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Thank you all for your replies.

I, too, have reduced the amount that I drink, not that it was a huge amount to begin with (2-3 drinks maybe 3-4 days a week). However, I felt guilty after my GP actually noted alcohol abuse in my chart. I have not had good experiences with doctors over the years, and find that many do not listen thoroughly, and immediately label you based on their own biases. This same doctor also noted in my chart that I was resistant to exercise, after I spent 10 minutes explaining my exercise routine to her, as well as providing a spreadsheet showing my daily BP, duration of exercise, type of exercise, calories consumed/burned. It is maddening.

I do like to idea of a Functional Medicine Doctor, I started reading up on them a bit after seeing your reply, so thank you dollyvee. Now I just have to make sure that I can find one who takes my insurance. I will also wait to see what the blood test says, and possibly reach out to an endocrinologist as well if needed.

Thank you again, at least I know that I'm not alone in all of this.

I have been struggling to figure out some various, seemingly unconnected, issues with my health. And I think I may finally found something that seems to fit. I started off searching for information about hormone imbalances when I was dealing with uterine fibroids, as their development has been linked to estrogen dominance and other imbalances.

I ended up reading about overproduction of cortisol, and the pieces started to come together. Excess levels of cortisol are linked to sudden onset high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high liver enzymes, weight gain specifically around the belly with thin arms and legs, high resting heart rate, anxiety, depression, insomnia, flushing (Rosacea), bruising easily, lack of sex drive, and irregular periods (which I attributed to fibroids). This would explain nearly every medical issue with which I am currently dealing, and I think it makes sense when looking at the ongoing trauma that I endured.

There are other signs/symptoms, too. I still have a heightened startle response despite having lived in a safe environment for many years, and even a minor disagreement leaves me feeling an urgent need for immediate escape (fight or flight).

I have a regular appointment in a few weeks with my GP, part of that is some basic blood work. My plan is to have my cortisol level tested when I go for the other blood tests. I will have to pay for it out of pocket, but it is relatively inexpensive.

I guess what I am wondering is, has anyone else experienced high cortisol levels even years after removing yourself from an abusive environment? Has anyone worked with an endocrinologist, or another type of doctor, to resolve this issue? Or has anyone suffered a similar host of symptoms with a different root cause that you would be willing to share?

Thank you all in advance for any information/help that you can provide.

Hi, my name is Blunk. I have been a member of Out of the FOG for many years, and joined here earlier this year. I have lurked a bit, but finally felt ready to post as I do have some questions for the group...but I will make a separate post on the appropriate board.

I was married for nearly 16 years to a man with BPD. During that time I suffered varying forms and levels of control and abuse. While I did not endure physical abuse, he came very close to that line on more than a few occasions. With the help of the folks from OOTF, I managed to leave him, and have been divorced for about 8.5 years.

I lost my mom at a fairly young age, and recently lost my dad under somewhat suspicious circumstances. I have also dealt with some moderately serious health issues over the last year. I do have my DH who is extremely supportive, but I don't always have an easy time opening up about my feelings.

Lately, I have been feeling so many of the things that I thought I had moved past...depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, insomnia, guilt, trouble concentrating, and so much more. It has been hitting me in waves.

I look forward to reading and sharing more, and hopefully moving towards healing both physically and emotionally.

Thank you all for being here.