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Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can help give me some advice about something, My initial appointment with Dr. B is April 17th.
I have been scheduled to have a test done by an endocrinologist called an ACTH (adrenal stimulation test) on April 15th. I've waited a long time for the appointment to have this test done and I don't want to miss my chance but I also wish it could have been scheduled for after I see Dr. B so that I could get her opinion on whether I should have it done or not. The test has been ordered to rule out adrenal hyperplasia, which is something one is born with but sometimes only shows symptoms of later in life. The symptoms are very similar to pcos, which is what they think I more likely have. However, I have no cysts and also a fairly regular cycle. But my androgen hormones are too high on bloodwork and I had two consecutive miscarriages when I was 19 and otherwise healthy.
I guess I'm afraid the test could aggravate my bladder because it affects hormones and may mess my body up further. I've been doing so well on the diet the last few months and my skin that I've been struggling with for so long is so much better! I'm just afraid to put anything synthetic in my body, but at the same time I want to know whether I have the adrenal hyperplasia or not because I'm hoping it's just pcos and I know Dr. B can help with that.
I know no one can tell me what to do but it's just stressing me out so I thought I'd see if anyone has any words of advice or can tell me what they think Dr. B would say? I wish I could talk to her!
Megan
The question is what you're going to do with the information you receive from the test. Is it going to change your course of actions in any way? Also, the timing. Is it absolutely essential to do the test NOW? Is it an urgent matter or can wait until serious need arises?
I would not subject my body to chaos just to find out without urgent and critical need.
Agree with everything already
Agree with everything already said. It does not sound urgent. But it does sound invasive. And what would the treatment be?? Dr. B's approach addresses Endo, PCOS, high cholesterol, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, SIBO, IBS, you name it. The symptoms (I am not clear on what yours are, other than the miscarriages?) are only that: Symptoms. They are indications to your body that you are out of balance. Dr. B's approach helps your body restore its own balance. Now if you broke your arm and had to get your bones set before your appt. I would say a resounding: YES! ;)
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Sorry I had to re-read your
Sorry I had to re-read your post for the symptoms. Again, I would ask myself: "Why do I have PCOS-type symptoms?"
When I got sick with IC, very soon I wanted to know why? OK, we know that there is some kind of break down in the bladder lining, etc, etc... But WHY?? Why me? I don't mean "Why poor me...." I mean, really, what is going on in my body/mind to bring this on? This is the driving force behind Chinese Medicine and why it has been practiced with such success for thousands of years.
There is something going on in your body to cause the hormone imbalance. That is where you start. If you see no progress in a year, then you can always re-visit this. Also, explain your symptoms to Dr. B. She has heard them all...
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Thanks for all your input
Thanks for all your input guys, I do agree I just kind of wanted to get the test over and done with because I've been waiting a long time for it. The test involves injecting a synthetic adrenal hormone and watching how body reacts to it. It was ordered because I saw a fertility clinic a year ago and my hormone levels where all out of whack. Obviously I'm not planning to get pregnant right now, only when I'm better, however I'd like to be ready to try again when I am better. If it is the adrenal thing they monitor the baby more closely after birth because there is a chance they have issues and also my miscarriage risk would be higher and they sometimes give very low dose steroids during pregnancy to lessen the risk.
I say you do treatment and
I say you do treatment and then see where you are. There is a very good chance your hormones will re-balance on their own.
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
If your hormones were out of
If your hormones were out of synk last year, it doesn't mean they are now.
You will be very fit to get pregnant and carry the baby after the treatment.
Call Lynn in Dr B's office
Call Lynn in Dr B's office and see if she can get a message to Dr B for you.
Hello Megan! I agree with
Hello Megan! I agree with what everyone has already said, but wanted to let you know that I also had abdormal blood tests with very low estrogen levels and higher than average testosterone levels! I did not ovulate I had my period maybe 4 x/year and was diagnosed with PCOS of unknown etiology. I'm not insulin resistant, went through a ton of testing and it really didn't matter to Dr. B in the end. Sure we all like to have our answers, especially when you have waited so long to have it done, but in the end it all leads back to the question everyone has asked, what are you going to do about it? The Dr is just going to want to put you on some hormone for it! My Dr always said the only way we can manage this is putting you back on birth control! I tried this for only 9 months prior, but got horrible migraines! I was not going that route again! Now fast forward to when I was 18 months in treatment and my period for the first time ever was becoming more regular! Yes, I still have a lot of hormonal issues, but my body is responding! I personally wouldn't go through with the testing, but that is just me! Like Bonnie suggested you can always call the office and see if Lynn or Raquel can ask Dr B if this info would be helpful in anyway for your treatment. Knowing what I know now, I would say doubtful, but wish you lots of luck with whatever you decide to do! Your body will get stronger and fertility will not be an issue, at least that is what I am hoping for in the end off this whole journey! I can't speak from personal experience in that department yet, but hopefully soon! Hope this helped a little! You are not alone!