would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by sickpuppy (Member # 23846) on :
My period has been bonkers since my symptoms flared from the lyme and that was long before knowing I had lyme and obviously, before treatment. It is still bonkers after treatment for 3 months.
Not sure what's to be done but don't go on any unopposed estrogen treatment--it'll kill ya according to what I've read. You could ask your doc about progesterone cream.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
A few months after I started to get really sick I stopped having periods. I was in my early 30's. They never returned probably because I went many more years without treatment.
I found out a few years after my periods stopped that I have a low blood volume due to a low red blood cell mass. Babesia affects red blood cells. It's possible that my low red blood cell mass is caused by babesia. I suspect that my lack of periods was partially due to a low blood volume but I really don't know for sure.
I could never take progesterone because it made me swell up and caused even more fatigue.
I wish I had more answers but I think any of these infections can throw our hormones into a tailspin and I suspect that more than a few of us have a low blood volume.
All just speculation on my part though.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
My body was trying to go into menopause when I found out about Rhodiola and began taking it.
My menses immediately returned to normal, and it was another year before I went into menopause.
Rhodiola is an herb that has been used and studied extensively in Russia. We didn't find out about it until Russia collapsed and their studies became available to the West.
Rhodiola improves strength and stamina and endurance. I figured it was just what I needed, as I have chronic fatigue.
You can read the reviews for "The Rhodiola Revolution" at Amazon and get a good feel for the book.
I had the same issues. The irregularities discontinued for me as soon as I stopped the particular antibiotic that caused it. For me it was not the type of antibiotic but it was linked to the high dosages.
Supplementing my thyroid with a alternative practitioner may have helped also.
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
My periods have been irregular ever since getting sick. Got more irregular when I started treating for some reason. Sometimes I skip a couple of months, and sometimes it comes every 2 or 3 weeks. Totally screwed up!
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Oh, I think the reason the Rhodiola helped regulate my cycle is that it helps to normalize the endocrine glands.
It does help my stamina.
Carol
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Carol's suggestion about Rhodiola is good. You can look that up to learn more about it and there's a book just about that at Amazon.
----
". . . significant pain on [your] right side [of] abdomen and lower back. . . ."
THAT could be appendix.
Being late (and even having taken one pregnancy test) . . . you may want to recheck that a couple times.
But, being late or any menstrual problems can be from the liver being overwhelmed.
Are you taking good liver support such as Milk Thistle?
Can you see LL ND (naturopathic doctor)? Most of the LLMDs in Calif. know several LL NDs with whom their patients work - as a team.
You might locate a book on Women's Health by Tori Hudson, N.D. - great information in that book but it is not at all about the specifics lyme patients face. A LL ND would know more.
Some herbs a LL ND may consider would be angelica and dong quai, etc. but it would be based on you, as an individual.
and don't forget the MAGNESIUM. That good for the liver and all else.
Good luck.
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
Well Keebs, since I get accussed of being a rep for certain mixed herbal companies, I gotta accuse you of being a milk thistle rep.
Specific herbals do work well for some but IME mixed works well for many. And with irregularities the entire HPA axis should be assessed for malfunction.
An ART practitioner I know says 80% of female hormone imbalances are due to problems ABOVE the ovaries - hypothalanus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- It's just that Milk Thistle is the number one suggestion for everyone on antibiotics. So, I start with that question.
First, it's important to know if that is being taken - or an equally good or better herb or blended formula.
Beyond Milk Thistle, Bupleurum actually worked wonders for my liver and also helped with the menstrual problems as it has many good properties. Bupleurum was only part of a formula blended individually for me by a ND.
But, first, the basic questions as to if someone is taking the even the most basic liver support. From there, questions explore further and, yes, of course, there are many other considerations and ways to go.
For my own case similar to this, it was the liver care that helped the most. Milk Thistle was only the beginning of that but an important place to begin.
HPA treatment is necessary for all lyme patients, too, but the if the liver is not first being both protected and supported, nothing will work.
In Chinese Medicine, liver care (especially a Bupleurum formula) helps with "stagnation"- a common menstrual problem that causes intense pain. Still, the HPA balance and support is also a vital element for a good plan. And, for each patient, an individualize protocol is best.
We can see from all the different answers, something different helped in each case. -
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
Before I got bitten, I was getting my period every 28 days, but afterwards, I started to get it a week and a half to two weeks early almost every single time, both before and since antibiotic treatment.
