We live in a world where convenience rules and quick fixes are everywhere-whether it’s for pain, sleep, or anxiety. But when it comes to HRT, I urge you to slow down. The truth? Many women expect instant results from HRT, but that’s rarely the case. The dosage might need tweaking. Your body might react unpredictably at first. And sometimes, what looks like a hormone issue is rooted elsewhere entirely.
Before you turn to HRT, consider your foundations:
- Diet: Are you nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods?
- Lifestyle: Is your movement routine supporting (not stressing) your body?
- Sleep: Are you prioritizing quality rest?
- Testing: Sometimes, investing in gut health or nutrient testing is more effective than reaching for a prescription.
HRT can certainly help; especially if you’re experiencing anxiety or sleep issues (oral progesterone can be a game changer there!) but I caution against using it as a one-size-fits-all solution. Relying on HRT alone, without addressing root causes, often leads to frustration when results fall short.
Don’t fall into the “hammer and nail” trap: We see a lot of experts who fixate on just one approach whether it’s protein, gut health, or HRT – at the expense of everything else. True hormone balance demands a holistic view: protein, muscle-building, plants for gut health, the right nutrients, good sleep, and more. Don’t follow voices that make everything about a single strategy.
Real talk: sometimes, your symptoms aren’t hormone-related. It’s not always about estrogen, testosterone, or your thyroid. For example, that fatigue or nighttime bathroom run might originate in your gut, not your hormones! Tara shares real cases where gut health (not HRT) was the missing piece.
Your takeaway: Building a strong foundation is ALWAYS the first step. HRT can be layered on top, but it’s not a substitute for good health habits. Address your diet, sleep, gut health, and nutrients first for best results (and fewer surprises down the road).
Watch on Youtube HERE.
Mentioned in this episode:
HRT Made Simple™ – Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.
Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.
The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.
[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook – Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).
[BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]
Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Perimenopause Solution podcast – a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.
Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years – plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.
I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.
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