I had always been a pretty healthy person. I had a normal weight my entire life without any special diet or exercise program. Then, all of a sudden, after the age of about 40, I started to gain weight. Nothing I could do seemed to stop the progression. At the same time, I was craving carbs more than before, and my appetite seemed increased. My life was stressful with work and kids like everyone else’s, so I didn’t think much of it. But as time went on, I started having more and more trouble sleeping. I would wake up at 4:00 a.m. almost every night, unable to fall back asleep. I became more and more tired, struggling to get through the day, using more caffeine, and then needing a drink when I got home to calm down. My libido was gone, and this was a big issue in my marriage. I felt like my patience for my family was lower than it used to be. My skin lost its glow and started to show more wrinkles and age spots. I was having more “senior moments” where I was struggling to remember things and think clearly. My regular GYN doctor brushed off my complaints as “normal” for my age. Eventually, I started having hot flashes, which were very uncomfortable. Finally, the GYN paid attention to that, and gave me oral estrogen and progesterone. While those pills did stop the hot flashes, the sleep problem, low libido, brain fog, and weight gain continued unabated. After a few years of that, I heard about bioidentical hormones. I read several of Suzanne Somers books, and knew that this was what I wanted to do. I also learned that taking estrogen orally is a very bad idea, and may have made some of my problems worse.
Finally, I saw Dr Mielke. She ordered blood tests to find out what my baseline hormone levels were. I was low in everything! Estrogen, Progesterone, Cortisol, Thyroid, DHEA, Testosterone, Pregnenolone, Melatonin – they were all low. No wonder I didn’t feel great. I started replacing the hormones with creams and pills. It has taken a few months to figure out the right doses for me, but I already feel better. A friend of mine noticed an improvement in my complexion almost immediately. I have more energy and can make it through the day without feeling exhausted, and don’t crave caffeine, carbs and alcohol like I used to. I have lost about 5 pounds in the first two months without even trying. My brain is working better, and I feel mentally sharper. One of the best things is that I can sleep now! My sleep is restful, and I feel good in the morning when I get up. I had forgotten what that feels like. My interest in my husband has improved, which makes him happy! Overall, on bioidentical hormones I feel better than I have in years, and am definitely going to stick with it.
-Previously written testimonial from an OHS patient.
