When you have a cluster of probably perimeno symptoms...GYN? Primary care?

[Ginevra]

This is a dumb question, probably. I'm trying to do whatever is simplest because I just don't have a lot of energy for messing about with different doctors; my energy in that department is already focused on one of my kids.

 

There's an assortment of things I want to address that all sort of vaguely fit into perimenopausal sympthoms. I am a year overdue for an annual female exam. I don't know if I should make my annual appointment and also say I want a hormone panel done and I want to discuss this collection of possibly related things, or if I should just go directly to primary care and make the appointment as an annual physical with special attention to other concerns. If I do the former, it will almost certainly be a few months before I can be seen at the GYN; their well visits are months out. I kind of don't want to wait that long, but I'm not that thrilled about going to the primary care, either. Partially this is because I didn't feel I got optimum care the last time I went and partially because some of my concerns are tied directly to gynecology, such as period flow and interval length.

 

Should I just lead with one big issue? Even this kind of indecision is part of what is troubling me; I don't have the energy or clarity of thought I ordinarily have had.

[nd293]

I would also opt for the gyn appointment. Can you ask if they will authorise the hormone test now so that you have the results by the appointment? Some of the tests need to be done on a specific day of the cycle so that can delay things further.

[Guest]

I would also opt for the gyn appointment. Can you ask if they will authorise the hormone test now so that you have the results by the appointment? Some of the tests need to be done on a specific day of the cycle so that can delay things further.

That's a good point; I'll ask.

[Erica in OR]

I'm debating about something similar. Not sure if your gyn office has similar policies to mine—I went to an annual one year and brought up some issue. The office then coded it as an annual and as a visit for the separate issue and charged for both. From what I've read, this is not uncommon. I like the idea of taking care of it all at a single appointment, but other side of me wants to make sure I get my money's worth and get enough of a chance to discuss my issues.

 

I'd make a regular appointment with the gyn, to get in earlier. When I was there, I'd see if the doctor would then count that as my annual, if there was no pap smear needed based on past results.

 

Erica in OR

[Kassia]

I'm debating about something similar. Not sure if your gyn office has similar policies to mine—I went to an annual one year and brought up some issue. The office then coded it as an annual and as a visit for the separate issue and charged for both. From what I've read, this is not uncommon. I like the idea of taking care of it all at a single appointment, but other side of me wants to make sure I get my money's worth and get enough of a chance to discuss my issues.

 

I'd make a regular appointment with the gyn, to get in earlier. When I was there, I'd see if the doctor would then count that as my annual, if there was no pap smear needed based on past results.

 

Erica in OR

 

Our pediatrician's office has signs in the examining room saying your well-visit will have an additional bill as an office visit if you bring up any issues that need to be examined.  

 

I have a similar problem - lots of weird medical issues that I am waiting for my annual visit to discuss.  I'm hoping that I don't get charged extra.  

[magnificent_baby]

I would make 2 separate appointments; generally you can't discuss symptoms or new issues at length during a wellness visit. I would definitely not skip your primary who will screen you for other issues based on your risks (diabetes, lipids, etc). They can get the pap out of the way as well. I would schedule to hormone questions/concerns with the gynecologist.  

[gardenmom5]

gyn.

also, thyroid (read the threads here.  peri makes it worse.)  free t3, free t4, reverse t3,  adrenal cortisol 24 hr spit test.  iron, vitamin d

[Guest]

I'm debating about something similar. Not sure if your gyn office has similar policies to mine—I went to an annual one year and brought up some issue. The office then coded it as an annual and as a visit for the separate issue and charged for both. From what I've read, this is not uncommon. I like the idea of taking care of it all at a single appointment, but other side of me wants to make sure I get my money's worth and get enough of a chance to discuss my issues.

 

I'd make a regular appointment with the gyn, to get in earlier. When I was there, I'd see if the doctor would then count that as my annual, if there was no pap smear needed based on past results.

 

Erica in OR

Yeah, I saw on the paperwork a warning that if you have other ussies to discuss, you need to tell them at the time of the appointment or risk being charged for two appointments.

