Progestrone imbalance?

by Courtney
(Florida)

I am 22 years old and have been trying to figure out what is wrong with me for a few years now. I have always been a healthy eater, extremely active, and in very good shape.

When I turned 18 I suddenly had cravings for sweets and carbs and all I wanted to do was eat. My periods were very irregular and sometimes I would not get it for months. I also experienced hair thinning, anxiety, and depression. It was also very difficult for me to lose weight no matter how healthy I ate or how much I exercised. I started on the Nuvaring before college and it changed my life. My appetite decreased, I had no more cravings and I was able to lose weight easily and eat whatever I wanted. My skin was glowing and my periods came back. I was on it for two years then got off at age 20.

The next year was absolute hell. All the same symptons returned and seemed even worse. I gained 20 lbs and never got my period. I went to the doctor and got blood tests done to check my thyroid, but the results were fine. My doctor mentioned a progestrone imbalance but was vague. I started on Yaz and that helped considerably, but not as much as the Nuva ring did. I think Nuva ring has more progestin and that makes me wonder if that is the problem-lack of progestrone.

Does this seem like a progestrone imbalance and should I switch to a birth control that has more progestrone? Would progestrone cream help? I just want to lose the weight and balance out my body!