Urgh! Agh! Blah!…that’s how I feel today.

By Beth | Published: October 16, 2007

Alright, so lately I’ve been doing really well. My nose has been clear (with the exception of the time I ate honey – I later realized that not all honey is the same and just because I tested ok to the one that I had taken in to my Doctor in the states doesn’t mean that the Prague honey is ok for me…it clearly wasn’t). I haven’t had a headache at all since we got back from the states (a very big triumph for me). I’ve been sleeping better. I’ve had more energy (with the exception of the first few days I started taking the new vitamins to balance neurotransmitters and hormones). I haven’t had as much gas. I haven’t had as many dizzy/black out times (though I have had a few they haven’t been nearly as bad as before or as often). So, yeah, I’ve been really remarkably well lately. But, today something happened… I guess it sort of started yesterday with a restless anxious feeling, but it really turned into something today. From the moment I got up I felt upset, angry, anxious, stressed and unable to relax…for no reason. Every little thing annoyed me, even things that happen pretty much every day and normally don’t really bother me all that much. I was so aggravated with my husband’s “noises” (he likes to tap things and drum and hum and basically make noise always) I had to go work from the other room for a while. After moving back into the kitchen to work and eat some lunch, I snapped at him multiple times, even yelled a little. After getting upset with him and my computer and work and the world at large (again really for no reason) I broke down crying and couldn’t stop for a long time. I felt so out of control – like I couldn’t even control the feeling of anxiety and anger that I was feeling. I felt so icky and ugly, but I also felt so angry and upset and just like I couldn’t calm down. After crying for quite some time (my husband was kind enough to hold me through this which really helped) I felt a bit better and calmer. But, even once I did calm down a bit I feel like I have had to fight this urge to get angry over little stupid things and constantly take deep breaths to try and calm myself down. It’s been a really weird feeling…my thoughts on what’s causing it…well, I guess it could be the supplements I’m taking that are suppose to help balance my hormones and such but those are suppose to make me feel more calm and tired not anxious and uptight…could my body be having a reverse reaction to them (like how Benardyl makes most people sleepy but makes me wired?). Or could it just be that I’m on day 28 of my cycle and should start my period any day now…this will be my first period off of the birth control pill – does the pill minimize symptoms of PMS? Could that be what this is? Probably…oh, the joys of being a women (yes, this last sentence should be taken sarcastically). Health to you and yours – Beth

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The results from my NeuroScience tests

By Beth | Published: October 10, 2007

Ok, so I got my hormone/neurotransmitter test back this week and wanted to share the results.

  • Norepinephrine is low
  • Dopamine is low
  • Serotonin is low
  • Glycine is low
  • PEA is deficient
  • Agmatine is elevated
  • Testosterone is low
  • Dihydrotestosterone is low
  • DHEA is low
  • Cortisol is normal in the morning, deficient in the afternoon and evening, and normal at night
  • Norephinephrine is low
  • Dopamine is low

So, they recommended a 3 phase program to help balance everything out where it’s supposed to be. During the first phase they recommend two supplements for me to take, then phase two consists of those two supplements plus one additional one and phase three I drop back down to just two of the three supplements. Here’s what they say about each phase:

“Phase 1 is designed to support inhibitory neurotransmitter levels such as GABA, serotonin, and taurine. During this phase, improvements in anxiousness, mood, or sleep can be expected. Side effects are generally mild and may include nausea, vomiting, or GI upset and typically subside with continued use; they may also be managed with dosage adjustment or buffering supplementation with food. Phase 1 is designed to last approximately two weeks, but extending Phase 1 may be necessary if patient is still experiencing noticeable over stimulation or restlessness.”
“Phase 2 generally continues until neurotransmitter levels have been optimized and health is improved, and usually takes a minimum of 3 months. During phase dosage may be manipulated to achieve results. This is followed by a transition into Phase 3.”
“Phase 3 is important for maintaining adequate neurotransmitter levels. Without continued supplemental support transmitter levels will revert to baseline values. As a result, improved health may not be maintained.”

Ok, so I started phase 1 on Tuesday and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. So far I’m feeling pretty good but more tired and fatigued even than usually – but my doctor said that is common in phase 1 and to just stick with it so hopefully that will get better once everything starts to balance out. I will keep you all posted.

Health to you and yours

- Beth

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