Believe it or not, I was anxious to go this time. I know, I must be sick or something! But really and truly, I wanted to go. I know I'm right smack in the middle of menopause and I've got questions and concerns that I wanted to discuss with my doctor.
Everything checked out fine and she says I'm healthy as a horse!
And much to my surprise, I had only gained 2 pounds from my last year's weight. The only reason I was only up 2 pounds was because I've lost 5 over the last 2 weeks! I told you guys I was SERIOUSLY on a diet. I haven't had a regular Pepsi, well except for the Pepsi that the drive-thru girl gave me when I actually ordered diet. This is huge people! I love my Pepsi something fierce but I've found out that I can live without it...something I never thought possible!
I asked the doctor to send me to get some lab work done, and she did. I wanted my Thyroid checked as well as my hormone levels. I've been sluggish over the last year and had put on weight so was thinking Hypothyroidism may have been the cause, along with drops in my Estrogen level.
Well, first thing this morning the doctor's office called and confirmed that I am indeed "menopausal." The thing that surprised me was when they said my Thyroid level was high, not low! The usual T3 should be 4-12. Mine was 12.1. I do have some of the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and insomnia, but the major sign of Hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Nope, I haven't experienced that one, just the opposite. Anyways, they want me to get it rechecked in 6 months and we'll go from there.
I'm not wanting to take synthetic Estrogen so she suggested Black Cohosh/Red Clover/Soy. I already have the Black Cohosh but she mentioned that I can buy Black Cohosh and Red Clover in combination at a health food or vitamin store. This will help with the hot flashes that seem to have increased over the last month. So today I'll be visiting my local health food store. I'll let you know what I come home with.
I've been wanting my blood work done for awhile now so I was glad to get that accomplished. Soon, I'll be going for my yearly mammogram and also will have a bone density scan done. I've always liked to keep on top of things as far as my health goes...I don't know, maybe it's because I'm a nurse...but for whatever the reason, it's sure paid off.
21 comments:
It's never pleasant but I always feel glad to go to my yearly GYN and Mammogram appt.'s too. It's great to get them done. It's great to keep up on them.
It's nice to know what's happening with your body.
I have hypothyroid - Hashimoto's, actually.
I still don't like going to the GYN, but I've been doing a lot of it lately. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy in September and am a nervous wreck. stay tuned for lots of gyno talk, I'm afeared...
I just got done with all my yearly things - it's good to have that completed. I always think I should have thyroid issues, but every year it's normal!
Good for you for keeping up with your yearly check ups! So many people put them off, then have to pay for consequences down the road. I don't look forward to menopause, but I have a feeling it's looming ever near.
I can honestly say I have never look forward to a doctors exam, but it sure is a great feeling to get a clean bill of health!
Good for you! Sue
Linda,
I applaud you for taking care of your health the way you do and it is nice that you actually feel comfortable sharing with us.
I was hoping for my thyroid test to be abnormal. LOL!! I just can't believe what I am eating is causing all my weight gain. It is probably because I am not active and I have vowed to start walking and working out, but each day I have an excuse. Then the more I stay in the house, the more I eat out of boredom.
Good luck with your remedy for menopause. I had mine very early in life and think I am actually over it.
Have a great weekend, Linda! :-)
xoxo
Jane
Just curious if there are side effects to the Black Cohash bit you mentioned...I am not a candidate for estrogen replacement so am curious.
Oh, wonderful menopause! I've been taking Black Cohosh for some time now and it seems to help. I take the "Black Cohosh, Menopause Complex" ~ day and night. I still have insomnia (not sure what to do about that!)
Good luck to you!
Hugs,
Donna
Hot flashes stink. I used phytoestrogen from a compunding pharmacy. You need a prescription but it works great. I also had hyperthyroidism after being treated for hypothyroidism. It was bad, I lost 40 lbs and I'm still struggling to gain some weight. Good job on kicking the soda. Carbonation contributes to bone loss. Of course I know this because I have osteoporosis. I hope your bone density checks out okay.
I agree with you that we can't be too careful with our health and screenings. My BFF is just finishing breast cancer treatment. She starts her reconstruction in August. No fun. She has always been diligent about her tests. I think finding it early saved her life. She still had a stage 3.
It is a great idea to go every year. I have to find a new one for my annual check is coming up. I've moved twice in the last year so I'm glad I didn't bother in Texas.
I found your post informative. Thanks for sharing.
Good morning Linda ~ glad everything went well at the gyn...I need to go have my thyroid checked too..I've been gaining so much weight since I can't exercise. I truly wish my back pain would go away...the pain is unbearable sometimes.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugz,
Michele
Kudos to you for staying on top of your check-ups! Good health definitely isn't something to be taken for granted, that's for sure :)
Enjoy your weekend, Linda!
~Michelle
You will probably start feeling so much better when they get your thyroid regulated. I had hypothyroidism when I was pregnant with J. Not fun.
Hi Linda,
Good to know about the "natural" stuff for hot flashes and night sweats...I'm having those :( and it's bad!!!
Maybe now you will start to feel better.
Have a great weekend.
Warmly,
Deb :)
I'm glad you posted about this. I was just thinking this past week about finding a good book on menopause as well as natural remedies. Just want to stay ahead of the game...well, I guess I wouldn't call it exactly a game cuz I'm sure it's definitely not fun!
I'm so glad you are taking such good care of yourself Linda and having everything checked out...I will be keeping my fingers crossed they get the thyroid numbers where they need be...stay well and live well today!!! :-)
Way to go for you! I can't believe you gave up your pepsi... Man- I had so much Coke zero & a few Dr. Peppers on the boat while I was gone I gained 5 pds... I wish I could say I have only gained 2 pds in a yr. More likde 12!!! I gotta do something.
Thanks for being such an inspiration!
I did the GYN visit and mammogram in early July.
I make sure I do that regularly.
I had a hysterectomy in 1999 and have been on Premarin since then. They have lowered my dosage each year and I've done very well.
Since I did so well, right off the bat, I hated to rock the boat. I think the natural way is better though, for sure.
We just got back from our trip to Calif. I'm so sorry we didn't get to connect, but by reading your blog I knew you had a lot going on that week. It would have still been quite a drive for you.
We loved Santa Barbara! The weather was wonderful. Yesterday at about noon it was already so hot here. I missed it.
We will get together one day....for sure.
Have a great Sunday.
Love,
Valerie
Ah menopause, gotta love it. I have done the HOT FLASHES, night sweats, that whole hormonal change is a killer. and the weight just DOESN'T COME OFF anymore. but I love this time of my life actually. no periods!!!!! best ever.
glad to hear you are in good health.
I probably won't be able to check back with you until september with my move and needing HIGH SPEED. crap. I sure am missing my blogger friends.
I just got all of my yearly tests, also. Is there anything more exciting than the letter saying "all is normal"? What a wonderful day.
I am so glad my hot flashes are gone (just an occassional one) Hang in there, it will get better. I didn't take anything either. Health food store will have lots of suggestions.
i'm so happy you have most of your tests behind you and so far so good:) i've been wondering about my thyroid, too, and plan to have them check mine at my next yearly appt.
much love,
dani xxx
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