His and Her Health

Some one please help me. It's been awhile since I have had anything to post, and that was because things were going so good. But now I am worried. OK, heres the deal. About a month ago my libido started dropping. I didn't really notice until a couple weeks ago, but my honey sure did. It has gotten so bad I hardly ever want to do anything. On top of this my nipples (not the areola or the breast itself, just the nipples) have become extremely tender, very painful. When this happened he urged me to take one of those in home preg. tests. I did, it came back negative. I explained my situation to a friend of mine who recently had a baby, she worried me even more saying it could be a false negative. I have been very moody, so much so that I cried (yes, actually cried) when the atm ate my credit card. So what does every one think? Please respond as soon as you can, it would be much appreciated.<P>------------------<BR>Thanx

Have you missed a period? That is usually the first sign of pregancy. <P>Yes, home pregnancy tests can occasionally produce a false negative. A blood test at the doctor's surgery is a more sensitive and reliable pregnancy test than a urine test.<P>Some pregnancy tests are supposed to be more sensitive than others: in particular, the variety that allows one test up to 3 days BEFORE a period is due. First morning urine gives the best results.<P>Your symptoms may not necessarily have to do with pregnancy. I don't think I have ever been pregant, yet I often feel weepy and have hyper-sensitive nipples, particularly before a period is due.<P>Our pre-menstrual symptoms can change from cycle to cycle or as we grow older. Simply because you are experiencing unusual symptoms does not necessarily mean pregnancy. <P>You could be experiencing natural hormonal changes (unwelcome though they may be) in combination with low serotonin levels. The low serotonin levels could account for your low mood and low libido, the hormonal changes for your nipple sensitivity. Low libido and weepiness are symptoms of depression. <P>All the best and keep us posted!

BTW, when is the last time you had a period?

As a side note, you can still have a period while pregnant...it isn't as rare as you might think, actually. It is the reason some women can be several months into their pregnancy before they realize it.<P>The best thing you can do to ease your mind is go to your local planned parenthood for a pregnancy test. Call first, and they'll usualy get you in within a day or two. Often, they'll ask for your first urine of the day, as well. Their tests are excellent, and free. They can also discuss with you what your other symptoms might mean if it's not pregnancy, assuming that you aren't able to go to your normal gyn for some reason.

See, that is the thing. I have been on Depo for 4 years and never have had anything like this. Since I have been on Depo I have not had a true period, just spotting occasionally. At first that is what I thought was going on here, but after a week with no change and no spotting I started to get worried.

Also, someone mentioned symptoms changing when we get older. I am only 18, should they be changing that soon?

By "older", I was really referring to women over 30.<P>I don't know anything about Depo or the spotting etc. that may go with it.<P>"Periods" may continue into one's pregnancy, but I have been informed that these are lighter or shorter in duration than one's normal period.

Spotting can go along with depo (and many other forms of hormonal birth control), but the pregnancy test will make you feel better--one way or the other, you'll know. It's free, it's confidential, and it's accurate (they do two, btw).<P>Periods during pregnancy are indeed often lighter and shorter, but if a woman already has mild periods, it may be difficult to notice. Also, as the myth says that missing a period is the way to tell if one is pregnant, many women figure as long as they have some blood-even if it's less than usual--they can't be pregnant. Someday, our sex-ed system will catch up to reality and help begin to dispel the myths and mystery, especially for our young people.

If you are on Depo chances are high that you are not pregnant. It can happen though so I would check with your doctor.

Did you get your Depo shot recently?<P>Perhaps there was some mixup?<P>Probably not, but just a thought.<BR>Also, some drugs change in their effects over time - perhaps this is the case with you.<P>I *strongly* second Dona's suggestions. They are excellent - as always!<P>Best wishes,<BR>Greg

Hey everyone. Thanks for all your help. I went to the Doc today. I am not pregnant. She told me I am probably going through some kind of hormonal change. Big sigh of relief here. Thanks again for all your help!!