PCOS Messages for October, 2002: Re: feeling strange

Re: feeling strange

From: J.W.J. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 27 Oct 2002 23:26:32 -0600 (CST)

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Wow, you are describing a lot of what has happened to me over the last year--and I am only 38!

In trying to find answers, I stumbled across a book that helped me immensely. It is called "Women, Weight and Hormones" by Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet. In the book, she tells us that even women in their mid-30's can experience perimenopausal symptoms. Some women can take ten years to completely get through menopause (my mother did).

I found out that my testosterone level was lower than optimal (amazing--I know it's hard to believe I have PCOS but I guess not everyone has the high testosterone). She suggests for feeling your best a level of 40-60 depending on how you feel (I forgot what units). Mine was 25. I started taking only 1 mg. of compounded micronized testosterone a day, and my level went up to 57. I also boosted my estradiol up to a 35 mcg. bcp (Ovcon 35). Between the two things I did, I have greatly minimized the hot flashes, and almost eliminated the night sweats and tingley hands. My energy has boosted, and I feel like I actually am building muscle when I exercise once again. The fatigue isn't totally eliminated, but it is not nearly as extreme or as often. I really noticed the difference. I don't get light-headed every single time I get up from the floor (I always used to have to hold onto something for a few minutes). My mood experienced a welcome boost as well! My muscles never ached, but Dr. Vliet also talks about the connection between a low estradiol level and fibromyalgia symptoms, which could be a cause. Another thing I like about the Vliet book is how often she talks about doctors that just "brush us off" when we have these different symptoms and what we can do about it. She encourages us to be strong and stand up for ourselves. I think it is a book with basic information every woman should know about all her hormones. Hope this helps; let us know. Jessica

At Sat, 26 Oct 2002, anonymous wrote: >
>I don't know what is happening lately. I recently started an exercise
>program (6 weeks ago) but rather than helping matters, I seem to be
>going downhill. I am 42 and overweight. For the past year I have been
>experiencing "hot flashes" - times when I feel as if I am burning up. I
>open the windows, my family is under blankets but I can't get cool. At
>night I have night sweats and wake up with my hands "tingling". I walk
>2.5 miles a day and go to the gym. Instead of being energized, I need
>to come home and take a nap. When I clean a room I have to nap. Pretty
>much everything wears me out. When I stand up I get so lightheaded that
>I nearly pass out. I've tried to modify my diet to eat healthy, but
>that this is still going on. Now I've noticed that muscles ache all the
>time. I tried to tell my family doctor this but he passed it off. Don't
>know what to do. I feel as if something is wrong but don't know where
>to turn. I recently quit working outside of the house. I thought that
>some of this might be stress but that doesn't seem to be it. Any
>suggestions - I'm near the end of my ropes.

--
J.W.J.

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