S4 E21: Should You Test Your Hormones Before Starting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

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S4 E21: Should You Test Your Hormones Before Starting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
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If you’re in the trenches of perimenopause, you may be thinking about testing your hormones – especially if you’re considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

I’m diving into how to know if you *really* need hormone testing before starting HRT, the ‘broader picture’ that is happening within your body, key blood markers to test, how to access testing without a provider, and more.

Whether we like it or not, perimenopause IS something we’ll be navigating as women. While I don’t believe that HRT is the ‘magic bullet’ that’s going to fix all of your problems in perimenopause, it can be an effective part of your treatment plan to optimize your long-term health.

If your lab levels are ‘normal’, but you couldn’t feel further from ‘normal’, don’t allow that to be your story. Perimenopause doesn’t have to suck! 

Our 1:1 Program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol, is the program for women 35+ who want to lose weight, improve sleep, energy & mood. We take a root-cause, holistic approach that is individualized to YOUR specific needs. It’s time to revamp your hormones and build a healthy metabolism for midlife & beyond!

Episode Recap:

  • Current changes I’m experiencing in perimenopause {2:01}
  • Why there isn’t one ‘magic bullet’ that’s going to solve all of your problems in perimenopause {6:10}
  • Key bloodwork markers to test {11:23}
  • My current rec for accessing blood testing {13:46}
  • Reasons why you may want hormone replacement therapy {19:56}
  • The DUTCH test + the value of the HTMA {21:54}
  • Options for accessing HRT on your own/without your healthcare provider’s support {24:52}
  • The dynamic nature of perimenopause + why utilizing HRT is proactive for your longevity {29:54}

Links & References:

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

More About the Fueled & Free Podcast:

Hosted by Margaret Powell, a Holistic Nutritionist, The Fueled & Free Podcast is a women’s health podcast that helps you cut through the noise of the wellness world, ditch diet culture & reclaim your metabolism.

Informative and relatable wisdom + guidance for the everyday woman, we cover topics on nutrition, hormones, gut health, thyroid health, nervous system regulation tools, motherhood, and more. New episodes release every Wednesday! Connect with Margaret on Instagram @margaretannpowell or email fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com. To learn more about working with Margaret, head to https://fueledandfree.com.

Lots of Love,

At Fueled & Free Nutrition, we believe you deserve real answers about your health—not just band-aid solutions.
Whether you’re struggling with gut issues, perimenopause or menopause symptoms, low energy, or hormonal imbalances, we’re here to help you rebuild your resilience and feel like yourself again. Let’s uncover what’s really going on so you can finally move forward with confidence and ease.

Hey, I'm Margaret

I'm a Certified Holistic Nutritionist + Holistic Health Coach, Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and owner of an integrative virtual wellness clinic that has helped hundreds of women on their journey to optimal health.

I know from my own personal health journey that it's possible to reclaim my body after years of struggling. I was confused and overwhelmed, dismissed by health providers who didn't take the time to understand the "why" behind my symptoms. Then I discovered Functional Nutrition and worked through the process of unraveling the root causes behind my struggles, everything changed.

Now I'm here to help you do the same!

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