Hi all ,
I know I introduced myself a while ago but really have not posted. Here is my story . I'm 47 and believe I have had peri symptoms for about 4 years on and off . At the end of August I went to my primary doctor for hair loss . He told me it was age and genetics and sent me to a dermatologist. She said it was stress and genetics and age but decided to test my testosterone. It came back elevated so off to the gyne . He examines me and says everything looks good but lets test your testosterone again . This time it comes back normal and he says if I wasn't having hair loss he would tell me to leave everything alone but since I am having hair loss go see an endo. Oh I also had not had a period since July . The endo does a complete hormone panel and says that my FSH was a bit high . 3 days before that I had started a very light period .So she thinks my FSH should have been a bit lower. Now she wants me to go have an MRI of my pituitary gland . She said she thinks its peri but wants to double check . I have really high anxiety , have always thought something was wrong with me for the last 4 years but all tests always came back normal . All the bloodwork besides the FSH was great .
I'm really a mess . Wake up in a panic , have stomach issues . I seem to do okay during the week then BAM on the weekend an episode of loose bowels . I too have that pain that is under my left ribcage and gas and belching . Sometimes heartburn . My family is sick of hearing me sob and I'm sick of crying all the time but I'm so frightened . I could really use some support and friendship .
Paula
Full Version: I'm so worried
Dear Paula, I too just turned 47, that seems to be the age when lots of things start happening. I started feeling unwell back in the summer. It started with very bad stomach problems, IBS mostly, which i have had in the past, on and off but not for many yrs. Anyway, for me weekends also are worse, its crazy. In Aug. my period was 2 wks. late and I was so anxiety ridden, between the ibs and severe pms symptoms, i couldnt even leave the house. Also in early sept. I started having terrible hot flashes (for the 1st time) for about a week, only at night. So, the flashes went away, my stomach is a little better, it kind of comes and goes but really its always there and worse at night, with the terrible bloating and period like cramps, though I havent had a period since the one that i had in Aug. which was late. Im still waiting for another one, its terribly disturbing and im constantly worried and imagine terrible things. Before all this, my periods came regular,every month, like clockwork. I felt somewhat normal, even though I have always been plagued with anxiety issues. It like all of this hit me like a ton of bricks. I keep obsessing, worried im never going to have another period, where is it and why do i feel like im going to get it and it just doesnt come. And day to day I never know how im going to feel, cramps, ibs, etc. Anyway, this site has been such a blessing because before I found this, only a few wks ago, i thought i was losing my mind.
QUOTE (PJP @ Oct 14 2007, 07:27 AM) 
Hi all ,
I know I introduced myself a while ago but really have not posted. Here is my story . I'm 47 and believe I have had peri symptoms for about 4 years on and off . At the end of August I went to my primary doctor for hair loss . He told me it was age and genetics and sent me to a dermatologist. She said it was stress and genetics and age but decided to test my testosterone. It came back elevated so off to the gyne . He examines me and says everything looks good but lets test your testosterone again . This time it comes back normal and he says if I wasn't having hair loss he would tell me to leave everything alone but since I am having hair loss go see an endo. Oh I also had not had a period since July . The endo does a complete hormone panel and says that my FSH was a bit high . 3 days before that I had started a very light period .So she thinks my FSH should have been a bit lower. Now she wants me to go have an MRI of my pituitary gland . She said she thinks its peri but wants to double check . I have really high anxiety , have always thought something was wrong with me for the last 4 years but all tests always came back normal . All the bloodwork besides the FSH was great .
I'm really a mess . Wake up in a panic , have stomach issues . I seem to do okay during the week then BAM on the weekend an episode of loose bowels . I too have that pain that is under my left ribcage and gas and belching . Sometimes heartburn . My family is sick of hearing me sob and I'm sick of crying all the time but I'm so frightened . I could really use some support and friendship .
Paula
I know I introduced myself a while ago but really have not posted. Here is my story . I'm 47 and believe I have had peri symptoms for about 4 years on and off . At the end of August I went to my primary doctor for hair loss . He told me it was age and genetics and sent me to a dermatologist. She said it was stress and genetics and age but decided to test my testosterone. It came back elevated so off to the gyne . He examines me and says everything looks good but lets test your testosterone again . This time it comes back normal and he says if I wasn't having hair loss he would tell me to leave everything alone but since I am having hair loss go see an endo. Oh I also had not had a period since July . The endo does a complete hormone panel and says that my FSH was a bit high . 3 days before that I had started a very light period .So she thinks my FSH should have been a bit lower. Now she wants me to go have an MRI of my pituitary gland . She said she thinks its peri but wants to double check . I have really high anxiety , have always thought something was wrong with me for the last 4 years but all tests always came back normal . All the bloodwork besides the FSH was great .
