Hi Ladies,
I came across this board while trying to research hormones/perimenopause, and I am so grateful to have found a community of others possibly going through the same symptoms as me.

I have no idea where to even start here and I apologize in advance if this becomes too lengthy.

I am a 36 yo SAHM raising 2 young boys, one of which has autism. It is very stressful and draining most of the time and that is what I thought I was experiencing.

I belong to a message board of Labrador Retriever owners and I was first approached a couple of weeks ago by a fellow member who had been reading some of my posts on my health, especially my mental health and after exchanging PM's about perimenopause and her swearing by progesterone cream, I was thinking, "yeah, ok. not really interested in another fad." She generously mailed me a book by Dr. Lee called "What your doctor may not tell you about premenopause", and after reading that book in record time I was on board and felt like the book had been written especially for me. (ok, that does sound a little egotistical, huh? )

Now I will backtrack a little to my medical history. I have a complicated endocrine/gyn history. I went through infertility treatment with both of my boys, going through the shots and IUI. My reproductive endocrinologist diagnosed me with PCOS, endometriosis, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, I don't ovulate, blah, blah, blah. I also have severe IBS, GERD and asthma. After my last pregnancy I developed hypertension and have had it under control since then with meds.

About 1.5-3 years ago I underwent an endometrial ablation and tubal ligation from the severe bleeding I experienced. In fact my periods were so heavy, I had become anemic. I was disappointed that I still had periods after the surgery and they were still fairly heavy, although not nearly to the extent they had been prior.

My obgyn also put me on BCP, Yasmin 28 to help with PCOS, specifically help with losing weight. She had informed me that alot of women with PCOS had tremendous success with losing weight and keeping hormones in check.

While I love my obgyn and she saw me through a high risk pregnancy, she has become increasingly difficult to get into see in between annual pap's for issues like yeast infections that wouldn't go away, UTI's, etc. I called her about 8 months ago when my sex drive completely died. She ordered a blood test to check some hormones which came back within normal range. She recommended I stay on the BCP's and gave me a 'script for Estrace to help with the sex drive, dryness, pain, etc. I tried it for a couple of weeks and I noticed a rash I started developing on my face, so discontinued it.

I have increasingly been feeling worse in every area of my overall health. I never put these symptoms together that they could be explained due to a hormone imbalance/perimenopause.

I went to see a psychiatrist 2 weeks ago for medication management to help with the increased anxiety/rage/severe mood swings I've been experiencing. I really was pretty insistent on not going on antidepressants, since I wasn't really depressed & since I had been on them after the birth of my 1st child for PPD and they made me gain 30 lbs. I am a smoker though and one of my biggest reasons for seeing him was getting help with quitting smoking. I get severely depressed whenever I quit and did agree to try a VERY, VERY low dose of Zoloft and happily took the low dose of Xanax for my anxiety since I was more comfortable taking something as needed.

Less than 1 week later, I read Dr. Lee's book and started looking at all of my symptoms as possibly a myriad of symptoms to one thing....my hormones!!!!

That day, I quit the Yasmin BCP's and the Zoloft (which I had only been on for 1 wk)

I made an appointment, which I had today with a NP at a new OBYN clinic. I really, really liked her and went in telling her I wanted to take more of a natural approach and wasn't interested in a hyster/removing my ovaries, wasn't interested in synthetic hormone's, etc. She was very on board with my plan and sent me to a pharmacist to get a saliva hormone test. She said even if the test come back within range, it doesn't mean we can't still treat the symptoms. I go back this Thursday for an ultrasound b/c I've been having lots of pain, certain they are ovarian cysts.

I had told her that I had ordered some Pro-Gest and she was very on board with me starting that immediately and is fairly convinced I am perimenopausal based on my symptoms. She said as soon as I do the hormone test, I can start using the cream. She doesn't recommend me starting the Estrace back, until we have the results though in case I am estrogen dominant.

