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by Sarah Bowmar | Sep 7, 2022 | Life

My Hormone Journey (HRT)

sarah bowmar hormones

I am six months postpartum, to the day, and wanted to share an update on my hormone journey as I know it’s not talked about enough, or at all, with many doctors- especially for women. This is a very personal subject and I am choosing to share to hopefully help guide other women into getting their hormones checked as well. I gain nothing from sharing this blog, so please, be gentle if you choose to leave a comment or respond in any way.

A little background, I gave birth to my daughter in August 2020 and dealt with severe PPA (postpartum anxiety) for over a year. I gave birth to my son March 2022 and have now been struggling with PPD (postpartum depression) for the last six months on top of my anxiety. I simply have not felt like myself since getting pregnant. My symptoms include, but are not limited to: weight fluctuations, brain fog, low sex drive, decrease in muscle, strength, and size, mood swings, heart palpitations, depression, anxiety, fatigue, muscle weakness, etc. If you’d like to take a test to see if you are experiencing hormone issues prior to blood work, here’s the basic test from the wellness center I go to. If you want to list me as a referral- I would be grateful, they have multiple locations in the midwest.

This is not to say that if you are experiencing the above symptoms that you have a hormone imbalance. I am simply stating my symptoms. I am not a doctor and this blog is not intended to be viewed or consumed as medical advice.

I expressed my concerns to my OB and he told me he couldn’t call in a panel until I was one year postpartum and I told him I couldn’t feel this way for another six months so he recommended a functional medicine doctor to get my panels ran and to get some answers. He also requested I provide them the blood work and any hormone therapy information to have in my chart as well.

Last week I scheduled my blood draw and a week later, today, I had my consult for my results and steps moving forward. They  drew blood for 20 different tests:

    • WBC
    • RBC
    • HGB
    • HCT
    • MCV
    • MCH
    • MCHC
    • RDW
    • PLT
    • CORTISOL
    • DHEA-S
    • ESTRADIOL
    • FSH
    • PROGERSTRONE
    • TESTOSTERONE
    • FT3
    • FT4
    • TSH
    • VIT-D
    • B-12

While reviewing my results, the reference range was based on the time of month during my cycle at the time of the blood draw. My results were all over the board. My cortisol is through the roof, adrenals are barely functioning, estrogen is high, progesterone and testosterone are extremely low given my active lifestyle, amongst a few other things.

Moving forward, I will be on a low dose of progesterone and testosterone and we will re-draw blood in a month to view changes and make any changes to my dosages. After that, blood draws will be every 4 weeks in which we will monitor blood and symptom improvements. I would also like to note that I am not doing the pellets because you cannot alter dosages easily and they cannot be removed if I were to get pregnant. I take my progesterone orally in pill form and do my testosterone shots every four days (at home).

I would like to note that this is not just for postpartum women. Hormone health is extremely important during all phases of life! It’s also imperative for men!

If you are not in the area that my wellness center services, I suggest finding a “functional medicine” center near you to have  your panels drawn! I hope this helps you not feel so alone if you too are struggling with your hormone journey. I will be making updates to this blog as I dive into my hormone therapy.

UPDATE: I started a user-submitted blog regarding HRT clinics around the country. Check the comments here

UPDATE: I failed everyone! I talk about HRT and hormones so much on my instagram that I completely forgot to update this blog. It’s now October 2023, I have been on HRT for 14 months and when I tell you EVER aspect of my life has improved, I mean it. I no longer have brain fog, I sleep better, feel more well rested, I am gaining muscle, size, and strength again, I am leaner than I have ever been (even when competing), our marriage is better than ever, sex is through the roof incredible, I am a calmer parent, Josh and I argue way less, I don’t have as many cravings for sweets, my skin has improved, and I just feel so much more JOY in life. I wish every woman reading this knows that there is hope. There’s an answer!

It took about 6-8 weeks to start to feel my HRT “working” and about 5-6 months to feel like an absolute fucking superhero.

UPDATE: I know that HRT isn’t always in the cards for everyone. If you want to see if your hormones are off, you can try taking oyster pills. If you notice an increase in libido and energy, it’s almost a guarantee that you have low T. You can read more about oyster pills and where to get them here

UPDATE: 1.5 year HRT update blog

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58 Comments

  1. Melissa on September 8, 2022 at 12:33 am

    Very interested to see how this works out, I have been seriously considering it! Good luck!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:12 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth on September 8, 2022 at 12:50 am

    Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Shannon on September 11, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      I felt the same way after having 2 babies close together in 2019/2020. I did the pellets for testosterone which helped a little but caused other (mood) issues too. I recently found out I have DCIS stage 0 breast cancer which is estrogen and progesterone +. Make sure to get mammograms ya’ll!

