Posted by polarbear206 on November 8, 2008, at 23:07:06
In reply to Re: In which direction should I go?, posted by bleauberry on November 8, 2008, at 21:32:31
> Well it is obvious there is some cycling going on. However, it appears to be a predictable cycle with a pattern to it. That pretty much rules out bipolar as I see it. If female, that pattern would obviously fit into the monthly hormone cycles. But, men have regular hormone cycles too, not much talked about and not usually of any consequence, but there is movement going on. Things are not stationary.
>
> But even if that is true, how to balance hormones? I don't know. I think the best we can do is balance the end result of what they do, which means taking a mood stabilizer.
>
> Herbs are kind of uncharted waters when mixed with meds, but there are some herbs known for their hormone balancing actions.
>
> You might take a real close look at things like sleeping patterns, what you eat each day, and be a detective looking for something that is setting this thing in motion. Something, anything. If you could afford it, you could even take a cortisol, dhea, free T3, free T4, total T4 hormone lab test when you are feeling good, and take them again when you are feeling bad. Include other hormones as afforded. Who knows, maybe there is something going on with the thyroid? A subtle case of Hashimotos? Maybe adrenals are exhausted but not severely, to where they have enough ooomph to get you through a short period, then they are too tired and fall behind, but then while you are slowed down they have time to recover and kick in again? These kinds of things are worth exploring before making yet another addition of a powerful med. Any venture at a diagnosis without these kinds of detective tests is purely guesswork.
Many women with bipolar are extra sensitive to monthly hormone fluctuations. There is plenty of info out there to support this. As suggested, get a complete work-up to rule out any underlying medical issues. Keep a detailed journal of your sleep patterns, mood, energy levels, etc..
poster:polarbear206
thread:861264
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081106/msgs/861675.html