I previously wrote two posts: ADHD Research Phase 1 and Phase 2 – detailing my (once again) renewed research energy in trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me. Based on previous research and updated information from viable resources on the internet, I curated these posts specifically to remember exactly what I was researching and to bring these findings up with my Primary Care Provider. I never expected the information I put out there for literally anyone that decided to stumble upon my blog to bear fruit. But here we are!

It started with a simple comment from https://wearingtwogowns.blog/:

I’m happy to help you research, but as a former medical student and current nurse, I can tell you that medicine is both an art and a science. No amount of WebMD or online research can replace sitting down with a trained and caring healthcare provider.

To which I replied:

I agree and that is why I consult with my doctor about whatever I find in my research. However, yesterday at my appointment, when I brought up seeing an endocrinologist for hormonal issues (because my research shows pituitary gland is responsible for a LOT of that)… she told me that an endocrinologist wouldn’t be able to help with hormones, as they deal with things like the pituitary and adrenal glands. Soooo… I get a referral to an ObGyn instead.

The information I got after this was… well, it blew me away. To say that I sat here dumbfounded for some time is an understatement. My comprehension took a temporary nose-dive, as it does sometimes when faced with a massive wall of text I wasn’t expecting. I wasn’t in ADHD Research Mode, so it took me by surprise and my brain shorted out. 😝

I came back to the comment section this morning, wanting – and mentally prepared – to read everything…

From a nursing perspective, your research and symptom correlation are clinically sound. Your doctor’s statement that “endocrinologists don’t deal with hormones” is medically inaccurate – endocrinologists are literally hormone specialists who diagnose and treat exactly what you’ve identified.
Your HPA axis dysfunction research is spot-on. The connection between trauma/PTSD and disrupted cortisol regulation is well-established in medical literature. Your symptom profile – chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, mood dysregulation, metabolic changes, plus the trauma history – warrants proper endocrine evaluation.
Red flags I see as a nurse:
• Dismissal of evidence-based patient research
• Factually incorrect information about specialty scope of practice
• Failure to recognize classic endocrine presentation
• Missed opportunity for trauma-informed care
What you need:
• Comprehensive hormone panel including ACTH, cortisol studies
• Possible dexamethasone suppression test
• Pituitary imaging if indicated
• Proper endocrinology consultation
Advocacy suggestions:
• Request referral in writing – if refused, ask for documentation of refusal
• Consider second opinion from different primary care provider
• Your research gives you strong foundation to advocate with specialists
• Don’t let dismissive attitudes discourage you from seeking appropriate care
Your self-advocacy here is exactly what healthcare should look like. You’ve done the work to understand your symptoms and deserve providers who take that seriously. The OB/GYN referral might help with reproductive hormones, but you still need comprehensive endocrine workup.
Keep pushing for the care you need.

An actual former medical student and current nurse is commenting all of this on MY blog?! Color me shocked, but ultimately intrigued! For the first time in a decade, someone I don’t even know – with the educational background to boot – has completely validated my findings. I admit that I cried a bit in validated relief. Shh, it’s ok, this is a good thing!

The rest of the information they gave me, links and all, I have saved in a new folder on my desktop to reference back to the next time ADHD Research Mode gets activated. This could be immediately after I finish today’s post, or a couple days from now. Who knows. I do get mentally tired pretty easily and I must prepare for a whole Socialization Event later today, so… we shall see.

All the same, my heartfelt gratitude to WearingTwoGowns for reaching out and giving me this Unexpected Lifeline. For anyone else – with/out chronic illness or disability, whether you’re in the medical field or not – I highly recommend checking out their blog. We need more people like this in the world, connected and spreading hope and information about the medical community as whole.