Hump Day Hormones

When HRT Doesn't Go as Planned? Ever feel like your hormone therapy is doing the most... but not in the way you hoped? This week on Hump Day Hormones, we're diving into a topic that's way more common than you might realize: what to do when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn't going as smoothly as you hoped. You're not alone in this journey. We're all about helping women feel their absolute best with HRT, and part of that is understanding that the journey can be bumpy. From irregular bleeding and breast tenderness to mood swings and progesterone sensitivity, we're unpacking why these symptoms occur, how to troubleshoot them, and, most importantly, how to advocate for your body and care, putting you in the driver's seat of your health journey. Think of this as your ultimate guide to understanding side effects, what's normal, when to wait it out, and when it's time to call your provider. (Spoiler alert: it's not always love at first dose!) 💡 Topics we break down: *Estrogen and unexpected bleeding: what's normal vs. what's not *The real reason behind HRT-related mood swings and anxiety *Why bloating, nausea, and headaches may signal a dose issue *Progesterone intolerance and how to manage it *How to know when you need to switch methods or adjust your regimen *And yes, we even get into why your thyroid might not be the main culprit Whether you're new to HRT, thinking about starting, or in the thick of it, this episode is full of real talk, relatable experiences, and expert insight to help you make empowered decisions about your hormone health. 👉 Tune in now and share your experience in the comments. Have you ever hit a rough patch with HRT?

This week on Hump Day Hormones we're talking truth about HRT and sorting through the fear! If you've ever been told hormone therapy is dangerous, confusing, or just "not worth the risk," you're not alone. For over 20 years, women have been navigating a fog of fear and misinformation surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), much of it based on outdated or misunderstood data. But what if the real conversation we should be having isn't just about the risks of using HRT... but the risks of not using it, especially for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause? 💡 You'll learn that treating hormone therapy at the right time can reduce cardiovascular disease, support cognitive health, protect bones, and even lower all-cause mortality. In this episode, we're diving into the real history, science, and controversy behind hormone therapy. We're taking you back to its beginnings in the 1930s, through the rise of Premarin, and into the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, which shifted the entire narrative. And we're doing what most headlines never did: breaking down what the data actually said, why the study wasn't designed with younger people in mind, and why that matters. ✔️ What the numbers really said about breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke ✔️ How fear-driven messaging sidelined decades of women from a potentially life-improving option ✔️ The difference between outdated hormone therapy and today's modern, safer form ✔️ And why age, timing, and method of delivery make all the difference 💡 We're not saying HRT is right for everyone, but we are saying that women deserve facts, not fear, and an informed, evidence-based conversation about it. 🎧 Join us for an honest, informed conversation that could change your perspective on midlife health, aging, and hormone support.

What happened to your sex drive—and can you get it back? This week on Hump Day Hormones, we're talking about something that deserves way more airtime: libido—and why it can feel like it packed its bags and left the building. But here's the good news: you're not broken, you're not alone, and yes—there are solutions. From that mysterious midlife dip in desire to burning, dryness, and discomfort that no one warned you about, we're unpacking the complex (and totally fixable) world of female sexual health after 40. Our favorite pelvic health experts also join us to help make sense of it all, with real talk, expert advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. Here's what we're getting into: -Why estrogen, testosterone, and even your adrenal health are major players in your sex drive -Why desire isn't always spontaneous—and how "responsive desire" might change the way you view intimacy -How Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) affects nearly every woman (yes, really) and why it's more than just a "dry spell". (think: bladder, urethra, and your entire quality of life) -The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire—and why the brain is just as important as the bedroom -What the newest medical guidelines say about vaginal estrogen, DHEA, and hormone therapy—and why it might be time to revisit your treatment plan -Our favorite over-the-counter solutions, pelvic PT tips, and what actually works for improving comfort, arousal, and intimacy If your libido has gone MIA, your body isn't feeling like home, or sex just isn't what it used to be—we're here to tell you it doesn't have to stay that way. We're digging into the science, the symptoms, and the solutions you haven't heard about (but really should have). This episode is packed with education, insight, and some seriously empowering info every woman needs to hear.

"How Do I Come Off Birth Control?" Whether you're considering pregnancy or aiming to reset your hormones naturally, the decision to come off birth control is a significant one. It's not just about stopping medication; it's a process of resetting and rebalancing your body's hormones, and it's a journey we're here to guide you through. This week on Hump Day Hormones, we're unpacking everything you need to know about this crucial transition. We'll guide you through exactly what to expect when you stop birth control, from irregular cycles and acne flare-ups to mood swings and fatigue. More importantly, we'll share practical tips on how to proactively support your body during this process, which labs might be important to consider, and empowering ways to navigate the changes confidently. Did you know that approximately 72% of women between ages 30-39 rely on some form of contraception, with many using it for reasons beyond pregnancy prevention—like acne control, heavy periods, or managing PCOS? We'll dive into the fascinating history of birth control and tackle common misconceptions about its effects on fertility and health. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with practical tips on tracking cycles, optimizing nutrient levels, and supporting your body's natural hormone rhythms. Whether you're planning for pregnancy or simply seeking a better understanding of your body, this episode is a must-listen for you. So, why wait? Join us, gain clarity, and confidently take control of your hormone health today!