I'm really a mess . Wake up in a panic , have stomach issues . I seem to do okay during the week then BAM on the weekend an episode of loose bowels . I too have that pain that is under my left ribcage and gas and belching . Sometimes heartburn . My family is sick of hearing me sob and I'm sick of crying all the time but I'm so frightened . I could really use some support and friendship .
Paula
Ivy Lena ,
Thanks so much for responding . I think one of the worst things is feeling all alone in this . My husband is supportive but really doesn't understand and my Mom told me she was losing patience with me .
It really does feel like I've been hit by a ton of bricks . Its a comfort to know others are going through similar things .
My anxiety level is at an all time high and I keep imagining all kinds of horrible things are wrong with me . I went to the endo on Wednesday feeling somewhat better and when I got home felt dizzy I'm sure because she told me she wanted me to have an MRI . She even said to me I brought you in here today so you can see my face when I tell you I don't think there is anything wrong with your pituitary gland but I just want the MRI to make certain . UGH ! I promise I was totally sane before all this hit .
Paula
Thanks so much for responding . I think one of the worst things is feeling all alone in this . My husband is supportive but really doesn't understand and my Mom told me she was losing patience with me .
It really does feel like I've been hit by a ton of bricks . Its a comfort to know others are going through similar things .
My anxiety level is at an all time high and I keep imagining all kinds of horrible things are wrong with me . I went to the endo on Wednesday feeling somewhat better and when I got home felt dizzy I'm sure because she told me she wanted me to have an MRI . She even said to me I brought you in here today so you can see my face when I tell you I don't think there is anything wrong with your pituitary gland but I just want the MRI to make certain . UGH ! I promise I was totally sane before all this hit .
Paula
Paula, from reading so many posts, I have come to realize that we are all having very similar symptoms. This site is totally more of a comfort and wealth of info than all the doctors in the world (who by the way, are not really interested in us). My mother is always preoccupied and even if i did broach the subjuct with her she would tell me she doesnt remember. I dont have a close relationship with my mom. I have terrible health anxiety, which I have always had to varying degrees, but since this peri thing, its totally out of controll. Yesterday, I didnt even leave the house and I had things to do, but I was so nervous, I couldnt even focus on anythng but my symptoms, and this waiting for my period is just terrible! And my stomach was really acting up as well.
QUOTE (PJP @ Oct 14 2007, 10:02 AM)
Ivy Lena ,
Thanks so much for responding . I think one of the worst things is feeling all alone in this . My husband is supportive but really doesn't understand and my Mom told me she was losing patience with me .
It really does feel like I've been hit by a ton of bricks . Its a comfort to know others are going through similar things .
My anxiety level is at an all time high and I keep imagining all kinds of horrible things are wrong with me . I went to the endo on Wednesday feeling somewhat better and when I got home felt dizzy I'm sure because she told me she wanted me to have an MRI . She even said to me I brought you in here today so you can see my face when I tell you I don't think there is anything wrong with your pituitary gland but I just want the MRI to make certain . UGH ! I promise I was totally sane before all this hit .
Paula
Thanks so much for responding . I think one of the worst things is feeling all alone in this . My husband is supportive but really doesn't understand and my Mom told me she was losing patience with me .
It really does feel like I've been hit by a ton of bricks . Its a comfort to know others are going through similar things .
My anxiety level is at an all time high and I keep imagining all kinds of horrible things are wrong with me . I went to the endo on Wednesday feeling somewhat better and when I got home felt dizzy I'm sure because she told me she wanted me to have an MRI . She even said to me I brought you in here today so you can see my face when I tell you I don't think there is anything wrong with your pituitary gland but I just want the MRI to make certain . UGH ! I promise I was totally sane before all this hit .
Paula
Ivy Lena ,
I too have had those days . Last Sunday I didn't get out of bed until the evening . Thankfully my husband took care of everything and kept the house going . And waiting for a period is so difficult . If I don't get one this month I have to have the MRI of the pituitary gland . I think everything is magnified by my anxiety .I'm so happy to have found everyone here .
