery practices such as gentle yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness to support your body’s hormone production and overall recovery.
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Monitor Symptoms and Track Changes: Keep a log of your physical symptoms, energy levels, and menstrual cycle changes (if applicable) in tandem with these lab results. This can help identify patterns.
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Regular Follow-up Testing: Continue to monitor your labs periodically. The frequency might depend on your healthcare provider's recommendations, especially concerning cholesterol and hormone levels.
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Focus on Gradual Changes: Implement changes gradually and give your body time to adjust. Rapid changes can often lead to stress responses which might exacerbate hormone imbalances.
Final Note:
Change takes time, and it’s promising to see some improvements in your lab values. Stay committed to your well-being through balanced nutrition, proper training adjustments, and self-care strategies. If further concerns arise, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for more tailored advice based on your specific situation.
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