Thriving through Midlife, Perimenopause and Menopause Blog

Troubleshooting Hormone Therapy: Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better

Troubleshooting Hormone Therapy: Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better

Troubleshooting Hormone Therapy: Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel BetterDr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 01/03/2026

Understanding the early turbulence of hormone therapy and how expert care makes sense of it.

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Bioidentical Hormones: What They Are, What They’re Not, and Why It Matters

Bioidentical Hormones: What They Are, What They’re Not, and Why It Matters

Bioidentical Hormones: What They Are, What They’re Not, and Why It MattersDr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 21/10/2025

Confused about bioidentical hormones? Learn the difference between FDA-approved and compounded hormones, what “bioidentical” really means, and how to make safe, informed choices.

perimenopausemenopausemidlife healthwomens healthbioidenticalhormone therapyestradiolprogesteronetestosterone
Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Patients and Providers Need to Know

Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Patients and Providers Need to Know

Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Patients and Providers Need to KnowDr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 17/06/2025

Can breast cancer survivors use hormone therapy? The latest Menopause Society guidance explores when it's appropriate, what risks matter, and how to prioritize quality of life after cancer.

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Is This Perimenopause or Just Stress?

Is This Perimenopause or Just Stress?

Is This Perimenopause or Just Stress?Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 29/04/2025

If you’re over 35 and feeling tired, moody, anxious, forgetful, or like your body has changed without warning… you might be wondering: Is this just stress? Or could it be perimenopause?

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How Long Does Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

How Long Does Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

How Long Does Hormone Therapy Take to Work?Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 25/04/2025

You start hormone therapy and hope for relief—but when will it kick in? Is it working? Should it feel different by now? These are some of the most common (and valid!) questions I get from patients. So let’s break it down clearly and realistically.

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What Every Woman Deserves to Know About Midlife Health

What Every Woman Deserves to Know About Midlife Health

What Every Woman Deserves to Know About Midlife HealthDr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Published on: 25/04/2025

Midlife health isn't just about managing menopause symptoms. It's about redefining what health looks like for women ages 35 to 55 and beyond. Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis, and it’s time healthcare treated it that way

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