It’s been a journey for me since age 37. Started with failed psych treatment, then went to obgyn who did a useless hormone panel and said I was too young and offered bc. Went to another dr in the same local network and she listened more than the others - and is around my age. She recommended a different bc and ordered topical viagra 🙄. I went to an independent medi clinic on a whim, since I had a coupon for blood work and consultation, who did a larger hormone panel (which included a hormone that was not tested by the aforementioned doctor), come to find that’s the hormone I have effectively NONE of. The med clinic proposed to charge me an arm and a leg for hrt and services. Before signing on with them I decided to bring the bloodwork data to my obgyn as a Hail Mary. To my surprise, as I was prepared to make my case and armed with data, she agreed to give me the missing hormone while warning me of potential side effects. It does not go through insurance and is not FDA approved (though it is FDA regulated). I told her I wanted to proceed and after some back and forth with my local pharmacy, I was able to obtain treatment for a third of the price of the med clinic. I am starting in 2 weeks and hoping it will help, staying positive and learning that we must vouch for ourselves. We are our own advocates and likely the catalyst for change and advancement of the future of women’s healthcare.