Thriving Through Menopause

How can you enjoy life in your second act?

Embracing Your Second Act

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the hormonal shifts of perimenopause often begin in our 30s—long before most of us realize it. This is why getting pregnant becomes more challenging as we age and why pregnancy after 35 earns the dreaded label of “geriatric.” But perimenopause isn’t just about fertility. It’s the start of hormonal fluctuations that can impact energy, mood, metabolism, and even how your body responds to stress.

Menopause is often painted as a period of inevitable decline—marked by weight gain, hot flashes, and mood swings—but it doesn’t have to be that way. This can also be a season of renewal, a chance to reclaim your health and vitality. Hormonal changes may affect everything from muscle mass and skin elasticity to bone and heart health, but the good news is, understanding these shifts early allows you to take action. Through hormone testing, nutrition, fitness, and stress management, you can move through this transition informed, empowered, and ready to thrive in your “second act” of life.

Why Hormone Testing is Key

Testing is the foundation of any effective menopause management plan. I’ve seen too many women suffer from symptoms that could have been avoided simply by getting clear on their unique hormonal landscape. Without hormone testing, it’s a guessing game — and when it comes to your health, especially during menopause, guessing can lead to more frustration.

Hormone testing can reveal:

1. Estrogen (E1, E2, E3)- Balance is crucial, too much or too little can lead to weight changes, skin issues, or increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Estrone (E1): Affects metabolism and fat distribution post-menopause.
Estradiol (E2): Vital for maintaining bone density, cardiovascular health, and skin elasticity.
Estriol (E3): Helps reduce inflammation and supports urinary and vaginal health.

2. Progesterone supports restful sleep, balanced moods, and weight management. Low levels can increase anxiety and interfere with hormone balance.

3. Testosterone essential for maintaining muscle mass, strength, and libido. Deficiency can cause fatigue, reduced muscle tone, and difficulty losing weight.

4. DHEA precursor to estrogen and testosterone, it supports energy, immune function, and muscle maintenance.Optimal levels keep you vibrant and help counteract age-related decline.

5. Cortisol regulates stress response and metabolism. Imbalances can lead to stubborn weight gain, fatigue, and increased risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

By understanding where your levels stand, we can pinpoint exactly what you need to address, whether it’s through diet, targeted supplements, or lifestyle adjustments that bring your body back into balance.

Rebalancing for Vitality

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is designed to replicate the body’s natural hormone structure, offering a more personalized approach to hormone therapy. Common bioidentical hormones used for menopause support include:

Estrogen: Available in creams, gels, or pills, bioidentical estrogen can help reduce symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It also supports bone health, cognition, and overall vitality.
Progesterone: Often recommended alongside estrogen, progesterone balances estrogen’s effects and helps support mood, sleep, and uterine health. Bioidentical progesterone cream is a popular choice because of its ease of use and customizable dosage.
Testosterone: Although primarily thought of as a male hormone, low testosterone in women can affect libido, muscle tone, and energy levels. Bioidentical testosterone therapy, prescribed in small doses, can restore these functions and improve overall well-being.

The difference between BHT and Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

The main difference between bioidentical hormones and prescription synthetic hormones lies in their molecular structure, how they are produced, and how they interact with the body. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Bioidentical Hormones

Definition: Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources (like soy or yams) and are chemically modified to be structurally identical to the hormones your body naturally produces (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone).
Examples: Bioidentical estradiol, progesterone (prometrium), testosterone.
How They Work: Because they are identical to your natural hormones, they are recognized and processed by the body in the same way as its own hormones.
Customization: Often compounded in specialized pharmacies to meet an individual’s unique hormonal needs (though some bioidentical options, like estradiol and prometrium, are available in FDA-approved forms).
Benefits:
- Mimic the body’s natural hormones, reducing the risk of side effects like bloating or mood swings.
- Perceived as more “natural” by some users.
- Can be tailored based on saliva or blood testing to fit an individual’s hormonal profile.

2. Prescription Synthetic Hormones

Definition: Synthetic hormones are man-made in laboratories and are not identical in structure to the body’s natural hormones. They are designed to mimic the effects of hormones but often have slightly different molecular structures.
Examples:
- Estrogen: Premarin (derived from pregnant mare urine).
- Progestins: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera).
- Combination: Birth control pills with synthetic estrogen/progestin.
How They Work: They bind to hormone receptors but may interact differently because of their altered structure. This can result in different effects or side effects compared to natural hormones.
Benefits:
- Widely available and FDA-approved.
- Reliable for addressing specific conditions like menopause symptoms, irregular periods, or contraception.