Check in at the chat later . I was on this morning and it really lifted my spirits.
paula
I too have had those days . Last Sunday I didn't get out of bed until the evening . Thankfully my husband took care of everything and kept the house going . And waiting for a period is so difficult . If I don't get one this month I have to have the MRI of the pituitary gland . I think everything is magnified by my anxiety .I'm so happy to have found everyone here .
Check in at the chat later . I was on this morning and it really lifted my spirits.
paula
Paula, your right, the anxiety does magnify everything. And, I think when I do get out and stop dwelling on my symptoms, I do feel much better. I dont think you should be worried about the MRI, I think you should wait for a period. Look, from what I have read, its totally ok and normal to be having late, early and missed periods. I know its so disturbing after having them for sooo long, its like your missing part of your identity.
QUOTE (PJP @ Oct 14 2007, 12:16 PM)
Ivy Lena ,
I too have had those days . Last Sunday I didn't get out of bed until the evening . Thankfully my husband took care of everything and kept the house going . And waiting for a period is so difficult . If I don't get one this month I have to have the MRI of the pituitary gland . I think everything is magnified by my anxiety .I'm so happy to have found everyone here .
Check in at the chat later . I was on this morning and it really lifted my spirits.
paula
I too have had those days . Last Sunday I didn't get out of bed until the evening . Thankfully my husband took care of everything and kept the house going . And waiting for a period is so difficult . If I don't get one this month I have to have the MRI of the pituitary gland . I think everything is magnified by my anxiety .I'm so happy to have found everyone here .
Check in at the chat later . I was on this morning and it really lifted my spirits.
paula
Hi Paula,
I really feel for you. I have to jump right on it and comment about everything hiting you during the weekend and your stomach issues as well.
I do great during the week with the exception of lunch time. 8:30 at night and the weekends. Reason? My Girls (14 and 2x 10) come home for luch (stress time) 8:30...stress time, weekends stress time. I just finished a round of tests for my Stomach. I had multiple bleeding ulcers a few years back and thought the burning pain /under the left rib cage as well) was all due to the return of ulcers. After a stomach endoscopy, ultrasound of my gallbladder, liver, kidneys and a colonoscopy (all done in the last 3 weeks), nothing was found. My Dr. said that after numerous biopsies he had taken that I am hypersensative to stress (since I am young really). I think during peri, most of our symptoms leave us on a stress road, we feel 100% that there is something wrong, want to find a reason and after a cure. The distress comes when we don't have that instant diagnoses. At 45 I have for sure 75% less hair than at 35. I had a heavy loss when I needed to take progesterone for 2 months...hormones never stay balanced and can flucuate by the hour. It could very well be that you are experiencing a dominent progesterone phase but could balance off as soon fast as it started. Stress, iron deficiency can also lead to hair loss as well as thyroid problems. It is such a hard time. If you ever had any interest or have ben curious about Yoga, now could be a great time for you. Just learning to take those deeps breaths and relax. I am sure you are o.k. Great that you get to see and Endo. Dr. so that you know you have touched all bases. I have only found peace after my tests, the answer I knew woud be positive because deep down I knew that it was from stress. Hang in there and let us know how it progresses!!!
Hugs,Girlsmom
I really feel for you. I have to jump right on it and comment about everything hiting you during the weekend and your stomach issues as well.
I do great during the week with the exception of lunch time. 8:30 at night and the weekends. Reason? My Girls (14 and 2x 10) come home for luch (stress time) 8:30...stress time, weekends stress time. I just finished a round of tests for my Stomach. I had multiple bleeding ulcers a few years back and thought the burning pain /under the left rib cage as well) was all due to the return of ulcers. After a stomach endoscopy, ultrasound of my gallbladder, liver, kidneys and a colonoscopy (all done in the last 3 weeks), nothing was found. My Dr. said that after numerous biopsies he had taken that I am hypersensative to stress (since I am young really). I think during peri, most of our symptoms leave us on a stress road, we feel 100% that there is something wrong, want to find a reason and after a cure. The distress comes when we don't have that instant diagnoses. At 45 I have for sure 75% less hair than at 35. I had a heavy loss when I needed to take progesterone for 2 months...hormones never stay balanced and can flucuate by the hour. It could very well be that you are experiencing a dominent progesterone phase but could balance off as soon fast as it started. Stress, iron deficiency can also lead to hair loss as well as thyroid problems. It is such a hard time. If you ever had any interest or have ben curious about Yoga, now could be a great time for you. Just learning to take those deeps breaths and relax. I am sure you are o.k. Great that you get to see and Endo. Dr. so that you know you have touched all bases. I have only found peace after my tests, the answer I knew woud be positive because deep down I knew that it was from stress. Hang in there and let us know how it progresses!!!
