"normal" problems

by Nihel
(Quebec )

Hi Wray. I'm 22 years old and I see myself as a healthy young woman. I'm not overweight and I usually tend to eat healthy food. But I've never restricted myself. I think I should take few pounds. I'm only 45.5kg for 1m62 (which gives a BMI of 17.3). My body fat is around 15%. So maybe there is a problem in these numbers, but at the same time, I can't really change the way my body fonctions...

My menstrual cycles are always 28-29 days long and my periods lasts between 4 and 6 days. However, I do have cramps. Sometimes, the pain is very light ; some months, I can barely get out of bed. Also, I have some breakouts (usually 1 or 2) right before the bleeding begins. I do not use (and do not want) any oral contraceptive pills.

So I've done few blood tests. I don't think that my progesterone and oestrogen levels were measured. The doctor looked at my cortisol level (among other things), and everything seemed fine to him. But as you've mentionned few times in this website, even if these numbers are "average", the ratio may be problematic.

I was wondering if the progesterone cream could be an interesting option for me.

I've just noticed that my face cream contains paraben and paraffin ("Avene"), and I read in this website that they are like mimics of oestrogen. So as soon I finished the bottle, I will look for something more convenient for my skin. Any advice for a good lotion?

Is there any way that we can find out if our progesterone level is low compared to the oestrogen level? Should we absolutely pass blood tests to get an idea?

And contraceptives? I've been reading some Jerilynn Prior's articles, and now, I firmly believe that the pill is not an appropriate option for contraception. What are the best choices in your opinion?

Thank you very much

(sorry for all the mistakes! I only speak French)