Hormone problems before menopause?

Dear Tobmom

If your test come out in normal range ask for a copy. Then research on line blood numbers. If you feel the doctor is not doing enough to find out what is wrong seek another. I was ill of and on for some time. Finally found a doctor after a trip to ER. She was wonderful. We were controlling my Hypothyroidism quiet nicely. Then the Med group she was under got upset with certian Doc. who sent self pay patients out of there facility for cheaper test. So she was let go and I could not find out where she went. So I tried the New Doctor replacing her. 3 visits at $65 each,Kept telling her,Something is wrong,no energy,pain in my gut. Third time she tells me keep taking the Ibuprofen and that she is sorry I don't feel well. Lets do a 800 dollar test to see if it is kidney stones even thou your urine is clear.

Fast foward to new doctor-withen 1 week after last visit with replacement Doc. His first order of busness was to order blood work-Low and behold I had Life threatening anemia. Did not explain the pain in left upper side and back thou. So referral to GI doc-Many more test-Colonoscopy-I have diverticulosis. That under control my second referral was to a GY doc. Who point blank told me that I needed a hysterectomy since being 44 and at the time a smoker-taking the pill to maybe regulate my cycles would put me at risk. So I an 10 days post surgery,Confused about hormone replacement,Actually do not want to take it. But very thankfully that I listened to my body and was persistent-I feel as thou it went quick Sept.1st is when it all began. So be persistent and seek other opionions.

Dear Tobmom:

Just wanted you to know that you are NOT alone. I have been feeling bad since about age 35 or 36. I am now 40 almost 41. I attibuted it to Depression because duh I was severely depressed, no sex drive, weight gain, and hair trigger temper. Anyway I also had a lot on my plate so to speak with finances etc. I began having irregular periods about this time, it has gotten to the point that I almost always either have my period or have the symptoms of it. I am cramping, bloating, and run down. I now full heartedly believe that my hormones are wayyyyyyy outta wack. I took an inconclusive online questionairre type test and it said my hormone imbalance was in the Severe range. Just wanted you to know that I am right there with you.

Also I have no health insurance not that it matters since I want Bioidenticals which are not covered. Sheesh we women have to deal with all the perimenopause, menopause, etc etc and then we cannot even get relief when we KNOW what we need.:0

I feel your pain , really I do!

I am going to be 38 years old in March and feel as you put it flat . I am {color:#ff0000}moody, never laugh, over weight, tired, am cold mor often then not, you name it. I have alot of signs of something is off balance.

{color:#ff0000}I went to see my doc. (female) today about the issue. I walked in nervous with book in hand that had questions I answered to show I need things checked out. I had her review last time I was in which was mid summer I had lost 20lbs and then it all stopped. she checked my thyroid once it came back a 5 another time is was a 6. she told me that it was about normal. She gave me antidepressants back then and I took them for 2 weeks. i thought then what am I doing I am not depressed ! well I am but due to something {color:#0000ff}physically wrong! I tossed them out and gave up.

{color:#ff0000}I saw the show and thought oh my god I am not alone!!! I went to see her again today as i said. She ordered a FreeT4, CBC,TSH. She told me "just recently" they are finding that normal thyroid range is much lower then what I was 6 months ago. So basiclly I should of been treated then ! I was rather POed to hear this.

I said to her, well what about Cortisol and those other hormones are we testing for that as well or is this just for my thyroid.

She told me only my thyroid. that women my age who have a normal cycle for the most part don't need the other tests done. Its more then likely fine. i thought hmmmm where have a read that when the doc says this find someone else! Oh ya the book that was in my hand.:) besides hearing it on Oprah!

I said really, ok. i was not about to get into it with her I wanted my Thyroid tested at least! So now that I know she thinks I am fine in all my other hormones without checking them out even......I am going to find another doctor!

If there is nothing worng with them that is great then I atleast have something to go off of as i age.

Oh she told me she had no problem giving me something for it , if its needed......gee thanks! I am concerned about what she would give me. there is history of breast cancer ( grandmothter moms side) and my mom had cancer as well stemed from lung cancer as far as I know.

