My Body is out of control

Mary, 

   When I read your post I completely understood.  I'm so sorry, none of this is easy.  And unfortunately, it's taking us to a place we'd rather not go.  

   Having an appointment with an endocrinologist is a good first start.  However, I will say that they often deal mainly with thyroid, adrenal glands and insulin.  So often they don't care about sex steroids and how this affects all other hormone systems in our bodies.  I wouldn't be surprised if the endo just didn't want to deal with it and pass you off to a menopause clinic. 

   Here's my suggestion.  Go in completely prepared!  1) Type up a list of your concerns and symptoms. 2) If it isn't offered, ask for blood work and include your FSH, Estradiol and Progesterone levels.  Make sure your thyroid includes TSH, T-4 and even T3 levels.  Adrenal glands can be tested with a blood draw, however that's just a one moment testing.  (Adrenal gland production has highs and lows throughout the day. So saliva testing done 4 times in one day can give a clearer picture)   Get an A1C to look at blood sugars over a longer period.  And and overall blood work up.  At the very least you will have some decent information to go on.   If this doctor is not interested in helping with menopause hormones, you might be able to find a menopause clinic for help.  

  Don't feel helpless, get information and see if there is something that can help you work through all this. And yes, hormones CAN and DO all this.   

Hi Mary,

As Gailannie says, what you are going through is normal and hormones can do that to you. Just look at the posts and discussions in this menopause section. So many women going through a hard time, each of us different, with a different set and severity of symptoms. But there are things that we can do that will help. Now, in the 21st century we have so much choice. We do not have to suffer. And, menopause will pass, it is not a permanent state of being, it us just another s****y thing us women have to go through, like childbirth. I had children late and now my teenage daughter is struggling with learning to cope with periods while I am coping with menopause. Great fun. I just focus on helping her.

I would definitely start off by having your thyroid checked. TSH, Free T3 and T4 definietly. Another useful but less common thyroid lab is Serum Iodine. Depending on those results they can order even more detailed tests to see if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease. 

Don't know if you are menopausal but a lot of those symptoms can show up at peri-menoapuse or menopause. 

One thing you may also want to consider is vitamin B12 deficiency. This can occur in menopause and causes: menopausal hair loss, mouth ulcers, palpitations, low appetite, poor memory, tingling hands or feet. It is easy to check for B12 deficiency and easy to correct. You can take high concentration suppliments or, if really serious, you can get B12 injections. Iron deficiency also causes hair loss. The heavy periods we get in peri can cause the B12 and iron deficiencies.

How do you feel the weak eyes? Is your vision deteriorating or do you feel muscle weakness in the eyes?

When's the last time you've had a complete blood count?  Have them test your B12 levels. When mine were very low I had problems with depression and exhaustion a B12 supplement help me. I became low with  b12 because I'm not a big meat eater. Menopause can absolutely reeked havoc. Hair loss anxiety the heart palpitations I had all of that my.  Post menopause  2009. I still suffer from hot flashes.  In the beginning I had terrible anxiety. Go to the doctor have her check your hormone levels and if you are anemic you probably already know this, you need iron you might need a supplement because  that can be taxing to your heart muscle if  you're anemic. Take care keep us posted how you're doing.

I have advised on several forums getting B12 levels checked. Menopausal women can be lacking in this and a deficiency causes many of the symptoms described.