[SoS2274]

Hello,
I am a 36-year-old female who,after never having any problems with my cycles at all,started having irregular cycles after skipping one period 4 years ago(when the problem first started).Periods would typically last 3 weeks plus a few days and come at 2-week intervals,once it corrected itself for 4 months,then started up again.I put off seeking medical help because I flat out have no insurance,am ineligible for Medicaid because I have no children.When I finally did see a gyno,they found nothing wrong and concluded it was hormonal imbalance,and was put on the pill,it regulated my periods right away,but within a few months it started affecting my blood pressure(no,can't afford to see any more docs for that and wouldn't take bp meds if I could afford it),as well as the clinical depression I've been dealing with for over two decades(can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants either).I stayed on the pill for 16 agonizing months,stopped last August and still had normal periods for almost a year,then the same old problem started again this June.Skipped a period,now 3-week long periods coming every 2 weeks.I DO NOT want to go back on the pill.If I go back on it,the gyno will expect me to see another doc about my bp and my depression,then I'll end up getting referred to yet another doc to treat the side effects of the bp meds,and I don't know what part of I'M UNEMPLOYED,NO INSURANCE,CAN'T AFFORD ALL THIS that doctors don't get,but I feel like I have little choice but to put up with the crazy periods(which are pain-free,at least physically) because the only way to treat it will cause other problems,and then treating THOSE problems will cause more side effects,and so on.If I were eligible for Medicaid I'd seek a hysterectomy but I'm basically screwed there.I am currently trying to treat it with Chaste Tree Berry and vitamins but I don't think it's going to be effective.
Sorry for going on and on but I feel like I'm just backed into a corner.Going back on the pill only means additional problems and will cost $$$ that I don't have.Docs just won't get it,or don't give a .
Sonia

[ItsASecret]

Have you tried to find someplace for work? Other than finding a place to work, even if it is temporary, there is pretty much nothing you can do medical wise since like you said there will be no chance for insurance. You can try those free clinics that are around but they will check you out and likely refer you to another doc because of the blood pressure issues. That is going to be a big concern since you have not been in to get checked out.

[JustHormonious]

Hi Sonia,

When you were told it was a hormonal imbalance was this confirmed by blood test results? Don't get me wrong it is definitely a hormone issue, I am just curious. Also, I know when you don't have health insurance you are not given the same treatment options or care. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind:

1.) When you were seen by your gynecologist what exactly did they check you for, before giving you the birth control pills?
2.) Did they do any blood test?
3.) Were you checked for fibroids?

Be careful with the Chaste Tree Berry as with any herb it can have the opposite effect on some women. Some women have experienced heavier menstrual cycles with its use. I look forward to your response.

Bridget

[SoS2274]

They took plenty of blood,I assume they did some tests,but to tell the truth the doctor seemed more interested in doing STD tests than anything else,and acted angry when I refused.Even accused me of lying about how many sex partners I've had,and I took it as a character insult,since I haven't exactly lived a life that would put me at risk.She later tried to order $300-400 HPV test without my knowledge,and had the receptionist not called me I'd have been stuck with the bill for it.They told me no fibroids were present after two exams,and I've had no pelvic pain through it all.Extensive blood tests can cost up into the high hundreds so that's not really an option I guess.

As for looking for work,I spend a lot of my free time filling out online job applications,but this is Atlanta.You won't get or a job here too quick or keep one too long without knowing either someone who'll pull strings for you or having a master's degree.

[Katie35801]

Find out your hormone test results. If you were low on progesterone and high on estrogen, Id suggest natural progesterone cream. Source Naturals has it for only $12 a tube. I also suffer from severe anxiety and mild depression, and have for 10 years, despite what anyone says, I do feel it screws with hormones.