Does anyone know if meds for your thyroid increase your chance for breast cancer? I would like bioidentical . Iknow there is a place 1.5 hours away that does that kind of thing , bioidenticals that is.

best of luck to you all

Steph

Hi, I am right there with you, and now waiting for tests on cervix after a polyp was discovered as well. Hormones can make you feel 'depressed' really bad. Insist on getting every test in the book. You could be anaemic, or have thyroid problems, or, if your hormones are borderline, you could look for alternative ways of improving your hormone levels

The other thing you can do is go on a low carbohydrate diet, because the sugar highs and lows can contribute to low mood. Try some St John's Wort and also B Vitamins if you want, check for anaemia, and increase your natural iron intake. Exercise also helps low mood, so if you can get some, try to.

And do the positive thinking thing. Make a Vision Board. Believe you can find a way out of how you are feeling.

Good luck

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Hi there - its great that you went to get your hormones tested. The
trouble is, the doctor decided to use blood testing. Blood testing gives
the TOTAL levels of hormones in your body - however...many of those hormones
are bound by a protein and so are simply not available to work at the right
sites in your body. It's like saying your monthly income is $4,000
and you go "Yeah!! I have $4,000 to spend on anything", when in fact,
of that $4,000 some goes to taxes, some goes to rent or mortgage, some goes to
food, some goes to gas etc etc and eventually you end up with $25 left
over! Measuring hormones in blood doesn't really give a good picture of
your overall hormone balance. Far better is to measure hormones in
saliva. This is because the saliva gland acts like a sieve and only lets
through the hormones that are not bound. Testing hormones in saliva gives
measurements of the "bio-available" levels of hormone (anything that
is not bound) and gives a much better picture of your overall hormone health.

Sadly - some doctors were taught blood testing is best and won't look
at saliva testing.

The other thing that blood testing won't show is how your cortisol
levels are working over the whole day. Cortisol is a hormone produced by
your adrenal glands and it's vital for getting you up and going in the morning.
Cortisol is also the hormone driven by our "fight or flight"
response. We need cortisol to help us deal with dangerous and difficult
situations. Healthy adrenal glands pump out cortisol starting when you
wake, you should peak about 30 minutes after you wake up, and then the levels
of cortisol drop down gradually over the day until bedtime when you don't need
it and it's time to sleep.

With a very busy life - and if you have an infant you have a very busy
life!! - it's possible that your adrenal glands could be fatigued. This means
they have got so "tired" that they slow down how much cortisol they
make. With not enough cortisol it will be hard to get going in the day and to
keep going. The ideal way to test your cortisol levels is to take a
sample 30 minutes after you wake up, then before lunch, before dinner, and
before bedtime to see what the daily pattern is. Blood testing doesn't
work for that because it's hard to get accurate numbers, labs aren't open at
most of those times - plus, who isn't going to start getting tense when someone
points a needle at them!! Saliva testing is ideal for that because it's home
collection kit and you can do the sample at your pace.

A final thought - when you were pregnant your levels of progesterone
would have been really high because the body produces lots of progesterone to
support the baby in the uterus. After the birth, your progesterone levels
drop and so it may be that you now have too little progesterone in your body.
Symptoms of low progesterone include: depression, sadness, anxiety, low libido,
grumpy etc.

I would ask your doctor to test your hormones in saliva to get the
bioavailable levels of hormone in your body. If you have trouble getting
this type of testing arranged - then email me and I can help you track down a doctor
who can help you. There is Definitely a solution.

These are just some ideas about what might be going on and some things for
you to explore more about. Good luck,

Kate

Hi again - I forgot to give you my email if you wanted any further help. It's katemw62@labrix.com Kate

I understand what you are going through. I experienced similar mood swings, migraine headaches, depression, etc. for years and didn't have a clue that I was in peri-menopause stage in my mid to late 30's. I periods were over completely at age 42! I'm now 57 and have been on bio-idential hormones for over 12 years. The first few years I fooled around with herbs, extra vitamins & minerals and diet changes. Although those helped immensely....they didn't help with the vaginal dryness, mood swings, and bone density. I decide to take back control of my own health and read everything I could get my hands on about this period in a women's life....including all of Dr. Northrupp's books. It has been a combination of all of the above that works for me....and at 57 I may not look like a young, hot babe (still got an extra 20 lbs. that came on after menopause)....but I Tap Dance, Belly Dance, travel, am very active and can run circles around some women 1/2 my age....including my own 34 year old daughter. Be sure to have your TSH checked also..mind is out of balance and I've just started some additional supplements to balance it.

Mary

well I went ahead and asked some of my friends about who they see for OBGYN. they all seem to see the same person accept me, go figure!

I am going to call tommorow and get a appt. to see someone that is there. they all have + things to say about the doctors.

