When Lifestyle Isn’t Enough — Hormone Testing & Bioidentical Support in Menopause

In the previous blog, we explored how nutrition, movement, sleep, acupuncture, and stress

support can help ease menopausal symptoms. But sometimes, even with these foundations in place, persistent issues like brain fog, night sweats, or mood swings remain.

That’s when a more personalized approach- through hormone testing and bioidentical

hormone therapy (BHRT) - can offer real relief and clarity.

⸻

Why Test Hormones?

Hormonal shifts in menopause are dynamic and often unpredictable. While no lab is perfect,

testing can give us useful information - especially when combined with your symptoms,

history, and goals.

We may check:

• Serum labs for estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid

function

• Functional hormone tests (like DUTCH or salivary panels when appropriate)

• Metabolic markers including fasting insulin, HbA1c, inflammatory markers, and lipid

profile

These results guide individualized decisions - whether to support your system through lifestyle, natural supplements, or BHRT.

⸻

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived compounds that are molecularly identical to the ones your body produces. They can be delivered as creams, patches, or capsules, depending on the person’s needs.

During this time, we often support declining levels of:

• Progesterone – for sleep, anxiety, and cycle regulation

• Estrogen (estradiol) – for temperature control, mood, memory, and vaginal health

• Testosterone – for energy, focus, libido, and muscle mass

⸻

Hormones & Brain Health: The Often-Missed Link

One of the most distressing symptoms for many women in perimenopause is brain fog - the

memory lapses, word-finding issues, or general mental fatigue that can feel alarming.

Estrogen plays a key role in:

🧠 Cognitive clarity and memory retrieval

🛡 Protecting neurons and reducing inflammation in the brain

💤 Regulating sleep architecture, which affects memory consolidation

Testosterone and progesterone also influence mental sharpness, motivation, and calm.

When hormones decline or fluctuate sharply, some women feel like they’re losing focus, productivity, or even part of their identity. BHRT, when used thoughtfully, can help restore a

sense of mental clarity and protect long-term brain function.

⸻

Benefits of BHRT — When Used with Care

In combination with lifestyle medicine, bioidentical hormones may:

✅ Ease hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances

✅ Improve mood, reduce anxiety and irritability

✅ Enhance memory and cognitive function

✅ Support metabolism and insulin sensitivity

✅ Protect against bone loss and vaginal dryness

✅ Help you feel more grounded, clear, and like yourself again

Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we prioritize personalized guidance,

careful monitoring and informed discussions about benefits, risks, and alternatives.

⸻

Root-Cause Care, Every Step of the Way

Our approach always starts with the basics—food, movement, sleep, stress, connection. From there, we build a plan that may include herbs, acupuncture, supplements, or BHRT if needed.

No pressure. Just the support that fits you.

Because menopause isn’t just a shift in hormones - it’s a shift in how you care for yourself.

⸻

Curious About BHRT or Hormone Testing?

At Way Health, we offer thoughtful, science-backed hormone support across Michigan through virtual integrative consultations. Whether you’re looking to explore natural options or interested in BHRT, we’ll meet you where you are.