Are you thinking about what supplements you may need but don't know where to start? Don't worry; we've got you covered! This week on Hump Day Hormones, we're diving into the world of supplements​! From boosting mood, sleep, hormones, heart health, and cognitive function to supporting vaginal health​ and even supporting your body through serious health journeys like cancer​--we're talking about it all in this two part segment. 🎯 Here's the scoop: Are multivitamins ​good for you? How Vitamin D, probiotics, and fiber could be your new best friends! Magnesium and Omega-3 for mood, sleep, heart, and brainpower! What's what when it comes to supplements for vaginal health? Supplement secrets: Should you eat first? Best times to take them? Ready to clear up the confusion and feel your best? Let’s get supplement-savvy​ and answer some questions. Learn the science behind each supplement, their surprising connections to hormone balance, sleep, mood, and overall health, and actionable advice on how to incorporate them effectively into your daily routine. Plus, discover how simple dietary tweaks could naturally boost your supplement intake, and where to safely and confidently source the best products. Don’t miss out on leveling up your wellness! 🎧 Tune in and join the conversation on Hump Day Hormone​ and share your thoughts with us! We'd love to hear about your supplement experiences.

🔥 "Am I losing my mind, or is this just PMS…again?" If you've found yourself suddenly feeling anxious, moody, or just "off" in your late 30s or 40s, it might not be what you think—it could be perimenopause creeping in. This week, we are diving deep into the reality of perimenopause with my lifelong BFF, Laura, as she shares her personal journey navigating the unexpected, frustrating, and totally confusing symptoms of this transition. 🚨 Here's the truth: Many women start experiencing perimenopause 10 years before menopause! We're talking in their mid-late 30s to early 40s—but because symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and brain fog are often mistaken for PMS, depression, or even stress, many providers fail to recognize the hormonal shift at play. And let's not even get started on the hot flashes, weight changes, and exhaustion that sneak in, too! 💡 In this episode, we're breaking it all down: ✔️ What perimenopause really is & when it starts ✔️ The surprising first symptoms (hint: it's not just hot flashes!) ✔️ Why anxiety and mood swings are often dismissed as PMS ✔️ What you should do before, during, and after this transition ✔️ How to advocate for yourself when your doctor isn't listening If you've ever thought, "Why do I feel so different?"—this episode is for YOU. It's raw, relatable, and packed with the info you need to take control of your health. Chances are, you'll feel like we're talking about YOUR life! 💬 Got questions? We'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment on our socials or email us!

HRT & Cardiovascular Protection — The Heart of the Matter Let’s clear something up once and for all: Heart disease — not breast cancer — is the leading cause of death in women. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the relationship between estrogen and cardiovascular health, including: 🫀 Why heart disease risk rises sharply after menopause 🧠 How estrogen protects blood vessels and cholesterol balance ⏰ Why timing matters when it comes to HRT ⚖️ Oral vs. transdermal estrogen — and how each affects the heart 🪑 Why estrogen may act like a “seatbelt” for your cardiovascular system ❌ The risks of starting hormones too late — not too early This is not fear-based medicine. This is evidence-based, woman-centered education that every midlife woman should hear.

Season 2, Episode 51 of Hump Day Hormones is here — and this one is WILD. Have you suddenly become “allergic to life”? Sneezing out of nowhere… flushing after one sip of wine… itching… bloating… random anxiety… sinus drama… reactions to foods you’ve eaten forever? You're NOT imagining it — your hormones and histamines are in a full-blown loop together. This week, we break down: 🔥 Why histamine sensitivity skyrockets during perimenopause and menopause 🔥 What MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) actually is 🔥 Why wine, tomatoes, leftovers, or charcuterie suddenly wreck you 🔥 Why “hormone chaos” = mast cell chaos 🔥 How histamine triggers can mimic panic attacks or hot flashes 🔥 The estrogen → histamine → estrogen loop no one talks about 🔥 The role of progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol in calming (or firing up) mast cells Plus, we talk symptoms across: ✔ Skin ✔ Gut ✔ Respiratory ✔ Heart rate & blood pressure ✔ Brain fog & mood ✔ Temperature regulation And most importantly… 💡 What you can actually do to calm the histamine storm —from supplements to foods to medications to hormone regulation. If you’ve ever felt like your body is “overreacting” to EVERYTHING lately… this is the missing puzzle piece.

This week, we’re stepping out of our Head-to-Toe Menopause Series for something big — one of the most important updates in women’s health in more than two decades. On November 10, 2025, the FDA officially removed the black-box warning from hormone therapy. If you’ve ever felt confused, scared, or dismissed when asking about HRT… this episode will feel like justice. We break down: • Why the black-box warning was added in 2002 • The huge misunderstandings from the original WHI study • What current research actually shows about the safety and benefits of hormone therapy • The difference between oral vs. transdermal hormones • The truth about breast cancer risks • Why starting HRT under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause matters • How this change empowers women and clinicians moving forward You’ll learn why this decision is long overdue, what it means for your health, and why it may finally open doors for women to get the relief they’ve been denied for far too long. If you’ve felt unheard, unsupported, or scared away from hormone therapy — this episode is your green light to start the conversation again. Resources Mentioned: – FDA Fact Sheet (email us for a copy) – Episode 33: “HRT After 65” Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and share with a friend who needs to know the real story about hormones and menopause. As always, nothing in this episode is medical advice. Talk with your provider about what’s best for you.

Ever wonder why menopause can bring brain fog, mood changes, or even migraines? Chelsea Presson, APRN joins us on this episode as we break down how shifting hormones impact memory, mental clarity, and mood - and share science-backed ways to support your brain through the transition.

Listen in as we discuss all things puberty and periods with our very special guest Ella Jennings!

In this episode, we explain what estradiol is, how it's made, why it's important, and what the benefits of it are!

Our very first podcast episode! This is an introduction to the podcast and to Dr. Jill Jennings and Kortney Spann, APRN.