hi, my name is clare, and since i had my son 16 month ago i have loads of symptoms such as, headaches, muscle aches and pains, back and neck aches, dizziness, nausea, really painful menstrual cramps that carry on down my legs and my lower back. my periods are irregular, light sometimes then heavy the next and intercourse is painful in my womb area. i havent a clue whats happening to me but lately i have been getting these 'internal shaking' where i'm lying in bed peacefully relaxed and it feels like my whole body is shaking and i can even feel the bed moving. it scares the life out of me and i'm also very very anxious, stressed and always tired. i have no energy. i had a hormone test a week ago and apparently they're fine. i had a blood count which was normal. doctors say i'm just depressed but i can honestly tell u, i'm not.
please please someone tell me if this is something to do with menopause cos i'd be glad to know whats wrong so i can this sorted once and for all. thank you for your time reading this. much appreciated. x

((((lass))))
I'm so sorry you're feeling bad - you're so young and it does sound like peri.
My first thought is to have your thyroids checked perhaps?
I'm sure you'll get loads of advice and meet great ladies here who will be able to help you.
All I can do is to let you know that you're not alone, we care and understand how dreadful these symptoms can make you feel.
Hugs and prayers, Jonie

Hi Clare
How horrible for you.. it's awful being a woman sometimes isn't it... Men don't know how lucky they are!
I doubt you are having "menopause" problems at your age as this doesn't normally happen until the 40s but it does sound like you are having strong hormonal fluctuations.. it's amazing what those blasted hormones can do!
There is such a thing as "premature menopause" but if your tests say that your hormones are "fine" then it sounds like it's not that.
It doesn't help either when you go to the doctors and they just tell you it's "depression". That's the stock answer of doctors.... that or "it's your weight"!
It does take a long time for the hormones to settle down after pregnancy and 16 months isn't all that long really.
I don't know if you are taking a hormonal contraceptive.. if you are maybe a change of brand might help?
if you aren't then maybe taking one may help? I found that the Pill evened out all of my "cycle" fluctuations and period problems when I was younger.
If you are concerned don't be fobbed off by the doctor.. go back and ask for more blood tests....they are paid to do a job.. which is to help you find out what is happening.
HUGS Lindy xxx

I personally have always thought the internal shaking was a result of anxiety. Also, you have a young child. Are you sleeping well? Do you get enough sleep? I know when I am very tired my internal shaking is worse. Might want to have your blood surgar levels checked too.

I would be interested to know what you find out, because I really believe that internal shaking is not only a symptom of perimenopause but can be the result of other things going on as well. I am just not sure which of those "other" things to pinpoint in you case.

This is just my opinion. See what the other ladies think.

I think you are too young to be in peri but your hormones may be out of balalnce too.

Shakin'

Sodslass,
What hormone tests have you had? Did they test your FSH? I think day 3 of your cycle is the best time to check FSH. I agree that you should have your thyroid checked out too. You are very young and if you are experiencing peri-menopause it would certainly be rare but not impossible. Keep looking for answers--you deserve to feel better.

I agree with Jonie and to me it sounds like thyroid disease, those symptoms and that of peri and menopause are similar. You should have thyroid function tests done, TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, and especially Autoimmune Antibodies (another name is Thyroglobulin Antibodies) which, if above average (normal range is 0.2-2.0, or up to 40), generally indicates Hashimoto's Disease, which eventually destroys the gland and you become hypothyroid, which means you will need thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life. Keep in mind though that you could have a normal TSH and still have high antibodies, Unfortunately a lot of dr's are still in the dark and will rely soley on the TSH for a diagnosis so be ready for this, also be ready to change dr's if your current dr isn't willing to go along with your suggestions.

I have Hashimoto's since 2004. I've had symptoms like yours, also my periods had stopped, all this when i was 42 and going through peri at the same time. I was my OB/GYN dr who sent me for an antibodies test (which is a simple blood test), not my pcp.

I hope this helps you

HI I M SO SORRY YOUR FEELING THIS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, NOW I WENT THROUGH DEPRESSION IN MY LATE 20;S HAD BAD ANXIETY I WAS WONDERING IF YOU ARE ON THE PILL? BECAUSE THAT TO CAN MAKE YOU FEEL THIS WAY. I WAS ON PILL WHEN THAT HAPPEN TO ME. IWISH YOU THE BEST...FEEL FREE TO CHAT WITH US LADIES A GOOD BUNCH OF US. HUGS TERRY

Also look into Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd), as well as postpartum depression. It does sound hormonal whatever it is finally diagnosed as.

Agreed with what is said by our PS sisters. You are too young for peri BUT not to young for hormone screw up! You could be off with the baby and all. It took till I was 22, I believe, to finally have a predictable cycle. Sounds to me that you might still be at the front end of the cycle. We, in our 40s, are at the end of the cycle. Front can be just as bad as the end.
Once my cycle was regulated, I thought all the sysmptoms would never return. noone told me what happens in your 40s.
See your gyn. Maybe need to do a BCP or an AD for awhile.

You are welcome back anytime with your hormone symptoms. If anyone understands, it will be older peri women who have walked the 20s already and are living peri. (((hug)))

I am only 32 and have been in peri since 30.Age does not matter.I have read about more and more women having these problems young.However-I really think you should get your thyroid checked,it also could be fatigue.I really hope you feel better soon-GODbless

Hi Clare!

