Question:- I’m 41 and have had a saliva hormone test. It came back saying that my pregesterone and cortisol levels were drastically high.I miss periods often but my concern is that I’ve gained 20 lbs and can”t seem to get it off . I exercise regular but nothing works. My doctor says that everything I eat turns to fat.Is there anything that I can take or do to lose some weight.I know I’m pre-menopausal but all other levels are normal.

Reply:-Progesterone levels vary considerably from cycle to cycle and woman to woman, both non-pregnant and pregnant. So the levels can only be averages and they change with the timing of the cycle. Corrtisol is a stress hormone,as well as increasing blood sugars.

Your diet should be low in the glycaemic index, (GI) foods such as oats,pulses, green vegetables, help balance & steady glucose levels:-see menopause diet.

It may be advisable to have your Thyroid function checked, if not done already,

ask for referall to an Endocrinologist,