Hormones
Hormone therapy, hormonal imbalances, and endocrine health.
Mirena IUD
I have been using the Mirena IUD for over 30 days, and have experienced spotting and bleeding for the duration. However, it has helped A LOT with the hormonal fluctuations I have experienced without the IUD. Does anyone have experience or tried Mirena for longer? I've also heard it has reduced perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Has anyone experienced that?
Birth control and your hormones — making an informed choice
Birth control is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for women, but the conversation around it rarely includes a full picture of how it affects your hormonal ecosystem. Hormonal birth control works by suppressing your natural hormone production and replacing it with synthetic versions. This can be genuinely helpful — for managing endo, PCOS, heavy periods, or preventing pregnancy. But it can also cause side effects that some people find significant: mood changes, decreased libido, nutrient depletion, or masking of underlying conditions. This isn't anti-birth-control — it's pro-informed-choice. Understanding what's happening in your body helps you make decisions that align with your needs and values. What's been your experience with hormonal birth control? Is there something you wish you'd known earlier?
Thyroid issues and women — the most underdiagnosed condition?
Thyroid dysfunction affects women 5-8 times more often than men, yet it's frequently underdiagnosed or undertreated. Symptoms overlap with so many other conditions — fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, mood issues, cycle irregularities — that it often gets missed. One common gap: many providers only test TSH. But you can have a "normal" TSH and still have thyroid issues. A complete panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies) gives a much fuller picture. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and requires antibody testing to diagnose. If you've been told your thyroid is "fine" but still feel off, it might be worth requesting the full panel. Have you dealt with thyroid issues? What was your path to diagnosis?
Understanding your hormone panel — what to test and when
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, getting the right tests at the right time in your cycle matters. A random blood draw can miss important patterns. Key tests to discuss with your provider: estradiol, progesterone (ideally tested 7 days post-ovulation, not randomly), FSH, LH, testosterone (total and free), DHEA-S, thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, plus antibodies), fasting insulin, and cortisol. Timing matters: estradiol and FSH are often checked on day 3 of your cycle. Progesterone is most informative mid-luteal phase (around day 21 in a 28-day cycle). Testing at the wrong time can give misleading results. Have you had hormone testing done? Were you surprised by the results, or did they confirm what you suspected?