Hugs,Girlsmom
Hi Girlsmom,
Thanks for responding . I think you're right . I am always stressed out about something . My husband says if I have nothing to worry about I'll find something . Things are definitely more stressful on the weekend.
I guess I have more time to dwell on everything . I have three sons 21 , 20 and 9 . My 21 year old lives near college but close by but he will be going to Rome after Christmas . I know on some level I'm worried about that . I'm so much more emotional now so I get teary when I think of him leaving .Thats probably weighing on me . Thankfully my husband is working but from Feb. til June he was laid off and that was really stressful . Between peri and the stress I think it all caught up with me.
I was just thinking about yoga the other day . I was a big exerciser using something called T-Tapp . As soon as I stopped things started getting worse .
I think I'll give yoga a try .
Thanks again!
Paula
Thanks for responding . I think you're right . I am always stressed out about something . My husband says if I have nothing to worry about I'll find something . Things are definitely more stressful on the weekend.
I guess I have more time to dwell on everything . I have three sons 21 , 20 and 9 . My 21 year old lives near college but close by but he will be going to Rome after Christmas . I know on some level I'm worried about that . I'm so much more emotional now so I get teary when I think of him leaving .Thats probably weighing on me . Thankfully my husband is working but from Feb. til June he was laid off and that was really stressful . Between peri and the stress I think it all caught up with me.
I was just thinking about yoga the other day . I was a big exerciser using something called T-Tapp . As soon as I stopped things started getting worse .
I think I'll give yoga a try .
Thanks again!
Paula
Hi Paula, I can understand about your son and his leaving for Europe. I have a 24yr old daughter who is very close to me, she is married. I also have my 17 yr. old, I never see her, she left me at 14 to live with her father. Since than, I see her hardly at all. she is alienated from me, and it was at this time that my life started become almost impossible for me to function. On top of that, she has 2 psychiatrists, and has been diagnosed with a type of boderline personality disorder. It has been sheer toture. Even when my older daughter went off to college, I just about fell apart because she was going out of state, 4hrs. from home. So than it was just me and my younger one, and than she left. I totally understand your feelings about your son. I agree with girlsmom, we are not prepared with the stress that this change of life throws at us, and if we are sensitive in nature to begin with, it is a shocking experience. I am so happy that I found this site and see that Im not alone in what I am feeling. I know you are going to be fine, and now you have found this great support system, we are all here for each other.
QUOTE (PJP @ Oct 14 2007, 06:04 PM)
Hi Girlsmom,
Thanks for responding . I think you're right . I am always stressed out about something . My husband says if I have nothing to worry about I'll find something . Things are definitely more stressful on the weekend.
I guess I have more time to dwell on everything . I have three sons 21 , 20 and 9 . My 21 year old lives near college but close by but he will be going to Rome after Christmas . I know on some level I'm worried about that . I'm so much more emotional now so I get teary when I think of him leaving .Thats probably weighing on me . Thankfully my husband is working but from Feb. til June he was laid off and that was really stressful . Between peri and the stress I think it all caught up with me.
I was just thinking about yoga the other day . I was a big exerciser using something called T-Tapp . As soon as I stopped things started getting worse .
I think I'll give yoga a try .
Thanks again!
Paula
Thanks for responding . I think you're right . I am always stressed out about something . My husband says if I have nothing to worry about I'll find something . Things are definitely more stressful on the weekend.
I guess I have more time to dwell on everything . I have three sons 21 , 20 and 9 . My 21 year old lives near college but close by but he will be going to Rome after Christmas . I know on some level I'm worried about that . I'm so much more emotional now so I get teary when I think of him leaving .Thats probably weighing on me . Thankfully my husband is working but from Feb. til June he was laid off and that was really stressful . Between peri and the stress I think it all caught up with me.
I was just thinking about yoga the other day . I was a big exerciser using something called T-Tapp . As soon as I stopped things started getting worse .
I think I'll give yoga a try .
Thanks again!
Paula
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