I absolutely agree with those suggesting a thyroid test. Thyroids commonly (for women) go out of whack during 2 times in their lives. After child birth and during the menopause years. My bestfriend became hypothyroid after giving birth, so it's very common for women your age to develop it. The thyroid is hormones...so without doubt have a COMPLETE blood panel ran. (stupid doctors - why would he/she NOT think to do this??)

I also suggest you 'google' hypothyroid and even hyperthyroid symptoms. Many, many sites have what the symptoms are. And if you need help, you can PM me and I'll help you find the sites. Knowledge is a powerful thing. And FYI - my bestfriend (and this was years ago) felt lousy too after the birth of her child. She too went to the doctor and received the same answer as you - depression. She refuse to accept it and challenged him, said she thought it was hypothyroid, and insisted on a thyroid test. She ended up being right....

By the way, FYI - take your temp mid day (around 2 to 3) - if its unusually low, that's a good indication something is 'up' with the thyroid. Many hypo girls find a temp as low as 97.6 so if your temp is off - absolutely insist on a full blood panel, not just the common TSH -

Ok??

Many Hugs
Tay

PS - congrats on your baby!!

I am also26 and had baby 9 months ago with strange symptoms. The main one being the internal tremors. I have them all day every day. I also have numbness in hands,feet, mouth and tongue. Along with it i got GERD and IBS. I have sore neck and throat all the time. I feel like i have the flu all the time. I get muscle twitches in my legs and wake up in the middle of the night with weird spells of numbness and ear fullness. I have had CAT scan and MRI of brain and cervical spine. Had TSH done 3 times and told it was normal each time. My throat also clicks and sometimes feels numb. I just don't feel right! Do u think its hormonal?

(((hug))) I think you really are too young for peri but I do think that your hormones are unbalanced because of the pregnancy. Maybe some BC pills? Since you are so young, it is a thought

I cant go on BC pills although my gyn is suggesting it. I dont want to with being on bp meds.

I suggest getting you thyroid checked also. Just to be sure.

I think it's most likely a hormone imbalance since the birth of your baby, and a bit of postpartum depression. Go see your Dr. again sweetie... being a new mom is not easy, and it's exhausting.

Good Luck, and come back and tell us how you're doing!

I 100% agree with the thyroid thing having gone through it myself. FIrst don't panic....yes it CAN be the thyroid...v ery common problem especially after pregnancy...it may be
1. autoimmune OR
2. temporary.

For AUTOIMMUNE: Yes, check out Mary SHomon's site and do not give in to the simple testing...go for all the thryoid tests especially the tests that will test the antibodies for HASHIMOTOS and GRAVES disease autoimmune diseases of the thryoid...don't worry they ARE treatable but you usually need to be under the treatment of a specialist called an endocrinologist. TSH above 3.0 (4.0 is WAY TOO HIGH!!!) is indicative of a thryoid problem most likely.....

For TEMPORARY: You may also have THYROIDITIS, which is an inflamation of the thryoid, but a EMPORARY CONDITION, though even so it CAN take a while to go away...and also just after giving birth it is not uncommon to have other temporary thryoid problems....they too can go away on their own, but that is not to say that you would not benefit from temporary care and treatment. I had this problem of the thryoid (temporary) after the birth of my daughter, I say with the birth, lack of sleep and hormonal changes that is what brought it on....it took several months for me to recover, but I managed somehow....take good care of yourself...a new baby itself is a lot!

At your age, hon, I think it may be more thyroid or hormone related. Ask your doctor to perform a full panel bloodwork on your thyroid just to be sure. See an endocrynologist (sp) as they specialize in glandular function.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I am going to new doctor today to ask for the thyroid panel. I just had TSH before and they kept telling me it was fine. I know something is not right! My family doc. won't do it and said there is nothing wrong with me. So i am keeping my fingers crossed this new doctor will help me! I really think its my thyroid or hormone related!

Hi Polarb,
I am no expert but it does sound as if you have Postpartum Thyroiditis. No-one has been able to discover why this occurs but it definitely exists. It is an auto immune problem that occurs after pregnancy. During pregnancy the immune system has to adjust itself so that the fetus is not damaged by being attacked by your immune defences. During the period after the baby is born the immune system must re-adjust itself and this is when thyroid problems can occur.
Most doctors are very dim when it comes to thyroid problems. You need to access someone who really knows what they are talking about. (Try to find an experienced Endocrinologist.) The condition is usually temporary but you need support at this time. If you have another pregnancy it is likely that these problems will happen again. A future fetus might be at risk if no-one identifies the problem.
If it is post partum thyroiditis, diagnosis can be difficult because it can involve phases of hyperthyroidism (over activity) and hypothyroidism (underactivity.) All very confusing.

Sending lots of good wishes your way and hoping that you can get your problems sorted. This is the best time of your life and it is a great shame that it is being spoilt in this way.

Do keep us posted as to how you get on.......


XIII

thanks for the support. It is very frustrating to have all these weird symptoms and not to know what i sgoing on! I did go to this new doc. and really liked her. Unlike my other doctor she said something is not right and its not all in my head. She is rechecking my TSH, checking my free T3 and my thryoid antibodies. She is also checking my estrogen,progesterone,FSH, testerone, prolactin. I am hoping this is the answer i am looking for but not getting my hopes up. She said she would aslo send me to see a allergist specialist to make sure its not something i am eating and she can't yet figure out she said she is willing to send me out of the province to see another doctor. She thinks its autoimmune related. She booked all my blood work and when i go get it done i will see her the week after to go over my results.

you might have them check your Magnesium Levels.

why magnesium levels?