Many times I ask people to get checked for hormonal disorders. I don’t always know if they follow my advice, but if you have any grounds to suspect a hormonal issue, you should definitely follow up on it. You have nothing to loose, and you have (sometimes) your life to gain, if they find something, and you have tranquility to gain if they don’t. Good luck and I hope you will gain tranquility.
Your doctor may evaluate you for reproductive, hormonal and cardiovascular disorders. He or she will obtain a history of your symptoms and perform a complete physical examination, including a pelvic examination.
Blood tests may be required to measure levels of several hormones. These may include testosterone, DHEA and androstenedione, LH, FSH, progesterone, prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which triggers the release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. As well, these tests will likely measure fasting glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Your doctor may request an ultrasound to check the thickness of the lining of your uterus (may need to flush it), and check for cysts on the ovaries (not an accurate factor for diagnosis).
Finding a good doctor who will be sympathetic to your problem (which you have a good chance of not having, but I’m saying this for others who might benefit) and competent in treating it is not less important as finding a good electrologist. (Reproductive) endocrinologists are most closely related to these problems, should someone have it. Don’t necessarily stay with you family doctor for this, s/he will likely refer you anyway. An ob/gyn is not likely to refer you to anyone else, because they should also be competent in this. If you don’t like on doctor, try another, try to get referrals.
Best of luck!
[ April 25, 2004, 12:08 AM: Message edited by: yb ]
