First of all, no baby this month. : (
I was pretty upset for a while, but I had another appointment with my FertilityCare NP (nurse practitioner) yesterday, and now I have more information about what is causing my hormone imbalances.
Let me recap: My thyroid hormones are abnormal, as are my progesterone levels. I started progesterone support last cycle. In order to get a clearer picture regarding my thyroid, my NP recommended a couple more tests. This was to determine what is causing my thyroid hormone abnormality.
The findings from the cortisol saliva test are that my cortisol levels are normal in the morning, but are too low at mid-day and afternoon. Then, at night, my cortisol levels are too high. This is a sign of an adrenal problem. The NP described mine as "adrenal fatigue."
In order to remedy this, I am starting licorice root upon waking and at noon through CD 10 in order to increase the half-life of my cortisol (keep it in my system longer). I am not supposed to take the licorice root beyond day 10 because I am trying to conceive, and one of the side effects of this drug is that it can elevate your blood pressure. Another thing I am supposed to try is to lay down in the afternoon for 15-20 minutes in order to reset my cortisol.
I told the NP about some other symptoms I have been having, and she thinks I may be experiencing hypoglycemia, so I am not supposed to have any simple sugars or fruit sugars before 11:00am. Then, it is recommended that I have a high protein snack in the afternoon.
So, this is the course of action I'm taking for now. I am really hoping and praying that these adrenal problems can be remedied and are not the beginning of something more serious. Although the NP did not allude to this being the development of a serious problem, as I was doing research on the adrenal system, of course, there were some more serious disorders that popped up. I know I need to give this up to God and not let my thoughts carry me into unnecessary worry. Could you please say a prayer for me? Thank you so much.
Ohhh interesting. Fixing adrenal problems can really increase ones chance of conceiving, so I hope you're onto something here! Did she talk about taking Cortisol at all? It's supposed to help a great deal as well. Hoping things start improving! You're on the right track.
ReplyDeleteHi back at you. I am wondering about your licorice root. I have been reading a Traditional Chinese Medicine book and it mentioned that in relation to fertility but I am not sure if it was licorice root or licorice something else. Are you doing natural remedies as well as napro? It's a path I haven't explored enough and need to. I hope you find some answers soon four years is a long time...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support, guys!
ReplyDeleteSecond Chances - no the NP didn't mention taking Cortisol. I will ask about that vs. taking the licorice root extract. I saw on your blog that you conceived after three months of taking Cortisol...and an hsg test(?)
Be Not Afraid - I am pretty much doing whatever my FertilityCare (Napro) practitioner recommends. She has me go to a Natural Remedies store to get my progesterone compounded and to get the licorice root extract, as well as a couple of the tests I took (Iodine urine test, Cortisol saliva test). So far, I am impressed!
I would hit this thyroid/cortisol issues hard. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can contact me via email if you want to chat more about it. :)