Every one of these posts hits the nail right on the HEAD! I bet if we connected these posts all into ONE, it would solve the entire mystery of the UNIVERSE!!!

Without a doubt, narcotic pain meds/Benzo's, etc DO deplete our hormones! Thru blood tests, ALL my hormones were pretty much flat-lined.....didn't even register on the charts! That goes for Testosterone too! Women need it too.
However, I'm also Hypothyroid.....but I'm glad to read the details about the adrenal fatigue....I never was real clear on that. NOW it's plain to see a connection to all these issues that have been hit on.
AND, YES, the Milkthistle works wonders, especially when our liver enzymes get elevated (mine went back down after taking it)
The diet thing, ALLLL play an important roll. Spiking bloodsugar levels are culprits for causing our pain issues (especially neuropathy)....So, by leveling out the glycemic index, the supplements.....everything mentioned .. SO lmportant!
Thank you all for sharing! VERY valuable info here!


Every time i latch on to posts such as these, it reminds me to run in to the kitchen and take the stuff! Vit D, C, B's.....
Also, there's a strategy about how and when to take some of these, such as B12 - make sure on empty stomach.
Some, take WITH food.

Keep us posted Vanna!

You are so right, the problem I find here is that because I'm perimenopausal doctors just dismiss this as being normal. I had to search for a doctor who would take me seriously and work with me to help me to restore my hormones to a reasonable level. Still because of this time of life my hormones are all over the map, this combined with RSD pain makes it very difficult to measure hormone levels. I'm finding the best way for me to manage this is to keep track of my symptoms with a perimenopausal diary. My doctor then reviews it with me. It's been trial and error but I'm now taking cyclical progesterone in the form of a gel that I get in Europe and a small amount of testosterone (about 1/16th of a mans dosage) once every 3 days.

My dietary changes have helped improve things big time too. I do take many supplements but I still try to get the majority of my vitamins and minerals from my diet, but it's just not possible as I just can't eat that much.

I've eliminated almost all processed foods. I think that is a very key step as there are so many chemicals in processed foods. Be careful at the health food stores too, just because something has "organic" on the label doesn't always mean it's a healthier choice. I'm shocked at how much processed foods Whole Foods stocks on their shelves. There's nothing "whole" about a bag of Pirate booties, their answer to a Cheeses snack. Anyone see the documentary "Food Inc."? It's an eye opener that's for sure. If I don't know where the food is coming from I don't want to eat it. The fresher the better is my motto now. I try to support local farmers as much as possible. I still can't give up chocolate so I try to get the 70% dark chocolate to get the anti-oxidants.

Rest and relaxation is also key...

Wishing you all well.

MsL

I have NO idea what they are but I'm a NUT for silly words!!

I'm gonna go to sleep tonite with a smile on my face
Pirate Booties.....

Thank you MsL ! Good posting !



P.S. I'm perimenopausal too..... innit fun ?!