Most women don't enter perimenopause and menopause with clarity; they enter it with fear. That's because so much of what you've been told about hormones comes from outdated education, scary anecdotes, or someone else's terrible experience. Hormones are framed as a burden, bad experiences are treated like inevitabilities, and hormone therapy is framed as risky, confusing, or something you only try when you're desperate. Even perimenopause itself is misunderstood; not as a nuanced hormonal transition, but as a chaotic, mysterious stage women are expected to simply "get through." That's why this conversation with Dr. Carrie Jones matters. She's one of the most trusted experts in hormones and women's health. The truth about hormones is that everything varies: the type, the dose, the delivery method, the timing, the testing, and even the way your body metabolizes them. There is no universal starting point. There is no standard dose, and there is no one "best" hormone. Yet millions of women today are trying to crowdsource hormone therapy from social media comment sections, which is a bad idea. Hormone replacement therapy, when done correctly, is far more flexible, safe, and effective than most women have been led to believe. Feeling terrible is not the default. Feeling dismissed is not the expectation. And feeling confused is not a requirement of this stage of life. So how does DIM, one of the most popular supplements online make menopausal symptoms dramatically worse? What kind of testing actually helps you understand where your hormones are going, not just what your levels are? In this episode, we talk about what women are rarely told about hormones, and why personalization, metabolism, and timing shape everything about the HRT experience. We break down the most confusing topics in the hormone world, from progesterone sensitivity to the myth of "normal labs," to why the route you choose matters just as much as the hormone itself. Things You'll Learn In This Episode The truth about perimenopause Women are told perimenopause is unpredictable and beyond their control. What's really happening, and what can you do to feel more grounded, comfortable, and supported through it? Progesterone sensitivity isn't random Nutrient levels, liver function, metabolites, and even the ingredients inside your capsule can completely change your experience. Why does progesterone feel amazing for some women and unbearable for others? The route of hormone therapy matters How do you choose hormone therapy that fits your body and your real life instead of trying to force something that fights against it? Hormone testing isn't about a single lab value Standard labs miss the daily fluctuations that explain your symptoms. What can pattern-based or cycle-mapping tests reveal that a one-day blood draw simply can't? PS. If you enjoy the show, remember to leave a review on your favorite podcast app! Reviews help the podcast reach a wider audience and help more people. About the Guest Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP, is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the "Queen of Hormones," Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health (MPH), was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health, and was on Under Armour's Human Performance Council. She serves as a consultant and educator for several women's health and lab-focused companies. Dr. Jones co-hosted the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads, and now hosts her own Hello Hormones podcast. She is the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations. To learn more, go to https://www.drcarriejones.com/. Follow @dr.carriejones on Instagram, subscribe to her YouTube channel, and listen to Hello Hormones on your podcast platform of choice. About Your Host Steve Hoffart is an award-winning pharmacist, entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster. As the visionary founder of Magnolia Pharmacy, Steve saw a need for a more personal pharmacy that could make a bigger impact. Today, Steve and his team of experts deliver on that promise, working with patients and their physicians to solve medication problems and offer personalized solutions to achieve better health and wellness. As host of The Trusted Pharmacist podcast and through his combined reach of over 250,000 on social media, Steve shares actionable advice on nutrition, supplements, and wellness strategies while advocating for meaningful change in healthcare. Follow the Podcast Follow the Trusted Pharmacist on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you get the latest episodes! If the show has been helpful, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts —or simply tell a friend about the show. Each time you share the show, you are potentially changing someone's life!
