Women’s stories

“I thought those feelings were just part of life.”

Jessie has suffered from very difficult, irregular periods since her first menstrual cycle at age 11. She showed other early signs of hormonal imbalance too, especially acne. Her doctor recommended birth control pills, but she didn’t see much improvement. By age 18 she was moved up to Depo-Provera shots.

Through her teenage years Jessie suffered from depression, anxiety, and a host of aches and pains. Over time she noticed symptoms that are more typical of perimenopause, including irritability, forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking.

None of the symptoms were severe, but they were ever-present. Through it all she kept up a great attitude. As she said when she joined the Personal Program, “I thought those feelings were just part of life.”

About a year ago Jessie stopped the conventional medical treatments, including her shots. She just wanted to find another way. When she discovered our website, she opted for the Very Severe package, more as a sign of her commitment to change than a reflection of her symptoms.

Jessie is a joy to talk to, very mature and insightful. Early on we talked about her diet, and she realized that her obsession with weight and yo-yo dieting (she’s now 5’ 3” and 130 lbs) has been very destructive of her hormonal balance. We talked about many things she can do to improve support for her body.

We talked again earlier this month. She didn’t have much time — she was working in the kitchen at the restaurant she manages — but her basic report was, “I feel good!” She is so happy that she’s finally found something that relieves her symptoms naturally, without drugs. Even her mother said, “I see a big change in you.”

For Jessie, the symptom relief is great, but it’s really about quality of life, which she just hasn’t had until now. “I feel calmer, less irritable,” she said. For the first time, she knows how good she can feel.

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Last Modified: 02/16/2010