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Arrgh hormones why does everyone think I'm mad?

by Angela
(Manchester UK)

I've had trouble with painful periods since being 21 (I'm now 37) the cramps would be so bad I'd pass out! I've had a laporoscopy, hystoscopy and recently another laporoscopy. They've come back clear however the doctors think I may have adenomyosis (causing the cramps) tried every contraceptive pill, anti inflammitory etc going to no avail.

I've been on antidepressants for the last five years as my mood swings were so dramatic, id tried to explain to my gp that hormones were causing my problems however blood test was done and I was advised my hormone levels were normal (try explaining that to my last two boyfriends who couldn't do anything right) I have weight that gathers round my middle, I don't have any children, I've been told my cervix is too tight and when I mentioned I was going to buy some Natpro rather then have the merina coil, my gp had no clue as to what i was talking about and looked at me like I'd really lost the plot.

I've scoured the internet and feel i know more about me then my gp now and I'm certain that synthetic progesterone in the IUS is not for me. I know my levels are out but how do I get them tested if my GP is reluctant?? I know to start taking the cream I've bought 14 days after the first day of my period and I understand that if it is working and I feel better then I was right but do I need the tests first??

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Aug 08, 2011
 Arrgh hormones why does everyone think I'm mad?
by: Wray

Hi Angela It sounds as if you could have done with progesterone since you were 21! The cramps are caused by prostaglandins, these also cause the cramping we get when in labour. So each month you've virtually given birth! Unfortunately the one thing which is never checked when hormones are tested is the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen. If skewed, all hell can break loose. From Saliva Tests we run, we've found the ratio should be 600:1 and over to feel well. Tests are not essential, I normally go by symptoms, yours are bad enough to warrant trying progesterone. But if you feel you need a test, please contact Genova Diagnostics who do our saliva testing. I'm not sure if you'll have to go through a GP though. I don't believe you need antidepressants either, there are many nutrients which help. Please see our page on Anxiety where you'll find a list. I'm not sure what progesterone cream you've bought, but please make sure you use between 100-200mg/day, more if symptoms are severe. But please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance first, I feel it will occur with you, as your symptoms are bad. It can take time for progesterone to become the dominant hormone, especially if there's a high level of oestrogen present. It seems yours is high. Please don't look for a quick fix, the oestrogen dominance needs to be worked through. If it does occur increase the amount of progesterone you're using. It's very safe, Dr Dalton would use up to 2400mg/day for her patients with post natal psychosis. I don't know who told you to start the progesterone on day 14. This is fine if you have a 28 day cycle, not if otherwise. Our cycles can range from 21 to 35 days, making 28 days the average only. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. I'm relieved you're against the mirena, and that you know the difference between a synthetic progestin and progesterone! I've run out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray
Aug 08, 2011
 Arrgh hormones why does everyone think I'm mad?
by: Wray

Hi Angela Finally, please have a vitamin D test done. Sunshine levels are very low in the UK, as a result so are vitamin D levels. This is a vital nutrient, and a potent anti-inflammatory. Low levels reduce the benefit of progesterone. Please see the Birmingham Hospital website, they do a test kit for £20. I don't agree with their interpretation of the results though, far too low. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L. The UK measures in nmol/L. For more info see the Vitamin D Council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray

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