Let's Talk About...Hormones

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  Today's post is not about beauty or makeup at all, but I hope you will read my little story about my adventures with hormones, Lol!  Perhaps some of you can relate and tell me your stories in the comments section...

At age 37 I started to experience a lot of changes.  Especially in my sleeping patterns.  My energy level plummeted and I would be extremely exhausted during the day, but then at night I would be wide awake.

My skin and hair were unusually dry and I began to experience bouts of depression.  I would be sad for no apparent reason & get quickly off-task.  It was almost as if I was living in a fog that had no end in sight.  I just didn't feel like me.

Although my diet and exercise routine remained the same, the numbers on the scale were increasing.  Overall, I was sluggish and unhappy.  I honestly believed that I was feeling the signs of aging.  But 37 seemed so young to be experiencing all of this!

I finally decided to see my Primary Care Physician.  Eventually, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.  My body lacked sufficient amounts of thyroid; therefore, my metabolism was way off. Thank goodness there was an explanation!  And now I must take medication (a thryroid supplement) for the rest of my life.

I was feeling like a million bucks until age 39, when I started to have major issues with mood swings.  I was easily angered, especially a week before my menstrual period.  To avoid becoming easily upset, I would isolate myself and avoid family members.

This time I wasn't having trouble falling asleep, I was having trouble staying asleep!  I would fall asleep just fine, but wake up 2-3 hours later and have serious hot flashes.  I would sweat profusely for approximately 10 minutes and then be wide awake.

Again, I went to my doctor. She explained that I'm probably going through "some changes" related to age.  Since I complained of sleeping problems, she prescribed Ambien.  I actually filled the script, but never took the medication, because I knew there was more to it. I felt that something else could be done and I needed help FAST, because I was going crazy!

I decided to get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement.  I thought that my thyroid medication needed to be increased; however, after an extreme blood workup, I was told that my Progesterone levels were too low.

Basically, I was experiencing symptoms of Menopause at an early age!  Whaaa??  Well, I decided to listen to my new doctor and take Progesterone days 12 through 26 of my menstrual cycle.  After the first week on the medication, I felt so much better!  What a difference it made in my mood.  I continue to take this medication and I feel like it has saved me from feeling like a total nut job.

The moral of my rambling is this:  know your body!  Don't be afraid to go to the doctor and ask questions!  Don't be intimidated by doctors and continue to get 2nd, 3rd, 4th...opinions if you feel that what they are telling you is wrong.

Thank you so much for reading.  Feel free to leave questions and/or your stories about your battle with hormonal imbalances below, in the comments section.

My usual topics have to do with beauty and makeup, but every now + then I have to do something a little different, Lol!  Same thing goes for my YouTube channel! You should check it out - it's called Mel's Makeup Mayhem!  Subscribe to it, it's FREE!