I Thought I Was Dying — Until My Doctor Helped Me Find Relief

Three years ago, I spent countless nights online trying to pinpoint the health issues plaguing my body. I convinced myself it could be anything from lupus to multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or even bone cancer. It felt like there had to be a serious problem, especially since I was only 35 and experiencing a range of distressing symptoms.

Constant and Unyielding Fatigue

Each day felt like an arduous journey through thick mud. Though caffeine or other stimulants could get me through most days, by 3 PM, fatigue, stress, and body aches would overwhelm me. I relied on a mix of Advil, coffee, and sometimes a stiff drink just to make it to bedtime.

Exercise Intolerance

Exercise had always been a passion of mine, essential for both my physical and mental well-being. However, working out often left me feeling worse. I’d end up needing to lie down afterward, as if my body was shutting down. There were no endorphins to lift my spirits; instead, I often felt nauseous.

Persistent Aches and Pains

Discomfort was my constant companion. My hips, legs, shoulder blades, and head ached. There was always something throbbing or tight.

Brain Fog

Although I’ve never had the best memory, I began experiencing brain fog so intense that I struggled to find simple words or recall names of acquaintances I’d known for years.

Mood Swings

To be honest, “mood swings” may be an understatement. I felt a near-constant state of irritation and overwhelm. While I recognized that this upset those around me, I didn’t consider it a symptom but rather a reflection of how frustrating life had become.

Then one evening, during my frantic online search, I discovered symptoms of low testosterone in women. Suddenly, I felt understood and, for the first time in years, hopeful.

I consulted a hormone specialist who conducted blood tests and collected a full day’s worth of urine samples. The results were clear: my testosterone levels were low, and my body struggled to utilize what little I had. While there’s much more complexity to this finding, that was my takeaway.

Not only did I now have answers, but I also had a solution. My doctor inserted a testosterone pellet, about the size of a grain of rice, into the skin near my hip. I try to avoid thinking too much about the process itself, but after a quick sting of Lidocaine, I feel nothing and am sent on my way with ice pack in hand.

In addition, I take progesterone nightly from days 12 to 28 of my cycle. I’m not entirely sure of the mechanics behind it—something about supporting my menstrual cycle alongside the testosterone—but those pills provide me with restful sleep and a sense of well-being. When something works for me, I tend not to ask too many questions.

The first pellet didn’t yield immediate results, but after the second and especially the third, I felt rejuvenated. I gained energy, stamina, mental clarity, and emotional stability. Plus, my periods became less painful and intense. It’s a bit unfair that men have testosterone flowing freely while women must struggle for balance.

Speaking of which, yes, increased testosterone can elevate sex drive. Mine was already somewhat robust compared to my female friends, so with this boost, I can only assume I align even more closely with the average male drive.

How did my hormones get so imbalanced? Who knows? There are countless potential reasons. I spent 15 years on birth control, and within two weeks of stopping, I was pregnant with my first child, followed by another shortly after. The past five years have been my first experience with my hormonal system functioning independently.

My gynecologist, the wonderful Dr. Jane Smith, now administers my pellet insertions every three months. Surprisingly, my insurance even covers part of the cost. (Quick tip: I recommend going through your OB-GYN instead of a hormone specialist, as I initially did. The price gouging can be outrageous, with exorbitant fees for basic services.)

If you relate to any of these symptoms, I encourage you to check your hormones. Push through the mental and emotional hurdles of taking that step—life is too short not to feel good! For more on this topic, check out this blog post or visit Make a Mom, an authority on fertility journeys. Also, Wikipedia provides an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, after years of suffering from unexplained symptoms, I found hope and relief through hormone therapy. If you identify with any of these issues, don’t hesitate to seek help and get your hormones checked. Your well-being is worth it!

Keyphrase: Low testosterone in women

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