I think it is a Lyme symptom in my case. It is particularly annoying because it always catches me off guard, and because the Lyme usually flares a few days before, but I never know when that will be.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Not at all about lyme and the unique liver and endocrine problems with lyme but this book is a place to begin. You can also get it from your library or they can order it by interlibrary loan. It is in the national library system.
You can look inside this book and read customer reviews here:
Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness
By Tori Hudson, ND
About $17 at Amazon
Foreward:
In Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, naturopathic physician Tori Hudson shows you how to safely and effectively combine conventional and natural medicine to maintain health and address specific medical conditions.
Her groundbreaking work offers sound information on complementary therapies such as bio-identical hormones, vitamin supplementation, herbs, diet, and exercise and helps you make informed choices about your health.
Learn how to:
Treat a whole range of female health issues, from contraception to menopause, heart conditions to infections
Safely integrate alternative therapies with traditional medicine
Determine when you should seek a practitioner's help
Compassionate and authoritative, Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine demonstrates that an informed, integrative approach to staying well is often the best medicine.
``This is a book that should be in every woman's health library and every alternative practitioner's library. It is a resource for the new breed of conventional practitioners who are open to a more integrative health-care system.''
--Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom
-
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- And, then, this book would be a good introduction for you about the endocrine (HPA) abnormalities that lyme patients encounter.
Written by an ILADS member LLMD, this book holds great information about treatments options and suggestions for support measures:
Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it.
I'm very bummed because my husband and I have a 2 year old daughter, and we really want another child.
I'm sick, and I want to get better not only for myself but to fulfill our dreams.
I'm so scared that I'll be sick for too long, and it feels like I'm never going to get better. I'll keep my head held high and try to do the best I can do.
I'm 30 years old and I feel 80. My LLMD told me that I can still get pregnant, but I will have to be on low dose antibiotics. NO WAY!!!! I don't think so. I'm totally about being natural. I gave natural childbirth, and the last thing I want to do is have a fetus growing while on antibiotics. Sorry not for me!
Posted by LittleLymie19 (Member # 15610) on :
I'm really bummed too because I'm only 20 years old and I lost my period when I first got sick, at age 16. I haven't had a single period for 4 years. I worry that I won't be able to have children too.
Terry, your period never came back? I'm wondering if this is babesia for me too. I definitely have other symptoms of low blood volume. I have POTs/dysautonomia, chronic dehydration, etc. etc...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- tiffagoo,
I understand your concerns with abx while pregnant but, for those women who are advanced enough with their treatment protocol and strong enough - it is vital to the health of the baby to be monitored very closely the entire time by a good LLMD.
If the baby is not protected, the child could be born with lyme or other infections and it would be much harder to get a handle on if that advances. Miscarriage is also common.
So, you have to know that other women have gotten to a point in their treatment - even remission - and gone on to have healthy babies under strict supervision.
Right now, if you can, put the fears aside and just take care of yourself. Much will work out if we just focus on doing what we need to do. This can get better. It may take a while and can be a bumpy ride but I'm glad you have a good LLMD to guide you.
Take care, now. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- LittleLymie19,
Do you have a good LLMD? Are you receiving treatment?
If so, your LLMD should have be able to shed some light on your situation. As you are 20, even given what you describe, there is every reason to have full hope.
Terry went a long time without treatment. The difference is, I hope, that you are getting treatment.
You might also see if you can team with a LL ND or LL L. Ac. that your LLMD recommends. Even adjustments like cranial-sacral can help, depending upon all that is involved. DC, DO and PT are trained in this. Again, ask your LLMD who might be good as an adjunct team member.
Good luck. -
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
"It's just that Milk Thistle is the number one suggestion for everyone on antibiotics"
Very true, but is that due to the fact thay milk thistle is the only thing many know about ?
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Re missing periods, I lost mine four years after the bite. Then it started again after I started abx. So for those of you wondering, I think it could return.
Also, interestingly enough, my high prolactin count has been dropping - that's a pituitary hormone. So far, from 220 to 150 to 100. If this keeps happening, an endocrinologist says they'll write up my case!
