"1"^^ . "0"^^ . "I decided to see Dr. Andrea Purcell, N.D. for a women's health checkup in early 2011. I was suffering with severe digestion issues, constipation and diarrhea. My menses were painful and not regular. I had also started gaining weight, more than usual, and not able to take it off. The ultimate reason for seeing her was because I suffered a traumatic, life threatening delivery at 20. I never had a libido after that. I was sickly all the time, tired, and no energy ever. I was a hot mess! I had every hormone and blood test available to mainstream medicine...all said I was normal or it was in my head. They could give me a hysterectomy or put me on antidepressants!!! These have never been an option for me.\n\nI was surprised to spend an hour and a half with her on the first visit. She had me take an extensive questionnaire prior, and then we just talked and talked. I mean, she was like a close friend and therapist wrapped into one! So after she analyzed my saliva & blood work, we got together for her prescribed personal health plan. \n\nShe introduced a simple eating plan to heal and reactivate my gut, it was dysfunctional to say the least. Then she started the personalized supplements...all unique for me and customized by her. My constipation and gas eventually went away. I will always need to maintain this regime, but it's all manageable, and the result is priceless. She then focused on my menses which included natural hormone therapy (nothing synthetic, ever). Then we started on my libido and weight loss diet. \n\nI have to say that any depression, I may or may not have had, was fixed when my hormones were corrected. Also a sense of finally knowing what is wrong was a major relief. Being able to exercise regularly, without getting super sick afterward, is a natural anti-depressant and stress reliever. The main thing I learned from her is the gut is the source of all that ails us. You'd be surprised to know what is gut related. Once I got into my new routine, I haven't looked back. This is not a band aid, it's a life change and it takes time and dedication. I know you and I are different, but our motives are the same. Fix the problem please, don't just cover up the symptoms."^^ . "4"^^ . "5"^^ . "2014-05-01T00:00:00"^^ . . . .