[Guest]

gyn.

also, thyroid (read the threads here. peri makes it worse.) free t3, free t4, reverse t3, adrenal cortisol 24 hr spit test. iron, vitamin d

Are these all things I should say I want for the gyn?

[FriedClams]

I did this last year. My gyn seemed to really appreciate me showing up with a specific list and clear concerns. I think the direct approach was so much easier for him and we really knocked a lot out. I have to say, it was one of my better health care experiences and I actually felt like I was working WITH my provider. It was so worth it. Make a list. Be direct. :-) And get feeling better.

[Carol in Cal.]

Gyn.  But really, start with the Hive.  We know about peri than most doctors.  :)

[Seasider]

My primary doc is awesome and reminds me that she is available to handle routine GYN issues. So if I were in your shoes, I would make an appointment with my PC doc, request a hormone blood panel in addition to the routine PC stuff, and discuss the possibility of the symptoms being a cluster of perimenopause issues.

 

If it ends up being something other than pm, the PC will catch it. If it is pm, the PC may be able to handle/advise you on it without a GYN appt. If it's something that requires an Rx or procedure, you may have to see your GYN anyway.

 

If you start with the GYN first and she just smiles and says, "well, that's pm for ya," then you would not have ruled out the possibility of your issues being caused by something your PC (non reproductive-specific) exam would have caught.

 

Am I making sense? I have to admit that my PC doc and GYN are both awesome ladies. Hope you get some answers and get to feeling better soon.

[Guest]

Gyn. But really, start with the Hive. We know about peri than most doctors. :)

Seriously. In the interest of making a specific list as Fried Clams suggested, and also if anyone want to throw 2 cents in on any/all of these things:

 

1) Intense mood instability. Teary on day, snappy as hell the next. Top of the world. Bottom of the ocean. No patience for people being difficult.

 

2) Anxiety. Intense reluctance to leave my home, bordering on Agoraphobia.

 

3) No energy. Just want problems to go away. Don't want to deal with it, don't want to figure it out. Sometimes this appears like depression.

 

4) My hair shedding is so extensive I am amazed I still have hair. Don't know if this is phasic or an indication of something wrong.

 

5) Sometimes acne. Yes, still for Pete's sake.

 

TMI section:

 

6) Around my period, stomach upset is OUT OF CONTROL. I changed my diet years ago (no lactose, mostly GF) but before my period and during, my digestive symptoms are just frightful.

 

7) Around my period and sometimes in the week after, I have to pee a billion times a day.

 

8) Flow in first two days is horrifying. It's best if I'm home or not far from home/privacy in case the faucet turns on in a big way. I'm thinking of considering an ablation. It can also last TEN days, or it might be only five.

 

9) Libido? What the hell do I need that for?

 

So, there you go, Hive BTDTs. Insight welcome.

[Seasider]

Considering items 6 & 7, sounds like you may have fibroid tumors.

[Guest]

Considering items 6 & 7, sounds like you may have fibroid tumors.

Well that won't do my anxiety any good. :/

[Annie G]

I had everything except #5. All at the same time. I'm surprised my family didn't move out. 

 

But I'm no help with what to do about it. Suddenly, all those symptoms disappeared.  Good thing, too, because I was near the breaking point. 

[Seasider]

Well that won't do my anxiety any good. :/

Oh, I didn't mean to alarm you! They are typically benign. They take up space (maybe reducing bladder capacity) and can cause heavy periods. Seeing your list now, I would start at the GYN.

[aaplank]

My 2 cents would be to start with the Gyn, not as a wellness appointment, but to address possible hormone issues. Testing your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels along with the others that a pp mentioned will hopefully give you lots of information about your current symptoms.

 

I went into menopause after a radical hysterectomy this year and I would say that I'm experiencing most everything on your list, and then some. Mood swings, crazy hair loss, anxiety with my first ever panic attacks, no libido, absolutely no energy! ...

 

Hope you get some answers too! I must say that I am having great results with a good vitamin d supplement. It really is making a difference. I never knew that vitamin d is a hormone. Go figure.

