Perimenopause is a frustrating—to put it lightly—phase of life. Symptoms can come in waves and can sometimes mask or mimic more serious conditions. I had already been on the rollercoaster of trying to manage my symptoms through pellets and other options, but I never found a solution that truly satisfied me.

Then I found Austin Medicine.

I initially reached out for help with perimenopause, but my journey took an unexpected turn down a path I was not prepared for. Ultimately, however, it led me toward a much better destination.

For me, Functional Medicine put me in a position to become proactive rather than reactive. The approach I experienced was simple, yet incredibly effective:

• Dr. Hutson listened to me. She didn't simply hear me; she understood what I was saying.
• I didn't feel rushed. I was given the time I needed to talk, ask questions, process information, and absorb a different approach to my health.
• I felt safe being vulnerable. The atmosphere at Austin Medicine allowed me to be open—both emotionally and physically—without judgment.
• I was given options. Dr. Hutson talked through different avenues, strategies, and approaches with me rather than simply telling me what to do.
• Complex information was made understandable. Scientific concepts were explained in a way that made sense to me, so I could understand them and implement changes in my daily life.

Initially, I wanted GLP-1 medication, peptides, and hormones. Those options were absolutely available to me. But instead of simply giving me what I was asking for, I was encouraged to dig deeper with a gut health test.

Dr. Hutson explained that the gut plays an important role in how the body processes and absorbs hormones, and that understanding what was happening in my gut could help us develop a more comprehensive approach.

What I appreciated most was that I was given a choice.

I was told that we could proceed with my “wish list” and skip the gut testing—and I would likely feel better. But if I stopped there, I felt like I might be leaving something on the table.

I decided to dig deeper.

I have never regretted that decision. The gut testing did not indicate an infection, but it did reveal food allergies and sensitivities that included foods I was consuming regularly, such as coconut, cinnamon, shellfish, tuna, and several others.

It also provided information about my gut microbiome that suggested there were areas worth addressing.

That finding prompted me to schedule a colonoscopy. Within a month, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer at just 48 years old.

What began as a search for answers about perimenopause ultimately led to a diagnosis I never expected.

Following surgery and biopsy, my cancer was classified as Stage 3. The tumor had reached three lymph nodes but had not spread to other major organs.

Today, I am optimistic about my future and hopeful for a full recovery. I continue to work on my health and healing with the support of Austin Medicine, including Vitamin C IV therapy and Vitamin B12 and D3 injections.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I was encouraged to dig deeper rather than simply treat the symptoms I initially came in with.

Had I chosen the quickest path to feeling better, I might have been tempted to stop there. I might have felt better and assumed that was enough. I might have delayed further evaluation.

I didn't have that luxury.

The decision to dig deeper gave me information I otherwise might not have had, and that information ultimately led me to seek further medical evaluation.