Sherrie Koenigseder, MSN, APRN, NP-C

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

06/09/2026

Testosterone Pellet Update – Almost 4 Weeks In

I promised I would keep everyone updated on my experience with testosterone pellets, so here is my latest update.

My pellets were inserted on May 13th, and today is June 8th. Over the past week, I have noticed the biggest changes so far.

The best way I can describe it is that I feel like my brain is working again.

My thoughts feel clearer. I can focus better. I don't constantly feel like I'm drowning in a never-ending to-do list or forgetting things I should remember. The mental fog that I didn't even realize had become "normal" has improved dramatically.

My energy is significantly better too. I still think I may choose a slightly higher dose next time because I was given two dosing options and intentionally chose the more conservative dose to start. I'm glad I did, but now that I know how my body responds, I think a little more may help me feel even better.

As for side effects? Almost none.

No voice changes
No unwanted hair growth
No major acne

I did have one small pimple pop up during the first couple of weeks, which honestly wasn't a big deal.

And since everyone always wants to know...

Yes, libido has improved 😉

For those wondering, I am still using my estrogen patches, but interestingly, I don't notice when I'm a little late changing a patch the way I used to. The improvement I've experienced since adding testosterone has been much more noticeable than I expected.

I know a lot of women are nervous when they hear the word "testosterone." I was cautious with pellets too because once they're in, they're in. But testosterone is not just a male hormone. Women need it as well, and for some of us, low testosterone can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, low motivation, decreased muscle mass, and reduced libido.

This is just my personal experience, but so far I am incredibly happy with the results and looking forward to seeing how I feel over the next few months.

I'll continue to keep everyone updated!

06/07/2026

🚨 Before You Take Cipro or Levaquin, Read This 🚨

Did you know that certain antibiotics can cause serious side effects involving tendons, nerves, joints, and even the nervous system?

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Levofloxacin (Levaquin), are commonly prescribed for UTIs, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections. While these medications can be very effective and are absolutely appropriate in some situations, they are not without risk.

The FDA has issued multiple warnings regarding potential side effects, including:

⚠️ Tendonitis and tendon rupture
⚠️ Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
⚠️ Joint and muscle pain
⚠️ Increased risk of aortic aneurysm in susceptible individuals
⚠️ Long-lasting or disabling side effects in some patients

Patients with conditions such as:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
• Hypermobility disorders
• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
• Connective tissue disorders

may be more vulnerable to these complications because their connective tissue may already be more fragile.

This does NOT mean you should never take a fluoroquinolone. Sometimes they are the best or only reasonable treatment option. However, it does mean that you should make sure your healthcare provider knows if you have hypermobility, EDS, POTS, or a connective tissue disorder before starting one of these medications.

As healthcare providers, we should always ask:

"Is there a safer alternative that would work just as well?"

Being informed helps you become a partner in your healthcare decisions.

If you have ever experienced unexplained tendon pain, joint pain, nerve symptoms, or worsening dysautonomia symptoms after taking Cipro or Levaquin, talk with your healthcare provider.

Knowledge is power. 💙

Many people with hypermobility or connective tissue disorders remain undiagnosed for years. If you've always been "double-jointed," bruise easily, experience frequent sprains, have chronic joint pain, POTS, or unexplained fatigue, it's worth mentioning this to your healthcare provider before taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It may influence the safest treatment options for you. 💙

06/06/2026

06/04/2026

🦴 Women Over 50: Have You Checked Your Bone Density?

Most women know that menopause can affect energy, sleep, weight, mood, and metabolism.

But many don't realize it also affects their bones.

Estrogen is one of the body's most important bone-protective hormones. As estrogen levels begin to decline during perimenopause and menopause, bone breakdown starts to occur faster than new bone can be built.

The result?

📉 Gradual bone loss that often goes unnoticed for years.

You can't feel your bones getting weaker. Most women don't discover they have osteopenia or osteoporosis until they experience a fracture.

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless test that measures bone density and helps identify bone loss early—when there is still time to do something about it.

Benefits of a DEXA scan:

✅ Detects osteopenia and osteoporosis before fractures occur
✅ Helps assess future fracture risk
✅ Establishes a baseline for monitoring changes over time
✅ Helps guide decisions about nutrition, exercise, supplements, hormone therapy, and treatment options
✅ Provides objective data instead of guessing

Women may want to discuss a DEXA scan with their provider if they are:

• Over age 50
• Perimenopausal or menopausal
• Have had a hysterectomy or early menopause
• Have a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
• Have been on steroids long-term
• Have thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, or other risk factors for bone loss

The goal isn't just preventing osteoporosis.

The goal is maintaining strength, independence, mobility, and quality of life for decades to come.

Many insurance plans cover DEXA scans when appropriate. If insurance does not cover the test, affordable self-pay options are often available.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and whether a DEXA scan is right for you.

Strong women deserve strong bones.