PMS, Post-Partum Depression, Baby Blues and Hormonal Dysfunctions

Post Partum Depression is a very real malady that strikes many women after the birth of a child. It is a confusing and alarming condition that can throw your world into a tailspin. No one is ever prepared for postpartum depression; It’s one of those things we believe happens to somebody else or a condition - we used to think - that's all in a woman's head.

Postpartum depression affects about 80% of all new Mothers and ranges from mild baby blues to major postpartum depression to postpartum psychosis.

If you or a loved one is trying to fight this major shift of hormones .. I urge you to stop right now and do something about it because you cannot fix it without balancing those hormones.

After the birth of my second child I was hit with postpartum depression.

I knew something was terribly wrong. I was terrified but through some compassionate friends I eventually found help. Imagine how relieved I was to learn my tormenting symptoms had a name and a treatment.

The best way I can describe this un-welcomed invader is to put it in a word picture. It felt as though my finger was in a light socket and all of the zapping charges were raging wildly and rampantly through every cell of my body. I was terrified - for no reason whatsoever. I walked the floors all night, rigid with fear, as my family slept peacefully. I prayed all night but no relief came.

During the day the slightest sound would cause me to jump out of my skin. I cried non-stop and I broke out with acne everywhere. I felt hopeless. There were days my husband had to get babysitters; I couldn’t take care of my own children.

I really thought I was losing my mind. I searched my heart to see if it was a spiritual problem. I was terrified to see a doctor because I was sure he would put me in a mental hospital. I did my best to keep the secret.

I was baffled. What was wrong with me? As long as I could remember I had longed to be a mother. My greatest desire was fulfilled. My 22 mos. old boy was all I had hoped for and now with the safe delivery of my sweet baby girl my love cup overflowed - I had the perfect family ... didn't I?

Though I had terrible morning sickness I did not experience any of these terrifying emotions after the birth of my firstborn. He was the light of my life and, as a baby, I enjoyed every second of his life. After the birth of my second child several unusual and distressing situations happened. The first was a breast infection which led to a soaring temperature of 107 degrees; What a scare!

When the infection cleared, I stopped the pain pills but found I had become addicted to them. Slowly I cut each pill and weaned off of them. Believe me I stay clear of them to this day. The second thing that happened was heavy hemorrhaging; Once again I thought I was a gonner.

Though I had gotten off to a rough start I felt so complete with my babies and husband - until one terrible night. A few months after the birth of my second child .. out of the blue ... gloom and doom hit me and it hit me HARD! Wretched emotions came on me and were scaring me to death. I tried to figure out where this was coming from. I cried out to God for help because I knew He was not the author of fear.

My mind reeled and struggled to understand. This terrifying sense of dread, fear and death was invading my life. It was real and as painful as having a tooth yanked out with no anesthetics. After many months of trying to keep my sanity I began to believe there had to be an answer 'out there' somewhere. I prayed and asked God to show me and to lead me to answers.

What is wrong with me was my constant cry. It took me many horrifying months before I was led to the solution. One day I was watching t.v. and heard a women describing post-partum depression. I called out to my husband urging him to hurry to the television set.

After hearing different women describing their symptoms we both knew that this appalling terrorist had a name. The name was Post-Partum Depression. It was such a relief to know that the symptoms were NOT in my head, they were not a spiritual or emotional weakness. These symptoms were the result of a hormonal imbalance caused by a major hormonal shift in my body.... for me that hormonal shift happened as I was weaning my baby from breast feeding.

Finally we understood this condition had a name but we didn't have a clue about finding help. About this time a dear friend called me. "Susie," ... Annie began, "I want you to tell me every symptom you have because Tom (her husband) is going to call the Mayo Clinic and get you help." Thank God for Annie and her husband!

Now, you'd have to know Tom ... He's the kind of man who gets what he wants. I listed about 20 disturbing symptoms for Annie. Symptoms like, bloating, mind fog, panic attacks, crying, depression, weight loss, fear, etc.(keep in mind that symptoms for hormonal imbalances vary with each individual.)

