Finding My Voice: Hormones, GLP-1s, and the End of "Food Noise" (Part 2)

In this second part of my story, I share the physical and mental hurdles I faced after my hysterectomy. For years, I carried a literal weight around my neck that caused chronic pain in my neck, back, and shoulders. I used to believe that a breast reduction was just about vanity or that I lacked the financial resources for it, but I eventually realized it was about my ability to live my life.My path to healing was not simple. My surgery was paused when my bloodwork showed an A1C of 6.7, placing me in the pre-diabetic category. As a former health coach, I struggled with the internal stigma of using medications like GLP-1s because it felt like "cheating". However, balancing my body chemistry through Metformin and Tirzepatide finally silenced the "food noise" that had dominated my internal monologue for decades.I also examine the missing pieces of the menopause puzzle, including the progesterone supplement my doctor jokingly called "I hate my husband medicine". This episode is about the relief that comes when you find providers who affirm your complaints and help you return to being your whole self.Video Chapters:01:00:00 A personal trainer's suggestion: Considering breast reduction 01:02:34 The A1C shock: Why my surgery was postponed 01:04:30 Finding a menopause specialist who truly listens 01:06:14 "Is this cheating?": My struggle with the GLP-1 stigma 01:12:10 10 Pounds Lighter: The reality of my surgery results 01:13:42 The day the food noise finally went silent 01:21:49 Switching medications: My experience with Zepbound 01:31:52 "You're Not Crazy": The power of medical validation Join Our Community: Women of WonderIf you are experiencing serious symptoms and your doctor is not listening, it is time to find a new provider. You know your body better than anyone else. Join our community for a safe place to return to yourself.I WANT TO BE A WOMAN OF WONDER: https://thewonder.life/wow/Keywords: Women's Health, Breast Reduction Surgery, A1C Levels, GLP-1 Medications, Food Noise, Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Progesterone, Metformin, Medical Advocacy, Health Coach. Get full access to Cristie Ritz-King, PsyD at critzking.substack.com/subscribe