Here's one of my questions and I am kinda confused about this. I essentially haven't had a period for almost a year, or have I? I'm confused about that. I haven't had to wear a tampon or even a panty liner in all that time. If I'm lucky, every month (and sometimes I skip completely, haven't really been monitoring it), I go to the bathroom and wipe and there is a little, tiny bit of blood. Next time, there won't be any. Then perhaps later in the day, a little tiny bit again, and that's it!!!!! Maybe about 5-7 days later (like this morning), when I wiped there was a tiny bit of brown, like the end of a period.

So, am I having periods? Are they irregular? Is it just considered spotting? What? I am supposed to do this saliva test on day 19-21 of my cycle if I am still having them. Wondering if I should wait til day 19 of the first spot of blood? I quit taking the BCP's on that day, which I guess would be day 1, and I am only on day 7 now, if it should even be considered. Waiting another week to week in a half would probably be recommended from the standpoint of ensuring the BCP's are completely out of my system to get a clearer, more accurate hormone level, too, right?

Have any of you had the symptoms of perimenopause and it be something entirely different?

The symptoms I've been having are:

no sex drive
basically no periods (although I can still cramp)
dry skin with rashes
irritability/rage/massive mood swings
night sweats (although that hasn't been every night)
Extreme PMS symptoms
breasts feel heavy and sore certain days of the month
I am tired ALL the time. No amount of caffeine helps.
I feel impaired almost all the time, like I've been drinking, which I don't. My mind doesn't feel clear, I am lightheaded and I'm tired like a couple of drinks will make me feel.
vaginal dryness
pain during sex
pain in the ovaries/ovarian cysts
anxiety that is just getting worse every day. Leading to panic attacks
becoming teary, b/c I don't understand why I feel this way, how to help myself
headaches several, several times a day. I call them my functional headaches. They are severe, but they are nagging and don't last too long.
bloating (with severe diarrahea, sulphur burps, gas, although this could just be my IBS)

ok, that is all for now. I have exhausted myself just typing this out.

My family and I are planning our dream vacation to Disney World at the end of April. I don't think I'll be able to go if I feel like this then. I am hoping to get control of this and am really looking forward to starting the Pro-Gest, putting alot of optimism it will make me feel better.

Anything else I should be reading, talking to my NP about in the meantime?

Thanks for reading this if you got this far. I am so sorry it was so long. While it's comforting there are women out there who are going through this, I don't wish this on any woman in the world. Wanted to add, my mother went through menopause early too. She is now 54 and has been post menopausal for about 8-9 years now.

I really look forward to hearing from any of you.

Welcome Moonchild,

Sorry to hear about all your troubles. It may take some time to get this all figured out. I'm sure with so much going on with your health, the hormonal issue is not helping the matter. I think I read that with PCOS menopause could come early?? Then you also had the ablation, which could stop your periods completely. It's alot of stuff here to get figured out. I am deeply sorry for all your suffering.

Yes, as you have listed, these are all perimenopausal or hormonal problems of some sort. Remember that hormones are what run our bodies, if something is off, then we feel it.

Take one step at a time, PLEASE don't rush into just the things that Dr. Lee states in his book, so much has happened with bioidentical hormone research, his book is somewhat outdated (my opinion), progesterone is NOT the magic cure and could make you feel more depressed, be careful.

It's good that your doc is getting some tests to see where you are at. But these tests don't tell the whole story, just read on this site all the women who were told that they are in a normal range, ha!!!

I've experienced peri and know how each of us has a unique blend of things, it's not all the same. For me, estrace or some form of estrogen (bio) did wonders for me. Progesterone on the other hand made me tired, and worse than ever.

The worst symptom I experienced was the complete and constant fatigue. You are not alone, most of us have or do struggle with all these things.

I know some of the others will chime in with their wisdom, this is a very wonderful community of ladies who will share.

Hang in there and keep reading the info on this site, it will help you to educate yourself and make a better informed decision on what to do.

