Posted by jasmineneroli on November 28, 2004, at 18:05:23 [reposted on November 29, 2004, at 22:27:57 | original URL]
In reply to Re: estrogen and the brain » jasmineneroli, posted by jujube on November 28, 2004, at 14:00:38
Yes, I had FSH levels tested at different times, along with B12 and Folic Acid testing (because deficiences can give similar symptoms).
At first (this is when I was acutely peri-menopausal, before generalized hot flashes, but during extreme insomnia, night time sweats and headaches). My FSH levels at that point were "in the normal range". So I was given the OC pill to help control the symptoms, with the rationale, that I was not yet menopausal, or near to it. So ' we (GP) will just help keep your hormone levels "even" '.
This proved to be an horrendous decision, because I simply couldn't tolerate the progestins. I tried 4 different brands/combo's over about 7 months, becoming more and more depressed and withdrawn, to the point of suicidal ideation. My anxiety became worse too, by the end of this trial. My poor GP even said she thought she had "made me sick", by this route.At this point my FSH was done again and was high, indicating I was in the beginning of menopause. So, within 7 months, my FSH readings had changed greatly.
It's been done since, and has changed yet again.
Deborah Sichel's book, goes into all this, recommending all kinds of testing and the different forms of female hormone drugs.One of the things she says, which may be pertinent to you, is (and I'm trying to remember it properly!) that every woman should have her hormone levels tested early in adulthood as a BASELINE for her. Then get tested regularly, so that she can montior the changes, note symptoms & add hormone supplementation as necessary, ALL ALONG!!!
She also does a great job of describing emotional/mood reactions and how our (females') lives typically unfold (responsibilities, childbirth, child rearing, children leaving the nest) along with our hormonal changes. She has a good analogy of life stressors happening along the way, being like little "tremors". Eventually, given the right stress/hormonal circumstances, an "earthquake" happens. Enter anxiety/panic/depression = "nervous breakdown".
I found it fit me to a "t"!
I'm gonna have to get the book again, because it's about 2 years since I read it, and so much has happened to me, in terms of mental health, hormones and "life", since then!
Jas
poster:jasmineneroli
thread:422089
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041128/msgs/422104.html