artificial insemination syringe
Three years ago, I spent countless late nights scouring the internet for answers to the mysterious ailments plaguing my body. I feared I had lupus, MS, muscular dystrophy, brain tumors, or even bone cancer. At just 35, my symptoms felt dire.
Unending Fatigue
Every day felt like a struggle through thick mud. Caffeine barely helped, and by 3 PM, I was engulfed in exhaustion, stress, and body aches. My only relief came from a mix of Advil, coffee, and a drink to push me through until bedtime.
Exercise Struggles
I’ve always enjoyed working out, as it bolstered both my mental and physical health. However, every workout left me feeling worse. I often found myself collapsing after exercising, devoid of the usual endorphin rush and instead grappling with nausea.
Constant Discomfort
Pain was a constant companion. My hips, legs, shoulder blades, and head throbbed incessantly.
Cognitive Fog
While my memory has never been perfect, I experienced overwhelming moments of confusion that made it hard to find simple words or recall familiar faces.
Mood Issues
If I’m honest, I was just plain irritable. I felt perpetually overwhelmed, and while others noticed, I didn’t consider it a true symptom — just a sign of how frustrating everyone around me had become.
Then, during one of my late-night health research sessions, I discovered the signs of low testosterone in women. For the first time in ages, I felt understood and hopeful.
I visited a hormone specialist who conducted blood tests and collected urine samples throughout the day, revealing that my testosterone levels were critically low and my body struggled to utilize what little I had.
Not only did I gain clarity on my condition, but I also received a solution. My doctor implanted a testosterone pellet, about the size of a grain of rice, into my hip. After a quick sting from the Lidocaine, I felt nothing and left with an ice pack.
Additionally, during the last two weeks of my cycle, I take nightly progesterone. I’m unsure of the details, but it seems to support my menstrual cycle alongside the testosterone, and it certainly helps me sleep better.
The first pellet didn’t work miracles, but after the second and especially the third, my life transformed. I regained energy, clarity, and emotional stability. Bonus: my menstrual cramps became less intense. It’s astonishing that men enjoy such an abundance of testosterone while women often have to struggle to maintain balance.
Speaking of which, yes, increased testosterone did boost my sex drive. While I already had a relatively high libido compared to many of my female friends, this enhancement brought me even closer to the average male drive.
How did my hormones fall out of balance? The reasons could be numerous. I spent 15 years on birth control and shortly after stopping, I became pregnant twice in quick succession. The past five years have been the first time my hormonal system operated independently.
My fabulous gynecologist, Dr. Lisa Greene, now manages my pellet insertions every three months. Surprisingly, my insurance now covers part of the cost. I recommend seeing an OB-GYN for this treatment instead of a hormone specialist, as I encountered exorbitant fees during my initial consultations.
If any of this resonates with you, I urge you to get your hormone levels checked. Overcome any mental hurdles and take charge of your health—because life is too fleeting to not feel your best!
For more information, check out this blog post here and learn about essential resources on home insemination from Make a Mom. Additionally, WebMD offers excellent insights into pregnancy and insemination.