I am going to go in with a list and see what they have to say.I thought if I get a appt next week that is enough time for me to get my results from the doctor i saw today and get a copy in hand.

they idea that my hormones will not change because I still have a cycle really sounds dumb after all I have read.

So I think this is what I need to get done if anyone has anything to add please tell me....

Cortisol, estrogen, progesteron, adrenal, thyroid ( test in hand) what should be blood and what should be saliva ?

I feel kinda powerful in a way, I am reclaiming my life again

Hi there:

I'm 45 and my hormones started to shift when I was 42 and that is young according to doctors it went unnoticed. It sent my sex drive through the roof you think my doctor would have caught that symptom. Well he is a man so it went by him. Two weeks later I was sent to hell and I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. Six months later after being in a state of depression no hormones were checked other than my estrogen levels and they were border line. So I was put on the birth control pill and it did level off me off all the anxiety, night mares, and depression uplifted. However, I want to caution you after suffering from severe biochemical imbalance it is very serious and doctors really don't get how it ruins people's lives and families. Unfortunately there is no one pill for this. Yes, my hormones are balanced, but if I'm honest with myself this experience changed my life for the better. Being so sick I could only focus on that dark hole I was shoved into, but I came out much wiser. I started to find ways to make myself feel better in that dark place. I joined Weight Watchers, learned to cook healthy, walked the beach every day in the sun, embraced the outdoors, playing games, and I lost 40 pounds. I learned that making myself a priority and taking care of myself made me feel better. Today I work for Weight Watchers and study nutrition. I want to tell you that depression even if hormone induced is trying to tell you something. I was tired and overwhelmed when all this happened to me my life was out of control. It was like one day everything stopped and told me to take a good look at my life. This is the part doctors ignore. I went to at least 5 doctors for testing searching for answers. Finally, I went to Women to Women in Maine which Dr. Northrup started and they focus on natural hormone replacement and its a good place to start they test all your hormones. If your not local go on line. Some people are more sensitive to hormone shifts than others but what you feel is real and dangerous. Be careful if you see enough doctors they will put you on anxiety, thyroid, antidepressants, sleep aids you name it. Also, listen to your soul it is trying to tell you something. Today I'm 45 and I have never felt better or looked better. I'm determined to keep my weight off because I love being healthy. I was your typical coach potatoes and today I can't even imagine not going to water aerobics or going for a long walk. Its like I feel so alive. So please know there is a rainbow on the other side just figure out exactly what you want and don't stop until you are living it everyday. Trust me there is no pill that cure's all that weighs on a women's heart and soul.

If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail. I'm in Boston. Trust me I have been the entire route of doctors and it will drive you crazy, because most of the medications have side effects. The birth control works for me I stayed on it, but its not for everyone. That pill works for my hormones, but taking stock in what I saw in my self during that dark time made me realize I wanted more out of life than the way I was living it. Sometimes the worst times in our lives open us up to real change.

Hi TobMom54,

I was so sad to read your post and see that you're not feeling "yourself". I wanted to reply to your message because as I read everyone's responses, it seems that most people have given you really good advice about being your own advocate with your doctor to make sure you cover all of your bases health wise.

But what I would strongly encourage you to do is to talk to your doctor about how she would treat your depression if that is the diagnosis. I am a psychologist who works with patients every day who benefit from learning about depression and talking about their feelings. A lot of people take an SSRI (usually Lexapro or Zoloft) and then after about 6 to 8 weeks they feel so much better, so free and happy. From my own experience suffering from depression, I was really reluctant to try Zoloft. I thought, I can beat this, but once I finally started taking it and started yoga and walks outside... I really started to feel like myself again. In retrospect, I really wish I would have gotten help sooner because when you are in the depths of depression, you don't realize how bad it really is. If you do decide to take medication for it, I think you'll be surprised to find that nearly 1 in 3 people you talk to on an everyday basis are taking or have taken antidepressants.

Good luck, there is SO much more inside of you and i hope you explore and embrace all options even if it means accepting an treating a diagnosis of depression.

