At My Wits End Figuring Out What is Wrong
Question
I am at my wit’s end as to what is wrong with me and need some advice. I was on the contraceptive pill from age 17-27 (mostly Dianette as I started to get acne from age 20) but it gave me migraines and so I switched to a POP (Cerazette) at age 26. I was on this for a year but it made my acne worse and stopped my periods from the day I stared taking it. I was then advised to come off hormonal contraceptives altogether and had a copper IUD fitted. Eighteen months later my periods still hadn’t returned and I was sent for an ultrasound scan which revealed a polycystic appearance on my right ovary and a 4 cm simple cyst on my left. I am of normal weight and apart from the acne do not present any other symptoms of PCOS and so my doctor refused to discuss the possibility that I had it. She simply sent me away and told me to get myself back on Dianette which I refuse to do. I have had the coil removed and I am now seeing an accupuncturist and taking Chinese medicine to see if we can balance my hormones. Since starting three months ago I have had two periods but with cycles reduced from no periods to 65 days to 46 days and am now on day 42 with spotting. I am currently charting my temperatures to see if ovulation is taking place but they are very erratic with no clear jump although I only started charting on day 19 of my cycle so it could be too early to tell.
I just wondered if I could be progesterone deficient and if so what can I do to naturally increase it? I am still suffering from acne which is my main concern but would also like children within the next couple of years.
Any professional input on what my situation could be caused by and advice as to how I can get this sorted out would be wonderful. My GP and gynecologist are absolutely useless and I am stressing myself out about it all which I am sure will not help matters.
I sincerely look forward to hearing any of your replies…
Jessica
Answer
Last Updated: May 2, 2022
Congratulations on stopping all hormonal contraceptives and use of the copper IUD!
It is good that you are monitoring your cycles, and taking your temperature. I would also recommend you get in touch with an NFP teacher in your area that can teach you to monitor your mucus cycle and then recommend an OBGYN or MD trained in NaProTechnology who can test your hormones at the correct times in your cycle, and treat you. He would also look at your thyroid and insulin levels as well. There is a natural progesterone that can be prescribed if you need it. If an MD is not in your area you may be able to do a consultation via email or phone with the help of your teacher.
Yes, stress is not helpful to your situtation, so any stress-relieving exercise like yoga or whatever you like maybe helpful.
Wishing that you find the best of care, and the gift of children.
Theresa Mitchell, RN
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