The Microdose Method

A smarter way to use GLP 1 peptides
This is a high-impact 10 week group experience designed to help you get the most out of your medication, without side effects, metabolic damage, or burnout. We know you're not looking for a quick fix. You’re looking for something that actually works with your body.
If you’re currently using or considering using a GLP-1 peptide medication ike semaglutide or tirzepatide, but want guidance on how to microdose intentionally, protect your metabolism, lose weight and inflammation without losing muscle or energy, you’re in the right place.

The Microdose Method is for you if...

🔥 You're stuck in a cycle of dieting, trying different weight loss programs, micro-managing your health and still not losing weight  

🔥 You’re navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and want to reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, reduce brain fog, improve energy

🔥 You’re tired of feeling chubby, puffy, inflamed and ready to feel confident, and wear fun clothing again. 

🔥 You want to know how to use these medications alongside proper nutrition, minerals, and strength training. 

Hi, I'm Margaret Powell

I’m a Functional Nutritionist & Women’s Health Expert, Host of The Fueled & Free Podcast, and founder of Fueled & Free Nutrition, an integrative virtual wellness practice that’s helped hundreds of women regain their health, happiness & confidence.

Our virtual wellness practice has helped thousands of women ditch the fatigue, mood swings, hormonal chaos and stubborn weight by getting to the root of their metabolic dysfunction.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful mineral rebalancing, a whole foods diet, healing your gut, supporting your body’s detox pathways can be in reversing chronic symptoms for our clients.

But I’ve also experienced this: in your mid-late 30's and certainly in your 40's, things start to change. At this age, we’re entering the oh so lovely vulnerable time of life that is perimenopause and it can be extremely confusing, overwhelming and uncomfortable.

When meticulously tracking your macros, exercising more, following all the protocols, doing all the labs, the supplements, the check lists just doesn’t quite move the needle enough, this is where peptides can be extremely beneficial.

 

I started taking a microdose of a GLP 1 peptide at the end of January 2025 when I was puffy, inflamed, and carrying an extra 15 pounds of fat on my body .

Despite lifting 3 days a week, eating high protein, not drinking alcohol, taking the supplements, doing ALL the things that I preach to my clients to do, my body did not reflect all the hard work I was putting in.

The GLP 1 essentially was like lubrication to my metabolism. It made the hard work I was already doing, work better.

6 months in, I’m down 12 pounds of fat, have maintained my muscle mass, lost 5% body fat (am now at a healthy body fat %), reversed my insulin resistance, am stronger than I’ve ever been in the gym, and am more confident and energetic.

The Science Behind Microdosing GLP 1's

 Burn stubborn fat (without muscle loss). GLP-1s help regulate blood sugar and insulin, two major blockers for fat loss especially for women in midlife. Microdosing reduces cravings and improves metabolic flexibility, without crashing your metabolism or sending your cortisol through the roof.
Lower inflammation + bloat. GLP-1s can quiet inflammatory signaling, improve leaky gut, and reduce symptoms of gut dysbiosis and histamine issues. Many women in our program report less bloating, clearer skin, and less inflammation within weeks.
Improve insulin sensitivity + heart health. GLP-1s were originally developed for Type 2 Diabetes, and they still shine here. Even at microdoses, they reduce insulin resistance, improve cholesterol markers, and lower cardiovascular risk, which are key issues for women in their late 30's, 40s and beyond.
Support fertility + hormone balance. By reducing inflammation and insulin resistance, GLP-1s indirectly support ovulation and progesterone production. We’ve seen clients with PCOS, irregular cycles, and low libido make major progress with the right dose and functional support.
May support longevity + brain health. GLP-1s have been studied for their role in neuroprotection and reducing Alzheimer’s risk. While the research is still evolving, it’s exciting and it’s one more reason we believe GLP-1s can be part of a smart long-term strategy for aging well.
Support the gut microbiome. Research shows GLP-1s can positively influence gut barrier function and microbial diversity. When we pair that with targeted functional nutrition and minerals? We start to truly heal the gut, not just band-aid the symptoms.
GLP 1's aren't a magic bullet. But they can be the spark that starts real change.
hear from our current glp 1 coaching clients...

