Posted by BarbaraCat on September 18, 2002, at 20:24:58
In reply to Re: Alternatives--Barbara Cat, posted by Roo on September 18, 2002, at 18:43:10
If you feel like it's your hormones, there's a good chance it is. If you have PMS, you have a hormonal imbalance - it's really not normal to have PMS. That book is continuing to be an eyeopener. For instance, estrogen is neurotransmitter mediator. Too much progesterone doesn't allow cellular binding of serotonin, NE. Estrogen has a direct impact on the thyroid gland. When estrogen declines, (such as in the latter half of the cycle), serotonin goes way down. Estrogen also keeps in check the enzyme that destroys MAO, like on on-board MAOI. Even if the underlying problem isn't specifically reproductive hormones, it's likely to be hormonally related and besides it's fascinating info.
I had my appt yesterday and some of it's looking like a hypoglycemia problem, actually almost prediabetic. I'll be doing The Zone diet to bring my insulin/glucagon into balance and that should help alot. I did hours of researching last night on 'reactive hypoglycemia' and boy, there I was to a T. When blood sugar dips, there's a push to get that sugar to the brain and sending one into a fight/flight state thanks to a surge in NE does the trick. Problem is that the flood of cortisol from the adreniline wires up our autonomic stress system and it feel like constant anxiety and panic. Even my fibromyalgia-like symptoms made sense! Most primary care docs test only for glucose fasting hypoglycemia which isn't the same thing. And even if this isn't 'the answer', I'm learning an incredible amount of relevant stuff that all interrelates.
It probably goes back to the pituitary which just seems like it became fried at some point. My metabolic functions are compromised and tweaking one branch sends the other systems into imbalance. So, I'll be continuing with the vitamin/mineral IV drips and will be starting other therapies to target the hormonal imbalances, and it's only the beginning. So very ghastly expensive! We can't afford, but I'll clean toilets to pay for this because I really believe I'm on to something - my naturopath is filling in the gaps and providing the analysis, but I'm feeling like new roads are appearing and my energy is coming back to explore them.
I don't blame you for being discouraged. My thoughts on accupuncture, homeopathy and the enegy therapies are that if they're going to turn a long-standing ill system around, it will take a long time to bring about large changes. Once you're there, the change can be maintained. But if you have hormonal dysfunction going on, then I think you need more heavy hitting artillerary while still keeping the whole body approach. I think it's all worth it, Roo. I was getting so physically emotionally and spiritually sick that time was running out fast.
He didn't have any brainstorms as to how to find a good doctor. There is www.acam.org to search for a one. Another interesting one is:
http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/ There's an online health analysis, but also a list of naturopaths by state. Good luck, friend, and keep me posted. You might want to ask your acupuncturist.
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:1924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120317.html