      Reply
  3. Marisa Louia on September 8, 2022 at 12:50 am

    I’m only three months postpartum and I don’t feel like myself at all. I’m terrified to do the things I love and it’s scary….I love being a mom to my sweet boy, just wish I felt slightly like the old me.

    Reply
  4. Andrea on September 8, 2022 at 12:52 am

    I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that we pay so much for insurance but then they tell you to wait a year before they can give you a panel. Like WTF?!? Our health care system is so ass backwards but then again so many things are. With that being said, I’m really happy that you are getting it taken care of and sharing your journey with us! I had ppd with my son and ppa with my daughter. I had my son first and daughter second. I’ve always been active but I will say after having my daughter I can tell that my hormones are finally good! Idk for sure but I finally have the gains that I’ve been working YEARS for! Finally feeling energy that I should have been feeling all along! Doctors need to take hormones and keeping them balanced so much more seriously. Especially for woman. That’s the freakin least that we deserve. Good luck on your journey Sarah!

    Reply
  5. Kristen on September 8, 2022 at 1:06 am

    I have also been struggling with many of the same symptoms as you, but my low sex drive is the primary problem
    I am experiencing. I think because of this, I am struggling with my self esteem and overall happiness. It’s absolutely affected my marriage and I refuse to let this continue any longer. I never really considered a hormonal imbalance, but 3 years postpartum, with still no change, I can’t think of it being anything else. I wish you the best, and thanks for the advise! I will be looking into this further with my gynecologist and other doctors who can possibly help me! Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:11 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Mary on September 8, 2022 at 1:32 am

    I appreciate you sharing this. I am 62 and you nailed it when you said hrt is important for all phases of life! I consulted a Dr a few years back inquiring the pellets because of my age etc and she looked at me like I had 2 heads and basically told me I was crazy! Since my hysterectomy in in my 40’s I’ve taken estrogen and testosterone but I often think I could benefit from something else and need to have the panel of blood work done.

    Reply
  7. Janelle on September 8, 2022 at 1:49 am

    Thank you for sharing your hormone health journey! It’s something not talked about enough, let alone by the medical providers we trust. Not to mention the damage birth control has done to generations of women’s hormones… Hope you feel better soon!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:09 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Morgan on September 11, 2022 at 9:24 pm

      Thank you for being open to sharing. I am in my mid 30’s and I too followed your same journey. I have been on hormone therapy for the past 3 years and it has dramatically changed my life. Glad you were able to seek solutions and get the assistance you needed!

      Reply
  8. Kelly on September 8, 2022 at 1:58 am

    It’s not known by many women that there are sources to help them with hormones! To often their doctor runs a test just to tell them they are normal! We don’t want normal, we want OPTIMAL! I worked with a dietitian last year who specializes in hormones and my tests came back all over the place! I’m so glad you are getting the help you need ♥️

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:09 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Alana on September 8, 2022 at 2:01 am

    Thank you for being so open and honest about your journey. I have almost all those symptoms and never would’ve thought to request the blood panels post-partum. I hope you get answers!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:09 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  10. AA on September 8, 2022 at 2:13 am

    Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been going to prime life for four years (very similar to new leaf) and I’m certain it’s almost the only reason I was able to get pregnant with my daughter. Having our hormones balanced is needed for EVERY body. Men, women, young and old.

    This is incredible for you to share. And will give so many others good tips and insight they might be needing too.

    If you are not getting pellets due to possible future pregnancies, can I ask what you are doing for the hormone therapy then?

    I’m three months PP and appreciate your realness!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:09 am

      I am doing orals and injectables!

      Reply
  11. Sarah on September 8, 2022 at 3:00 am

    Not doing pellets is such a smart move! Wish I would have opted for that when I went through my hormone therapy!! I probably would have had a better experience. At the end of the day my hormones did balance and I’ve never felt better. I’m 3 years out and was only on it for six months. I also had PPD, and it was brutal. So happy to see people talking about it. Hormone issues are horrible to go through.

