Perimenopause

What is it with medical professionals gaslighting patients. I had my virtual my appointment and explained my symptoms and the first thing the NP tried to say was "Well, we normally treat perimenopause with birth control pills, that is the standard." and I said, "Well, the last perimenopause "specialist" tried that same remedy and it did not work. And I would really appreciate it if you could look at my symptoms and a prior birth control therapy history as an individual case and not the "standard" please." When I said that, she changed her tune real quick. "Oh I'll absolutely look at this on an individual basis." I cut to the chase and said because the "standard" birth control remedy wasn't working, I wanted to try HRT, and she and I went back and forth for about 45 minutes about how she didn't want to prescribe it and I finally put my foot down and said, birth control stops a baby, it doesn't stop hair loss, extreme fatigue, low libido and low testosterone. It stops a baby and regulates my period, it does not address other perimenopause symptoms. If you prescribe birth control I WON'T TAKE IT. I'm refusing the prescription. So are you willing to prescribe the estradiol patch or gel and progesterone or not? Is that something you're willing to do or do I need to end the virtual visit and schedule with someone else? Long story short guys, I won, she knew if the birth control wasn't working, it didn't make clinical sense to prescribe it again. She had no choice but to pivot and prescribe the HRT. I do have to see a physician not a NP for the testosterone next month. the NP did order labs to make sure it's not my thyroid causing the issue and I'll be taking those results to my Dr's appt. in December. But WHY do providers have to give you such a hard time, like you don't know your own body? WHY? Guys, you have to be your own advocate and FIGHT! If I was a passive patient, I wouldn't have said anything, I would have just sat there and accepted the 'BANDAID" prescription of birth control again, knowing it doesn't work. I feel so bad for the quiet ones who don't fight for themselves. Is it just me? Anyone else have to "WOLF OUT" on a provider to be taken seriously?

I had my appointment with the perimenopause specialist last Thursday and finally got on HRT, the testosterone is pending following another Dr's appt. The nurse practitioner couldn't prescribe it due to her DEA license not allowing her to write a prescription for controlled medications. We'll see how it goes. To start estradiol patch .025 1 x weekly, progesterone micronized 200mg nightly. Finger's crossed. I'm hearing from a lot of women the .025 estradiol patch is just a starter dose and they don't really "feel" a difference until it's increased. Any input on this? I'm assuming I'll have to titrate up in about 6 to 8 weeks. I'm cautiously optimistic!

Andropause and Perimenopause Isn’t the End — It’s the Beginning of Your Power!

• You’re not “too emotional.”
• You’re not “too tired.”
• You’re not “too much.”

You’re experiencing a major hormonal shift that no one prepares you for — and still showing up for life anyway. That is strength. That is resilience.

Every man and woman in here is fighting a quiet battle: the Dad bod, the brain fog, exhaustion, night sweats, hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings.

• And guess what?
• You’re still standing.

You don’t have to go through this silently. Speak up. Share your story. Ask questions.

The more we talk, the more we reclaim our power.

Am I the only one who suffered medical gaslighting from a doctor who told me nothing was wrong, it was just a need to sleep and hydrate and refused to treat me even when I said I knew something was off and I didn't feel 100%?

#medicalgaslighting #perimenopause #andropause #fab40podcast

I don't care how much it costs, if I can order it on Amazon or pick it up at Costco or at a vitamin store I'm there!

Ladies like myself, we are quick to jump into discussions about menopause to seek help and guidance. Well, no one is really talking about MAN-OPAUSE, men experience this decline in hormones and overall well-being too. Share your story, let the community hear your voice and let us know your thoughts!

For me, it was the always being tired no matter what, no brain fog. But when the "flashes" started and I was hot out of nowhere, that made me stop and go, “Okay, this isn’t just stress.” I thought I was losing my mind until I realized it was perimenopause.

Am I the only one who's felt tired for years? What was your first sign that something deeper was happening with your hormones? Let’s compare notes — maybe we’ll all feel a little less crazy together. 💛