Facebook Pixel

PMS Solved: How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Changed My Life

By HERWriter
 
Rate This
Sandy Scherrens Courtesy of Sandy Scherrens

Sandy Scherrens, 56, suffered from severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) since she was a teenager. She lived with bloating, hot flashes and mood swings month after month. Many women find PMS to be just an uncomfortable inconvenience, but for Sandy, it was life-altering.

"It was more than a 'casual nuisance' once a month," Sandy said in our interview. "It affected my lifestyle and I had to make my life fit around my 'hormonal days.'"

Sandy’s struggle with PMS began with the onset of her menstrual cycle, making her acutely aware that she had to take action to manage her symptoms immediately. From a young age, she focused on being physically active, enlisting natural therapies, and adjusting her food intake in an ongoing attempt to stabilize her hormones.

"I made smart choices in regards to physical exercise and eating habits at an early age and continue to lead a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. I did everything you read about related to natural remedies," she said.

But, for all her efforts, Sandy could not overcome her PMS. "It wasn't enough," she said. "My hormonal issues were more serious and needed medical attention."

At 55 years old, after doing her own online research, Sandy learned that she might be able to get relief from her PMS symptoms by taking bioidentical hormones. She found BodyLogicMD, a nationwide network of physicians specially trained in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Sandy was able to connect with Dr.Ken Orbeck's at BodyLogicMD of Greenville, South Carolina.

"Dr. Orbeck has truly been a miracle," Sandy said.

First, Dr. Orbeck ordered a series of advanced diagnostic lab tests to assess Sandy’s current condition, including an in-depth review of her hormone levels. Her lab results confirmed that Sandy’s ongoing battle with PMS was related to a hormonal imbalance. At her initial consultation, Dr. Orbeck reviewed her medical history and lab results, then discussed both her symptoms and the quality of life factors that she was facing. Dr. Orbeck prescribed supplements and bioidentical hormones to restore balance and revitalize her health.

"And it has worked!" Sandy said. "I have a new freedom and don't plan my life around when I will be feeling good or bad.”

Most people begin to experience effects of hormone imbalance around the age of 40. For women, the most common symptoms of hormone imbalance include:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Lowered sex drive
  • Memory loss
  • Hot flashes or night sweats
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Fatigue
  • Hormone balance is affected by several factors. Dietary choices as well as environmental elements can play important roles. Health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, sexual dysfunction, thyroid disorders and stress can also have a profound impact on hormonal balance.

    Sources:

    Interview with Sandy Scherrens

    Reviewed June 5, 2015
    by Michele Blacksberg RN

    Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Read more in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

    Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

    How Well Do You Know Your Hormones?

    How Well Do You Know Your Hormones?

    Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones: What’s the Difference?

    Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones: What’s the Difference?

    What to Ask Your Doctor as Menopause Approaches

    What to Ask Your Doctor as Menopause Approaches

    The Effects of Hormone Imbalance in Men and Women

    The Effects of Hormone Imbalance in Men and Women

    All in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Add a Comment3 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Were you told, for the depression, I rather call Blue or Sadness,that you should be given some type anti-medication along with BHRT? I've been advised by Dr. P that has me on BHRT/ Pellet Therapy & just feel sick, this after 2 years being treated by him, it's like WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Any advice

May 17, 2016 - 11:39am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I was not put on anything for the Blues or Sadness.....when hormones are in balance,i have no depression...I do take Tumero K-75 which is turmeric,it aids in depression as well as many other things...

May 17, 2016 - 1:16pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

AS A MOM AND BUSINESS OWNER I WAS HAVING SEVERE SYMPTOMS IN MY 40s.LACK OF SLEEP,HOT FLASHES,CRAVINGS FOR SUGAR,DEPRESSION AND NOT SLEEPING,IT WAS DESTROYING ME AND MY LIFE.i WAS AT THE POINT OF NOT WANTING TO LIVE IF THIS WAS WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR ME.FORTUNATELY I FOUND A DR.THROUGH A CLIENT OF MINE WHO DID MY BLOOD WORK AND FOUND I HAD NO HORMONES,MY BODY WAS PRODUCING NONE AT ALL,IMMEDIATELY I WAS PUT ON HORMONES AND GRADUALLY INCREASED MY DOSAGE UNTIL I HAD NO MORE SYMPTOMS,THAT WAS 15 yrs. ago AND I AM STILL ON THEM AND WILL BE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.I FEEL LIKE LIVING AGAIN.I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR BHRT.

May 13, 2016 - 9:46am
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.