Quote From: alisa1Dear Robin & Dr.Phil
My name is Alisa and I am a 39 year old mom of 3. I took the perimenopausal test and geez - I am concerned. I used to be a relatively happy, energetic, and even creative. But for the last oh 7 years I do not even recognize myself- You know that phrase fake till you make it well I guess that should be my montra.
Because I have always been really in tune with my body, therefore when things seemed just not right I began going to several MDs: my primary then OB GYN where I had some tests done and everything appeared to be relatively normal -After several visits and me sounding like some hypochondriac - I frankly gave up! Literally, I just do not have the drive to do anything,frankly I would rather just be in my room all day. Now as sad as it sounds- a voice inside me is always screaming "get up"" go do something" I know it sounds like I am a mental case- but truthfully speaking-I even went that route I was put on several types of antidepressants and to be honest I constantly struggled with the fact that I was not sad or depressed, sure I had plenty of stressors in my life and now more than ever-I think MDs just do not either listen to their patients I mean "really listen " anymore. Long story short my symtoms got worse I literally felt like I had mono - I was extremely tired and lethargic for no apparrent reason, plus I had packed on 25lbs -which usually I have been able to maintain a healthy weight. There were many other symptoms like mentioned on the site - So I finally after having to practically beg the MD for a referral to an Endocrinologist - I found out that I had four lumps on my thyroid and was started on synthroid- I actually started to feel better atleast i wasn't in bed all of the time, but after 3 months the symptoms were back (extreme fatigue, lethergy, fluc wt gain) I went back to the specialist and my labs were all off so decided to lower the dose, I perceded to explain my symptoms & the first thing he said was (and , Iam sorry if I hear this 1 more time I wil scream- he said " well dear you have three chilldren-no wonder your so tired" I tried to explain that it was not that-his response was well I adjusted your synthroid give it a few months"
Well a very LONG story short- I just saw him for that 3 mo ck up and although my labs were better I was not, I suggested iff it could be my hormones ,he said well you dont want that-there are so many side effects. So basically I left with tears in my eyes - thinking this sucks! I am a young 39 year old woman what the heck is it!?. ----- Then the next day (God must of been listening because for some reason I had the time to watch Dr..Phil and there it was!!! - Hopefull answers and possible explanations for all of these symptoms.
I admit I watch the show but i am not one to air my laundry out like this - this has been very personal, embarrassing and frustrating issue in my life which has effected everyone in my home in some way or another . Frankly, I am boldly asking, pleading for your help. We do not have any center like that here and I would be so greatfull if you would take me under your wing and refer me to the Hall Center. Robin & Dr. Phil, please can you help me? All my love, Alisa
There may not be a "HALL CENTER" near where you live, but there are doctors all over the country who are amenable to prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. It takes some searching.
The first thing I tell women to do is Google/Yahoo seach "compounding pharmacy" and the town or city where you live (if you live in a small town, try using the closest medium to large city). Call one or more of the compounding pharmacies and they are likely going to be able to give you a referral to a doctor who uses BHRT in his/her practice, as nearly all BHRT is compounded, they know who is prescribing.
If you to to a site called the Natural Woman Institute, there is a link at the top of their home page where you can email them and they will send you a list of doctors in your area. Also, the site has an extensive list of compounding pharmacies, state by state.
There is another site called Women in Balance, and on their website there is an area to find a practitioner by plugging in your zip code, a list comes back within 25, 50 or 100 miles of your location.
There are a number of good books out to educate yourself on BHRT; some of the ones (written by health care professionals)I recommend to women are:
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause/Perimenopause (two different books, same author, pick the one best for your situation) by Dr. John Lee
The Youth Effect by Ron Brown
Hormones, Health and Happiness by Steven Hotze, MD
The Miracle of Bioidentical Hormones, M. Platt, MD
The Woman's Guide to Natural Hormones by Christine Conrad
I have a whole blog dedicated to BHRT and related womens issues at holyhormones.blogspot.com and my email address is holyhormones@gmail.com if I can help with any general questions. I am not a health care professional and I don't give that kind of advice, but I can point you in the right direction for resources and can offer you hope, BHRT no doubt saved my life. I've never felt better, the story of my personal journey is on the right side of my blog.
Six thousand women enter menopause every day, and studies have shown that the fairer sex can experience menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms as early as their 20s and 30s. Dr. Phil’s wife, Robin, author of What’s Age Got to Do with It? is on a mission to show the ladies how to embrace life changes with dignity and grace! First up, Robin recounts her own emotional and physical struggles with the change of life. Learn how she was able to get a handle on her mood swings and hot flashes. Then, Becky says she hasn’t gotten a good night's sleep in 12 years, and when she looks in the mirror, she sees a woman who has aged 10 years in 12 months. Find out what happens after Robin takes Becky under her wing! Next, meet a 33-year-old who says she’s chronically exhausted and lacks libido. What’s at the root of her condition? And, can men experience menopause? Learn the surprising facts! Plus, meet a physician who says she learned important hormone tips from Robin’s appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and hear from a woman who ignored her health symptoms and nearly lost her life. Talk about the show here.
