I have spotting that gets increasingly heavy with tiny clots that goes on a few days before I actually "flow." Then the spotting continues for a few days afterwards. Does anyone know what causes this and is there anything I can do about it?
I have low iron. About 2 years ago, I had a hemmorhage/miscarriage. I haven't seemed to ever recover from it, because my iron is still low(could be due to so much spotting?). Does anyone know how much iron I should be taking daily to build it up? (I have 234 mg. of ammonium sulfate or liquid iron- floridix.)
My thyroid is in the normal range, but on the very lowest side of normal. I have hair loss after I shower and brush my hair, and when I comb it out in the mornings.
I am overweight and have a hard time losing weight. I actually would like to have one more baby...sooner than later would be best because of my age. (don't know if it's possible with my spotting? (about 18 days in-between?) I am not asking for weightloss ideas really, just adding to the picture. I eat whole grains(with protein- like Quinoa), legumes, veggies, fruits and meat sparingly to lose weight.
I have intermittent exotropia. This started after my 2nd baby. I have dealt with it for 10 years and it has gotten worse. I would like to try eye therapy before I go straight to surgery.
Does anyone have any input on any of these conditions or know of any connections they may have one with another?
It's always good to get other's input on things. (sorry, I know this is a lot of things!) I am going to be seeing an endocrinologist soon, but thought I would try a holistic Dr. first to see if I can avoid meds right off and try some herbs or other options. I also might do that the other way around (endo. first) Does anyone have any input on which type of doctor to go to?
Thanks for any input (or connections) anyone might have on any of these things!
Sounds like you have a good plan, seeing both an endocrinologist and a holistic practitioner. I'd do the same if it were me. Good luck. The only other suggestion I have is to read the book "How Doctors Think" by Jerome Groopman. That might give you insight and ideas about how to proceed if you don't get good answers from these first practitioners.
I believe you have a hormonal imbalance. I suffered from estrogen dominance for many years. Most of the symptoms you describe are the same. I use a wild yam cream which helps your body make progesterone naturally. It may be wise to cut out anything that has estrogen like milk and beef. Most farmers shoot their cows up with this hormone to make them fat and to increase milk supply. It is dangerous to us. I had 4 premature babies due to too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. You can find it at the health food store
S.,
It sounds like your hormones are out of balance. We have a wonderful doctor here in Dallas that promotes preventative health and natural remedies. I use the same supplements she recommends. There is a website where you can listen to her speak on health topics. I will send you my testimony in a private message.
Hope you are better soon.
Victoria
I've decided that "the very low end of normal" on thyroid is stupid. They need to change the "normal." Because in college, they said mine was on the very low end of normal, so they didn't put me on anything. After another year of going to doctors, they decided I have fibromyalgia. I dn't really doubt the diagnosis, but I recently read one fibromyalgia specialist who discovered that most of his patients' thyroid levels are on the "very low end of normal." He puts them on meds and BOOM, they start feeling lots better.
That would help with your hair loss (which I'm having right now, too--it's nuts how much comes out! Not the normal amount), weight, and I don't know if you have low energy or dry skin, but those are all happening to me.
Hypothyroidism also effects monthly cycles, so maybe it's tied in to your spotting? When you go to the endocrinologist, speak up about your low thyroid. Ask if he can put you on a low dose of thyroid replacement. I've learned that most of the time, doctors ignore symptoms that people don't really speak up about. From their point of view, it totally makes sense--they focus on the big problems. From our point of view, it means we have to speak up and don't let them decide which symptoms are most important.
Good luck!
Good morning--
It's clear you are experiencing an hormonal imbalance. I'm not an expert on PCOs, but I do know a few things about your symptoms. The spotting is caused by low progesterone levels. The hair loss can be a symptom of low thyroid, as is the difficulty losing weight. Low iron could be a problem with your ability to absorb minerals. All of these symptoms are related to adrenal fatigue--typically caused by too much stress. I would check for PCOS. If it's not that, have them check your adrenal glands to make sure you don't have a cyst there. All of these organs are related because they are all part of the endocrine system. If one goes out of balance over time it will throw all the other endocrine orgrans out of balance as well. There are definitely ways to treat this naturally. I 'm in Denver so I don't know of a doc in your area--I would look for a naturopathic doctor or a chiropractor that also specializes in nutrition and natural medicine. If you get this things tested and they aren't positive then write with more questions, as there are other alternatives to the things I posted here.
