Talk to me about being estrogen dominant.

[WildDoula]

And how you came to this conclusion?

I'm thinking I might be estrogen dominant, making TTC difficult.

I have carb cravings, tender breasts, bloating, and super heavy bleeding every month. I know most of these are just PMS, but I've read that PMS in general is an estrogen dominance thing? I could be very wrong.

Anyone upped their progesterone with a B-Complex successfully?

Anyone taken progesterone and found out that wasn't the issue?

Any and all stories appreciated.

[Jaimee]

Do you chart?  Estrogen dominance or at least a hormone imbalance is pretty easy to spot on a chart when you see overall lower than usual temps, long stretches of fertile CF, and random spotting.  Increasing your B vitamins (especially B6) and magnesium could help, but it is creating more problems than just a short LP, you might have to resort to vitex, wild yam or natural progesterone creams.  I would personally start with charting before taking an serious herbal supplements.

[WildDoula]

I chart cm and position, I have too random of a schedule for charting temps, at least for right now.

I know I have a shorter LP, but I don't think that's the "main" issue. Could be, but I feel like it's a general imbalance.

[SilaMarila]

Hi WildDoula.

If you want to see some charts exactly like Jamie is describing look at mine http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/SilaMarila . 

Twice (2 dif very long cycles) I have had my hormone levels checked and twice they have come back in the normal range. I have not had a proper progesterone test I guess since that is normally day 21 or a wk or so after ovulation and I rarely ovulate. I have been seeing an acupuncturist now for a while and this cycle she is having me take all kinds of TCM herbs. Sorry I have no idea what they are, it's all in Chinese! I just started one that is for progesterone insufficiency. So far it seems like they are trying to do something, but no O yet this cycle  We think that even though my levels are in the normal "range" that they aren't quite balanced enough to be making things happen. 

I have seen an OB and she wanted to put me on Clomid and Prometrium. We are going to hold out until Dec. to try that. I can't completely rule out PCOS either because she won't do an u/s until I try the Clomid for a few cycles. My levels were normal for all of the hormones that could indicate PCOS or premature ovarian failure. 

I have been taking either a b complex or b6 for a few months now. No changes, so I guess I'm no help there. My symptoms are: long stretches or multiple patches of CM, failure to ovulate, unexplained mid cycle spotting, and miscarriage. My boobs have been sore a lot lately too. I don't really get PMS, but I rarely get AF, but when I do it's normal, not heavy or painful.

You said all stories were appreciated. Sorry I'm not more helpful! In the meantime, I'm just praying for ovulation!