Hormonal Imbalance or POF?

[KathyK]

I'm 36 w/ signs of hormonal imbalance (excess hair & acne since puberty). With normal cycles (in my 20s, 28-day clockwork), weight and glucose levels, I never had a PCOS workup. Then I hit my 30s. At 31, my cycles suddenly went from 28 days to an avg. of 25 days with a drastic drop in flow. When I mentioned to my doc, was told things were changing because I was getting older. I settled into that routine for 5 years. Now, after a VERY stressful period (when erratic cycles ranged from 24 to 45 days), I'm feeling downright ill. The stress is under control & my periods have settled, but every month when they arrive I suffer from severe nausea, anxiety & depression. I'm also now dealing with PMS oddities like aching joints (particularly my hips), sensitive teeth & even bleeding gums. Although I was pretty sure I ovulated this month & had a 29-day cycle, I barely bled again. Other things I'm battling: vaginal dryness, zero sex drive, frequent & urgent urination, easy weight gain (haven't dropped a pound despite not eating much), debilitating menstrual fatigue, cyclic IBS. I'm tired of being told it's in my head & am about to make an appointment with my doc. My question: Where do I start? Could PCOS be to blame? I've read women with PCOS have infrequent periods. I typically (at an avg. of every 25 days) have MORE frequent periods. Or might this be premature ovarian failure? (No family history) Would birth control pills be a good course of action? Which hormone(s) are likely unbalanced here? No hot flashes but occasional mild night sweats.

[gemini1975]

Consider a pelvic and/or endovaginal ultrasound. I had both done in one day, and I'm so glad to know what's going on inside of me (two fibroids and functional cysts on both ovaries). My periods are so irregular, they're as unreliable as the weather, and I just started taking Low Ogestrel to help straighten me out (I waited until after I got my results, as my doctor wanted to see what was going on first). It's a bit of a pain, as I'm nearly 32 and getting to the time when I want to start having children, but seriously, I have been anxious, moody, feeling as if I'm on fire, ill with everything under the sun, in chronic pain, and my hair is falling out in strands. I haven't had a hormone test, but I will probably have one, although I already suspect an imbalance (my guess is more estrogen than progesterone). With birth control pills, I feel that I am trading in one set of problems for another, but being in my thirties and not having had a child or taken birth control in a few years, I am at risk for serious ovarian problems, and I can already feel that the pills are beginning to balance me out. Good luck to you!

[chrissy77]

I get itching and burning sensations a week before my period . It goes away after I have my period. I did have a pap smear done , and it came out normal. I was wondering if this was a sign for anything , or why this may happen . I haven't always had . For the past few months. I also am very grumpy during this time to. Any suggestions what I should ask my doctor about .

                                                                                     Thanx
                                                                                       Chris

[dakota843sc]

I also was having these symptoms after the birth of my 2nd child (27 at the time). I went to my family Dr. asking her to check my hormone levels and she too told me I was too young. She told me I should see a psychologist and wrote me a script fro anxiety/depression meds. Long story short... I went to my gyno and talked to him. He did give me the hormone test and my progestrone levels were off. I was put on medication for it and couldn't believe the change. So don't settle for the "you're way too young" ****. It is uncommon, but can happen. Hope this helps.

[ticked]

a ct or MRI doesnt always show up with anything.  I have had the CT just showed the cysts just like the US did.  

[Jo A]

CT or MRI to see what's going on

[ticked]

You sound so much like what I am goign through.  Have you ever had an ultrasound for cysts lately?  I suffered from severe nausea for almost a year same symptoms as you.  i am 29 with one child.  Things started to change after the birth of my child.  They say that things get better. I have been told i have possible Endometriosis.  I have been on the pill since July (marvelon21) everyday with no period and i have to tell you the nausea was gone in about 2 weeks after i started. I still have bouts of it but not even as close as what it was.  I would start off with the pill jsut to see if it helps.  It takes about 6 months for it to sort out your hormones but it does work.  I still have PMS symptoms really bad and bloating but I am still on the hunt for a dr to help me because i was always told I was too young for these problems.  Good luck

Angela