Let’s talk about Sex … Hormones

I had no idea that after the age of 28, women start to lose their testosterone. And in reality, why would I know that or even think about the sex hormone, testosterone, as anything to worry about? No one has ever told me to check my levels or that low testosterone in women could be a serious issue.

So when I first met with Dr. John Robinson of The Hormone Zone to talk about an upcoming health fair he is hosting, my testosterone levels were not at all on my mind …

But as we began to chat and get to know each other, I quickly realized that some of the symptoms he was rattling off as part of a larger conversation … were actually symptoms that I was experiencing.

Extreme exhaustion and fatigue. Check.

Difficulty concentrating. Check.

Low mood. Check.

… And possibly a few others, but these were the main ones that caught my attention.

For years now, I’ve been finding an excuse for always being tired and not being able to concentrate the way I used to.

… I have a kid now (mom brain – is that real??).

… I’m an entrepreneur (recipe for extreme mental exhaustion).

… Being in an unhealthy relationship and then going through a divorce (that will zap the life out of you!!).

… and on and on and on.

But here is the deal … I’m only 35. I get plenty of sleep most nights, I eat well (most of the time) and I exercise very frequently …

… so why the heck am I so exhausted? Is 35 the age when our bodies start to fall apart? Shit, I hope not!

And let me tell you something, this didn’t feel like “I just need a good night’s rest” tired. This was like, I could probably sleep for 3 months straight, can’t even open my eyes all the way, I feel kind of drugged … tired. Yeah. That bad.

So while I met Dr. John Robinson by chance through a business connection, as soon as I sat down with him and got to know the work that he does, I was instantly hooked.

Test me, please!

My initial blood test results revealed multiple things:

1. For the most part, I’m OK and not a hot mess. Although, most days I feel like a hot mess! LOL

2. STRESS. Even my blood is stressed 😦 The T3 Reverse level is supposed to be below 11, and mine is at 22. But truly, who would be shocked by this? No one. You all know my life is cray cray.

3. Glucose levels are supposed to be between 70 – 85, mine came in at 89. Too much sugar in my blood. Eek. Still working on kicking that late night snacking habit!

4. White Blood Cell count came in above normal as well, but I did wake up sick the morning of the blood work. So for now, we are assuming that was my body reacting to the cold. We’ll see what the follow-up blood test reveals.

5. Vitamin D levels are supposed to be between 50 – 70; mine came in at 20. My understanding is that Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic, and part of the issue is that whatever we’re taking, isn’t always getting digested properly.

6. And finally, TESTOSTERONE levels came in at 43, but should be between 70 – 150. So there you have it … definitely could be what’s contributing to my fatigueness.

We tested for all the other sex hormones as well, but if I didn’t mention them, it’s because they all came in normal, including estrogen and thyroid levels.

In a two-hour debrief, Dr. Robinson went over everything that we tested for and explained everything to me in very thorough detail.

He did say, that looking at the results from a high level, there definitely is a pattern of fatigueness and suggested that we also do an adrenal test (don’t have results for that yet).

A few other very interesting tests that we did in his office (not blood work), revealed even more.

We tested my metabolic rate with a breathing machine. This test showed EXACTLY how many calories I burn daily and the caloric intake I need to have if I want to maintain and/or lose weight.

I found this results to be spot on; as I’ve been losing/battling/maintaining my weight actively since college and have already figured out (by trial and error) how many calories a day I need in order to lose or maintain.

Oh, and it also showed that I’m right smack in the middle! My metabolism isn’t too slow or too fast. Another test passed 🙂

Next was the zinc test. The medical assistant gave me a clear liquid to swish in my mouth, which tasted like nothing. And that was one of the tests I “failed.” This one revealed that I’m low on Zinc. If I had the proper levels, I would have tasted the Zinc and it would have been gross.

The final test was a 2D:4D Digit Ratio, measuring the size of my ring fingers on both hands and comparing them to my index finger. I’m going to butcher the science behind this, but basically, depending on the ratio when comparing the index and ring finger, it reveals how much testosterone my mom had when I was in the womb.

… And that would give the Doc a much better understanding of my testosterone situation and how we would need to treat it. In my case, I also passed this test with flying colors (phew, mom!).

So what does all this mean and where do we go from here? 

From here, the goal is to optimize Gelie! All in all, I’m not in horrible shape, but there are definitely spots that can use improvement …

In addition to supplements that Dr. John Robinson sent me home with, he’s also got me on Poly-MVA injections (twice weekly) and weekly Myer’s Cocktail IVs. (I’ll explain these both in a minute).

With the testosterone, options include oral pills, shots and pellets. Ideally, you want the pellets when getting treated. The pellet is a tiny thing they insert under your skin, and it lasts 3 – 6 months, pumping just the right amount of testosterone that your body needs into your bloodstream.

Being that I’m EXTREMELY sensitive to everything (if there is a side-effect, I’ll get it), we decided to start me off on the oral pills initially just to see how my body will react.

I’ll be starting the pills early next week – so keep an eye out for updates!

In the meantime, I’ve already started on the vitamins, Poly-MVA shots and Myer’s Cocktails.

“Poly-MVA is a uniquely-formulated combination of minerals, vitamins and amino acids designed to support cellular energy production and promote overall health. Poly-MVA complex is beneficial in promoting optimum health, protecting cell DNA and RNA, and assisting the body in producing energy to function properly. The product is a unique complex with powerful antioxidant properties which can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body and convert them into a usable energy source for our cells.”

I give myself the shot at home twice a week. OMG, I hate needles and have NEVER given myself shots before. I swear, I get an adrenaline rush just from inserting the needle into my tush, lol, but I also kinda feel like a badass doing it. So there’s that 😉

For the Myer’s Cocktail, I go in once a week.

“The “Myers cocktail” is a nutrient cocktail invented by John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland. It is administered intravenously and promoted as an alternative treatment for a broad range of conditions including asthma, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It consists of B vitamins, vitamin C and other nutrients. “

So how am I feeling?

I’ve gotta say … I’m feeling much better. I’ve noticed I’m not as foggy or groggy and it’s only been a few weeks on this regimen. Now, I’m looking forward to getting that testosterone boost.

I’m also loving the fact that I signed up to share my journey.

First of, many of you have reached out to me personally and I know others of you are watching.

Here is the deal. This is your health, it’s not a joke.

As I’m writing this blog post, my dad is in a hospital in L.A. after undergoing surgery.

I’m not going to go into a long story about my father’s health in this post (it’s extensive) … but the point that I’m making is that PREVENTATIVE healthcare is not an option. It is absolutely mandatory for all of us – especially if you are taking the time to read this blog post because that means you are aware enough to know that you need to take good care of yourself. And part of that, should be to have an educated, good doctor as part of your life’s “support team.”

I would encourage you to keep watching, if you’re interested, for my results and if you’d like to meet Dr. John Robinson, there is a great opportunity.

If you recall, I initially met with him to talk to him about his upcoming event, Scottsdale Health Fair, on Sat, May 13th 10am – 2pm.

It’s free for the community, and you’ll be able to ask questions, get to know Dr. John as well as Cristina Romero-Bosch; his wife and also a Naturopathic Doctor – they practice as a team.

In addition to Dr. John Robinson, you’ll hear from and get to meet Dr. Ross Dye, Chiropractor, who will demonstrate how optimal spinal balance launches your health to new heights; and Jesse Holland, Movement Specialist and USAW and ISSA Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, who will show you how to realise your inner athlete and set new goals.

The goal is to take your health to the next level.

I’ll be there emceeing, and hope to see you!!

p.s. Here is my FB Live video on all of this as well if you’re more of a visual learner.