Just got results of hormone panel...menopause at 40!? Nurse said I can't go back??
Posted , 6 users are following.
I've been taking bioidentical progesterone for a year, and I've been having light periods and recently just missed two periods completely. Other symptoms ive been having are insomnia, panic attacks (one visit to ER), anxiety, fatigue, bloating, weight gain around middle (otherwise thin), loss of libido, dry skin, night sweats, and I am very prematurely gray (not sure if that has anything to do with it, but thank goodness for highlights!).
It was time for my yearly hormone check, and I traveled to Ohio last year to the Hormone Cottage (I found through Suzanne Somers website) so this year it was just over the phone. My estrogen (all 3) were below the chart. Like my Estradiol is .93, Estriol 1.3, Estrone 8. Cortisol, DHEA, Testosterone, and Progesterone all within range.
She said my ovaries have stopped working and I am in menopause. I was shocked. I was having regular-ish periods until just a few months ago! However the worst thing she said was she didn't see how I could be having any of my symptoms based on my lab results. Only the hot flashes or night sweats would be from the low estrogen. That can't be true. I mean, my body quite literally slammed into menopause very quickly and very early. Wouldn't it be normal to feel quite awful and out of sorts? She seemed almost reluctant to give me estrogen like what is the point. I had to insist. She also said to take my progesterone at a steady level all month (I was cycling before). I asked if I could still cycle to try to get periods, and she said no my body was done with my ovaries?
I just would love some insight on my symptoms and some reassurance that I will have some relief once I begin taking the estrogen. She will be giving me estradiol and estriol. Its quite the blow...is it bad to have menopause this early? I just feel like i've been thrown into the old lady category overnight. I just had to get used to being not in my 30's, now this??
Thanks for your responses, I look forward to some more compassion and understanding!
1 like, 7 replies
t74985 caseynjason
Posted
Hi, you’re symptoms exist & you seem to have the laundry list the rest of us on the link have. You’re not crazy. My sister in law had same at your age, she lost her mother and the stress sent her reeling emotionally & Dr suggested that’s what triggered her early Peri Menopause. Stress is a terrible monster. Maybe this for you?....stress triggered Peri?
May I ask
Did you have vital nutrients & vitamin levels checked? All of them...magnesium, B,C,D, niacin, Iron, all of it. Deficiency in any or several of these can also really throw you into a tailspin physically & mentally! Just trying to think for you, as they said other levels were ok....good luck & know that your not alone!
tina00239 caseynjason
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juanita93228 caseynjason
Posted
I hope you find someone that has better bedside manners. I'm also not sure if some of the issues you are having may be vitamin deficiencies(sp?). Sometimes, you just have to find what works for you. Don't Google though, it will make you crazy! Just remember you are not alone, there are millions of us going through this and we just need to continue to lift each other up in prayer and sometimes even find a way to laugh about some things. Come on here any time just to talk, ask questions, vent,or whatever. ((((Hugs)))) Hope you feel better soon.
caseynjason
Posted
Thank you for the idea about checking my vitamins; I take the basics, but I'm not sure about the rest. My stress has been off the charts at times, mostly because of how I feel, but I'm sure it's an awful cycle that feeds each other. I took time to read more on this site, and it definitely made me feel so much better and like I was in an enormous group of amazing women who all care for each other and all have felt what each other has felt or gone through.
I am going to get on some bioidentical estrogen, and I am so hoping that being this low in estrogen is most of my symptoms. I do practice yoga and meditation, I've just been in a tailspin the last few years and it is nice to finally understand why. I can move forward and know where my body is and it really reminds you how much we need to care for ourselves and slow down. You don't have to wait until you are in your 50s or 60s. It should start now, whatever our age. I still have 5 kids in the house, so I will do my best!
kelle34850 caseynjason
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vicky77852 caseynjason
Posted
caseynjason vicky77852
Posted
Thank you so much for sharing! I am still waiting for the compounding pharmacy to process my estrogen. I can't wait to feel better and more like myself. Well, more like my new self.