What you get inside the program...

  • You’ll get access to 10 weeks of support, coaching, and education inside our private Microdose Method Circle group, where you can ask questions, share wins, and connect with others walking the same path.
  • You’ll get access to twice a month live group coaching calls where we’ll dive deeper into key topics, answer questions, and offer personalized guidance. These calls are designed to keep you supported, accountable, and clear on your next steps. Can’t make it live? You’ll get the replay inside the Circle portal.
  • You’ll get an HTMA mineral test to check your mineral levels and how they affect your energy, metabolism, and hormones. Your results will be sent to you with a short video explaining what it means, plus a clear written plan to help you rebalance with food and supplements. 
  • Access to On-Demand Educatonal Modules covering how to microdose GLP-1s, blood sugar, digestion, movement, long term dosing strategies, and more. 
  • Supplement Recommendations and Off-Ramp Guidance for long-term success
This program is $697 plus the cost of your medication.
See FAQ below for details on accessing peptide medication. 

Here's how it works:

send in your hair test 

We'll email you lab test instructions, you'll send in your hair to the lab. We get results in about 10 business days. While we're waiting for those results we'll send you a drainage protocol with recommendations on things to start while we wait for your results.

Personalized Protocols

Once we have your hair test results back, we'll review your intake form, health history, and send you a detailed mineral supplement protocol with nutrition and lifestyle recommendations as well. Supporting minerals will help you get the best results with your microdosing journey. 

start program + access coaching and support

Once we've sent you the test results and protocols, you'll get added to the Microdose Method Circle Community where you'll access coaching support, the Microdose Method Course, our live calls, community and more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Microdose Method is more than just a peptide support program—it’s a full-body reset built around science, strategy, and support. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll learn how to work with a GLP-1, so you can reduce inflammation, improve metabolic flexibility, and finally start seeing results from your efforts. 

Inside the program, you’ll get:

  • Step-by-step guidance on microdosing GLP-1s like semaglutide or tirzepatide

  • Education on nutrition, movement, minerals, and detox that supports sustainable weight loss

  • A custom HTMA (mineral) test + protocol so you’re not flying blind

  • Weekly prompts, 2x monthly coaching calls, and expert support inside our private community

  • And most importantly? A new way of thinking about your health—one that empowers you to stop over-restricting and start healing

Whether you’ve been stuck for months or just starting your journey, this is where things shift.

We recommend ordering your GLP-1 peptide (like semaglutide or tirzepatide) through EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform that specializes in safe, affordable access to compounded peptides. We send you details on how to order once you join the program, but you can also order directly here. Click "microdose" and then select "GLP 1 + GIP + B12" to order compounded Tirzepatide. 

EllieMD makes the process simple: you’ll complete a quick online intake, connect with a functional medicine licensed provider, and—if approved—receive your medication shipped directly to your door with clear instructions.

We refer our clients to EllieMD because:

  • Their providers understand microdosing and titration strategies

  • They use high-quality, US-based compounding pharmacies

  • They’re responsive, woman-owned, and supportive of our holistic approach

You’re always in control of your health decisions, but we’ve found EllieMD to be the most reliable and aligned option for our clients.

In most cases, insurance will only cover GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide or tirzepatide) if you have a BMI over 30 or are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Even then, coverage can be inconsistent, and many women are denied—even when they’re struggling with weight loss resistance or inflammation.

That’s why many of our clients choose to go the compounded peptide route through telehealth providers like EllieMD. It’s more affordable out of pocket, doesn’t require jumping through insurance hoops, and gives you more flexibility to microdose at your own pace.

We’ll walk you through exactly how to access the medication and what to expect, so you feel confident every step of the way.