So my brain is getting treated, maybe not only with the abx but also with the anti-inflammatory supplements? (mangosteen juice, noni juice, grapeseed extract capsules)
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Btw, not everyone can handle milk thistle - like me - I throw it up. I'm rather sensitive when it comes to supplements.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Littlelymie - It never came back but I went for decades without treatment. I feel certain that with proper treatment you will be able to get it back.
Terry
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Robin123,
True, not everyone can handle milk thistle, but an equally good supplement should then be suggested by your LLMD or LL herbalist.
Liver protection is so very important due to the nature of the lyme toxin and the stress of treatment on the liver. Still, there are many ways to accomplish that. -
Posted by savebabe (Member # 9847) on :
Check your thyroid. Lyme can really mess up the endocrine system.
Posted by Topaz (Member # 20216) on :
*bump*
I'm 44 and have always had regular periods. Faithfully there every 26-28 days, unless I was pregnant.
Starting in January, I've had irregularities.
I skipped from early January-mid March.
Then I finally got it last month and now it's been here almost constantly off and on. It'll seem to start, then stop, then a couple of days later it'll start again.
Now, for the past 2-3 weeks it's constant. It's also bright red and very fresh looking. It's unsettling since I've always been so regular.
I realize it could be partly due to my age(and most likely is) but there is a part of me that's a little worried it may be something horrible like cancer.
I've made an ob/gyn appointment but they can't see me till May
Anyone else have, or have had, the never ending period?
My llmd has done all kinds of thyroid/adrenal tests and everything's o.k.
Posted by lauriemay1 (Member # 24153) on :
My 14 year old stopped having hers completely 4 months ago.... don't know what's going on with her.
Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
tiffagoo Pre-lyme my period was every 30 days and lasted 3 or 4 days. Even after LD started it remained normal until the last few months (I am 4 years into this) suddenly I am now having a period every 26 days that lasts up to 7 days. Still considered "normal" but not for me. Could be an LD sx: See #62 on this list: http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html Also, it could be perimenopause which can start in the 30's. See below.
Others 34. Osteoporosis
Posted by Remember to Smile (Member # 25481) on :
Hi, Ladies. Endometriosis is intertwined with Fibromyalgia (aka undiagnosed LB), Crohn's Disease, and chronic Candida overgrowth. The Endometriosis Assoc is very helpful!
After presenting with a classic EM long ago, I was under-treated with a just a week of ab. My periods were always VERY regular and not too painful.
Next I had an emergency appendectomy I did not need due to an endometrial growth that had attacked my appendix. I did not have appendicitis! Recovery from that surgery via scalpel took nearly a year. (I couldn't walk upright due to the pain.)
Soon after I was diagnosed with Fibro when my hands barely functioned.
In late 40s experienced a heavy, gushing period for 32 days. Ceased only after laproscopic removal of my R ovary and endometrial adhesions that had attached to my bowel, uretur, and abdominal wall. Periods were supposed to resume from L ovary, but have yet to return. Guess I may be officially menopausal soon.
Look into the Endometriosis Association and concentrate on a yeast control diet.
My two cents; I'm not a doctor. Best wishes, though!
Posted by Topaz (Member # 20216) on :
Lymebytes, I also found the similarities in symptoms between lyme and perimenopause when poking around the internet. Crazy. And very confusing and difficult to figure out what's what! Getting older is so fun.
RtS, after some reading, I feel fairly certain I'm not dealing with endometriosis. I mean, you never know and everyone presents differently, but I'm not really having any other symptoms aside from the non stop bleeding(and missed period(s) a couple months back). And the bleeding is not very heavy, just always there.
I would be totally thrilled to wake up one of these mornings and have the bleeding be gone. It'd be such a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.
And I hope when I see my ob/gyn next month they check me out thoroughly and tell me it's simply part of "the change". That I think I can deal with. What I can't deal with is the "c" word. I'm not in the mood.
Posted by Brussels (Member # 13480) on :
When lyme went dormant, it still took me a few months to get my periods back in schedule. But they are never as they were before lyme. I have less bleeding and shorter periods now, but I am 43 too, so... it could be age?
but regularity is back, which is a relief. I had like you all describe, messed cycles, absent cycles, shorter cycles, longer cycles, no logic. Before lyme, I was like clockwork.
Keep on treating!!
Topaz, what you describe though seems another problem. I hope you find out what the constant bleeding is, it doesn't look funny... Crossing fingers for you!
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