[Carol in Cal.]

Yup, peri.

Fibroids are inconvenient but I have never heard of them turning cancerous.  I mean, ask your doctor, but they are very common and they do cause heavy periods, often with heavy cramps.

 

OK, for the energy issues: 

Check your thyroid thoroughly.  Call up your PCP and request that they order thyroid tests, maybe if you have a great relationship with them you won't have to see them to get the order.  BTW, if you have low thyroid function that can also cause the hair loss.  Bonus!

Consider taking iron in some form.  I had to take Stuart's Prenatal vitamins all through peri to keep my iron up but not get constipated.  Every day.

 

For the moodiness:

Have you tried borage oil?  OMGosh, that worked fantastically for me.  Same nutrient as in evening primrose oil.  Start taking two capsules morning and night on day 14, continue until day 1.  For me this evened out my moods completely.  No more irrational anger feelings or weepiness.  I didn't have agoraphobia but did feel guarded about going out because of the unpredictability of my rather copius bouts of Aunt Flo.  I also wore black bottoms all the time--black skirts, black leggings, black pants, black jeans.  Very NYC chic.  :)

 

Speaking of Aunt Flo, just to give you an idea of 'normal', I would use super plus tampons (the most absorbant I knew of), proactively changing them about every hour during the day, AND those overnight pads as a back up, and still feel kind of uneasy about possibilities IYKWIM.  This too shall pass.  I probably had fibroids, but I didn't want to get surgery for them so I tried to grit my teeth through this and take motrin as a regimen.  The Motrin seemed to reduce the flow rate a bit in addition to reducing the cramping pain to a dull ache, a huge improvement.

 

Remember, this is all going to stop one day, not that long in the future.  Something to look forward to!

Edited July 28, 2016 by Carol in Cal.

[Seasider]

Yup, peri.

Fibroids are inconvenient but I have never heard of them turning cancerous. I mean, ask your doctor, but they are very common and they do cause heavy periods, often with heavy cramps.

 

OK, for the energy issues:

Check your thyroid thoroughly. Call up your PCP and request that they order thyroid tests, maybe if you have a great relationship with them you won't have to see them to get the order. BTW, if you have low thyroid function that can also cause the hair loss. Bonus!

Consider taking iron in some form. I had to take Stuart's Prenatal vitamins all through peri to keep my iron up but not get constipated. Every day.

 

For the moodiness:

Have you tried borage oil? OMGosh, that worked fantastically for me. Same nutrient as in evening primrose oil. Start taking two capsules morning and night on day 14, continue until day 1. For me this evened out my moods completely. No more irrational anger feelings or weepiness. I didn't have agoraphobia but did feel guarded about going out because of the unpredictability of my rather copius bouts of Aunt Flo. I also wore black bottoms all the time--black skirts, black leggings, black pants, black jeans. Very NYC chic. :)

 

Speaking of Aunt Flo, just to give you an idea of 'normal', I would use super plus tampons (the most absorbant I knew of), proactively changing them about every hour during the day, AND those overnight pads as a back up, and still feel kind of uneasy about possibilities IYKWIM. This too shall pass. I probably had fibroids, but I didn't want to get surgery for them so I tried to grit my teeth through this and take motrin as a regimen. The Motrin seemed to reduce the flow rate a bit in addition to reducing the cramping pain to a dull ache, a huge improvement.

 

Remember, this is all going to stop one day, not that long in the future. Something to look forward to!

And my GYN tells me that once in menopause, fibroid tumors shrink so the pressure on the bladder should ease up, too.

[PrincessMommy]

Seriously. In the interest of making a specific list as Fried Clams suggested, and also if anyone want to throw 2 cents in on any/all of these things:

 

1) Intense mood instability. Teary on day, snappy as hell the next. Top of the world. Bottom of the ocean. No patience for people being difficult.

 

2) Anxiety. Intense reluctance to leave my home, bordering on Agoraphobia.

 

3) No energy. Just want problems to go away. Don't want to deal with it, don't want to figure it out. Sometimes this appears like depression.