Juliann

Hi moonchild,
I have to agree with juliann, Dr. Lee's book is only based on his clinical experience, there have been no studies which have confirmed his opinions. Being a nurse and having had my own holistic practice, I attended a seminar for health professionals by Dr. Lee in the mid 90's when his book first came out. I was a ball of fire to try the progesterone and bought his book there. Long story short, I used the P cream on and off over a couple years and finally realized it was causing depression and weight gain.

Fast forward to now (I'm 55) and I've been going through peri for a few years now. Doc put me on BHRT--bioidentical hormone replacement therapy--with a low dose estrogen cream and a progesterone cream. After sudden onset off horrific anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, I did some research and found that the P was causing those symptoms. As our estrogen levels are declining, using P only exacerbates that.

There has been many posts here in the past couple of months about BHRT and many ladies here, in addition to myself, have had horrid experiences with progesterone. Don't believe the 'everyone is estrogen dominant' mantra that's out there (and that I used to believe also), it's simply untrue.

I've read many, many hormone books and by far, the best, most comprehensive, most thoroughly researched one is called "Screaming to be Heard--Hormonal Connections that Women Suspect and Doctors Ignore" by Dr. Elizabeth Vliet. It's excellent. I felt like I had taken an advanced class on hormones. She has treated thousands of women and has vast clinical experience in addition to excellent research.

She also wrote "It's My Ovaries, STupid" which is not quite as comprehensive but excellent nevertheless.

You need to know Progesterone Cream tends to build up in the fatty tissue and starts causing many problems for women that continue even after stopping its use.

Just be sure to read a lot and also check out the hormone topics on this forum and read the older postings. There's some very informative stuff here.

I agree with the two other posters...great advice. You certainly need a good GYN doctor...one you can comunicate with effectively and for the long term. You may also want to consult with an endocrinologist to sort out any continuing thryoid probolems or other endocrine issues you may be having. Get the blood work up, arm yourself with information, a couple of good doctors and Power Surge....we are always here to help you sort it all out. I went through infertility treatments as well and dealt with a thryoid problem and peri and now meno...so you see you are in good company! Joan

Thank you for your replies. I will definitely consider all you have to say. I do plan on trying the progesterone, but will be watchful of impending depression/anxiety as I don't need any more of that in my life.

I am heading to the bookstore after my dental appointment to check out the recommended books.

I do have an endocrinologist that has been monitoring me. One other thing that has me thinking is, I have had my levoxyl (thyroid hormones) decreased from 75mcg to 50 mcg's within the last 6 months. I have had my levels checked twice since the switch, and I am registering in the normal range on this new dosage. But, I am wondering, since I took the 75mcg's and did so well on it for years, could my body still feel like it needs it and that might be one of the reasons I am feeling this way?

I am just glad that I am going back to the GYN NP on Thursday so I can have some more of these questions/concerns answered. I plan on asking for my thyroid to be checked again, although it was checked back in January. I know I've only been getting TSH and T4 checked. Wondering if I should get T3 and T7 checked too?

I'm also hoping that she tells me I don't have to wait another week or so to take this hormone test. It's checking cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day too.

I usually sleep fairly well throughout the night (to my knowledge), but I woke up so many times throughout the night, I wonder if I slept at all. I just want to climb in a dark, comfy cave and not come out for about 2 wks.

I'm very concerned and discussed with dh the possibility of us canc

Thank you for your replies. I will definitely consider all you have to say. I do plan on trying the progesterone, but will be watchful of impending depression/anxiety as I don't need any more of that in my life.

I am heading to the bookstore after my dental appointment to check out the recommended books.

I do have an endocrinologist that has been monitoring me. One other thing that has me thinking is, I have had my levoxyl (thyroid hormones) decreased from 75mcg to 50 mcg's within the last 6 months. I have had my levels checked twice since the switch, and I am registering in the normal range on this new dosage. But, I am wondering, since I took the 75mcg's and did so well on it for years, could my body still feel like it needs it and that might be one of the reasons I am feeling this way?

I am just glad that I am going back to the GYN NP on Thursday so I can have some more of these questions/concerns answered. I plan on asking for my thyroid to be checked again, although it was checked back in January. I know I've only been getting TSH and T4 checked. Wondering if I should get T3 and T7 checked too?

