Samantha, 39, was finally starting to prioritize her health. She was eating more whole foods, cutting back on sugar, and even making time for yoga a few times a week. But every time she sat down to eat—especially something healthy like a salad or smoothie—her stomach would twist into knots, and she’d have to rush […]
Why Am I Always Running to the Bathroom?: Understanding Diarrhea in Women Over 35 Read More »
Marissa, 42, stood in front of her bathroom mirror rubbing her bloated belly. She had eaten a salad for lunch, added chia seeds to her smoothie, and even drank more water than usual—all in hopes that she could finally go. But three days had passed with no relief. She felt sluggish, irritable, and uncomfortable in
Why Can’t I Go?: Tackling Constipation in Women Over 35 with Confidence and Care Read More »
It’s a crisp spring morning in Highland, Washington, and Sarah, 42, laces up her sneakers for her routine jog. Although she leads what many would call a healthy lifestyle, she’s been noticing persistent fatigue, occasional chest tightness, and a deep inner knowing that something isn’t quite right. Her primary care physician ran a standard cholesterol
Beyond the Basics: A Holistic Heart Health Guide for Women 35+ Read More »
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
Breast Tenderness on Estradiol? Here’s What You Need to Know Read More »
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
Topical Progesterone and Breast Cancer Risk: What Women Need to Know Read More »
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
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
Postmenopausal Spotting After Starting Estrogen Therapy: What You Need to Know Read More »
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
Is Pellet Therapy Right for You? What You Need to Know Read More »
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
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
How to Know If Your Doctor Really Understands Perimenopause and Menopause Care Read More »