 

4) My hair shedding is so extensive I am amazed I still have hair. Don't know if this is phasic or an indication of something wrong.

 

5) Sometimes acne. Yes, still for Pete's sake.

 

TMI section:

 

6) Around my period, stomach upset is OUT OF CONTROL. I changed my diet years ago (no lactose, mostly GF) but before my period and during, my digestive symptoms are just frightful.

 

7) Around my period and sometimes in the week after, I have to pee a billion times a day.

 

8) Flow in first two days is horrifying. It's best if I'm home or not far from home/privacy in case the faucet turns on in a big way. I'm thinking of considering an ablation. It can also last TEN days, or it might be only five.

 

9) Libido? What the hell do I need that for?

 

So, there you go, Hive BTDTs. Insight welcome.

 

Sounds like pretty classic symptoms.

 

My experience, FWIW.. my gyno kept pushing the pill. Even when I complained that I was tired of taking the pill she pushed the pill as THE thing to treat my worst symptoms (heavy periods), but she never discussed with me other symptoms, which were basically all the ones you've listed, except #2 not as much

 

A friend a few years older than me, who is a vet, became obsessed with figuring out her health about this time.  She took her health on just like she would with one of her furry patients.  She also has no time for alternative meds and vitamins supplements.  She delved into research papers and journals.

 

She found a doctor in DC who is a leading specialist in menopausal woman's health.  She pushed me to go for a couple of years before I finally went. (I was tired for goodness sakes, I didn't want to be trapsing down to DC)  Anyway, it was the first doctor who actually listened to me and had a conversation with me about strategies.   He put me on HRT, which has made a good bit of difference (not perfect but good).  I'm not at risk, so I feel that the benefit outweighed the negatives.  He's also given me an rx for Lysteda.  It is for heavy periods and you only take it when you have a heavy period and it stops the flow.  This last appt. we talked a lot about other symptoms and possible meds I could take - their good and bad side-effects, we talked about what to expect over the next year or two now that I'm 52.

 

I was dx with Hashimotos (through my PCP) about this time, but I've recently started going to a local Endocrinologist to deal with that and she's sent me to a sleep specialist because of my complaints about constant tiredness & brain fog.  That has been revealing.  From what I've heard from other friends, the trick is to NOT go to a pulmonologist for a sleep study because they only check for Apnea (which I don't have).  Actually, the leading expert in sleep issues, and specifically "Periodic Limb Movement" issues, is at Johns Hopkins.   So if you think your tiredness is at all related to sleep issues, it's worth it to get a sleep study. 

 

I've written a book to simply say; I would go to your reg. doctor to get started (get any bloodwork done to take to another doctor), and then I would check out Johns Hopkins and see if there's someone there who specializes in Menopausal women health.  You're worth the extra hassle and time to go to someone who will understand your symptoms and help find a good solution.

 

[SKL]

Sounds like me.  The hard part is getting used to the new order of things.

 

I went to the ER for the heavy flow about a year ago.  Felt like a fool because it stopped the minute I stepped into the ER.  :P  I was afraid the bleeding was going to cause serious problems, but now I know a couple of things.  One, it is normal at this stage of life.  Two, I can reduce it by taking Advil.  Yay!

 

The Hive introduced me to some products that make it easier to deal with the faucet thing.  I try to be ready for anything.

 

The hair loss ended for me after some time.

 

As for medical care, I was disgusted the one time I wen to a GYN (for a different issue), and the ER visit didn't make me feel any better, so don't plan on going back.  I use a chiropractor for wellness.  I don't want to slow down menopause, I want to get through it and past it.

 

The mental stuff - the worst thing is feeling like a worthless idiot, especially when it comes to work responsibilities.  Can't really tell my clients, "sorry, it's mental pause.  Give me 5 years or so to get myself together."  I just keep plugging along.  I have to believe it will get better - hopefully soon.  Meanwhile I just have to forgive myself for being human.

 

Not really much advice there, but I feel your pain.  :P  Good luck!

