cabildo
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Post by cabildo on Nov 14, 2015 0:59:49 GMT
Hi everyone,
I'm part-way through my first cycle of IVF.
inca and mypineappledream's posts about PMS and PMDS and @chaoticwitch's post on the menopause are extremely interesting, and made me think particularly about the ADHD-hormone connection.
At different stages, the treatment has either raised my progesterone levels, raised my oestrogen levels or abruptly decreased oestrogen, each time with significant effect on ADHD symptoms. As tough as it was, I found it really interesting to see how these extreme, artificial fluctuations changed my ability to function.
On high-dose progesterone only, I felt overwhelmed, highly-stressed, unable to focus, self-destructive and very irritable; on high-dose oestrogen, I became calm, contented and focussed, albeit with some short-term memory lapses; with the abrupt withdrawal of the oestrogen tablets, I immediately felt very agitated and physically and mentally restless.
So far, possible ADHD is not something that fertility clinics seem to take into account, and any support is restricted to 6 appointments with a fertility counsellor
I'd love to hear from anyone else who's had similar experiences, or from anyone who has any information on research into the oestrogen-progesterone-dopamine connection!
Thanks so much for reading & I look forward to any responses xxxx
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Post by hermanli on Nov 14, 2015 2:14:17 GMT
I have no knowledge here, but very interesting topic.
Maybe you could try and get yourself referred to Maudsley. Michael Craig is both one of the consultants for the ADHD service in addition to the female hormone clinic. He works private too, but looks very expensive for that.
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Post by mypineappledream on Nov 14, 2015 4:54:54 GMT
The medication I got for pmds is a SSRI and works on the serotonin levels.
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Post by blaze on Nov 14, 2015 8:05:51 GMT
I've said this before on related posts but can't remember which- oestrogen works on the left side of the brain that deals with organisation etc so adhd is easier when this is higher, when it drops adhd gets much worse.
I take the contraceptive yazmin which was desinged for pmdd & it helps alot, but the adhd fog is still v tough at that (this) time of the month. I found breastfeeding helped my adhd due to stopping periods (i guess level oestrogen then) & keeping oxytocin high,which was a bonus as no adhd meds or sleep for those yrs (still no sleep here as my twins have (suspected) adhd & other dds)
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cabildo
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Posts: 12
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Post by cabildo on Nov 15, 2015 0:22:18 GMT
hermanli - thanks for the advice regarding Michael Craig at the Maudsley! I was quite fascinated by this too as it's one of the few times when key hormones are artificially manipulated to such an extent. Seeing myself as a human guinea pig made things a bit easier to manage, strangely...
mypineappledream - so sorry to hear you have to deal with pmds Have you found that the SSRIs help a lot? I've always struggled with pms, and seeing how strongly I reacted to high-dose progesterone, it all makes sense. The first 2 weeks of the month (higher-oestrogen) are when I'm at my best, but it all goes downhill in the run-up to AF as oestrogen drops & progesterone rises...
blaze - that's really interesting!!! I wasn't aware of the left brain-oestrogen connection. I'll make sure to search for your earlier posts! It's also lovely to hear that you found breastfeeding helpful. If we do have any luck with IVF, it'll be one more added bonus
Thanks so much & hope everyone's having a great weekend!
xxxx
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Post by Bee on Nov 15, 2015 2:47:16 GMT
I've got the contraceptive implant, and I haven't had many periods for about 5 years. From what you've all said I'm pretty glad of it!!
Its a bit of a bugger having to deal with a condition, and having it fart around in connection with our hormones!
My sympathies, ladies x x x
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jakk1e
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Post by jakk1e on Feb 20, 2017 17:53:07 GMT
Another thing found on here which makes sense to me.
Sorry no experience of I've although I see this thread is quite old.
I have been aware for a year or more that I have one week a month when I'm far more productive than the others. It's often a God send because I can just about get enough done that I can get on top of things before reverting to type.
I can only assume my hormones effect my ability to concentrate.
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