Hi Blue, I was interested to read that you and another member mentioned Yaz. I have primary autonomic failure, not POTS, but also, have never figured out a cause. My neurologist tells me it is "bad luck". My initial symptom was extreme dizziness and then I had extreme bradycardia, my heart rate got very very low, so they implanted a pacemaker (I was only 40). So, I developed sick sinus syndrome, and the doctors think that is due to the dysautonomia --but others have said those are two separate things (which seems strange to me ---how unlikely would that be?). I now use the pacemaker 98% of the time in the atrium and about 40% of the time in the ventricle. Anyway, this all started after I was on some strong hormonal treatments. I have always wondered if that was the trigger/cause. That would be consistent with your experience with Yaz maybe. I am doing much better, and I have tried various approaches --some helped, some didnt, some helped for a while and then didnt. The first thing that helped me was a network chiropractor --much different from a regular chiropractor. I have a science background, so I was very skeptical --but it made a difference! Got me back to work! Acupuncture has helped, but it seems more subtle and doesnt seem to have a lasting effect. Iyengar yoga --big help! Water aerobics and swimming and walking my dog (every day even though it sometimes seems like torture). Meditation of course. I have always had a very good diet, so I stick with that --lots of organic veggies, organic meats, low on carbs, no processed foods, and not much sugar or dairy (I cannot totally deprive myself!). Aromatherapy has helped with my depression and anxiety and I take anti-depressants too. I am developing the skill of knowing when and how to push myself (that morning dog walk and getting to the pool) and when and how to give myself a break. I have not gotten much help from doctors of any type really. I do have a great neurologist who diagnosed me and prescribes me Florinef when needed, but not much more than that. Recently, I saw an Integrative doctor (is that what they are called?) who prescribed low dose Naltexone (LDN). He thought I had some kind of auto-immune problem even though my tests have been negative (although I do have oral lichen planus). Anyway, that helped! It took a while to get the dose quite right, but I take 2.5 ml in the evening. I still sleep a lot --9 to 12 hours per night, and feel like I need more --but then how would I have time to walk the dog and go to all of my doctor appointments?? Ha/Ugh. Help all of this helps. Stay hopeful! The symptoms will wax and wane....research is being done and you have this great community behind you as well.
K