[MaeFlowers]

Seriously. In the interest of making a specific list as Fried Clams suggested, and also if anyone want to throw 2 cents in on any/all of these things:

 

1) Intense mood instability. Teary on day, snappy as hell the next. Top of the world. Bottom of the ocean. No patience for people being difficult.

 

2) Anxiety. Intense reluctance to leave my home, bordering on Agoraphobia.

 

3) No energy. Just want problems to go away. Don't want to deal with it, don't want to figure it out. Sometimes this appears like depression.

 

4) My hair shedding is so extensive I am amazed I still have hair. Don't know if this is phasic or an indication of something wrong.

 

5) Sometimes acne. Yes, still for Pete's sake.

 

TMI section:

 

6) Around my period, stomach upset is OUT OF CONTROL. I changed my diet years ago (no lactose, mostly GF) but before my period and during, my digestive symptoms are just frightful.

 

7) Around my period and sometimes in the week after, I have to pee a billion times a day.

 

8) Flow in first two days is horrifying. It's best if I'm home or not far from home/privacy in case the faucet turns on in a big way. I'm thinking of considering an ablation. It can also last TEN days, or it might be only five.

 

9) Libido? What the hell do I need that for?

 

So, there you go, Hive BTDTs. Insight welcome.

Wow. I have all these symptoms, except #6. It's only in the past 6-7 months that my cycles have gone all wonky. The others started years ago. I guess now I have a reason.

 

Maybe it was just me, but no-one ever taught me diddly about menopause.

[Guest]

The mental stuff - the worst thing is feeling like a worthless idiot, especially when it comes to work responsibilities. Can't really tell my clients, "sorry, it's mental pause. Give me 5 years or so to get myself together." I just keep plugging along. I have to believe it will get better - hopefully soon. Meanwhile I just have to forgive myself for being human.

Oh my gosh, that is perfect - "mental pause." There have been things that have made me go, "WTH? I'm a pretty intelligent woman but that was just dumb as can be."

[Kassia]

Y

 

Speaking of Aunt Flo, just to give you an idea of 'normal', I would use super plus tampons (the most absorbant I knew of), 

 

Tampax makes Ultra tampons that are more absorbent than Super Plus.  

Edited July 28, 2016 by ebh87

[PrincessMommy]

Tampax makes Ultra tampons that are more absorbent than Super Plus.  

 

on my worst days I go through an Ultra in 1.5hrs.  It's awful.

[hornblower]

about the heavy flow & cycles going on for.ever., I got sent for an U/S and now I'm being sent for an MRI to look at stuff more closely. Yes, it's a common symptom of 'just' menopause but it can also be other things so don't discount it.... 

[Momto6inIN]

I have all but #5 as well ... and I'm only 42. If I have to go through this crap for 10 more years, I'm not sure any of us is going to survive. :lol:

 

I haven't seen Aunt Flo since the end of May, which I'm kind of bummed about for 2 reasons. One, I just got a new cup and I want to try it out. And two, I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow and according to Murphy's Law I'm pretty sure that means she'll show up while I'm rafting down the Colorado River and since it's been so long since I've seen her, she'll probably be "gushing" with joy to see me. ;)

 

And before you ask, I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant (see #9). Although it has been a week since I stopped obsessively peeing on a stick. All negative.

[TranquilMind]

That's a good point; I'll ask.

 

What kind of panel is this?  Blood or urine tests?  You can walk in at some labs and just do them yourself now.  Take those when you go.

If it is something else, never mind.  I am past menopause and never had to have anything done except thyroid panels which I did on my own. 

 

[TranquilMind]

on my worst days I go through an Ultra in 1.5hrs.  It's awful.

 

I remember those days.  I think I have to say that one of the greatest things about this age is no more periods.  No more half days in the bathroom.  No more migraines. 

Just to give you something to look forward to! 

[TranquilMind]

Seriously. In the interest of making a specific list as Fried Clams suggested, and also if anyone want to throw 2 cents in on any/all of these things:

 

1) Intense mood instability. Teary on day, snappy as hell the next. Top of the world. Bottom of the ocean. No patience for people being difficult.

 

2) Anxiety. Intense reluctance to leave my home, bordering on Agoraphobia.