    Reply
  12. Heather on September 8, 2022 at 4:59 am

    Thank you so much for sharing. I truly appreciate that you shared what they were testing from your panel. Thank you for advocating for yourself and giving other women encouragement. Best of luck with this journey!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:08 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Tanya on September 12, 2022 at 1:55 am

      I’m 52, post menopause and was experiencing many of the same symptoms. After visiting a functional medicine center 6 months ago and having the same labs, I’m on a low dose of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. The last 6 months have been a while new world! Praying you get the same positive results.

      Reply
  13. Rebecca on September 8, 2022 at 6:04 am

    Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable about this. I’m definitely going to pursue some bloods to see if that helps me.

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:08 am

      Good luck!

      Reply
  14. Emily McDonough on September 8, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Hi Sarah! I have this same problem and I was wondering if there was anything they are doing to help with your cortisol levels and your adrenals? I have not had those tested as of yet, but I actually have an appointment set with a new doctor (as we moved) and am really trying to advocate for myself about wanting to feel like my old self again. Thanks so much! Love you and your family and your company! It’s helped me so much!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:05 am

      Yes they gave me a lot of ideas!

      Reply
      • Tanya on September 12, 2022 at 1:56 am

        I’m 52, post menopause and was experiencing many of the same symptoms. After visiting a functional medicine center 6 months ago and having the same labs, I’m on a low dose of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. The last 6 months have been a whole new world! Praying you get the same positive results.

        Reply
  15. Emmy on September 8, 2022 at 11:01 am

    THANK YOU for sharing such personal information such as this. I’ve always have thought my hormones were out of wack due to many symptoms you’ve experienced but didn’t know where to start! Doctors always say “oh it’s just postpartum. Your hormones will regulate. Blah blah blah”. I’ll definitely be looking into the wellness center to see where my panel is at!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:04 am

      Thank you! Good luck!

      Reply
  16. Alycia Boyce on September 8, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    Thank you for sharing & being so vulnerable. I am not postpartum, but am struggling with the same issues. Looking for a functional medicine dr myself. Best of luck to you! I pray you start feeling more like yourself soon. 💜

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:04 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  17. New Leaf Wellness on September 8, 2022 at 1:57 pm

    Love this blog! So many will benefit thru learning about your journey. It is very honest and genuine and that is what people relate to. Love that you help so many live their best life.

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:04 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  18. Monica Gonzales on September 8, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    Thank you so much Sarah for blogging about your hormone journey. I too have had all similar symptoms for quite some time now. According to my doctors I’ve been in menopause since I was “46” I am now “50.” It’s a journey and seriously understand what you are going through. Thanks for sharing as sometimes we feel so alone in this “hormonal imbalance” journey. I’m glad you’re getting the help you need. ☺️

    Thank you for all you do and thank you for sharing your life with us. May God continúe to bless you and your family.

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:08 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Shannon on September 11, 2022 at 7:28 pm

      I felt the same way after having 2 babies close together in 2019/2020. I did the pellets for testosterone which helped a little but caused other (mood) issues too. I recently found out I have DCIS stage 0 breast cancer which is estrogen and progesterone +. Make sure to get mammograms ya’ll!

      Reply
  19. Tish miller on September 8, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    I just saw my gyno and asked her to do blood work to check hormone levels and she said bc I still have a period every month (I am 48) that there is nothing she can do about hormones bc my body is still producing some and my levels would not be accurate. So I made her take the blood but she called back to say everything was fine that I’m not menopausal. So not sure what to do. Very frustrating gaining 20lbs over the last 2 years, no energy to do anything, low sex drive, etc

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:04 am

      That is not true at all! At different times in our cycle, we will have different hormone readings. But that doesn’t mean that everyone who has a cycle isn’t having hormone issues. I highly recommend seeking another opinion

      Reply
  20. Melissa Jackson on September 8, 2022 at 11:23 pm

    Thank you for sharing this journey! It’s not talked about often enough, yet these issues are so common in women no matter the age. I will be following along and wishing the best for you!

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on September 11, 2022 at 2:03 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  21. Jami on September 11, 2022 at 7:19 pm

    Thank you for sharing this Sarah. Did they give you pills, or how do you get your hormones? In Florida where I’ve went a few different places, they only offer pellets so I stopped. I’m definitely trying to figure out something else.

    Reply
  22. Ivy on September 11, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    I feel I’m In the same boat. I also waited the year and I had a blood panel done with my general practitioner but feel like it was limited tests and that they didn’t seem to care when some level were borderline. Was the functional medicine dr covered under insurance?( Obviously we all have different insurances). I’m also in your area I believe and would you recommend your functional medicine dr?

