When I went to see my gynecologist for my annual exam in November 2016, I brought up some concerning symptoms I’d noticed throughout my body. In recent months, I’d experienced joint pain in my knees, swollen feet, carpal tunnel syndrome and excessive sweating and snoring. Additionally, my hands were so swollen my rings had to be cut off, and I noticed changes in my face, like the bridge of nose getting wider.

I thought some of...