Hi there,

I am 34 and seemingly going through perimenopause for nearly a year. I did have a TSH test taken and it was 2.1 within normal lab reference range (still question it). Anyway.

I had my last child, a son, 2 1/2 years ago. My hormones have never been on track since. They tried, I think but this entire year, took a dive. Last year, I missed two periods.

I have gone from 7 day periods every 40 days, down to 3 days (2 brown) every 30 days. Definitely not my "norm."
During the year, I've had very heavy (but short) to very light menses.
Just yesterday, I got my doctor to prescribe me BC pills.

He said my periods looked great, compared to some ladies who are a real mess.
This bugged me because I felt like he was judging my periods off the "average" woman. 3 day periods, every 30 days may be perfect for most but certainly not me.
My thought was, he should have looked at as being this: periods occurring 10 days sooner and shortened by half.

If a woman normally has 3 day periods, every 30 days...would he think it was normal for her to have 1 1/2 day periods every 20 days!? Ugh.

I wonder if because my cycles have shortened, if I am experiencing higher "highs" and lower "lows" than I ever have before. I am also thinking, based on symptoms...that I may be short on Estrogen.

I am very curious as to the kinds of pains & "oddities" that occur with those who's hormones have been out of whack?
Starting from your head, down to your toes.

Overall- I've felt sick, run-down...and sometimes, think I am going out of my mind. lol

~Kate

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Overall- I've felt sick, run-down...and sometimes, think I am going out of my mind. lol

~Kate
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Yep, that pretty much says it all, Kate. There are weeks where I'm so tired and feeling just "blah" and I swear I have the flu, but it's peri. The headaches come and go, the blurry vision comes and goes, the twitching muscles, the chest pains, the intense cold spells, as well as the hot flashes--they all come and go. The nausea visits me just about every day around 5 p.m. And of course don't let me forget the almost ever-present anxiety. When I really work at it, diet and exercise truly help this--as does a touch of progesterone cream. Maybe it's "the placebo effect" working on me--but heck, I really don't care as long as the "doom and gloom" and crying stay away from my door.

I am really hoping that post wont be anything llike peri.

I'm pretty sure this is my 3rd year of peri--I've had periods that are non-existent, a light dribble, the rusty brown gunk, too much for a tampon AND a pad after 45 minutes (try taking care of that when you're teaching), and "normal" (whatever that may be anymore).

At least my current doctor acknowledges my symptoms--and doesn't appear to think I'm "looney."

Hang in there. Read as much as you can on this site. It's wonderful.

Oh, the flu! Throughout last year, a number of times I felt like I was coming down with the flu. Swore I was but in taking my temp, it was normal. I felt deceived as in the past, I was always right.

For a year after I had my last child, I had vaginal dryness...desert in there! I thought it was natures way of saying, "You have 4 kids...now let's make sure you don't have anymore!" Talk about "skid" row. Funny, true...but frustrating in those moments.

Then flu like symptoms last year and missed 2 periods to boot. It was then I was thinking something wasn't right. I was sick earlier this year and thought the change in menses was due to that. I then experienced a severe anxiety bout for an entire month and phew, I honestly thought I was going crazy. I've had muscle weakness& twitches/joint aches, headaches, occasional dry eyes, severely dry skin, with bouts of very oily skin, post nasal drip, sinuses issues, bowel problems & upsets, tonsils removed in April, fatigue, tongue feels too big (odd, I know) and have had bouts of oral thrush (oral irritations in general). Occasional itchies you know where but never progressed to infection (don't need any of that, thank you!;-) ...and sure I'm missing something. I sound like a hypochondriac!

However, after a year of completely different menses...I have come to the conclusion that I am going through a change and boy, has it affected me!

Even my vision has changed these past few years.

I have a pretty good sense of humor but must say, there are days-sometimes a week at a time...I just can't muster it up.

I hear ya on the pads ordeal. It can be light or oh my...gotta go folks! A bad mess to clean up. I truly think that women have been given the short end of the stick, having to deal with the hormones that we do.

Any foods that you find particularly helpful? Yes, the exercise...I know it's something that I must do. I am looking at getting a bicycle. Prefer it over walking.

I have been perusing this forum and it's unbelievable how many things people have said that relate to either what I am going through or how I am feeling.

I have to say, I've developed a cynical attitude towards doctors and really hate going there anymore.

Thank you for lending me your ear and responding. I much appreciate it. Hopefully, there are not many long years ahead of us and yes, I certainly hope it gets better!



Oh...and the occasional hot flashes & night sweats.
In the begining, I feared the night sweats.
It finally dawned on me, nearing one of my period that the sweats came on just prior to my period.