Hello Tobmom54,

Im a 50 year old woman that has certailly for the past 7 years gone through major changes in my body. My tubes are tide but all the baby making plumbing is still there. Ive always been one to have regular periods but I knew changes were coming when i started skipping them every now and then and having hot flashes. Deep depression didnt really effect me. Of course like with anyone you have your down days, i did, but never what your describing. Your bloodwork is very importing. You could just have low iron and it could be as simple as that. Do you have any hot flashes ? because thats what starts with memopause, and for me started about when i was 42. Not to the extreme it is now but was strange to me but at that time i was still having regular periods. Around 47 the Dr put me on Premarin and i hated that stuff. Thier were side effects and i felt them as i am very sensitive to meds and can could feel the strangness in my head and body. I stoped taking those and lived with the hot flashes and and the periods started skipping far and inbetween more and more as i got closer to 50. It got to where I was having my period every other month to then every 3 months to every 6 months to where none at 50 ,no periods at all. But those dang Hot Flashes still come with a major vengence. They make you sweet so bad you just want to strip, then your freezing in seconds. I then researched alot and I am taking over the counter at Walmart for $10.00 for a 30 day supply 1 pill aday of "EstroBlend Ex Strength". I come and take our time away while waiting in the little room for an hour while the Dr is looking at cataloge books for meds and get freebies for the office. Sorry i had to say all that stuff because its true. I certainly hun, would wait for the blood work because your still young but...... many females do go through early menopause, but i would try and get a secound opinion if your insurance allowes it, to which now days they own us and you can't. If your feeling so BLUE research and try maybe an over the counter vitamine supplement and see if that helps you.

Good Luck sweety, It may be as simple as the Baby Blues . Baby Blues are different in your body at different ages. I have had 4 kids and 3 all together back in the early 80's then waited 12 years for my last born in 95. Sometimes childbirth back to back can really put a toll on your body and it did mine with my first 3. I loved it when I had my last one. My poor body had time to heal inbetween. Again I hope i help in someway if nothing else for future references.

Hello Tobmom54...

I was sad for you when I read your post; how hard it must be to go through hormonal issues with a little one on your hip. My heart goes out to you. And I think it is great that you are actively seeking a medical solution and explanation for what you are feeling...or not feeling. I cannot say I have advice to offer, but I can say that I understand; perhaps offer a different perspective on the subject of hormones, therapy, and feeling rather 'lost' in life.

You see? While you are just beginning your journey into the wondrous world of motherhood, I am reaching the point of having to let go more and more, of my adult and teenage children. As well, I face hormonal 'issues' each and every day now that I am 40 going on 41; it's been this way for several years. For me, it comes in the form of occasional hot-flashes (those are a breeze to get through by comparison to other symptoms), low energy (though I always feel better when I force myself to get off of my butt and exercise), erratic heartbeat...mostly at night, which in turn makes it hard to get to sleep and stay asleep, moodiness at any given time, cramping after intercourse (mostly when I'm ovulating), low energy and feeling cold almost always. Other than all that...I'm great! Haha

No... I realize that none of this is a laughing matter, but that is sometimes all I can do to feel better. Laugh...laugh...and laugh some more! Although I am mostly alone throughout the day--it is the solitary life of being a writer--I find that if I just step-foot outside to bask in the sun, see the birds, feel the wind on my face...if only for a second or two, I feel a little better once I return to my work. My little wire-haired schnauzer Blanca keeps me quite amused as well.

Even still, I know it isn't always a solution as simple as what i've suggested, but...it's free to try. Right? A little self-help talk can do wonders for the soul. I should know--I talk to myself all the time! : ) I try to see what I have to love and be grateful for: my kids are safe ( I continually pray), my husband has a job, I am 'finally' a published author (though still struggling indeed), and even though I'm not sure from one day to the next whether I'll be 'up' or 'down', I am happy to be here and alive to see my children, my husband, the sun...the moon...the stars. Each day is a gift, even if it is sometimes difficult to unwrap.

I sincerely hope you find a solution to your problem. But, in the end...if all else fails, just look into the eyes of your little child and I hope you will see so much to feel better about. Know that, almost in the blink of an eye, your little bundle of joy will be turning 16 and wanting to drive--you'll blink again, and she will be leaving the nest to face the world alone. And there'll you'll be, waving at the door, looking around you wondering what happened to the years.

Maybe you'll call a friend for support, or perhaps talk to your husband or a family member. The point is to just be happy you have someone who will lend you an ear when you need it. Although you will inevitably face empty-nest syndrome, just be happy for all of the free time you'll have for you. When it all seems so bad, always try to find some good. It is there, though not always so obvious.

Yes, I am babbling and probably not helping much in the way of medical-hormonal issues. But, if I at least made you smile or lifted your mood, I feel I did a little good for you after all. I hope you find your way to feeling better again.