 

3) No energy. Just want problems to go away. Don't want to deal with it, don't want to figure it out. Sometimes this appears like depression.

 

4) My hair shedding is so extensive I am amazed I still have hair. Don't know if this is phasic or an indication of something wrong.

 

5) Sometimes acne. Yes, still for Pete's sake.

 

TMI section:

 

6) Around my period, stomach upset is OUT OF CONTROL. I changed my diet years ago (no lactose, mostly GF) but before my period and during, my digestive symptoms are just frightful.

 

7) Around my period and sometimes in the week after, I have to pee a billion times a day.

 

8) Flow in first two days is horrifying. It's best if I'm home or not far from home/privacy in case the faucet turns on in a big way. I'm thinking of considering an ablation. It can also last TEN days, or it might be only five.

 

9) Libido? What the hell do I need that for?

 

So, there you go, Hive BTDTs. Insight welcome.

Some of those sound like hypothyroid symptoms.  Some are just crazy period symptoms and will go away, I promise.  Even the ridiculous pimple that still came now and then.     I sure get #8.

 

And I laughed at the way you worded number 9.  ;)

[Guest]

What kind of panel is this? Blood or urine tests? You can walk in at some labs and just do them yourself now. Take those when you go.

If it is something else, never mind. I am past menopause and never had to have anything done except thyroid panels which I did on my own.

 

I don't know. Blood, I suppose. I don't think I can walk into a lab and say I want this, this and that test and have them say Okee-dokey. You have to have referrals unless I'm mistaken.

 

And God knows, if any require procurement of my own blood, I cannot do them myself. I am phobic of needles and lances. I have been on injectable meds before, but DH did them for me. Having grown up on a farm, he claimed it was, "Easy. Just like giving shots to the cows." Thanks, babe. Mooo.

[Farrar]

What sayth the Hive about the mood stuff?

 

My period has been wonky (though, thank goodness, mostly lighter, just completely randomly timed) and there have been accompanying digestive and headache issues and acne, which at least I expected that one - I remember my mother getting it around my age, but I feel like all of that I can handle on some level. The mood crap though. Holy cow. Everything you wrote Quill. I feel you.

[TranquilMind]

I don't know. Blood, I suppose. I don't think I can walk into a lab and say I want this, this and that test and have them say Okee-dokey. You have to have referrals unless I'm mistaken.

 

And God knows, if any require procurement of my own blood, I cannot do them myself. I am phobic of needles and lances. I have been on injectable meds before, but DH did them for me. Having grown up on a farm, he claimed it was, "Easy. Just like giving shots to the cows." Thanks, babe. Mooo.

 

No, you do not, at least at Accesalabs, Walk-in -nowlabs, Any Lab Test now, and a bunch of others.  Maybe there aren't any in your area, but check online.  If you want a thyroid panel, a CBC, to check for strep, or mono, or any other commonly done test, you can just walk in and do it.  They email the results to YOU, and to your doctor, if you so choose.  Or you can just take them in when you go.   He may order other additional ones too, but if you want to check something specific, there are a whole lot of places you can do that.

 

And no, you don't stick yourself!  I would never be able to do that!  Ahh.  You can sit in a recliner.  You can lie down.  There are options. 

[aaplank]

I had a specific menopause blood panel done by a Gyn who specializes in menopause. I found her by going to this website.

 

https://www.menopause.org/for-women/find-a-menopause-practitioner

 

This blood panel included tests for estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, vitamin D, comprehensive thyroid levels, and a few other things. There were a few tests my insurance did not cover completely, but they paid for most. It was so helpful to see the results and have concrete answers to why I was feeling so badly.

 

My doctor was also willing to try different things and monitor my progress with follow-up bloodwork to assess my progress. Each body is so unique with it's own chemistry, that when you are dealing with hormonal issues it's best to have a tailor-made plan. The trick is finding a good doctor who will do that for you.

