Hey there, lovely readers! I've been counting down the days for this moment, and I can hardly contain my excitement—it's finally here! Today, I had my appointment with the incredible Brooks Vaughn at The Women's Health Company, and let me tell you, it felt like Christmas morning! 🎄

You've probably seen Brooks' inspiring posts all over Instagram, and like me, you might have heard countless success stories from people who've crossed paths with her. After enduring various trials and doctor appointments that often ended with vague answers like "aging sucks" or "good luck on your journey," I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Today, I want to share my journey with you and why I feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

In true fashion, I leave just in time to make it there, but leaving no wiggle room for a wrong turn! I hate not knowing where I am going, leaving no room for traffic error. I don’t know why I have become this person as of late, I am blaming it on my hormones. HA!

After a warm hello and the usual "get to know you" questions, Brooks delved into the nitty-gritty of my health. She wanted to know about my menstrual cycle back in high school, my experiences with pregnancy, how my cycles have been since then, and even the supplements I've been taking. She explored my family's medical history and much more! It felt like the most personal interview ever, and you know what? I loved every minute of it.

I found myself sharing things I hadn't thought about in years. No doctor had ever asked me these questions!  I felt like I was over-sharing, but Brooks had a magical way of digging deeper, helping me remember even the most obscure facts and events in my life that might be affecting how I feel today. It might be difficult for some to open up like this, but I genuinely believe that Brooks needs to know all this to help me piece together my life puzzle.

Brooks is not only incredibly smart but also incredibly kind. She helped me understand our bodies on a deeper level, emphasizing how each hormone plays a vital role. If just one piece of the puzzle is out of place, it can disrupt the entire system. Everything she shared and asked made so much sense.

I couldn't help but ask her about my current medications, and I even confessed that I'd stopped drinking alcohol for nearly three months and somehow managed to gain a pound. I also reduced my coffee intake out of concern for cortisol levels. Brooks had a reassuring response: she mentioned that some of the healthiest people on Earth (those living in the Blue Zones) drink coffee daily! So, you know what? YOLO—I'm having my coffee! And why not enjoy a margarita with friends too, if it's not the root of the issue? Moderation is my new mantra.

Now, back to Brooks—since we use the same lab company for tests, she could access my historical data right there and then. My homework was to go get new blood drawn and research 2 medications she told me about. She wants me to be well informed of anything I am going to take and its side effects. After my bloodwork results come back, we'll reconvene to discuss the findings and possibly make adjustments to my current routine or even consider adding a medication.

At this point, I've been feeling this way for so long that I can't tell if I'm actually feeling bad or if I've just gotten used to it. It's a bit disheartening, I know. My hope, regardless of the outcome, is to find answers for why my energy levels are constantly low (napping daily is not my vibe), why those extra 10 pounds won't budge (I miss my jeans from last season), and why my memory seems to be on vacation mode. I genuinely worry about my ability to recall conversations and important dates.

In conclusion, I had my bloodwork done this week, and it might take a little while for the results to come in because it was quite extensive. But here's the thing—I've never felt this hopeful in my life. I finally feel seen and understood on a deeper level. It's a shame there aren't more healthcare providers like Brooks, but I thank my lucky stars every day that I found her (or that God lead me to her).

Stay tuned for updates on my results and my plan to conquer these challenges! WOOHOO! 🎉

Until next time, my friends, stay happy, stay healthy, and keep that coffee brewing! ☕

YES YOU CAN,

Morgan