May God bless and keep you and your family well.

Hi Tobmom,

Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I had twins at 37 and I am now 43. I have been feeling "flat" ever since becoming a Mom. But like you thought it was just me adjusting to motherhood and the end of my career. But the feelings of feeling flat persisted, mood swings, depression and feeling tired all the time followed. So, I joined a gym to give me some "me time" and hopefully increase my energy.

But the mood swings, emotional rollercoast , depression continued. Not to mention no interest in sex! Then I saw the shows on Oprah and watched the web cast. I had my "AHA" moment. Maybe its not all in my head! Maybe its physical! So, I immediately made a Doctor's appointment and went yesterday. After talking with me, my Doctor laughed and said I am too young to be in menopuase and wrote me a prescription for anti-depressants which she advised me that I should go on immediately! I kept telling her that I have been doing some research and I think my symptoms are more likely caused from hormonal inbalance. She thought this unlikely and only after some prodding gave me a referral for bloodwork to check my thyroid and estrogen levels. But, still insisted that I fill the presciprtion and start the anti-depressants immediately.

Thankfully, because I watched the Oprah Shows and the webcast, I realize that I am not alone and not crazy! My visit to my Doctor has only made me realize that I need a second opinion before I take any medication, especially anti-depressants! In the meantime, I'll do the bloodwork and get a copy so I continue to do my own research and take charge of my health.

Good luck tobmom.

twinmom

Okay, here's the thing, I have read what each women has written about what they feel, their age, their depression etc...and believe me I understand that what you feel sucks big time. Now, let's all try to take what you are feeling and understand it; it could be menapause, it could be depression, it could be a number of things. Physical and mental problems are very real. But what are you doing about it? Going to the doctor? Taking pills? Now, here's my question: Are you applying the Law of Attraction? I feel good! I am beginning menapause and that it natural! I am beautiful! I am worthy! I am going on 40 and life has only just begun! I am over 40, so look out...here I come! You can take all of th symtoms that you have and feel overwhelmed, daily! But remember, you can turn this around and use it. Understand what is happening to you is key. Accepting what is happening to you, your body, your mind is key, too. Remember, YOU are in control of your mind and body. You are beautiful! You are worthy! You are God's gift to those who have the privilage of participating in your space. Don't allow hormones or the empty nest syndrome to pull you down. Understand your body. Understand your mind. Live happy. Be happy. Much, much love from one woman to all the others, Jasmine

Hi there tobmom,

I am SO happy I found your message on here. I am here to tell you that there is HOPE!

I am 41 years old and have not been feeling "well" for about a year or so. I have been seeing my doctor and explained my symptoms and he said that I have depression AND PUT ME ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS! It took me 5 tries to finally get one that did not make me sick. I have been on them for about a year and they haven't really helped me one bit. I still have the same problems, weight gain,bloating mood swings, night sweats, hot flashes, no sex drive (what it that?), etc etc. About six months ago, my periods began to get very "wonky" lasting about 11 days and starting 10-14 days late. it has been a nightmare. This month, I haven't had one at all. I have had several blood work ups and my doctor always says everything is "normal". I still feel crappy, though.

I decided to take matters into my own hands and started to educate myself reading everything I could about hormone imbalance and thyroid problems. I have spoken to my doctor several times and have told him what I have found out. He basically ignores me and sends me for more blood tests. I confronted him recently with my research in hand and demanded that he do something to help me. He ignored me again. I had enough at this point. Last week, I asked him for a copy of my recent blood work which surprised him a bit to whcih he replied "don't go looking all of this up on the internet because you will scare yourself". I left, blood work information in hand, and made an appointment with a naturopath the same day.

I have to tell you, it was the BEST thing I ever did. She analyzed my bloodwork and indicated that I am definitely in peri-menopause and my thyroid is out of whack. She said I was not crazy which was a huge relief!!! She gave me a regimen of bioidentical hormones, holistic treatments and a new diet and told me I should be feeling better in about 2 weeks. I started taking everything last night and I feel extremely positive that someone finally will help me and I won't have to suffer anymore.

My point to you is...YOU have to do the research and YOU have to take control of your own health. Please, do not settle for what your doctor says and leave it at that. There is no reason to suffer and there are people who can help you. You just have to look outside the box.

Everyone who reads this is welcome to ask me anything. I am on a mission to change the world one peri-menopausal woman at a time!