[Katy]

I didn't read the whole page, but I have worked on a GYNE floor of a hospital.  In the USA, both a GYN and a PCP are considered primary care providers and can provide a full physical including breast exams and pap smears.  In fact, I've heard MOST women get their physicals through their OBGYN's. Generally, because you're having GYN symptoms, I would schedule a routine pap & exam and ask about your concerns.   If you are also having other symptoms, I'd schedule a regular physical too.  However, both doctors can get a hormone workup, so if you strongly like one over the other, choose whichever one you like better.

 

I would definitely schedule a visit with someone ASAP though, as peri symptoms can also be symptoms of other, less benign conditions.

[Carol in Cal.]

What sayth the Hive about the mood stuff?

 

The hive saith unto thee, "Hie thee to thy Whole Paycheck store, carefully avoiding the hand polished organic and beyond organic produce, and purchase thyself the borage oil capsules in the vitamin area.  Nature's Way is a good brand, as are several others.  Takest thou 1300mg in the morning and 1300 mg in the evening beginning on lo the 14th day of thy cycle, and ending on day 1 of thy next cycle.  Thy rage and anxious pounding shall vanish, dispersing even as the morning dew.  Selah."

[Katy]

Okay, now I've read the page.  You have a hormone imbalance.  Could be peri-menopause, could be something else.  How much are these issues affecting your life, on a scale from minor (1) to cannot function at all and am completely disabled by them (10)?

 

I just realized how late it is, and even though you always answer me very quickly, you're probably in bed now.

 

Diet plays a major role in hormones.  Have you changed your diet recently?  Has your vegan kick (I think that was you) made you start eating more soy and more natural fats (like coconut oil)?  Or something else with a ton of fats like avocado or cashew cheese?  The thing is, soy can cause these symptoms. So can fat of any kind, it has something to do with estrogen receptors.  So if you've changed your diet in an effort to be more healthy, it's possible the diet change alone is causing the issue.   Some things to consider about how foods affect hormones:

• The symptoms you're describing are generally common when estrogen is too high or progesterone is too low.
• Fats increase estrogen.
• Soy increases estrogen (sort of, it's full of plant estrogens that can act in a similar way).
• Cruciferous vegetables help detox excess estrogen.  You can eat up to a pound a day, but unless you want horrible stomach issues, work your way up slowly.

 

Other dietary issues that can cause these symptoms are anemia (check the color of your gums, if they are pale rather than pink, visit a local Mexican restaurant and have beef fajitas.  They are partially made with liver and one good meal of it, when combined with the vitamin C in the pepper and onion mix, can boost your iron levels much faster than supplements).

 

The third issue is iodine.  Assuming you're not eating much seaweed (usually in sushi), and you're eating no salt or sea salt instead of iodine, it's VERY EASY to be iodine-deficient. Especially when eating iodine-blocking foods such as soy. As a result feel tired due to blocking the thyroid function.  However, because iodine can worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions, I'd really recommend a thyroid test first, before adding iodine supplements.  Hope that helps.

Edited July 29, 2016 by Katy

[Liz CA]

Sorry, I know you said you have little energy to spend on your own care...but I would hit this twofold:

 

Gyno (Actually to save yourself more running around, I'd say Gynecologic surgeon just in case): MRI for possible fibroid. Fibroids are nothing to worry about but they are a terrible nuisance. If your test shows fibroids, approach (for me) would depends on size and symptoms. Sometimes an increase in progesterone will shrink them. Sometimes laparoscopic surgery is the way to relieve severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with prog alone.

 

Naturopath: Request saliva hormone panel.

 

If you are estrogen dominant, naturopath may prescribe prog anyway.

[Guest]

Okay, now I've read the page. You have a hormone imbalance. Could be peri-menopause, could be something else. How much are these issues affecting your life, on a scale from minor (1) to cannot function at all and am completely disabled by them (10)?

 

I just realized how late it is, and even though you always answer me very quickly, you're probably in bed now.