Dear Born....

I just had to chime in as I am always curious when a "younger" peri victim comes to the board. I am also 34 and, like you, this Hell started after the birth of my second child (he is 3 1/2 now).
I am sure that it is all hormonal, but could never seem to get anyone to listen to me....they all did test after test after test, coming up with nothing, but still charging me more money!! I can honestly say that at this point, I don't care if I ever darken the door of another Dr's office!

I have had all of the symptoms that you have had--add to your list intermittent high blood pressure (hardly ever anymore), crazy heart palpitations--feeling disassociated from your surroundings, irritablitliy, depression, short periods, long periods, heavy periods, light periods, sore boobs, back pain, headaches, insomnia.....need I go on. It is so depressing when I start writing it all down!!!! Oh, I forgot the worst one....total and I mean total loss of interest in sex. Just kind of do it cuz I have to now, not cuz I want to!

Hang in there--this board is great!
Brandy

I've had a road bike and a mountain bike for a bit--but with a reduction in "free time" (I went back to school to earn my Ph.D.) I bought a trainer for the road bike. It helps a ton. It doesn't matter what time of day or night I feel like working off some steam--I can do it. I find it helps with the crying jags quite a bit. And I can get more of my water in me also, which, with the bloating, is hard to do most days. I just hop on, crank up the iPod, and de-stress. It's wonderful.

My dear Brandy...we sound like Twins suffering from the very same! My youngest son is 2 1/2 and from that day forward, nothing has been as it should or should I say, like they once were.

I hear tests are inadequate until you are meno. I don't know myself, only what I've heard.

Getting people to listen to you...oh, this can cause problems in itself. Add to that, our "conditioning" as women (many of us, anyway)...and it's very hard! I didn't know up from down, truth from fiction (is it real, is it just me gone batty?) Time passes and the more you begin to see a pattern and educate yourself, the better.
From that point on, need to straighten up (get your back up) and look your doubters in the eye. I can not tell you how angry I have been on account of some of my experiences with doctors. For an entire year, I have battled the doubts and my passivity. If you don't believe you (or have the courage to contest)...don't think the doctors will either. Too, don't let them shut you up, keep trying to drive home your "message": what you know, what you think and have them disprove it. If they can't...they are forced to think about it.
I'm not saying we are always right but I think we often are. A book I would recommend, "Screaming to be heard" by Mary Vliet

When I went to my doctors a few days ago, I brought that book in with me. If only to remind me of the courage that she tries to impress upon her readers. It helped. I think it also conveyed a message to my Dr.

I recently fired my old doctor. What gave me the courage to look elsewhere was a doctor I had seen while up north. I didn't say anything to him and either he had great instincts or picked something up from the referral from the doctor I was about to fire. In passing him in the hallway (later) he walked towards me, pulled me aside and said this to me: "Kate, it's imperative that you find yourself a good doctor. One who will work with you, be part of your team." Proceeded with, "...there are many doctors out there who do not/will not have you in their best interest...believe it or not." He said that if I had any problems in the future, come back to him (the clinic)...they'd take care of me."
I stood there, in shock...watching him leave. That night, while eating my meal alone in my dorm room...my head bowed and I started crying in my food. He gave this banged up, tired spirit hope and helped straighten out my back bone.
In coming back home, I scheduled a Dr. appointment with a different doctor. He still isn't what I'd hope for but much better.

As to your other symptoms and glad that you've mentioned them as I've experienced the same. Can't believe it. I do get heart palpitations, not all the time but periods of it. Usually occurring at night and at rest. My BP has been crazy. For the first part of this year, it was very high. It has lowered and sometimes, seems almost too low. I purchased an Omron BP monitor.
My temps fluctuate, anywhere between 96-99. Think my body temp. has dropped with this "stage" in life.
I have experienced disassociation...which really bothered me early on as I didn't know what it was. Sometimes it happens when I am under stress and other times, not. Seemingly occurring mostly around dinner time.

I've had all kinds of aches and headaches. In the past, I was never a headache person persey. Sex drive...oh boy. Well, I have never had a high sex drive but this year...2 months pass of none of "that" and I'm thinking...I'm still not interested but mustered up some energy for my husband's sake. lol I was frank with him and I think he truly knows that it isn't because I find fault with him.
Based on the way I've been feeling, probably would be satisfied in once every 6 months. lol

I suppose I've written more than you care to read. lol I'm glad you chimed in. This condition obviously happens to the "young" too.

Thanks again.





I have thought of this but with a packed home, can't find space. We have a weight set downstairs in our "basement" but it's so cluttered and ugly down there...find that I don't visit the place. Think this summer, need to clear it out. As well, set up my new drum-set that's been waiting to be assembled and banged on.