Also, I have never heard that PCOS women go through meno early. I couldn't really find anything online after doing a search. I wonder why? Is it because the ovaries shut down? I did read that meno doesn't really stop PCO like I was originally told. My original obgyn really recommended doing a full hysterecomy. So glad I didn't go there.

I'm also hoping that she tells me I don't have to wait another week or so to take this hormone test. It's checking cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day too.

I usually sleep fairly well throughout the night (to my knowledge), but I woke up so many times throughout the night, I wonder if I slept at all. I just want to climb in a dark, comfy cave and not come out for about 2 wks.

I'm very concerned and discussed with dh the possibility of us cancelling our vacation we have planned with the kids if I am not feeling better by then.

Again, your wisdom and experience is greatly, greatly appreciated. Keep it coming. I love learning and am desperate at the moment!

Moonchild,

Can you post your recent thyroid labs, along with the ranges? Endos are notorious for underdosing patients based on the wrong tests and not interpreting them correctly.

I was looking for my labs from January, but all I can find are the one's from Sept. ( I was already on the new, decreased dosage)

Free T4 is 1.45
TSH is 2.49

I bought 2 new books today. I couldn't find the first one that was recommended, but I did buy "It's my ovaries, stupid!" and Christiane Northrup's book, "The Wisdom of Menopause" Both look like excellent books and it's interesting that Northrup doesn't really recommend the saliva testing anymore.

I need to get to reading, researching more so I can get all my concerns/questions ready for Thursday. I think I want to have blood serum levels checked too again. Old OBGYN only checked LH/FSH which I learned in one of the books is useless for peri symptoms.

I've been actually feeling fairly good this morning, other than my normal headaches. Just waiting to crash around 2pm though. But, I am hopeful.

Funny that my hygenist asked me if I could be pregnant today b/c of my gums being so swollen & inflamed and the discomfort I was going through during a cleaning that never causes me problems. She then asked if I was having hormonal problems. Funny how that can show up inside the mouth too.

I'm just coming to the realization that it's all related, especially for me. I'll get to the bottom of this, if I have to go down fighting to do so.

oops, reference range for T4 is 1.1-4.4
TSH range is 0.27-4.20

Dear'moonchild'
First of all a very warm welcome to the Forum.Here you will meet lovely warm ladies.

I was fully Menopausal at 39 so know how very hard it is-am now 57.I also do volunteer work with children with Autism,ranging in ages two to seventeen.Before that I was a mainstream teacher so can see firsthand how draining yet rewarding these special children can be.

I honestly believe with the right hormonal balance you can begin to feel a lot better and have great relief from most of your symptoms though it does take time.

When first diagnosed I was put on an HRT-synthetic no BHRT available in this country.After about six weeks began to notice a great improvement.There are also Herbal supplements and vitamins that you can discuss with your Doctor.

I am also on Prozac 20mgs,and Xanax to take as needed.I hardly need it now but have a high tendency to anxiety,owing to family circumstances,so just happy to know it is there if needed.

Quitting smoking was hard for me too but I did it.It has been two years now and I can't bear the smell of smoke.Also cutting out caffeine and sugary foods does lessen the jittery feeling and helps you to sleep better.

Please keep us posted.
God Bless
Elizabeth

I went through a lot of thryoid problems and that can really be a challenge. Your TSH is not exceptionally high but many feel best with it around 1. FT4 looks ok but what about FT3? You really need all of them. 75 of thyroid meds is not that high. Why did he reduce you? I say if you were feeling your best on that 75 amount then despite what the numbers say, that is where you may want to stay...most of the ladies on almost any thryoid board would agree with me...don't just dose by the lad numbers...... NOW, keep in mind that during peri how your thyroid needs may change and it may need to be adjusted again up ......or down. If you started feeling worst little by little after the thryoid meds reduction, I would look at that first. Mary Shomon's thryoid forum is great....you may want to stop over there for some chat on this. Joan