Posted by barbaracat on August 11, 2005, at 14:42:06
In reply to Re: Too little Lithium vs. just enough? experience, posted by Squiggles on August 11, 2005, at 14:03:54
Unfortunately, not and I truly do not know why this crucial area is ignored. I'm 54 and postmenopausal. As I started going into menopause everything fell apart. My fibromyalgia hit full force, my meds stopped working, I had a melt-down and was hospitalized. Not one of my health team suggested hormones, just kept increasing the SSRIs and for a bipolar that's not a wise thing.
I went to a naturopathic clinic that specializes in natural hormones (as opposed to PremPro and the very dangerous synthetic ones). I took some saliva and blood tests and found that I was seriously low in all of the sex hormones. I was able to maintain a very stressful life prior to menopause, but when my hormones were depleted, I couldn't cope any longer. The well was dry.
So, I see a pdoc for my mood meds and a naturopath for most of my wellness and nutritional and hormonal upkeep. I use a cream that is formulated by a compounding pharmacy that has the right dosage of hormones. If I broke my arm or had bronchitis, a naturopath would not be the first on my list, but I find their care much more complete and effective for staying well.
This past winter, I was in the hospital again. Turns out that my now ex-naturopath (found a new one since) mistakenly ordered a compound adding to the cream that was blocking the conversion of progesterone to estrogen and hence, to thyroid hormone (estrogen is also necessary to make thyroxin). I was a miserable weepy panicked suicidal mess.
After a few weeks on the right levels, the difference was astounding. I tell this to my pdoc and she's somewhat interested, but by her own admission, does not know enough in this area to offer any help. This is so sad. When you think of how many people could be helped by digging a little further in areas that affect mood so profoundly, I think it's worth a bit more schooling. My pdoc sadly said they simply to do not get this kind of comprehensive training. It's all about learning about which drugs will suppress a symptom and not enough about what makes us well.
> Biodentical hormones? I've never heard of that
> treatment. Is that something your doctor gave
> you as an adjunct to your medication?
>
> Squiggles
poster:barbaracat
thread:527198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050811/msgs/540335.html