Lots of Anxiety and trying the natural route

[pookie75]

I know I probably should post in the mental health section but I felt like I would get a little more help in here.  I have been suffering from anxiety for over a year now...I really believe a very stressful environment and switching my BC around caused this for me.  I have tried the meds that are available but feel like they make me far worse.  So now I am trying the more natural approach with vitamins, herbs, aminos and relaxtion techniques.  My biggest issue is over the last year or more even before the anxiety issue hit my periods changed dramatically...where they were always 4 days and normal amt of blood now I have mostly thick brown discharge(some blood) and a lot of mucus.  This month my period has been going for a week now and I am not supposed to get it for another 4 days.  I know stress can affect our cycle but this started well before that it.  I just don't know if there is something I am missing that could be causing both the period issues and the anxiety.  I would love some suggestions of other natural remedies that some of you have tried with success(I know everything works diff. for each person).  I am thinking of talking to my Dr about coming off the pill that I have been on for 10 years now and go to an IUD with no hormones.  Has anyone else experienced any of these issues like I have. Sorry for the long post....I am excited to hear everyone's thoughts. By the way I am 30 years old.

[anxiousgrl]

My first thought when reading your post was hormonal imabalance.  I too suffer from anxiety (for the past two years) and just 6 months ago, I began experiencing irregular cycles (premenstrual spotting) and I am only 28.  Ironically, my spotting started when I quit taking Lexapro for my anxiety.  I too am trying to cope without meds, which in turn has probably effected my hormonal balance.  Although I have yet to go to a doc about my menstrual issues (my anxiety makes me petrified to visit the doctor); I have read a lot about hormones and how they affect your body and mind when they are out of whack - including promoting anxiety.

I wanted to let you know that you are definitely not alone with your worries.... Best of Luck to you!!

[lovemybabies]

i just posted a similar situation earlier today (spotting before period).  sounds like you are both in the same boat as me.  I am 32, and failed to mention in my other post that I too had TONS of anxiety after my second daughter was born last march, took Lexapro (which really helped a lot with anxiety).  But now that I think about it the spotting started after going off Lexapro.

Try magnesium, b6 and evening primrose oil (only until ovulation if ttc) and flaxseed oil.  It's really making a big difference for me.  Also, I've been avoiding all the cravings for sweets and only drinking one cup of coffee a day.  I'm sure a really healthy diet (whole grains, fruit and veggies would do some good, too)

By the way, I took birth control for over 10 years, and it made me an evil witch most of the time.  Also had an iud after birth of first daughter.  Caused lots of bleeding even though it was properly "installed".  

[baby4Staci]

I have suffered severe depression and anxiety for about 3 years.. Once i knew what the source of my anxiety was, i felt better.. I also spent 6 months on paxil and had prescription adavant on hand at all times.  I hated being medically dependant.  I saw a psychiatrist and a psychologist.  Neither helped.  as far as your irregular cycles go, medication can definately be playing a part in that, as well as stress.  Find something to do that relaxes you.  Take a long walk, read a book, rent a move, go to the gym, etc.. whatever makes you feel good about you.  I had a teacher in college who said something to me that changed my life.  He told me to imagine i had a child.  He said, imagine that child is feeling the same way about life like you do.. what would you say to her to make her feel better... So.. he had me say, outloud what i would say to her to make her feel better and it worked.  You have to realize that you are worth feeling better.  Look at the sunshine and breath in the fresh air.. Life is way to short to be unhappy and uncomfortable.  There is a way to enjoy life again, you just have to find what works for you.  Stress can do funny things to your body if you get that far.  I swore there was something wrong with me but the doctors could never find anything.  Once i stopped worrying, all my symptoms went away.. Please give yourself some time to heal.. Do something that makes you happy.. Trust me.. it worked for me.. :-)

[anxiousgrl]

lovemybabies - I just read your previous post as well and I also have 4 - 5 days of pretty heavy spotting (i.e. sometimes in the toilet, not just on the paper - sorry, I know it is gross) before my cycle.  I have not had any children yet, but I wonder if getting off of Lexapro might be a common factor?

I have always ate fairly healthy, but I am trying to exercise, take vitamins and cut down on the coffee as well to see if I can get some normalcy back and curb the anxiety - we will see if it helps.

It is nice to know that there are other women in this same worry boat who are coping!  Have a great night and let's all try not to worry ( :

[lovemybabies]

It could be getting off the lexapro that changes something.  When I went on Lexapro I did a lot of research, mostly because I was nursing at the time and concerned about how it would effect my daughter.  Basically what caused my anxiety/depression were low seratonin levels.  There are so many chemicals in our bodies, and when they are out of balance many things can be effected.  So, long story short, what I learned is to eat lots of whole grains, fresh "real" food and cut out the junk.  Bananas, turkey and nuts are great to help with seratonin levels.  Seratonin works with tryptophan (the stuff that makes you tired and  feel so great after Thanksgiving dinner - turkey).  Baby4staci has a great point.  A positive attitude is key.

pookie75 - fyi, i had a copper iud, and every month lots of bleeding, but it was also postpartum and I was nursing.  It was really more hassle than it was worth.  i'm not sure if my reaction was very common.  However, I'd rather bleed all month than take BC pills.  Good luck with your decision to switch, and when you feel anxious just take a deep breath.

A friend emailed me today, and below her signature was this, thought it was worth sharing:
*What was considered major yesterday, doesn't amount to more than a footnote today.

*All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

[NURSELPN]

Have You had your thyroid checked? Some of your symptoms are common in high thyroid.

[pookie75]

at the start of all this the DR thought the same thing...so Ihad a whole battery of tests and all blood tests came back right on target.