Toile Background

Friday, September 28, 2012

Maybe You Ladies Can Help Me

This post is for my lady-friends, only, please...


Girls, I've really been struggling with something for a while, and I thought perhaps some of you may be able to shed some light on my issue for me.

I am 36 years old, and gave birth to my last child 2 1/2 years ago (he was a stillborn). Ever since Matthew's birth, my hormones have run amok in my body. My cycles seem to have returned to a teenage state - I am experiencing symptoms that are unusual for me during a menstrual cycle. They are more similar to my pregnancy symptoms, or my cycles as a teenager. The most major physical symptoms are acne and tender breasts (who has acne at 36 years old?).

 But worse than that, approximately two weeks before my cycle each month, I feel like a monster is raging inside of me, or like a pressure cooker ready to explode. I get completely overwhelmed about normal life. I have no desire to be around or talk to anybody. I feel powerless to get control of these emotions. I feel like everyone around me would be better off if I closed myself up in my room until it subsided. And it will subside, a few days after my cycle begins.


Several months ago, my OB/GYN put me on 10 mg of generic Prozac. She convinced me that many women experience changes in their cycles at my age, and feel this medication takes the edge off the symptoms. I was very hesitant to start medicating the problem, but didn't know any other immediate answers to my issue. I eat pretty healthy already, and am pretty active. So I went ahead and got the prescription.

Initially, I felt relief, just as the doctor said. I felt more in control of my emotions and feelings during those few weeks prior to my cycle.

However, the past few months, I feel like the medication has been less effective. I'm very frustrated. I feel most sorry for my family, whom I feel is robbed of their wife and mother for those days my hormones take over each month. It definitely interferes with my ability to perform daily functions as usual.

If, indeed, this is part of perimenopause, which my doctor did not think it was, do I have to live like this for the next 10 years? I do know that women in my family have struggled with strong hormones like me. I have already begun to pray that the Lord would just heal me.

Can anyone shed some light on what's happening with me? I am open to hearing anything, especially if you have discovered any natural ways to battle hormones. I appreciate any input you have.

Thank you, gals, for letting me share openly and safely with you. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced these kinds of things. Perhaps in me sharing, you will find answers you are looking for as well.

2 comments:

  1. Hey Chris,
    I wondered if before giving you the Prozac, did you have your hormone levels checked? Sometimes if those are off it can easily make you feel that way.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had these same symptoms and it was discovered through bloodwork that my progesterone was low. I got an rx progesterone cream that I rub on my wrists, but now I just use one from amazon. It works just as well. Use days 15 thru 30 of cycle. Lifesaver! Women begin declining in progesterone in their 30's!

    ReplyDelete