Howling at hormones–an update

So yesterday I went to see my doctor. It was ACTUALLY to get my thumb checked out – more than three weeks after injury is still having issues and I wanted to make sure it wasn't major and how to treat it.

So I discussed what's happening with my cycles, and how I'm feeling and we've started to take some action.

a) I'm back on the pill. It's a little weird – I ditched the pill as my contraceptive of choice because I didn't like how it flattened out my emotions and rendered me completely neutral about everything (people who know me well might be surprised to know I can be MORE easy-going, but on the pill it was the case). Will be interesting to see if it manages to shave the edges off the lows without taking away the highs this time. Using a Mirena (a type of IUD) was mentioned, but if it comes up again I'll say no to that. I don't have a problem with IUDs (I had a Mirena before I convinced the gynaecologist to just do my tubes already, I wasn't having kids and it certainly had an easier impact on my hormones and emotions than the pill did) but the problem with never having given birth is that in order to insert it, I need to be knocked out and I would prefer to avoid a general anaesthetic if I can (I REALLY don't react well to them). Being on the pill will also bring my periods back into regularity, which helps.

b) I'm going to have my iron levels and thyroid tested, just in case. Also, I'm going to have an ultrasound to ensure that this change isn't a physical issue with my uterus. This is the place where I find myself saying 'I hope it is just menopause'.

I've realised that I've gotten slack on taking my vitamin b pills, so I'll get back into that. And getting some sunlight too.

Doctor wasn't as sure that I should say no to HRT in future as I am – she didn't believe the breast cancer in my family is really close enough to warrant huge fears (closest is paternal grandmother). I think I need to do a bit more research on what is happening and what are the best ways to deal with it.