Thread: A very personal female question (no boys allowed) ;-)

OK, so here we go...I have a female cycle problem. If you are grossed out or something read at your own risk. It should be known that I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for 11/12, but that's the earliest I could get in.

The last time I had my period was August 28-Sept 3. It was late when it came then too (by two weeks). I am pretty sure that I am not pregnant (although it is possible) because I've taken a couple of pregnancy tests.

I'm really worried and scared it could be more serious. I've been having lots of health issues lately and this is icing on the cake. Other symptoms are extreme fatigue, all over aches and pains, sinus trouble, occasional dizziness, bloating, swinging from hot flashes to being cold, chronic heart burn, depression, etc. Those symptoms have been going on longer than the period issues. I've had extreme fatigue and sinus trouble pretty much all of my life, but it's sort of come to a head as of late.

My doc gave me a bunch of blood tests back in March to explore these issues. Everything came back normal. My thought is that it is a thyroid condition, but my TSH is normal. When I asked for a free T3 and free T4 my doctor wouldn't give it to me. My doctor just said it's depression and she bumped up my zoloft.

Needless to say, I am getting a new doctor and will ask for more tests and hope she takes a more critical and integrative approach. Anyway, anyone here who has had similar experiences or do you work in health care or alternative healing? Help, I am feeling so lost and somewhat crazy! Thanks!

Gosh, I wish I could help you out. I'm so sorry that this is happening to you. I hate doctors who don't listen to what their patients are telling them, like they know your body better than you. Psht!
Anyway, I hope you find somebody soon who takes your problems seriously. And hope you get back to feeling at least, somewhat normal soon.

How old are you? Could you be having early premenopausal symptoms. I started having hot flashes in my 30s.

Originally Posted by Souzan

How old are you? Could you be having early premenopausal symptoms. I started having hot flashes in my 30s.

I'm 28. My boyfriend jokes that I am going through early menopause. Ugh, I hope it's not that because I still want to have babies!

I hope they check your hormone levels....hormones are super powerful and can cause a lot of these symptoms if they are out of wack.

((((((((((((((((Andalee)))))))))))))))) hugs to you

So glad you're insisting on the T3/T4. One of my co-workers had similar symptoms, with a normal TSH, but as it turned out the T3/T4 was (were?) off. She's on meds now and it turned her health right around. She has had to adjust the meds several times, but now she can tell what she needs to do -- sluggish and depressed, more, cranky and impatient--dial it back (with her doctor's approval, natch).

With major symptoms - isn't it nearly impossible NOT to think the worst? I had left side abdominal pain earlier this year, and after going to the urgent care for much squeezing and testing, they found nothing. Then I decided that the one place they hadn't looked was my uterus, and became CONVINCED that I had cancer. I didn't. But it was impossible not to brood, and I was pretty wretched for several days.

Thinking of you.

They should check for Hashimoto's disease too by doing a thyroid antibody test when they also run the t3 and 4.

Are you on the pill? I pretty much stopped getting my period years ago - I sometimes get mild cramps or get irritable at that time of the month, but I rarely actually bleed. Alot of the symptoms DO sound hormonal as some of the other posters mentioned.

You said you had all of these things too: Extreme fatigue, all over aches and pains, sinus trouble, occasional dizziness, bloating, swinging from hot flashes to being cold, chronic heart burn...

That was me from April to August last year. Turns out it was Lymes (after 2 docs misdiagnosed me). 3 weeks of heavy antibiotics and I was just fine after that. So perhaps its an infection of some sort?

I haven't wanted to say early perimenopause, but it has crossed my mind. Get thee to the doctor and get every test. This is important.

My ex's sister, who didn't want kids, had a pregnancy scare in her 30s and found that it was not pregnancy, but the start of an early menopause. By that time she and her husband had decided that a baby might be quite nice, but a whole lot of things conspired against them and it would have been a very very involved process to have children, and nothing guaranteed. So they weren't keen. Then he got testicular cancer and that was the end of that. They have dogs (and are both in perfect health and very happy btw).

I also knew a woman in my early BD days who had a near lifelong depression diagnosis, whose hormones turned out to be completely out of whack. She went on a hormone replacement therapy and the difference was incredible. She *did* have mental health issues but it wasn't them making her sluggish and heavy.

So it could be hormonal stuff.

I agree with the advice to follow up on your thyroid tests, t3, t4 and the anti-body tests. Also when was your last pelvic? Have you considered the possibility of fibroids?

First off, on the side of cost effective, have a pregnancy test. Then go from there. But, plan on seeing a doctor in any case.

