Moods Affecting My Marriage and Children
Question
I am having problems with my hormones (I think). I am 35 years old, married with three children, 5′ 3″ and 200 lbs. My eldest child is 16, second is four (nursed until I became pregnant with the third child), our third just turned two. I nursed her until three months ago. I had some baby blues with baby two and three but it was much worse with baby three. My doctor wanted me to take anti-depressants but I wouldn’t while nursing. Now that I am done nursing my hormones are out of control. I need help!
I have celiac disease so I eat gluten free and don’t think my diet is really that bad, but I could cut out more junk if needed. I have horrible mood swings (seems to be before and after my period), my period is a normal 32 day cycle but very heavy bleeding, horrible cramps (like the first stages of labor with back pain), pain in my breast at random times, urinary incontinence. I randomly become extremely insecure about my marriage and huge fears of being a bad mother. I feel over-whelmed with normal tasks, and have problems concentrating. I keep gaining weight no matter how much I walk or run. I also exercise twice a week with a class. I also have a rash my doctor said was PUPPPS that comes back only when I ovulate. It is in the crease of my thigh and crotch and itches like crazy and then goes away until next month. My doctor said it was my hormones from nursing and would go away on its own but has not yet.
My husband is great about dealing with my moods but I don’t want to live like this. I feel it is affecting my marriage and children. I called my doctor and he prescribed anti-depressants (without seeing me) and ordered blood work which I will do tomorrow. I asked if it matters when I get the blood work done during my cycle and was told no. I have not taken the anti-depressants yet. Right now I am ovulating and feel bloated and tired. Can you give me any advice or questions I should ask my doctor?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Caroline
Answer
Last Updated: September 12, 2022
You may very well have a progesterone deficiency in your luteal phase causing premenstrual tension syndrome or you may have depression. The first thing is to be sure that you are able to take care of yourself and that you are not suicidal. If there is any doubt, see your doctor right away.
If you have time for an evaluation, you should start charting with the Creighton Model of Fertility Care and then see a NaProTECHNOLOGY medical provider. That person can direct a series of blood tests timed to the days of your cycle. With this hormone roadmap, a progesterone deficiency can be detected. If a progesterone deficiency exists, it may be the cause of your symptoms. Treatment can then be given during the specific time of the cycle when it is needed.
In health,
George Delgado, M.D
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