When you order compounded GLP-1 + GIP + B12 (tirzepatide-style peptide) through EllieMD, the cost for a 3-month supply is approximately $897 total, which includes:

  • Your telehealth consult with a licensed provider

  • Prescription approval 

  • 3 vials of compounded peptide shipped directly to you

But here’s the good news—if you’re microdosing, as we recommend in this program, those 3 vials can last well beyond 3 months. Most women start at a much lower dose than what’s prescribed for weight loss, which means:

  • Less medication used per week

  • Lower risk of side effects

  • A more gradual, sustainable approach to results

In many cases, clients find their initial 3-month supply stretches 4–6 months or more, making it not only gentler on your body, but also more affordable long term.

We’ll guide you through exactly how to dose and titrate in a way that supports your goals without rushing the process.

While both semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1-based medications that support appetite regulation and metabolic healing, tirzepatide tends to offer more benefits for many women, especially in a microdosing approach.

Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, which means it works through two metabolic pathways. It’s been shown to:

  • Burn more fat while preserving more lean muscle

  • Cause fewer side effects like nausea and fatigue when started at low doses

  • Offer more consistent blood sugar regulation and satiety

That’s why we often recommend tirzepatide (GLP 1 + GIP) as the preferred option for women in this program. However, we’ll support you in making the best decision for your body, and provide guidance whether you choose tirzepatide or semaglutide

Yes! Weight loss isn’t the only goal of this program. Many women join The Microdose Method to reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar stability, balance hormones, support gut health, and reclaim their energy even if the scale isn’t their primary focus.

GLP-1s can be used at microdoses to support metabolic healing without significant weight loss, especially when combined with strategic nutrition, strength training, and mineral support. If your goals include feeling stronger, clearer, less inflamed, and more in control of your health, this program can absolutely support you.

No—GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there hasn’t been enough research to confirm their safety during these stages. If you’re currently pregnant, or nursing, this program isn’t the right fit at this time.

However, if you're in the postpartum period and struggling with inflammation, weight retention, or energy crashes, we’d love to support you in other ways through nutrition, mineral testing, and foundational metabolic support until it’s safe to consider GLP-1s.

While we cannot prescribe (you need a well-versed licensed provider), we will guide you in the right direction, provide education and resources to help you get the support you need. We also include an HRT Providers Directory (organized by state) to reduce overwhelm in finding a prescribing provider when and if the time is right to start hormone replacement therapy. If you start HRT, we help guide you in fine-tuning your regimen (with your prescribing provider) and better advocate for yourself throughout the process.

Yes—many women with Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions have successfully used microdosed GLP-1s as part of a broader healing strategy. In fact, addressing inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, and insulin resistance (all common in autoimmune conditions) can support better thyroid function and symptom relief.

That said, we always take a whole-body approach and some may need more functional testing and more 1:1 support. Inside the Microdose Method, you’ll also get personalized support around nutrition, minerals, and gut health to help reduce autoimmune flares and improve resilience, because sustainable progress isn’t just about the medication.

Most of us are deficient in key nutrients and it’s one of the many reasons we experience bothersome symptoms! Ideally you’d get all your nutrients from food, but unfortunately, that’s not always enough. Between depleted soil, pesticides in produce, stress, restaurant food, and eating on-the-go, assume you need some nutritional support. I believe in supplementing what’s lost and/or correcting underlying imbalances. Once we review your intake form and test results, we create a customized plan, which includes supplement suggestions.

You will maintain access to the Microdose Method course content and educational materials. You will be removed from the community spaces and lose access to calls after the 10 weeks unless you continue in our monthly membership. 

Microdosing is the practice of starting GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, at a much lower dose than traditionally prescribed and gradually increasing only as needed. This gentle, strategic approach helps minimize side effects like nausea or fatigue, supports better tolerance, and allows your body to adjust while still getting the metabolic and appetite-regulating benefits. It's about working with your biology, not shocking your system.

 
 
 

still have questions? DM us on Instagram or email hello@margaretpowell.com

 

© 2025 FUELED & FREE — All rights reserved
|
Terms & Conditions
|
website credit