Christine’s Story – Menopause

It is wonderful to have hope and enthusiasm for life. It is even more wonderful when you have known what it is like to be without hope.

In June, I had been struggling with severe symptoms of menopause for several years; painful joints, pelvic pain, difficulty sleeping, low pulse, weight gain and depression. I was searching for answers.

While flying home from visiting family, I was intrigued by an article about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center in the airline magazine. The visit had been a difficult time for me, knowing that my emotional state of jangled nerves and crying outbursts had really upset my family. Since age 13, I had struggled with severe PMS and painful cramps. Now at age 53, I felt I was experiencing PMS every single day. I took the magazine home with me that day, but it was many months later that I seriously considered calling HHWC.

A few months later, I went to my regular medical office for a routine exam and mammogram. I was told that I had developed an ovarian cyst, uterine fibroid tumor, and elevated cholesterol. The doctor did not suggest any kind of treatment. I wondered, “Was it possible that these new problems were connected with all of the symptoms of menopause?” I felt my physical health was deteriorating at a rapidly increasing rate. It was at this lowest point when I remembered the article from Hotze Health & Wellness Center. Knowing I had no other options left to try, I decided to find out what, if any, help they could offer to someone like me.

During the first of many calls, I learned that I was not alone in my experiences and that for 17 years the HHWC had helped many women dealing with the same kinds of symptoms as I had. The phone counselor, Nickie, listened and then patiently and knowledgeably addressed all of my questions and concerns. She sent me a packet of information and suggested that I take the tests in the booklet. For the first time, I began to realize how much the difficulties I experienced not only affected me physically but also caused feelings of failure, helplessness and guilt. I actually thought I wasn’t trying hard enough to make myself get better.

Finally, I made an appointment with the HHWC in Houston, Texas.  I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

In April 2005, I flew to Houston and began a journey back to health.  Nickie was there to greet me at the door on my arrival at the center and later, I went through the testing, exam and consultations. It was so wonderful to finally have nurses and doctors who understood my concerns and could determine the cause and treatment of my symptoms.

Later that afternoon, I walked out of the HHWC, arms laden with information, my vitamin and supplement program, and my bio-identical hormone replacement prescriptions. I was really encouraged. Dr. Ellsworth had correctly diagnosed the cause of my symptoms as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and deficient levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. He also said I had probably been estrogen-dominant for most of my earlier years which had caused so many problems. With the onset of menopause, hormonal imbalances became even more severe. Within days of starting the all bio-identical program; thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, I noticed a marked improvement both mentally and physically.

In November the next year, I talked to Dr. Ellsworth by phone, and when he asked me how I would evaluate my experience with the program he prescribed for me, I told him the results have far exceeded my greatest expectations. My husband has been so happy for me, knowing how much I suffered for so long and how much I have improved. It is actually hard to remember what it was like on those really bad days before I received so much help.

Recently, I was offered a teaching position, and I now teach art classes for kindergarten through 3rd grade students at a large private school. I teach 18 classes totaling about 400 students each week, love to exercise and walk and have lots of energy, I have been told I look and have the stamina of ladies much younger. (I just turned 55)  My family has noticed I am much more positive and relaxed than I was just a year ago. I have no more symptoms of hot flashes, joint pain, night sweats, depression or mood swings. I have experienced absolutely no negative effects from the hormones or vitamins. I take no medication other than the bio-identical hormones, thyroid and vitamins as prescribed by Dr. Ellsworth. My cholesterol level has decreased, and my energy is increased. I sleep restfully and wake refreshed and alert. I know if I have any questions or concerns, I can call HHWC anytime and the staff will be readily available to talk with me.

The best thing I would say to someone who is really struggling with the symptoms of menopause is to look at me and see a walking testimony of what proper diagnosis and safe, effective treatment can do. I am thankful that I made a decision for better health and an improved quality of life through bio-identical compounded hormones and an effective vitamin regimen.

Are you experiencing the symptoms of menopause? Don’t wait, contact us today!