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6 Things Every Woman Should Know About Hormone Health, From An OB-GYN

Author:

Jason Wachob

September 22, 2024

mbg Founder & Co-CEO

By Jason Wachob

mbg Founder & Co-CEO

Jason Wachob is the Founder and Co-CEO of mindbodygreen and the author of Wellth.

September 22, 2024

Many women enter menopause without the support or information they need to feel empowered. That’s why it’s important to open up the long-overlooked conversation around menopause—like in today’s episode of the mindbodygreen podcast made in partnership with OLLY Mellow Menopause. Expertly formulated by women, this supplement is made with a clinically studied dose of EstroG-100® for multi-symptom support, targeting vaginal dryness, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping—and even occasional mood swings*. It also uses GABA to support mental calm and relaxation*.

Navigating hormone health can feel like solving a mystery, especially when the medical world hasn’t always prioritized studying women’s bodies. But thanks to experts like Kiarra King, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and sought-after media expert in the women’s health and wellness space, we’re starting to gain more knowledge about women’s health.

In the recent mindbodygreen podcast, King breaks down everything you should know about your hormones—whether you’re thinking about fertility, dealing with PMS, or preparing for menopause. Our recent conversation explores what’s really going on with your body and how you can become your own health advocate.

The medical world has a lot of catching up to do

It’s no secret: the medical establishment hasn’t always been great at studying women’s hormones. For way too long, research focused primarily on men, leaving us with a huge gap in understanding how women’s hormones work. Yet, we know hormones affect nearly every aspect of our lives—mood, skin, energy, and so much more. So why have they been overlooked for so long?

King believes it’s time to change that narrative. She stresses the importance of getting better data about how women’s hormones change throughout different life stages—whether that’s puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. And the key takeaway: the earlier you learn about how hormones affect your body, the more empowered you’ll be to navigate these changes when they come.

Life transitions are totally normal (but they’re not always easy)

Every woman’s hormones fluctuate, and the changes you go through from your 20s to your 50s and beyond are natural. But without enough information, it can feel confusing to figure out what’s normal and what’s not. King says women often feel lost, thinking, "Is this supposed to be happening?" But it’s all about education—and the sooner you get clued in, the better.

Take periods, for example. You might assume your cycle should be the same every month, but in reality, it can vary, and that’s okay! However, if something feels way off, like abnormally heavy bleeding or unbearable cramps, that’s when you should check in with your doctor. Understanding your own baseline and learning to spot what’s normal for you is key to managing these changes.

Educate yourself and advocate for yourself

One of King’s mantras is “education is empowerment.” She believes that the more you know about your hormones, the better you can advocate for your own health. Yet, how many times have you been at a doctor’s appointment and felt embarrassed to ask questions? Or, maybe you’ve even apologized for bringing something up.

King’s advice? Stop apologizing and start speaking up! "You have a voice, use it. This is your body, and you get one life," she says. Whether it’s about your period, birth control, or menopause, asking questions is your right. Preparing a list of questions before your appointment and bringing a friend for moral support can go a long way. King also emphasizes the importance of finding a doctor you trust—someone who listens and makes you feel heard. And if you don’t feel like your doctor is the best fit for you? It’s totally okay to find someone else. Building a solid relationship with your healthcare provider should feel like a team effort.

What’s normal vs. what’s not—and how to know the difference

Many women have been there, wondering, “Is this normal?” regarding hormone changes. King explains that it's not just about lab results—it’s about how you feel. Whether you’re dealing with heavy periods, PMS, or hot flashes, it’s essential to recognize what’s typical for your body and what might need some extra attention.

When it comes to menopause, King defines it simply: one year without a period, usually around age 51. You don’t need a lab test to tell you if you’re in menopause—your symptoms and age will give you the answers. And don’t be afraid to talk to the women in your family about their experience with menopause—it can give you valuable insight into your own timeline!

Fertility: The biological clock is real (but don’t worry!)

We’ve all heard about the biological clock, but King explains the science behind it. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and over time, both the quantity and quality of those eggs start to decline. But here’s the good news: there are tons of options out there if you’re thinking about having kids down the line.

King stresses the importance of realistic conversations around fertility. If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it might be time to see a fertility specialist. And don’t forget—men account for about 30% of fertility issues, so they should be tested, too. It’s not just a “woman’s problem.” Whether it’s egg freezing, IVF, or sperm donation, there are so many options for couples who need a little help conceiving. And again, it all comes down to education—knowing your options helps you make informed decisions.

Wearables and hormones

If you’re obsessed with your fitness tracker or sleep app, good news: you can track your hormone health, too. From basal body temperature tracking to period apps, technology is making it easier than ever to stay informed about what’s going on in your body. And in the future? King predicts that wearables might even be able to sync with lab data to give us an even clearer picture of our hormonal health.

But for now, using these tools to monitor symptoms can help you stay on top of your hormone health, whether you’re tracking your period or navigating menopause. Plus, the data can be helpful when you’re talking with your doctor about how you’re feeling—and what you can do to feel even better.

The takeaway

At the end of the day, education is everything when it comes to your hormone health. The more you know, the better you can navigate everything from birth control to menopause. King’s message is clear: advocate for yourself, ask the hard questions, and never be afraid to speak up. You’ve got one body and one life—so make it count!

For a deeper dive into women's hormone health, life transitions, and Kiarra King, M.D.'s expert insights, check out the full episode. You can listen on Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.