    Reply
  23. Becky Nowacki on September 11, 2022 at 10:33 pm

    Is this covered by insurance? If not, are you willing to share how much your labs cost? Thank you, I love following you and your family.

    Reply
  24. Melissa W on September 11, 2022 at 11:00 pm

    This is very interesting. I feel like since having my kids my anxiety and depression are out of control. I have heard of hormone therapy but I also I not many doctors even look at that or take that into consideration. I’m sure for me being on birth control I would not get accurate results.

    Reply
  25. Emma on September 12, 2022 at 8:19 am

    I was 38 when I started the peri menopausal stage of my life. My doctor (female) who I gave a detailed account of my symptoms and family history of the females in my family starting this phase early, offered me anti depressants to lift my mood! I refused. I explained I had suffered post natal depression after my second child which was 15 years earlier and this wasn’t the same. All bloods came back ‘normal’. After a 5 year battle a male doctor agreed to refer me to see a menopause specialist. All she did is listen to my symptoms and family history and within 15
    minutes was offered HRT. 5 years I suffered with a list as long as the end of your arm which was impacting my every day life. To the point I quit my job! I’m now on the patch as my aura migraines were changing. Also my oestrogen levels dropped recently so much my joints hurt so bad and the fatigue was awful. To the point my physio (sports injury which was taking a lot longer to heal due to the lack of oestrogen) thought I was showing symptoms of fibromyalgia! Don’t under estimate your hormones ladies and if you have to keep on at your doctors, do. Blood test don’t always show the in balance but doctors need to listen to symptoms more. 🇬🇧

    Reply
  26. Jennifer on September 12, 2022 at 3:24 pm

    I’m glad you are sharing. I’m 41 went had full panel test. They said only low on B12. Taking supplements for that. But I’m having a real hard time losing weight. I just feel like it’s all in my midection. I used to always do high intensity workouts .now I’m just weight lifting with minimal cardio. Not sure if I need to amp up or consider homome therapy. I’m lost and this age don’t help.

    Reply
  27. Amy Goos on May 2, 2023 at 9:23 pm

    Did you experience any hair loss?

    Reply
    • Sarah Bowmar on May 15, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      No, I never have

      Reply
  28. Liz Rice on September 25, 2023 at 12:43 am

    Would LOVE to find a recommended HRT clinic in the Sacramento California area

    Reply
    • Brittany on May 28, 2024 at 6:02 pm

      Thank you so much for being so vulnerable in your journey!

      Is bio identical hormone therapy the same as HRT?
      All the clinics near me reference bio identical hormone therapy and I want to be sure it’s the same

      Thank you!

      Reply
  29. Amanda on September 25, 2023 at 12:08 pm

    I have been going to Revitalized Health in Colorado.

    It has been great so far. Thank you for sharing your journey and shining light in this topic.

    Reply
  30. Anonymous on September 25, 2023 at 3:42 pm

    Arkansas HRT clinic recommendation appreciated!

    Reply
  31. Nicole Wray on December 19, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    Any recommendations for Southeast Iowa? Bordering Illinois so Quincy, Illinois area is an option also…..

    Reply
  32. Katie Glick on January 11, 2024 at 3:48 am

    I dont have any of the basic test locations near me in Columbus Ohio. Is there a name of a test that covers all these i can take to my PCP? Thank you!

    Reply
  33. Jasmine on February 19, 2024 at 6:13 pm

    Appreciate you sharing and bringing awareness to this. I am getting my hormones tested at the end of the month and honestly cannot wait. I’ve been on the struggle bus for a really long time and I really hope I get some answers!

    Reply
  34. Ali Bodenmiller on April 3, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    I am so excited to start this journey! I had my OB run labs and my results were “within the normal range.” I’m like ok but my symptoms are not normal! I went to a psychiatrist and she diagnosed me with a slew of behavioral disorders. I found a hormone clinic in Toledo, OH and I have my first blood draw at the end of this week. I can’t wait to compare results – OB : Hormone Clinic. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable in sharing your journey. You inspire so many women!

    Reply
    • Tiffany Shirilla on April 9, 2024 at 9:46 pm

      What clinic are you going to in Toledo? I live in Cleveland Ohio and I’m suffering with extremely low estrogen and progesterone.

      Reply
  35. Miranda on May 22, 2024 at 12:51 pm

    Hi Sarah!
    Thank you for sharing! Did you see and endocrinologist as well or just a functional naturopath?

    Reply

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