Thread: Menopause Journal

I was very excited when you started this thread and was hopeful that the WH members and visitors would share their stories. It is so important that women educate themselves about hormone imbalance, peri-menopause and menopause.

My hormone imbalance started when I was 37, estrogen dominance (unopposed estrogen) wreaked havoc on my left ovary and left breast. I suffered with multiple cysts that came in clusters of 3, both on the ovary and breast. The cysts on my ovary would grow until they ruptured and then I would deal with 20-30 days of non-stop bleeding. At the time I was unaware of what was happening to my body, and too busy to ask questions.

Never once did my doctor suggest the cysts could be caused by a hormone imbalance. I take full responsibility for not being educated. At 37, I would have never entertained the idea that I was having hormone issues. This continued for 2+ years. During this time I had 2 ectopic pregnancies, 2 breast surgeries (cancer scares), and more cysts than I care to remember.

My wakeup call:

The second ectopic pregnancy could not be confirmed by ultrasound, so the doctor took the wait and watch approach. This approach landed me in emergency surgery 2 weeks later with a ruptured fallopian tube. The loss of my fallopian tube was devastating, it was my last chance to have another child.

The on call surgeon for whatever reason requested my medical history and took the time to actually read it, in depth. He spoke to my husband after surgery and gave him a referral to a specialist for follow up. He told my husband he believed I had a severe hormone imbalance and I needed to address it right away.

A new beginning:

Blood tests confirmed estrogen dominance (unopposed estrogen) and the suggested treatment was synthetic birth control pills or HRT. Not acceptable, I've never taken BCPs and was not interested. A few doctors later, I found one willing to hear me out. My plan was to start making changes to my diet and lifestyle, prescription medication was not an option for me, personal choice.
My doctor (MD) checked my hormone levels every 6 months. Within 6 months my hormone levels were back in the normal range. Ovarian and breast cysts were gone and I have been cyst free for 7+ years.

Dietary changes made:

- No stimulants (refined sugar, caffeine, etc...) there are many more but these were the two that my body reacted to the most.

- No alcohol - Alcohol equals hot flashes, for me.

- Added healthy fats - 35-40% of my daily caloric intake is from fat. Eating healthy fats make you healthy, not fat.

- Raw vitamins and minerals - I try to maintain a diet that is 70-80% raw.

- Added raw D3 supplement - I have an ongoing issue with maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.

- I eat 2 meals a day, no snacks in between. I'm 5'7 and weigh 135lbs, not starving.

- Filtered water all day long

Lifestyle changes:

- My health and well-being is my top priority

- Quit smoking

- Changed my daily fitness routine

- I try to get 8 hours of sleep - not always successful.

Up until about 4 months ago I had never used any "hormone" supplements and was successful in treating my hormone imbalance. I'm 10 years into this journey and after experiencing some tingling/itching in my left breast and pain in my left ovary during ovulation, I had my levels checked. Blood tests came back normal, but I know my body, my estrogen was high.

I made the decision to try some natural progesterone cream. After researching products online, I decided to order a progesterone cream made by Dr. John Lee. I'm currently taking half of the recommended dose and it has done wonders for me. This is a temporary trial, as long as I feel it is beneficial to my health, I will continue using it. After 6 months I will discontinue use and see what happens.

My experience thus far: My mind is clear, no breast tenderness, no ovarian pain and no premenstrual bloating or moodiness. I still have a normal 25 day cycle.

A healthy diet and lifestyle is key to managing a hormone imbalance. What works for me will not work for everyone. My current diet has been 8 years in the making, I am constantly adjusting it. Trying to treat a hormone imbalance with medication alone may offer some temporary relief, but it will not resolve the underlying issues. The symptoms will return...

This is a very important thread and I hope more women will contribute. As WC said, we will all experience this sometime in our life. Education is power... I have 50+ journals that I've written over the past 10 years, I have documented everything. My daughter will have all of my notes when the time comes...

Sorry, lengthy post...