Menopause & Hormone Therapy: What Functional Nutrition Practitioners Want You to Know

jealsman24
Sep 23
3 min read

Last month we explored perimenopause — the transitional years when hormones start to shift. This month, we’re focusing on menopause itself — and what you can do to thrive during and after this milestone. Menopause marks a new chapter in your health journey, and understanding how to support your body now can pay off for decades to come.

What Really Happens in Menopause

By definition, menopause is 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. But under the surface, your hormones have been shifting for years:

Estrogen and progesterone drop significantly.
Metabolism, sleep, and mood can fluctuate.
Bone density and heart health become more vulnerable.

These changes aren’t “just aging” — they’re signals your body needs a different kind of care.

Why Lifestyle Still Matters

Even after your cycle stops, nutrition, stress, and gut health remain central to hormone balance. A functional approach addresses:

Digestion & absorption — supporting nutrient uptake for bones, energy, and hormones.
Detoxification pathways — essential for hormone metabolism and inflammation control.
Adrenal health — your adrenals now take over some hormone production.
Gut–brain connection — mood, sleep, and cognitive health all tie back to your gut.

Hormone Therapy: Beyond the Basics

Hormone therapy (HT) can be transformative for many women — easing hot flashes, improving sleep, supporting bone health — but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

For decades, hormone therapy has been controversial. Early studies in the 1990s (like the Women’s Health Initiative) raised concerns about increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. While these findings were widely publicized, more recent research has clarified that risks depend on the type of hormone, dose, form, timing, and individual health status. In some cases, HT may actually lower risk when started appropriately in healthy women near menopause.

The confusion has left many women afraid to consider hormone therapy, even when it might be a safe and effective option for them.

Building a Strong Foundation First

Before or during hormone therapy, focus on:

Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in protein, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Prioritizing rest & sleep to regulate cortisol and support your adrenals.
Incorporating movement — strength training, walking, and flexibility work to protect bones and boost energy.
Reducing stress with breathwork, meditation, or gentle yoga.
Supporting your gut with fiber, fermented foods (if tolerated), and probiotics.

Practical Tips for Menopause Support

Start your day with protein + healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar.
Include weight-bearing exercise to preserve muscle and bone.
Use stress-reduction rituals daily to calm your nervous system.
Check nutrient levels (vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s, B vitamins).

Ready to Go Deeper?

That’s why I created my online course:

The Informed Women’s Guide to Hormone Therapy — a step-by-step program to help you understand your options and create a plan that’s right for you.

Inside you’ll learn:

How Hormone Therapy works
Eligibility for Hormone Therapy
The Difference between Bioidentical and Conventional Hormones
Why Hormone Therapy has been controversial
The Health Benefits of BHRT
Over-The-Counter vs Prescription options for hormones
Monitoring of your hormone therapy and symptom awareness

You will also receive:

A Comprehensive Hormone Symptom Survey-to decide if hormone testing is right for you based on your current symptoms
Overview of Sex Hormones beyond Fertility
Optimal ranges for Sex Hormones
How to find a BHRT provider
Research Articles

All of this for ONLY $47

✨ Purchase the course here: https://l.bttr.to/AEFfZ

Still have questions on the course or anything menopause related, send me an email: jen@youniquebalancehc.com

Menopause isn’t the end of vitality — it’s a new chapter. By combining functional nutrition, stress management, and informed decisions about hormone therapy, you can feel stronger, more balanced, and more in control of your health than ever before.

Take the first step today: check out The Informed Women’s Guide to Hormone Therapy and get the clarity you deserve.