How are hormones affecting my sleep? One of the most common complaints women have during perimenopause and menopause is poor sleep. Many women say they suddenly struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently, or wake up at 3–4 AM and cannot get back to sleep. The main reason for this is hormonal changes. During perimenopause, levels of estr...

Why Some Women Need Testosterone Therapy — While Others Need It lowered Testosterone is often thought of as a “male hormone,” but it is also an important hormone for women. In fact, women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, and it plays a key role in energy, mood, muscle strength, and sexual health. Howe...

Supplements come with side effects and may have drug interactions including HRT.  It is important to discuss with your health care provider whether DIM is safe for you. DIM: Supporting Healthy Estrogen Balance DIM (Diindolylmethane) is a natural compound formed when the body digests cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale,...

What to Expect at Your BHRT Appointment Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) appointments are designed to understand your symptoms and create a personalized plan to help you feel your best.  It is an enhanced traditional medical appointment which includes a holistic approach rather than simply giving you a diagnosis and tre...

Many patients come into their BHRT appointment not only wanting their hormones balanced, but they are interested in trialing a weight loss medication.  Lifestyle changes alone may not be effective in achieving weight loss goals, and sometimes a medication is needed.  If your BMI is > 30 kg/m2, a weight loss medication may be indicate...

Many times patients will go to their primary care provider believing they have a hormone imbalance only to hear that everything is “normal”.  Normal is not optimal, and when looking at normal reference ranges of hormones, you will see that the normal range is wide.  A good example is when a menopausal woman does blood work ...

Many patients with PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and men with low testosterone often complain about how difficult it is to lose weight and wonder about their metabolism.   Patient’s describe putting weight on in their mid-section and despite being active and watching their diet, they still cannot lose weight.&nbs...

I recently took a course in Functional Medicine, vitamins, supplements, and nutrition through the Elite Nurse Practitioner. The course is supported by the American Nurse Practitioner Academy for Continuing Education, offering CME hours for education hours including pharmacy credits.  The course provided some great information about evidence...

I recently went to Toronto and did another course with Dr Neil Rouzier, an expert in hormone therapy.  Dr Rouzier was hard fast on correcting insulin resistance and encouraged weight loss medication in those who need it, along with hormone therapy. So many patients become insulin resistant as they get older and it becomes impossible to lose...

I had an excellent opportunity to work in an acne clinic with dermatologists where I learned about the various types of acne and their treatment.  While Accutane is the ultimate cure for cystic acne, with hormonal acne, bioidentical progesterone can also be an efficient treatment or adjuvant.  Progesterone can be taken by mouth, or it ...