[JayceeW]

I am 31 years old, 5’1” 150 lbs. I have not had a menstrual cycle in a year. Before that, it had been 18 months. About a year ago, I went in to my OB/GYN for my annual pap smear. I advised him I had not had a cycle in 18 months (there was a lapse due to relocating and trying to find a new GYN). He did not notice any issues and prescribed 10 mg pills, for 5 days (I believe this was progesterone). About 1 day after the fifth day, my cycle reappeared in FULL swing. It lasted 6 days and went away never to be seen again. At this visit, he also referred me to an Endocrinologist. Once her office contacted me over the next several months, she performed several tests to determine the issue, CT, blood work, and glucose tests. All of these tests came out fine. Some of my symptoms are, Unable to lose weight, I exercise vigorously 3-5 days a week I also eat a healthy diet. I do “cheat” occasionally but nothing over the top. My face randomly breaks out. I have noticed facial hair growth. The hair growth has not been severe but I have never had hair growing under my chin and now I have 3-5 strands that grow long. Prior to these issues, when it was time to become intimate my vagina would be extremely wet. Now it takes a LOT of effort to be moist. My libido is almost nonexistent. I seriously have to be ‘worked’ up for at least 30 minutes to begin. I have never given birth, one miscarriage about 6 years ago. Also, within the last 3-6 months I have been having what feel like hot flashes periodically throughout the day and sometimes at night as well. My next appointment with OB/GYN is this Friday (7/7/12). I will update the post for anyone who is curious. Has anyone else had similar issues or have any idea what the issue could be? I have several concerns, the first is that I would like to have children soon, the second is I am going to be married in a couple of months and seriously I would like to have some sex-drive, geesh .

[Hugo-B]

Hormone imbalance - a tanked libido, facial hair growth, inability to lose weight, skin irritation etc are all indicative of imbalanced hormones.

Go to your doctor and INSIST a full/comprehensive panel of female hormone blood tests be carried out, including a thyroid test, E2 (estriadol or estrogen), progesterone, testosterone, Oestrone and I think there are a few more. If he/she is reluctant insist arguing that once you've established they are all in range then you can simply rule out the possibility and explore other alternative causes.

If any of these are outside target range (ideally they should be at optimal range) then you can experience problems. Some of us are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations than others. I think girls have to have a saliva sample taken every day for 28 days to monitor changes over the monthly cycle.

Good luck, I think this is quite repairable. This is definitely one for the doctor though.

[JayceeW]

I have done extensive research online and of course, there are so many possibilities. Your response has definitely given me some relief. I hope that it is a repairable hormonal issue. What I did not mention is that I also have a “tipped” uterus (retrovert) and endometriosis. I am not sure if any of these conditions effect the hormonal situation going on now. I will post again to update. Thanks so much buddhaboy!

[Hugo-B]

You lost me on 'tipped uterus'! I know babies come from girls' tummies but that's about it!

I can't offer any more help I'm afraid, just remember not to let the doctor fob you off with any excuses. Some peoples' hormones become unbalanced very easily, whilst others are much more robust. If they can be unbalanced they can usually be rebalanced. Whatever you are prescribed it may take time titrating the dose before they get it just right, you may well be very susceptible to imbalances, if you are you'll require very specific does to keep your hormones within optimal range. I know very little about female hormones so a lot of this is based on what works for male. A functioning libido is always a god sign of well balanced hormones in men and I'm guessing women too (i.e., cortisol the stress hormone lowers the sex drive, albeit temporarily but it's a good example most of us can relate too).

Good luck x

[Dewclaw]

I'm the same I haven't had a period in a year and it was really irregular befor that too. I am taking agnus castus now. I'm on it for 1.5 months to see if it works. It's totally natural so it can't hurt to try. I've been to the doctor and I'm told everything is fine, in full working order but I know that something can't be right. I'm 23 and 5'3" 99 pounds. It worries me.

[Dewclaw]

Edit for above comment: I've been taking agnus castus for 1.5 months but plan a 3 month course. Also what I meant about "it worries me" is that I haven't had it in so long.

[Dewclaw]

I know I've already commented but I've been a bit excited about the latest thing happening to me.
I have been feeling cramps in my ovaries. I've been taking the Agnus castus like I mentioned. I'm praying it's my ovulation. I'll keep you updated.