Happier, Healthier, Hormone-ier
Why Learning About Women’s Hormone Health is Life-Changing
When my last round of IVF ended unsuccessfully in the fall of 2023 (a topic for another blog), I knew it was time for a major reset. The emotional and physical rollercoaster of fertility treatments left me feeling like a ghost version of myself, and I was desperate to find me again. I needed to shake off any residual postpartum or synthetic hormones and figure out who I was outside of all the chaos. Plus, if I wasn’t going to focus on expanding our family any longer, I was determined to focus on expanding another part of my life—my mental and physical health.
As I began diving into resources—books, blogs, podcasts—I was struck by a glaring truth: the medical world still falls short in addressing women’s unique health needs. For instance, did you know tampons were invented by a man? Let that sink in. And it’s not just about tampons—much of medical research has traditionally been focused on men, leaving women’s health often misunderstood and mismanaged. No wonder so many of us have felt misunderstood or brushed off by the medical world. I knew there had to be more information out there that could empower me to take control of my own well-being, so I dug deeper.
As I started digging into blogs, books, and podcasts, I found out that hormone imbalances can be at the root of so many common issues like anxiety, depression, and attention problems—things I’ve personally struggled with. And guess what? It turns out you can make some small, budget-friendly tweaks to your lifestyle that can seriously improve your hormone balance and overall mental health. Not “just deal with it” or cover up symptoms with a prescription.
Let it be Known: I am not against prescribed medications. I’m someone who’s life was saved with the addition of antidepressants & anti-anxiety medicines. But, now I have additional knowledge that can be used in conjunction.
One resource that really got my attention is the book “The Hormone Shift” by Dr. Taz. It was like a lightbulb moment, connecting the dots between how I was feeling and what was going on inside my body. Dr. Taz breaks down how everything from your mood to your metabolism is impacted by your hormones—and how conventional medicine often ignores this connection. It became crystal clear that finding a doctor who’s actually educated in women’s health (what a concept!) is crucial—especially one who’s open to both Western and Eastern practices.
Armed with this new information, I took my time determining the right practitioner for me who then recommended getting a baseline blood panel done. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill test; it was comprehensive and, surprisingly, covered by my insurance. Pro tip: If you can’t find a functional medicine doctor nearby, ask your current doctor to order the specific panel based on what you find in books (like “The Hormone Shift”). Most labs, like Quest, can run the tests if you have the order.
My panel revealed that I was severely deficient in vitamin D and zinc, both of which have a significant impact on hormone balance. Additionally, this can directly affects conditions like endometriosis (which I was diagnosed with when trying to conceive) and ultimately, infertility. I can’t help but think, “Would knowing this earlier have made a difference in my fertility journey?” Maybe, maybe not. But now that I have this knowledge, I feel so much more in control of my health.
How I’m Feeling Now: Seven Months In
So, after about seven months of deep-diving into hormone health, I can honestly say I’m a completely different person. I feel like I’ve unlocked this secret code to my body that was there all along—I just didn’t know how to read it. Now, if something feels off, I don’t just shrug it off as “normal.” I know when something needs to be adjusted, and I have the tools to do it.
Here’s the thing: Women shouldn’t have to just accept painful periods as part of life, or look at menopause with dread. There’s so much more power in understanding what’s really going on in our bodies. By making changes to my diet, supplements, and exercise routine, I’ve drastically improved my overall health. I’m clearer, less anxious, and can actually think strategically instead of feeling like I’m constantly in a fog. And here’s the kicker—I’m happier.
Am I perfect? LOL. No. But now I know how to stay in the best health possible, and that feels pretty amazing.
Take Action:
TALK. TO. YOUR. DOCTOR.
Get a comprehensive hormone panel done. If your doctor looks at you like you’ve grown three heads, ask them to order one based on what’s recommended in reputable books like *The Hormone Shift*.
Check your levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and zinc—seriously, they’re game-changers.
Find a healthcare provider who sees the bigger picture and embraces both Western and Eastern approaches.
Above all: Stop feeling like your health is out of your hands. With a little digging and the right info, we can all feel like our best, most vibrant selves!
You’re Doing Great,
Samantha