J.
If you have the option, when you set up for appointment with an endo (and I would do that first) I would look for a reproductive endo. And I second what others have said below, sounds a lot like PCOS.
I like all the responses you have gotten and agree that a normal low thyroid in probably low and you may want to try a low doseage of cytomel. Also, the yam cream does wonders for estrogen dominance. Go see Dr. Bryan Turner at Jordan Health and Wellness Center 10393 South 1300 West, Suite 102 South Jordan, Utah 84095 Phone: ###-###-#### http://www.jordanhealthandwellness.com/ He is great for this kind of stuff. He is easy to get to (I-15 then10600 South). I think he is hollistic also.
Everything you are doing to lose weight sounds great, but I would try to add one more thing: try to get off sugar! It will decrease your appetite and so many other benefits to help- read Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett if you want some extra motivation to get off sugar.
i agree that it sounds like it might be PCOS. you also may have a chemical sensitivity to shampoos or cleaning stuff that could be causing a lot of the hair loss and things like that. Are you taking a good daily multi-vitamin? not a centrum or a one-a-day, but a GOOD multi-vitamin. its surprising, but that can make all the difference. I had a ton of health issues myself and i found that they were at least all relieved a good degree just by switching to naturally based stuff around my house and taking some good vitamins. I know it sounds crazy, but that is the #1 thing that helps me. I buy all of my stuff online, i dont know how you feel about that, but check out http://www.HealthySafeAndClean.com if you are wanting to try that option.
If your thyroid is on the low side of normal, consider treating it anyway. Several years ago the Endocrinologist's Association changed the "normal" range and as of about 3 years ago, many of the labs hadn't so the report to the doctor showed the results still in the "normal" range, when in reality they weren't in the new "normal" range. The first doctor who tested mine didn't think there was any problem since I was in the normal range (even though I had had a significant change levels in less than 2 years and had been through another treatment known to cause problems with the thyroid). When I went to my next physical (with a new dr since I had moved) I had done the research on my levels and was ready to insist on treatment, when he decided to before I could even say anything.
Uterine fibroids may cause spotting and heavy periods with clots. When you go in, also have your doctor refer you to and endocrinologist to retest your thyroid to make sure that it is still in the normal range and functioning properly.
Hope this helps and that you are feeling better soon.
Hi S.,
I'm glad you are going to the endocrinologist to check things out. If nothing else the doctor rule out things and make you feel more comfortable.
It is my belief that rock solid nutrition can cure many things, or at least greatly improve them. I am a Shaklee Independent Distributor and I have seen story after story of people improving their health through nutritional products. Shaklee is different because they have a team of scientists to provide evidence that this is true.
From the little bit you wrote here I would suggest The Cinch Plan for you. It is a weight loss program packed with nutrition and vitamins. If you follow it I think you will lose weight, and feel great! You will not lose overnight. This is a healthy plan and it will take time, but you will feel healthier helping you to be patient. I would also encourage you to exercise. If you hate exercise this doesn't have to be anything fancy. Start walking twice a day at 10 minute intervals. You may find you love that peaceful time to yourself.
Contact me if you would like to know more. I'd be happy to coach you.
Here is a link to the program:
http://www.cinchplan.com/healinghappens
The iron, weight loss problem and hair loss makes me think PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndromes) read up about it on the net, and ask your doc... sometimes metformin in low doses can help with these symptoms and kick your body back into a normal rhythm. Good luck
I think that I would go and get my hormones tested. I have a really good hormone doctor who listens to your symptoms and not only reads the results because the spectrum of a normal reading is very broad. Thyroid and progesterone are some of the ones that women have the most trouble maintaining. Hair falling out is thyroid.
