That old saying: "listen to your gut" is really true. I have asked two different OBs to check my hormone levels and neither of them would do it. The first one was totally confused by my question to test my hormone levels and did not want to do it. So I switched to another doctor. My new doctor said that I was too young to get my hormone levels tested and would not do it. So, I went to a naturopath. She was the first one who wanted to test my hormone levels -- and she found that my progesterone was low.
So now I am progesterone therapy from a compounding pharmacy for half of my cycle and so far doing fine. I am actually feeling pretty good and already have more energy and focus. Other people I know who are on progesterone have gotten awful headaches in the morning. I used to get awful headaches in the morning and now, since starting the progesterone, I do not.
It is frustrating to me that I have had to go to all of this time and personal expense to get someone to test my hormone levels. OB/GYNs should be more open to doing this. I am sure there are so many people like me out there who need to get their hormone levels checked, but their doctors aren't doing it. Instead, they are getting sicker and developing symptoms from these hormonal imbalances that will cost doctors and healthcare companies even more money to treat.
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Thanks so much, Michelle! I will.
March 8, 2009 - 4:22pmThis Comment
Thanks Joanna for sharing your symptoms. Those are definitely things that I think a lot of women can relate to, yet probably a lot of the time we tend to ignore them or explain them away, like "I'm just so busy, no wonder I'm tired," etc. But again, you knew something wasn't quite right and rather than ignore it you did the detective work and advocated for yourself. And that's great information too about getting the test done at the right time of your cycle. I just know your story will help so many women. Good job Joanna! Please continue to post and let us know how the continued treatment is going.
March 7, 2009 - 9:47pmThis Comment
Thanks, Michelle! I truly appreciate that. I have been feeling increasingly tired, have had trouble loosing weight, and feeling just a little off-kilter -- a little foggy and not quite my normal even-keeled self. I received a blood test that specifically tested my progesterone level (for anyone taking one, make sure your doctor does it at the proper time in your cycle). It turns out that my progesterone level was a 3, which is below range.
March 7, 2009 - 5:26pmThis Comment
Joanna, I agree with Elly. I'm so proud of you for knowing intuitively that something wasn't quite right, and for asking over and over for the tests until you got them. Good for you! The idea of your first doctor being confused by the request just blows me away. And I'm so glad that the medication is agreeing with you.
I was wondering if you'd be comfortable sharing what your symptoms were, and how you knew something was wrong and that tests were needed. It's possible that other women on here are feeling the same way as you were and knowing that it might be hormone-related will really help them.
March 6, 2009 - 11:06pmThis Comment
Thanks, Elly! Hopefully your OB will do this. I read your story, and it sounds like you have been through a lot yourself and have quite an amazing story. Good for you for sharing it! Welcome!
March 6, 2009 - 3:14pmThis Comment
Good on you for listening to your 'gut' and not just accepting the first answer you were given! Being pro-active is key!
I'm actually due for my yearly OBGYN appointment! I'm going to ask him to check mine out!
Glad you are doing well. Thanks to yourself! :)
March 6, 2009 - 10:42amX
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