Annie hung up with a promise to get back to me. The next thing I knew a Physician from the Mayo Clinic (an endocrinologist) called my house. It was pretty humorous to hear the confusion in her voice as she asked, "Who was that man who called here?" I tried to explain but in my state of mind I couldn't put 2 plus 2 together. Having helped others through postpartum depression this doctor seemed to understand my inability to answer her question.

During the course of our conversation she began to understand that I was in no condition to travel to Minnesota for an evaluation. Mercifully, this kind physician made arrangements to have tests done through my local physician.

After gathering the information she told me I had severe postpartum depression. She assured me there was hope and a natural treatment. She prescribed a natural progesterone (composed of yams & soybeans) from women's international pharmacy.

The very first month I took this natural progesterone formula I felt relief. It wasn’t long afterwards that I got my life back. After I got back to being me I hooked up with a new friend, Tracey, who had also been hit with hormonal imbalance, to sponsor and teach classes on PMS and Postpartum Depression; which are both conditions of a hormonal imbalance.

I believe that when we go through a thing, it is up to us to share our story and help others who come behind us. This is my motivation for writing this article. Tracey and I knew there had to be other women who were alone, afraid and suffering as we had. We wanted to get the word out. Our hope filled message was "You're not CRAZY you have a hormonal imbalance and there is an hope and a treatment for this condition."

To educate women and their husbands (who were most often baffled, hopeless and bewildered) we invited Psychologists, Physicians, Social Workers and Dieticians. We even enlisted the help of our husbands to hold a class educating other husbands about the devastating results of hormones gone wild.

Tracey and I helped many people gain understanding, get answers and gain control over their run-away hormones. We held the classes at a community college and were not surprised by great attendance and interest.

I'd like to share the resource that gave me my life back. Women's International Pharmacy has a website with information from helpful, educated and informed Pharmacists.

These Pharmacists understand hormonal imbalance and have created a patented formulation of Natural (Yams & Soybeans) Progesterone in the form of a capsule or cream.

I have tried different formulas from local pharmacies, because my insurance company asked me to purchase it locally, but none of them worked like this one did. Women's International Pharmacy's formulation is patented and all I can tell you is that it works! I still use this pharmacy today and get my orders shipped to my door.

Besides post partum depression there are other reasons for hormonal imbalance. Birth control pills or any type of chemical hormone has the ability to throw your body into a tailspin. If you have Postpartum syndrome or Pre-Menstrul Syndrome (PMS) you need hormone replacement therapy. The natural progesterone produced by this pharmacy is recognized as natural and your body will readily accept and absorb it as though you produced it. Here is the Website for you to research: Women's International Pharmacy

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

A few years after I had been diagnosed and treated we moved across State. I knew that there were very few physicians who understood the importance of balancing hormones with natural hormones.

I was so blessed to find a lady doctor who really listened to me. After I explained what I went through and how I was being treated she asked me to sit right there and wait. She left the room and called the pharmacy right then and there .... I was dumbfounded! I remember the look on Dr. Abbey's face after she had talked personally to one of the pharmacist on staff. She said, "I'm so happy to find these people, I will be able to help so many women with this information."

Anyone can call this pharmacy with questions or to find and answers. These pharmacists are so helpful and knowledgeable. The pharmacy keeps a list of physicians who understand hormonal imbalance and the use of natural hormones. They will send it to you upon your request.

You may also leave a message on my Facebook Page - I will answer..

My Facebook Writers Page is called Susie's World. Click 'like'on my page to connect and to get updates and new articles.

If you have any questions, I would count it a privilege to talk to you.

I made it past this monster malady and because of my personal experience I have been able to help a multitude of women who felt, as I did, helpless and hopeless. Don't delay if you have been stricken with Postpartum Depression or PMS. Get help today.

To leave me a message click on my profile picture and it will take you to my profile page. Under the picture you will find Fan Mail. Click there and you will find my contact information. From there you can leave me a message. I will get back to you! :0)

Remember you are not alone and you are NOT crazy. Your hormones are out of wack; natural progesterone will put them back in balance. After reading this article, I hope you have found hope for you or for a friend. Please write to me if you have followed the recommendations and found help. It would bless me, to no end, to hear that this article has reached you.