{{{HUGS}}}

i say get an ultrasound for Polycystic ovarian syndrome:

ommon symptoms of PCOS include
Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea — irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods.
Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Hirsutism — excessive and increased body hair, typically in a male pattern affecting face, chest and legs.
Hair loss appearing as thinning hair on the top of the head
Acne, oily skin, seborrhea.
Obesity or weight gain: one in two women with PCOS are obese[citation needed].
Depression.[4]
Deepening of voice
Mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne or hyperseborrhea, are frequent in adolescent girls and are often associated with irregular menstrual cycles. In most instances, these symptoms are transient and only reflect the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis during the first years following menarche.[5]
PCOS can present in any age during the reproductive years. Due to its often vague presentation it can take years to reach a diagnosis.

its an odd shot, since you only mentioned periods, but its worth checking. I went in for the same reason and was diagnosed with it. I hope you dont have it though because its REALLY SUCKY to have.

i know you said that you're pretty sure you're not pregnant but there's this show on tlc (or some other such channel) called "I didn't know i was pregnant." Some of the symptoms you're describing did happen to one or two women on the show. they had also taken pregnancy tests, one at the doc's office, that all came out negative yet nine months later they were doubled over with the worst cramps in their lives with a real live baby popping out of them. Meanwhile none of them thought they were even remotely pregnant and thought that the bleeding they experienced was menstrual. i would say this is the longest shot of them all but maybe?????

I am in no way a health professional but i think in a situation like this you should get every test available to help get a diagnosis.

i wish you lots of luck and hope you have a lot of support. it is really sucky to know you're not well and have a doctor with his head up his arse tell you there's nothing wrong. keep digging until you find out what's going on.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Other symptoms are extreme fatigue, all over aches and pains, sinus trouble, occasional dizziness, bloating, swinging from hot flashes to being cold, chronic heart burn, depression, etc.

These are all also symptoms of a regular pregnancy, especially the fatigue and heart burn. Have you gained any extra weight or noticed different eating habits? If your period has always been on the fritz, then this is a real possibility.

I never had the same problems you have, but when I lived in another state I had some health problems and my doctor completly dismissed them and even ordered some very painful tests. I lived in pain for a few months. Then, I moved to another state and when I went to my new doctor, she knew exactly what was wrong with me. It was SUCH a relief to know that not only did she know what was wrong, but investigated until she found out what was wrong! Again, it wasn't anything like what you're going through, so no advice on that front, but GET ANOTHER OPINION!!! It could make all the difference for you.

Doll, I would definately have a pregnancy test (blood draw).

I have two wonderful kidlets and I remember those symptoms well. Sometimes those pregnancy tests you buy at the store aren't accurate - or because of your own fluctuating hormones, the rate is too low to be detected for a fist pregnancy. Your doctor will need to draw blood to do an absolute accurate test.

For both my girls - Pregnancy tests were negative in early stages, I even had a 'period' the first three months and it didn't affect the pregnancy! But you're on Zoloft - and your GYN/OB needs to know this if you are pregnant and want to have a healthy baby.

Polycystic Ovary might be a good check, as well as the t3 and T4 if you're not pregnant.

My biggest pregnancy symptom? Sore boobs - as in oooowwwww nobody touch 'em - bump 'em, etc etc. Well, that and going from a C cup to a DD in 1 month gave me a big clue. lol! I know if there's a Planned Parenthood near you - they offer pregnancy tests at low cost/no cost and take insurance too.

Hope you find what's going on. :)

Same thing happend to me when I got pregnant with my kids. The drug store test said negative...twice.
I do hope it is a fluke!
Also are you under a large amount of stress?

Girl, get another doctor!!
Your doctor needs to listen to you, not just whip out the prescription pad every time you tell them something is amiss. I kept having a lot of troubles like this, and finally went to a naturopathic MD. She treated me like a human being and had a lot of blood tests done..and she knew how to read them! Not all doctors know the same things. Yes, you might be pregnant, or have some other problem, but I hope you are fine. Just please get another doc that tries to actually Help you, rather than fix the complaint d'jour.

Originally Posted by Shiva_the_diva

My biggest pregnancy symptom? Sore boobs - as in oooowwwww nobody touch 'em - bump 'em, etc etc. Well, that and going from a C cup to a DD in 1 month gave me a big clue. lol! I know if there's a Planned Parenthood near you - they offer pregnancy tests at low cost/no cost and take insurance too.

Hope you find what's going on. :)

Thank you. OMG my boobs have been sooooo sore. I won't even let my man touch them (which pains him greatly).

However the fatigue and the heart burn have been going on for several years now, so that wouldn't be a good indicator for me.

Originally Posted by KHari3

Girl, get another doctor!!
Your doctor needs to listen to you, not just whip out the prescription pad every time you tell them something is amiss. I kept having a lot of troubles like this, and finally went to a naturopathic MD. She treated me like a human being and had a lot of blood tests done..and she knew how to read them! Not all doctors know the same things. Yes, you might be pregnant, or have some other problem, but I hope you are fine. Just please get another doc that tries to actually Help you, rather than fix the complaint d'jour.