Key Differences

Feature	Bioidentical Hormones	Synthetic Hormones
Source	Plant-derived (soy, yams)	Lab-made, sometimes animal-derived
Structure	Identical to natural hormones	Similar but not identical
Processing by Body	Recognized and metabolized like natural hormones	May cause different or exaggerated effects
Customization	Tailored to the individual	Standardized dosages
Side Effects	Typically fewer when properly dosed	May cause side effects like bloating, mood swings, or cardiovascular risks
Availability	Some FDA-approved, many compounded	FDA-approved and widely available
Perception	Viewed as “natural”	Viewed as “pharmaceutical”

Key Supplements to Support Menopause and Hormone Balance

Alongside BHT, specific supplements can provide essential nutrients and support hormone production, adrenal health, and cortisol regulation, helping to alleviate menopause symptoms naturally:

Magnesium: Known as the “calming mineral,” magnesium supports sleep, muscle relaxation, and mood stability. It can also help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and immunity, vitamin D helps counteract the natural bone loss associated with menopause and aids in mood stability.
B Vitamins: Vital for energy and hormone metabolism, B vitamins support adrenal health, helping regulate cortisol levels and manage stress.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and stabilize mood swings.
Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha supports adrenal function, reduces stress, and balances cortisol levels, making a noticeable difference in energy and mood.
Calcium: With bone density naturally declining during menopause, calcium supplements, especially when combined with vitamin D and magnesium, are key to maintaining bone strength.
Phytoestrogens (such as Red Clover and Black Cohosh): These plant-based compounds can mimic estrogen’s effects, providing relief from hot flashes and mood swings for those seeking non-hormonal support.
DIM (Diindolylmethane): Found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM supports healthy estrogen metabolism, helping balance estrogen levels and reduce symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and weight gain.
Liver Support (Milk Thistle or N-Acetyl Cysteine): The liver plays a crucial role in hormone metabolism. Supporting liver health can enhance the body’s ability to detoxify excess hormones, reducing symptoms like hot flashes and improving overall hormone balance.

Combining BHT with Lifestyle Changes

While BHT and supplements can be beneficial, they’re most effective when combined with lifestyle strategies like nutrient-dense eating, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. Each of these elements works in synergy, helping to ease the transition and make the most of your “second act.”

As with any health approach, it’s essential to work with a provider to find the right balance, ensuring bioidentical hormones and supplements are safe and tailored to your unique needs. With the right support, menopause can be less about ma

Benefits of a Balanced Second Act

Imagine a menopause journey where instead of feeling lost in the “menopause fog,” you’re energized, mentally clear, and physically strong. Rebalancing your hormones can help you experience:

Sustained Energy: No more midday crashes, but energy to enjoy hobbies, family, and whatever new adventures life brings.
Clear Mind: Reduced brain fog and improved focus help you stay sharp and mentally agile.
Improved Mood: Balanced hormones often mean fewer mood swings, which makes life’s daily interactions feel lighter.
Better Weight Management: When hormones are balanced, it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight and body composition.
Higher Quality Sleep: The power of restful sleep returns, leaving you refreshed and ready for the day.

My Journey: Helping Women Through Menopause with Autonomy

When I work with women, my mission isn’t just to alleviate symptoms; it’s to empower them with the knowledge and tools to navigate menopause on their own terms. Menopause isn’t a stopping point — it’s a new beginning. Through personalized hormone testing, targeted protocols, and tools that help each woman reclaim her health, we’re able to approach menopause as the second act it’s meant to be: vibrant, confident, and full of potential.

This journey through menopause is about creating a life you love, not one you’re merely enduring. By embracing hormone health, you can look forward to more years of laughter, strength, and new adventures. Here’s to thriving in your second act!

I’ve partnered with a functional team to offer comprehensive testing and personalized protocols, including bioidentical hormone support, targeted supplementation, nutrition guidance, stress management, and fitness support, all designed to achieve sustainable results. Learn more about the Infinite You program and how I can empower you through your second act.

Generations of health

This picture is a testament to the power of prioritizing health at every stage of life. My Aunt Carol, 86; my cousins Laura, 64, and Erin, 59; and, of course, me, at 33.

Each of us is living proof that focusing on your health—mind, body, and spirit—throughout life allows you to thrive, no matter your age. Here’s to strength, vitality, and embracing every season of life with grace and energy.