Posted by Barbara Cat on July 11, 2003, at 15:26:19
In reply to Re: please reply-hormonal ? and meds » nmk, posted by galkeepinon on July 11, 2003, at 0:04:55
Here's a link about amennorhhea (no periods). This whole site has a ton of information about everything.
http://www.theberries.ns.ca/archives/amenbk.html
Whether it's erratic periods, PCOS, thyroid problems, the theme that keeps reappearing in all these hormonal problems is a dysfunction in the hypothalamus. It can no longer function as it needs to in order to communicate with the pituitary, the 'Master Gland'. The whole HPA axis disorder is becoming more and more linked to all of our woes - depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, reproductive problems, fatigue, weight gain. It's all related to malfunctioning hormones.
And what causes the hypothalamus to malfunction? Stress, stress and more stress. The chemicals produced by long term stress act as neurotoxins in the limbic brain center. The hypothalamus and thalamus in people with mood disorders have been shown on brain imaging to be smaller with less electrical activity. Corticotrophin factor, produced by cortisol, literally destroys the receptors at these sites.
With chronic stress the 'fight/flight' hypervigilence chemicals continue to be secreted (even though it's bedtime), the adrenals get thoroughly exhausted, the brain is structually damaged, hormones get confused, the body suffers, more stress is created, on and on. This is the source and this is what must be treated rather than giving us a hormone here and there, or an antidepressant without considering the ramifications of the whole system.
Eventually, all endocrine systems will malfunction if this stress cycle is not stopped. Believe me, I've been there and done that. How to heal it? Good question. It's looking like the adrenals have to be first in line. We also have to take an active role in destressing, exercising, meditation, eating well, healthy breathing - all that stuff we hate to do when we're down. Somehow the stress cycle, which takes on a life of it's own, has to be broken. I'm working with a great naturopath and will keep you posted.
poster:Barbara Cat
thread:238742
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030708/msgs/240952.html