Whoops, I accidently replied to my own post.

To you:
I have thought of this but with a packed home, can't find space. We have a weight set downstairs in our "basement" but it's so cluttered and ugly down there...find that I don't visit the place. Think this summer, need to clear it out. As well, set up my new drum-set that's been waiting to be assembled and banged on.

[I have thought of this but with a packed home, can't find space. We have a weight set downstairs in our "basement" but it's so cluttered and ugly down there...find that I don't visit the place. Think this summer, need to clear it out. As well, set up my new drum-set that's been waiting to be assembled and banged on.
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We live in a TINY apartment--so I understand your plight. The "spare" bedroom serves as a library/scrapbook room/exercise room/storage room. It's far from perfect, but it works.

Drums? Now THAT could be used as a GREAT de-stressor. I envy you!

Keep smiling. It's gotta end sometime.

Born...

I don't think that you could ever write more than I care to read! I love to hear from others that are suffering from the same...makes me feel like I am not so "nuts".

As for your view on Dr's. I have always been a very proactive patient, not afraid to speak up. However, I have visited 10 different doctors within the last 3 years--and none of them, NONE OF THEM had a clue. There comes a point when the frustration is overwhelming and you are better off dealing with things on your own. When I said that I have had thousands of dollars worth of tests, I meant it. Each Dr. ordered their own "stuff" and charged me more money. I finally decided to take matters into my own hands---I take a lot of vitamins/supplements, go to the chiropractor regularly and see a massage therapist when I can. I also consult with a Naturopath occassionally. Has it cured me---NO. Has it made this bearable----Yes. Hey, if I look on the bright side, I only have like 20 more years of this--LOL. Hang in there--I look forward to chatting with you!
Brandy

Hey borninquisitve~Our path of hormone changes sound pretty similar! I started last April with hormone changes (lightheaded, hot flashes, heart palps, internal vibrations, acne, anxiety, and a crazy cycle. Doc put me on anxiety meds (which seem to have taken the edge off) and then finally put me backon bc (NuvaRing). I must say, the hormones have calmed slightly, but I can still tell when I'm at midcycle (this has also been when I got the weird hormone symptoms). I think the PMS is slightly worse (more tender breasts and nausea...when I was younger and on bc I always had a probelm with nausea. I think it is because when you stop the bc on day 21 my body is shocked and defends with nausea...it's not too bad...and this month it may also be a touch of the flu. Power-Surge is wonderful and has set my mind at ease atleast a million times!

Hi Kate,

Just wanted to jump in with a couple of thoughts. I looked at your symptom list and I recognize so many of them that I had myself and I was blaming peri for it all and it turned out they were mostly from untreated thyroid and severe candida. You might google candida symptoms and see how many fit you. If you have ever been on BC pills or taken many anitibiotics you are at high risk.

I saw where they checked your TSH. TSH is not a good indicator of how the thyroid is working. My tsh never really got any higher than yours and I was clearly hypo by all my symtoms. The best testing for thyroid is checking the Free T3 and Free T4 as well as running the antibodies test.

I know peri symptoms are a nightmare but I think a lot of the time it's so easy for a doc to just declare us "hormonal" instead of taking the time to rule out any other contributing issues going on. Most docs will not recognize candida, for one reason I think, is because they would have to admit they are a contributing reason by overprescribing antibiotics without informing people of the risks, and antibiotics are such a money maker for the pharmacetical companies they are not inclined to inform us thats for sure.

I hope you get to feeling better, I had a horrid 3 years thinking I was losing my mind with all the symptoms. I'm on bio-identicals now but my symptoms were mostly resolved with treating the thyroid and candida. For the fatigue issue treating my adrenals has been the most help.

Deb

borninquisitive --

I agree with Deb123 that TSH isn't always the best indicator. Plus, according to my endocrinologist, 2.1 is too high! They say it's within "normal" range but some endos are seeing that patients do much better with a TSH around 1. I wasn't much higher than 2 when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and I felt like hell. So the TSH is not an absolute and my endo actually goes more by clinical symptoms than the numbers. I believe my TSH is now below 1 because I have Hashimotos and the point is to suppress the thyroid a bit so as to prevent the autoimmune action.

My previous endo didn't see things this way and I lived with many hypo symptoms, in spite of my numbers being okay. I'm now on nearly double the dosage of synthroid and cytomel that she gave me and it made a huge difference in my life.

Have you had your thyroid antibodies tested, too? It's a very important test because your antibodies can be sky high (Hashimoto's) even if your TSH is well within normal range. And Hashimoto's is treated slightly differently than hypo.