I was finaly thought to have ovarian falure but not the case. later correctly diagnosed in early thirties as having supressed hormonal function.

No one of course new what was causing the suppression- not auto imune as first thought due to the lack of total failure.

I know have been diagnosied with late stage lyme I belive these hormonal problem were some of my earliest red flags for lyme.

I know alot of people are opposed to hormone replacement therapy but it gave me back alot of my life, hopefully treating the lyme will give me back the rest.

I know right away if I have missed a day because the irratation return, fatigue increses especially with the lack of testostrone. ( I am a women)

I can't praise compounded testostrone cream highly enough. It has made me feel like a human being again, energy improvements, intrest and appreciation of my apperance and brought the sex drive back on line much to my husbands delight.

Yes it probably is dangerous to use for years on end. But my opinion is my quality of life is so much better. If the lyme is attacking this part of your life and body at least this is something you can do something about! Even if it is just until you can get the lyme under control.

Frankly it is a much happier home when I'm not yelling at my kids all day and looking at my husband like he is from another planet when he would like a little attention. Everything is more fun and hey other than the cost of the testostrone cream it is at least free and probably could be considered exercise! Expecially if the fatigue improves!

The improvement has been with hormones and healthy diet only not on abx yet.

The only reason the doctors are saying menopause is because you are in the age range for diagnosis. The only reason I recieved so many tests is because I was in my early 20's.

Figure out when the issue started and see if it coincides with the tick.

Also doctor c from Mo has a link I think on the newbie page explaining the connection. Has something to do with the lyme blocking the hormone cell receptors. Affects everything from Thyroid, Pancrease, Adrenals to Sex Hormones.

Try this place for your T cream. I thought their prices were good . Well known and respected.
http://www.womensinternational.com/

Actually, I have read and spoken to experts in bio-identical HRT that feel the addition of testosterone to HRT is protective for breast cander.

Google Greenblatt and testosterone. He's from the UK I think. In Europe they have a much different viewpoint since they are not controlled by the FDA (drug companies).

I truly believe bio-identical transdermal HRT is good for me and never plan to stop.

Ladies- If you don't want an ugly patch there is now an estradiol gel approved (finally) in the US. Here's the link
http://www.solvaypharmaceuticals-us.com/products/productgroups/productdeta
ils/0,998,18287-2-0,00.htm

Or there's a lotion type bio-identical estradiol
http://www.estrasorb.com/

There's lots of new bio-identical HRT products coming for men and women-The barbaric days of Premarin may end.

There's a testosterone patch for men and the one for women may be approved here in the US soon. You can google for more info.

[This message has been edited by janet thomas (edited 28 August 2005).]