Help with hormonal imbalance?

Question

I'm 21 years old. My menstrual cycle has never been regular since I was 12 years old. My periods would last for months at a time. I was on my period for months before I went to the GYN about it. She said it was a hormonal imbalance and prescribed birth control pills. That was fine for about 3 months. Then my periods just stopped altogether. I stopped taking them in October and still haven't had a period. I decided I didn't want to use BC as a solution because I want to start trying for a baby in the next few years and I don't see it as a very effective long term solution. I wanted to go a more natural route with diet, exercise, etc. I've searched high and low on the internet. Everything I've found about hormonal imbalance is pertaining to menopause. I'm not in menopause by any means. Does anyone know of any site or book or anything that's a good one for this subject?

I did tell the doctor that I didn't want any form of birth control because I was going to start trying to conceive with my husband in the next few years. I went in there for regulation. She told me she'd just prescribe me BC pills for right then because she felt I was having a hormone imbalance and she'd deal with the problem of conceiving with me when I actually decided to start trying. I just feel that I was prescribed BC pills because it was the easiest thing to do without looking at other options.

Answer 1

Go to a different doctor and be adamant that you don't want bc. Have a complete blood work-up to make sure everything is functioning properly. Anything that can throw your body out of whack can mess up your hormones. It can take 6 months or more after quitting birth control for your hormones to self-regulate again (this can cause your hair to fall out and many other things they never tell you when they prescribe it). Get yourself on a really balanced diet and make sure you get plenty of regular exercise. If you want to conceive in the next few years make sure you are getting plenty of folic acid now (low folic acid can cause birth defects). See a nutritionist on how to set up a good diet. Good luck!

Answer 2

Look up PCOS take the online test and see where you fall. First of all you should have not stopped taking your birth control. It's normal for woman who are on birth control to not have a period. The reason why is due to there not being enough lining to slough off when your on birth control and this is PERFECTLY normal. It could also be your birth control was too strong for you. Vary rarely do you find the right birth control on the first try.

Second you should have told your doctor that you were ready to try to conceive, she/he would have taken a totally different path than putting you on bc's. Diet,exercise, etc. is always healthier and I encourage you to do so, but it won't fix a hormonal problem.

I encourage you to see further medical assistance before you try going and doing something on your own. There maybe more going on that you don't know about. If you are diagnosed with PCOS then I recommend you finding an Endocrinologist. While your OB/GYN can treat the basics for it, it really is the Endocrinologist specialty. I wish you a lot of luck TTC.

Answer 3

There is a herb called "Agnus Castus", also known as Chaste Berry, Monk's Pepper and Vitex. There is evidence that it can help to regulate hormones due to its stimulating effect on the pituitary gland. It helps with polycystic ovaries, PMS and can even encourage ovulation. You can take it in capsule form and as a tincture, available from health stores. I know a company called "Viridian" who produces the capsules, easily available in the UK and elsewhere. Surf the web for info and sources. I am using it. Warning: you need to use it religiously for more than a month at least before you see results. Results won't come overnight.

I would suggest that you go to another gynae for this. I hate it when they just prescribe birth control!! I agree with you that it is not a long-term method. There can be something else like cystic ovaries and fibroids, these can be addressed by other means if you have a good gynae. Good luck.

Answer 4

I had the same problems you have several years ago. Turns out I had Thyroid problems. I am fine now. I am on medicine for my thyroid. THis may not be what is wrong with you, but it's worth checking into. Go to your regular doctor and get tested for thyroid. I thought I was too young for thyroid problems at 32 but found out different. My periods are regular now and you can still have children on a thyroid medicine. All the meds do is replace what your body is not giving you. When you get pregnant you just need to keep up with the thyroid level to protect the baby. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

You don't have to be menopausal to have a hormone imbalance. That is just the most common form.

You should get to the doctor asap - hormone imbalances can be serious and affect your ability to concieve.

Stop trying to second guess the doctor. There are other hormone treatments beside the pill but only your doctor can help you find the right treatment.

Answer 6

Sorry, no. I would talk to your GYN about this, or find an OB/GYN... last time I had problems like this, I was sent to an endocrinologist, they help with such matters, but certain things they GYN can test for.

One thing that can cause what you stated is PCOS, Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome.

Answer 7

Young girl go to a homeopath with confidence . There are wonderful medicines in homeopathy for all the problems you have stated and get yourself cured without any side effects All the best.