Testosterone is often associated with men, but it's a crucial hormone for women as well. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone plays a vital role in libido, energy levels, mood, bone health, and muscle mass. As women age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Hot flashes, those sudden surges of heat accompanied by sweating and flushing, are a hallmark symptom of perimenopause and menopause. Affecting up to 80% of women during this transitional phase, hot flashes can significantly disrupt daily life, causing discomfort, sleep disturbances, and even anxiety. While they may seem like an inevitable consequence of hormonal changes, there are effective strategies to manage these fiery episodes and regain a sense of control.

Perimenopause marks a period of significant change for women. While hot flashes and night sweats often steal the spotlight, a silent disease process lurks in the background - bone loss. This gradual weakening of bones can lead to increased risk of fractures later in life, making understanding and addressing it a crucial aspect of perimenopausal health.

If you want to be proactive about optimizing your health in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, there are key lab tests to request that any healthcare practitioner can order. There is nothing more critical than understanding what is going on in your body to make the best choices for your future self.

Often times, women are reluctant to share their concerns about menopausal symptoms out of fear of being misunderstood or manipulated into thinking this is a normal phase of life and they must deal with it. The Menopause Society provides guidance on how to initiate the discussion with your own practitioner.

Menopause Hormone therapy (MHT) is one of the FDA-approved treatments for relief of symptoms related to menopause. These symptoms, caused by lower levels of estrogen before and after menopause, include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. MHT is also approved for the prevention of osteoporosis (bone loss). This post discusses types of available basic MHT and the risks/benefits.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and was mesmerized every time Dr. Baker made a house call to the Ingalls family and made someone feel better. Although I couldn’t have been more than 6 or 7 years old at the time, I knew that nurse and physician house calls were not a readily available service in the current healthcare model.

Meal planning is an essential skill for anyone who wants to eat healthy, save money, and reduce stress in the kitchen. It can help you make better food choices, avoid last-minute unhealthy decisions, and ensure that you always have something delicious and nutritious to eat.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of meal planning and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create a meal plan that works for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for fatigue. The best approach will vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. However, there are some general principles that can be followed.

Relaxation Day is a day to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on relaxing. It's a day to do things that make you feel good and help you de-stress.

Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods. It is not absorbed by the body, but it plays an important role in digestion, heart health, weight management, and other aspects of health.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a type of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of rest or low-intensity activity. HIIT workouts are typically shorter than traditional cardio workouts, but they can be just as effective, if not more so.

The physiological effects of laughter can have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. For example, laughter can help to reduce stress, improve heart health, boost the immune system, and relieve pain.

The concept of "tribe" has been around for centuries. It refers to a group of people who share a common bond, such as culture, religion, or ethnicity. In recent years, the term "tribe" has also come to be used more broadly to refer to any group of people who feel a strong sense of connection with each other.

The human mouth is home to a vast and complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. After the gut, it is the second largest microbial community in humans. This community of microbes, known as the oral microbiome, plays a critical role in our overall health.

Optimism is a positive outlook on life that can have significant health benefits, including better physical and mental health, better coping skills, and longer life. To cultivate optimism, try practicing gratitude, focusing on the positive, surrounding yourself with positive people, practicing mindfulness, and challenging negative self-talk.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that is often caused by prolonged stress. Symptoms of burnout include lack of motivation, negative emotions, and decreased performance. To overcome burnout, it's important to take a break, practice self-care, seek support, set boundaries, and find meaning in your work or other activities.

Infused water is simply water that has been infused with fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices. Drinking infused water can have numerous health benefits. Infused water can help to increase your overall water intake, improve your digestion, boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase your energy levels. Additionally, infused water can be a great alternative to sugary drinks or juices that can be high in calories and sugar.