Let’s talk about something most women over 40 are dealing with (or about to):
Perimenopause.
Not the TikTok version. Not the vague, brushed-off version your regular doctor barely explains.
I’m talking about the real-life, wtf-is-happening-to-my-body version that sneaks in like a quiet thief and starts messing with your sleep, your mood, your weight, your sex drive, your patience—and your sense of self.
That was me at 47.
I’ve always been a high-energy person. I lift weights. I eat clean. I’ve been doing labs and tracking my hormones since my early 40s, like many female athletes do.
So when things started to feel… off? I knew exactly what it was.
And I didn’t waste time with traditional doctors.
Here’s What I Noticed First🚩
- Waking up every 2 hours (I had always been a solid 8-9 hour sleeper)
- Short burst of night sweats that passed—but were annoying as hell
- Mood swings (that didn’t make sense given how well I was eating and training)
- And the big one: I wasn’t dropping weight like I used to. Fluid retention, back fat (YUCK), lower belly holding on for dear life—fun!
And if I’m being really honest… I still cringe a little when I look at the photos from my anniversary party that year—the one time I actually got to wear a white wedding dress. I catch myself zooming in on the back fat spilling over my corset, the way my gut was pushing through. It’s not something I’m proud to admit, but I’m human. I have my moments of vanity and insecurity too.
Now, listen—I had mild symptoms compared to what some women deal with. But as a seasoned athlete, I could feel even the smallest shifts.
That body awareness helped me catch things early.
And my labs confirmed it: estrogen down, progesterone off, testosterone dipping.
Why You Can’t Trust Just Any Lab Work 🧪
Here’s what most women don’t know:
Your regular doctor might run basic labs, but it won’t be enough. And more importantly—they’re not trained to read those labs for what’s actually optimal.
A lot of the time, they’re comparing your numbers to “normal ranges”… which means the average sedentary, inflamed, undernourished American woman.
If you want to feel great, you need someone who specializes in hormone health, longevity, and women’s bodies in midlife.
That’s why I work with a hormone specialist who services all 50 states virtually.
(If you want their info, just DM or email me—I’m happy to share.)
The best part?
Flat rate.
Covers your blood draw, lab work, virtual visit, and supplement or HRT recommendations—based on you, not some outdated bell curve.
Let’s Talk About HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
First off: No—I’m not a hormone expert.
But I am someone who takes her health seriously and does her homework.
So I’ll say this:
Don’t be afraid of HRT.
The newer research is actually in favor of hormone support for most women past 45, especially when it comes to testosterone—which supports muscle, libido, brain health, and energy.
And no, ladies, you’re not going to start growing a beard. 😂
You will not be taking anything close to a man’s dose.
That’s not how real HRT works. (Unless you’re intentionally trying to masculinize yourself—which is a whole other conversation I don’t see myself writing about… but never say never.)
What Changed for Me?
Within weeks of starting a customized HRT protocol:
- I was sleeping deeper
- Strength in the gym came back
- My mood leveled out
- And—let’s keep it real—my libido got a reboot I didn’t even know I needed.
(Yes. It’s that good.)
And guess what?
I realized a LOT of the women I admire—those over 45 who seem to have boundless energy, glowing skin, and confidence—are on some form of HRT too.
They just don’t talk about it. But I will.
Because you deserve to know what’s available to you.
A Few More Things I Want You To Know
- I suggest you get labs done at least twice a year, so you can monitor your own normal
- High or low markers don’t always mean “bad”—context is everything
- Symptoms might creep up slowly, but they can hit fast if you’re not paying attention
- Even small hormonal dips can shift everything from energy to body comp
Final Thoughts
This is about more than vanity.
It’s about VITALITY.
It’s about not settling for feeling meh just because you’re over 40.
We have more tools now than ever. And I’ll keep sharing what I find—because I want to live this second half of life with more energy, power, and joy than I had in my first.
If you want to see a sample of my lab work, DM me.
If you want my doctor’s info, just ask.
No gatekeeping here.
Let’s feel amazing together—on purpose.
xo,
Jessica
