Nicole Smith - Antigravity Wellness

Breast Tenderness on Estradiol? Here’s What You Need to Know

Many women feel hopeful when they begin estradiol therapy—finally getting relief from hot flashes, brain fog, insomnia, and emotional rollercoasters. But a common and unexpected symptom can appear within the first few weeks: breast tenderness. While it can be uncomfortable or even concerning, breast soreness during hormone therapy is usually temporary and manageable. Let’s explore […]

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Topical Progesterone and Breast Cancer Risk: What Women Need to Know

Educational, Progesterone / Nicole Smith

For many women navigating perimenopause or menopause, hormone therapy can be a lifeline—relieving symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and breast tenderness. While oral progesterone is commonly used alongside estrogen in hormone therapy, some women explore topical progesterone creams as an alternative—especially if they experience side effects from oral forms or are looking for

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Why Intermittent Fasting May Be Hurting Your Hormones (Especially If You’re a Woman over 35)

Educational, Nutrition & Gut Health / Nicole Smith

Intermittent fasting (IF) is everywhere—hailed as a miracle tool for weight loss, brain clarity, and metabolic health. But here’s the truth: most of the research on IF has been done on men or postmenopausal women. That’s a problem, because female physiology—especially during the perimenopausal years—is dramatically different and more complex. Dr. Stacy Sims, an expert

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Postmenopausal Spotting After Starting Estrogen Therapy: What You Need to Know

Educational, Estrogen / Nicole Smith

Starting Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)—also called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—can be life-changing. Many women experience relief from hot flashes, brain fog, joint pain, insomnia, and even mood shifts. But what happens when you start estrogen therapy and suddenly experience spotting or bleeding? For many women, especially those well past menopause, this can be a terrifying

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Is Pellet Therapy Right for You? What You Need to Know

Educational, Estrogen, Testosterone / Nicole Smith

Pellet hormone therapy has become increasingly popular as a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), offering a convenient, long-acting option for managing symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and other hormone-related conditions. Tiny hormone pellets—usually containing estrogen, testosterone, or a combination—are inserted under the skin and slowly release hormones over several months. For some individuals, pellet

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Why We Self-Sabotage: Overcoming Resistance, Perfectionism, and the All-or-Nothing Trap in Midlife Hormone Healing

Educational, Mindset, Stress Management / Nicole Smith

One of the most common struggles I see with my clients and patients—especially women in their 40s and 50s—is not the diagnosis, the lab results, or even the treatment plan. It’s the follow-through. They know what to do: eat to balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation, move their bodies, go to bed on time, take their

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How to Know If Your Doctor Really Understands Perimenopause and Menopause Care

Educational, Self-Advocacy & Education / Nicole Smith

Many women today are feeling dismissed, overlooked, or downright confused when it comes to their health during perimenopause and menopause. Whether they’re being told “your labs are normal,” prescribed antidepressants without further investigation, or offered hormone therapy without any prior testing, the frustration is real. So how can you tell if your doctor knows what

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Visceral Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat: What the Research Really Says—And How We Can Help You Target It

Belly Fat & Body Composition, Educational, Fitness for Menopause, Fitness for Perimenopause / Nicole Smith

You’ve likely encountered claims on social media suggesting that visceral fat is harder to lose due to hormonal influences. However, current research provides a more nuanced understanding of fat loss dynamics. Understanding Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat ______________________________________________________________________ What Does the Research Say? Contrary to popular belief, visceral fat may be more responsive to weight loss

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Varicose Veins in Perimenopause: Why They Happen, What Makes Them Worse, and How to Find Relief

Cardiovascular & Peripheral Vascular Health - Heart+, Educational / Nicole Smith

Let’s talk about something many women in perimenopause deal with… but few talk about openly: Varicose veins. They’re not just a cosmetic issue. For many of us—including myself—they’re painful, frustrating, and tied to deeper systemic changes in the body. You may have been told they’re just about “getting older” or standing too much. But the

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Why You’re So Tired: Hidden Causes of Fatigue in Perimenopause

Adrenals & Cortisol, Educational, Fatigue, Insomnia & Sleep Problems, Thyroid / Nicole Smith

Do you wake up tired… and stay that way all day?Do you feel like you’re dragging yourself through work, errands, and family life—even if you got a “full night” of sleep?You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. At Antigravity Wellness, we hear it all the time: “I used to be so energetic. Now I need coffee

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