 

Diet plays a major role in hormones. Have you changed your diet recently? Has your vegan kick (I think that was you) made you start eating more soy and more natural fats (like coconut oil)? Or something else with a ton of fats like avocado or cashew cheese? The thing is, soy can cause these symptoms. So can fat of any kind, it has something to do with estrogen receptors. So if you've changed your diet in an effort to be more healthy, it's possible the diet change alone is causing the issue. Some things to consider about how foods affect hormones:

• The symptoms you're describing are generally common when estrogen is too high or progesterone is too low.
• Fats increase estrogen.
• Soy increases estrogen (sort of, it's full of plant estrogens that can act in a similar way).
• Cruciferous vegetables help detox excess estrogen. You can eat up to a pound a day, but unless you want horrible stomach issues, work your way up slowly.

Other dietary issues that can cause these symptoms are anemia (check the color of your gums, if they are pale rather than pink, visit a local Mexican restaurant and have beef fajitas. They are partially made with liver and one good meal of it, when combined with the vitamin C in the pepper and onion mix, can boost your iron levels much faster than supplements).

 

The third issue is iodine. Assuming you're not eating much seaweed (usually in sushi), and you're eating no salt or sea salt instead of iodine, it's VERY EASY to be iodine-deficient. Especially when eating iodine-blocking foods such as soy. As a result feel tired due to blocking the thyroid function. However, because iodine can worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions, I'd really recommend a thyroid test first, before adding iodine supplements. Hope that helps.

All these things are affecting my life significantly, especially certain weeks. Definitely on the upper end when things are bad; 7-8. I'm not on a vegan kick, lol. I quit dairy and soda about five or six years ago and cut way back on gluten in the last few years. I don't eat particularly much soy; I don't especially like it.

[Soror]

It sounds like multiple issues to me, or at least there are multiple things that can cause those issues, especially the fatigue. I'd get a full hormone panel, thyroid panel(free t3, reverse t3, free t4 and anitibodies anti-TPO - TGAB), and also vitamin levels- iron panel(ferritin, TIBC, total iron), d's and b's done. The thing is if they just do a hormone panel- it will very likely be off but treating that won't give you full relief if your thyroid is off too and it certainly can be as well.

 

I don't know anything about the fibroids but it sounds worth pursuing just to make sure everything is ok. 

 

 

[Katy]

In that case, schedule a visit with a full hormone panel ASAP.  Tell the person making the appointment you're having some issues, they may schedule blood work based on a certain date of your cycle before you come in for a visit. It's probably just hormone shifts, but you never know.

 

In the mean time to reduce symptoms, slowly increase your fiber and cruciferous veggie consumption.  Brown rice, a cup of beans per day, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.  Eat less meat and less fat.  Avoid Stevia completely. As little as 3 days of a fat-free vegan diet can lower estrogen remarkably as long as you avoid soy.

[Seasider]

The hive saith unto thee, "Hie thee to thy Whole Paycheck store, carefully avoiding the hand polished organic and beyond organic produce, and purchase thyself the borage oil capsules in the vitamin area. Nature's Way is a good brand, as are several others. Takest thou 1300mg in the morning and 1300 mg in the evening beginning on lo the 14th day of thy cycle, and ending on day 1 of thy next cycle. Thy rage and anxious pounding shall vanish, dispersing even as the morning dew. Selah."

Carol, in an earlier post you mentioned evening primrose oil, which I have on hand (bought on a whim a while back and forgot about it til reading this thread. What can you tell me about that?

[Carol in Cal.]

Carol, in an earlier post you mentioned evening primrose oil, which I have on hand (bought on a whim a while back and forgot about it til reading this thread. What can you tell me about that?

It has the same active nutrient as borage oil.

Either way, you need to take a lot to feel it.  1300mg per dose was the borage oil amount, two doses per day.

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

The hive saith unto thee, "Hie thee to thy Whole Paycheck store, carefully avoiding the hand polished organic and beyond organic produce, and purchase thyself the borage oil capsules in the vitamin area.  Nature's Way is a good brand, as are several others.  Takest thou 1300mg in the morning and 1300 mg in the evening beginning on lo the 14th day of thy cycle, and ending on day 1 of thy next cycle.  Thy rage and anxious pounding shall vanish, dispersing even as the morning dew.  Selah."

 

:smilielol5: