I have performed numerous searches on the forum, but can't find any specific answers yet.
I had anorexia in my teen years and messed up my hormones. Now 22 and fully weight recovered, I have small, still undeveloped breasts. My periods are nonexistent except for the occasional spotting every three months or so.
I am seeing a lot of facial hair, acne here and there. I have done a series of blood work, and estrogen is always in the 40s, testosterone towards the high level of the normal range, a bit of elevated cholesterol, but no cysts in the ovarian xray. Not sure if these are signs of PCOS, or just hormonal imbalance.
So confused on what to do to balance my hormones. What do you suggest? Will my breast round and be more female like instead of this conical shaped breasts that I have now. I don't mind the size as much as the shape right now. Will noogleberry help? I have considered Bovine Ovary but not sure about this supplement since my period is messed up now. What are some side effects?
Please help me get to the bottom of this!
Hi NBE-Newbie,
40s means your cycle hasn't picked up yet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Estrad..._cycle.png
Acne means you do have testosterone, but your body makes DHT from it, and no estrogen. You could be lacking aromatase, but the first thing would be to get an ovulation going. Only, you need a peak in estrogen for that.
So this is catch-22. Have you tried a combination bcp?
Thank you for replying isabelle.
I have tried it, and had terrible side effects from bcp. Wouldn't that just mask the problem instead of fixing it? Or do you think it will jump start things again?
I had withdrawal bleeding from the progesterone test if that means anything.
Hi again NBE-Newbie,
Those may be good signs. Scroll down until you find vitex, red clover, and licorice:
http://www.ovulation-calculator.com/infe...yblend.htm
I'd try it very gently: licorice first. If that doesn't help, red clover. Then vitex agnus castus. It can stimulate LH, but it is a very progestinic herb. It will also trigger a menstruation when you stop.
You could also talk to your doctor about the medications in the above article. Most doctors try combination pills first, or even depo provera. As you say, they will load a lot of symptoms on top of what you already have, without addressing the real problem.
But I have no idea what the real problem is. At first sight, it could be two things:
1) you grow a follicle, but you don't ovulate because there is no drop in estrogen on day 12 (simply because estrogen wasn't high before day 12). Count from a day when you had spotting, take a low dose of a phyto-estrogen from that day (or 28, or 56 days later). Increase on day 6, and again on day 9. Stop on day 12. Wait for spotting on day 29. If you would try a pure phyto-estrogen, your breasts would become more conical. So a combination with phyto-progestins, like red clover or licorice , is more in line with what you want, but they will not make your breasts grow. You may want to go to pure phyto-estrogens once your cycle gets going. Licorice is also an anti-androgen: it will help with the acne and hair.
2) you don't grow a follicle. Start vitex on day 1 (or 29, or 57), and stop 5 days later.
If (1) or (2) doesn't help, combine both in one cycle.
Can't help as much as Isabelle, but I just wanted to jump in with a comment on birth control. Different brands and forms will give different results. I've been through several different brands of pills, trying to find the best brand for me (they'll all work as a contraceptive, but the effects on you in combination with your personal hormones will differ). One of them made me- literally- go insane. It's all about experimenting to find the perfect match for you (or at least close)- one brand that works well for one girl might not work the same for you. Also, I take maca to even out the negative side of effects.
[quote='nbe_newbie' pid='34564' dateline='1313344776']
Thank you for replying isabelle.
I have tried it, and had terrible side effects from bcp. Wouldn't that just mask the problem instead of fixing it? Or do you think it will jump start things again?
I had withdrawal bleeding from the progesterone test if that means anything.
[/quote
Bo typically stimulates a second puberty or for some of use a first one. It "might" help just because it is also used in some hormone balancing products such as ovex and sometimes prescribed to help with fertility issues. When I used it I saw a drastic drop in facial hair also. Something else you can look into for now is maca to balance you out and then noogle to enhance your breast. Do stay on top of having hormone test while doing tbis though since you already know you have a hormone issueis.
Mel