Yes, I am getting another doc! I really liked mine but she's not the kind of doctor I need right now. I need someone who is a critical thinker and who leaves no stone unturned. I e-mailed all of my local girlfriends and asked for a referral. One practice got glowing reviews from three different friends so that is who I scheduled my Nov 12 appointment with.

Definitely pregnancy test first! =) But if it turns out you're not pregnant here's a few things to try, although i would also suggest having tests with your doctor to rule out any serious conditions. I was having a few of those same symptoms and am about the same age (30). Had the fatigue, depression, strange period cycles. My doctor had me start taking a vitamin D supplement and Omega 3 fish oils along with my multivitamin. Those helped alot. Recently I started taking Raw Maca capsules. Maca root helps with hormonal balance (especially during menopause), energy & stamina, and gland function regulation. The brand I use is Navitas Naturals. It has worked wonders for me.

Originally Posted by aasiyah

i say get an ultrasound for Polycystic ovarian syndrome:

ommon symptoms of PCOS include
Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea — irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods.
Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Hirsutism — excessive and increased body hair, typically in a male pattern affecting face, chest and legs.
Hair loss appearing as thinning hair on the top of the head
Acne, oily skin, seborrhea.
Obesity or weight gain: one in two women with PCOS are obese[citation needed].
Depression.[4]
Deepening of voice
Mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne or hyperseborrhea, are frequent in adolescent girls and are often associated with irregular menstrual cycles. In most instances, these symptoms are transient and only reflect the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis during the first years following menarche.[5]
PCOS can present in any age during the reproductive years. Due to its often vague presentation it can take years to reach a diagnosis.

I thought about that. According to womenshealth.gov, 1 in 10 women have PCOS. Eek! I'm sorry you've had to go through that. I would be so upset if my fertility was compromised.

Originally Posted by Carissa

My doctor had me start taking a vitamin D supplement and Omega 3 fish oils along with my multivitamin. Those helped alot. Recently I started taking Raw Maca capsules. Maca root helps with hormonal balance (especially during menopause), energy & stamina, and gland function regulation. The brand I use is Navitas Naturals. It has worked wonders for me.

Interesting. I do take a daily multi. I take extra Vitamin D when I remember (1,000 mg I think). I probably don't get enough omegas because I am a vegetarian. I'm going to do some more research on Maca root now, too.

After the pregnancy test talk to your doctor about PCOS. I started having hot flases in my early 30s and had a hysterectomy at 40 becauase of PCOS and endometriosis. My periods were often late, irregular, almost nonexistent and then suddenly painful and heavy. My husband and I are childless. I never took birth control ever in my life.

I can't offer any good advice, but best wishes. If you don't find out anything helpful at the new doctor, I'll ask my sister in law... she's a fam prac doc, but is pretty focused on women's stuff. Perhaps she'd have insight.

What aasiyah said. It sounds like some kind of tumors or some kind of matter growth, and many times it is benign. But get it checked out and get another opinion. I hope it's nothing serious - sometimes depression does do that as well as extreme stress.

And aren't we living in extremely stressful times too. . .

Us boys wouldn't have any advice beyond "go to a good doctor" anyway...

Originally Posted by Fotia

What aasiyah said. It sounds like some kind of tumors or some kind of matter growth, and many times it is benign.

The list of symptoms is actually pretty general and they could be caused by many things. I'm not sure why you would suggest tumors or growths.

Andalee your symptoms *could* be depression. Depression is physical, not just mental. Not that I'm agreeing with your doctor to just up your depression meds. Certainly a second opinion is order.

Did your doctor tell you what your TSH was? Do you remember? If it was towards the high end of normal you could still be hypothyroid. Also, they recently revised the parameters considered "normal" for TSH. If by chance your doctor isn't aware of them, he could have missed something important.

Originally Posted by ssipes

The list of symptoms is actually pretty general and they could be caused by many things. I'm not sure why you would suggest tumors or growths.

Andalee your symptoms *could* be depression. Depression is physical, not just mental. Not that I'm agreeing with your doctor to just up your depression meds. Certainly a second opinion is order.

Did your doctor tell you what your TSH was? Do you remember? If it was towards the high end of normal you could still be hypothyroid. Also, they recently revised the parameters considered "normal" for TSH. If by chance your doctor isn't aware of them, he could have missed something important.

I have the results here somewhere. She said it was in the middle of Normal that's why she didn't want to give me any other tests.

Good news though, folks. I got my period today! I've never been so happy to announce that on the internet!