Hi Glancina, I've actually got the book you mentioned, though I haven't yet read it page-to-page. I tried some of the tests it mentions, e.g. pupil dilation when shining a light to the side of the eye, and scraping across the stomach. Negative. But I've responded to liquorice extract and a glandular supplement, and I know the symptoms of adrenal problems well enough to know that they do arise. Unfortunately they've really only been problematic since I came off the antidepressant 2 years ago. That damn med caused me a lot of trouble.

I attempted to get hormones tested via a saliva test, hoping the results would be in for my appointment with Dr. Peatfield, but the lab haven't even sent me the kit yet and I don't think I'll be using them. He'll probably know better than me which tests to order and from where so I'll find out what he says. I think he works along similar lines to the clinic you linked me to, those are the sorts of things he specialises in as well.

I've just been feeling so awful that I wanted to try to do something while I've been waiting. It won't all magically get better after I see the doctor -- I will probably have to arrange tests, wait for results, etc. I thought my symptoms chimed well enough with low progesterone that it would be worth a try. If it means I may not have to endure another very heavy period while trying to be at work, and other symptoms possibly improving, then it's worth it to me. I've been Googling pregnenolone and DHEA all evening and while I'm open to what the doctor says, and to tests, I think for now I may as well stick with this wild yam stuff. I think I may benefit from specifically boosting progesterone.

I wish I'd known to have all these things tested a long time ago. You guys seem to be savvier than me with the whole mercury business. Not having much money, I had no idea which tests to get and I couldn't afford lots of different ones. Well, live and learn I guess.