Hormone Health Guide: Perimenopause, TRT, and B12 Made Simple

What Are The Core Areas of Hormone Health?

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the years leading up to the final menstrual period. Estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate from month to month, which explains why symptoms may come and go. Hot flashes, night sweats, heavier or lighter periods, mood changes, and sleep disruption are common. Blood sugar swings can worsen vasomotor symptoms, so metabolic support matters.

Holistically Rx blends lifestyle coaching with targeted therapies. We may use nutrition that stabilizes glucose, strength training to preserve bone and lean mass, and stress reduction for cortisol balance. For some patients, evidence based options such as bioidentical hormones or non hormone medications are discussed.

We also consider supportive tools like Continuous Glucose Monitoring to fine tune nutrition in real time.

Testosterone

Testosterone supports energy, mood, cognitive focus, muscle maintenance, and sexual health in both men and women. Levels can decline with aging, chronic stress, poor sleep, and metabolic issues. Women can experience symptoms of low T such as reduced libido, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance, especially in the perimenopausal window.

Holistically Rx provides online testosterone therapy when appropriate, including online TRT pathways for men and carefully tailored TRT in women when clinically indicated. Care begins with labs, a detailed history, and discussion of goals and risks. If therapy is started, dosing is individualized with regular follow up.

A common question is does TRT make you infertile. Testosterone can suppress sperm production in men while on therapy. Fertility often recovers after therapy stops, but timelines vary. Alternatives that preserve fertility may be considered when growing a family is a near term goal.

B12 and NAD+

Vitamin B12 is not a hormone, yet it is essential for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Low B12 can look like hormonal fatigue. Symptoms may include weakness, tingling, balance changes, and memory lapses. Contributors include low intake, reduced absorption, certain medications, and gut conditions. Testing is simple. Treatment may involve oral forms or B12 injection support, combined with nutrition and gut care.

NAD+ is a coenzyme used in cellular energy pathways and repair. Patients explore NAD+ IV therapy or intramuscular options to support recovery, mental clarity, and stamina. Mild NAD injection side effects can include flushing or nausea, especially with rapid infusions, which is why dosing and rate are personalized by your clinician.

How Do Hormones Affect Metabolism, Appetite, and Weight?

Hormones act like traffic signals for energy use and storage. Insulin moves glucose into cells and, when chronically high, encourages fat storage and slows fat release. Thyroid hormones set your metabolic pace, so low T3 or T4 can reduce calorie burn and make you feel cold, tired, and foggy. Cortisol helps you respond to stress but frequent spikes raise blood sugar, increase cravings, and shift fat toward the abdomen. Sex hormones matter too. Lower estrogen in perimenopause changes how your body uses carbohydrates and can increase central weight gain. Lower testosterone in men and women reduces lean mass, which lowers resting metabolic rate.

Appetite is guided by leptin and ghrelin. Leptin signals fullness from fat tissue, while ghrelin rises before meals to stimulate hunger. Poor sleep, ultra-processed foods, and chronic stress can blunt leptin’s signal and amplify ghrelin, so you feel less satisfied and more snack-prone. Nutrient status plays a role as well. B12 depletion may sap energy and motivation for activity, while low protein and fiber intake make appetite harder to manage.

At Holistically Rx we combine measurement with coaching so you can see what drives your patterns. Continuous Glucose Monitoring shows how meals, movement, and sleep affect your blood sugar. Strength training, protein-anchored meals, and smart carbohydrate timing rebuild insulin sensitivity. For selected patients, GLP-1 therapies, metformin, or TRT can be layered into a plan that remains nutrition-first and behavior-based.

Simple habits that act as natural appetite reducers and metabolic helpers include:

• Protein at each meal with at least one high-fiber plant
• Hydration before meals and steady electrolytes
• Resistance training two to four times per week
• Consistent sleep and a wind-down routine
• Mindful eating that slows meal pace and improves fullness cues

The goal is not a quick fix. It is a sustainable plan that restores hormonal signals, protects lean mass, and keeps blood sugar steady so weight loss is achievable and maintainable.

How An Integrative Care Plan Comes Together

Every patient is different, so our integrative care plans are personalized. A typical path includes:

• Labs that evaluate hormones, nutrients, metabolic markers, and inflammation
• A medication and supplement review to spot interactions or blockers
• Food, movement, sleep, and stress strategies that match your lifestyle
• Targeted therapies when needed, such as online TRT, B12 replenishment, or glucose monitoring
• Clear goals and a check in schedule that keeps you moving forward
• This framework aligns with our mission to deliver functional medicine telehealth that is accessible, evidence informed, and compassionate.

Why Patients Choose Holistically Rx

Our care is on demand, patient centered, affordable, and focused on outcomes. You get access to licensed medical professionals online seven days a week.

Pricing is transparent. Plans are practical and aligned with your life. We combine proven medical therapies with holistic strategies so you can feel better, live stronger, and reach your goals with confidence.

Start Your Hormone Health Journey

If you suspect hormone imbalance, you do not have to guess. Connect with a Holistically Rx clinician and get a personalized plan that supports your metabolism, mood, sleep, and long term vitality.