Hormone and Libido Care: What You Need to Know
When it comes to hormone support, there are a lot of myths still circulating. Some say hormone therapy is all bad, while others claim it’s all good. At Optim8 Health and Wellness, we know the truth lies somewhere in between. Hormone and Libido Care involves supporting your hormones through proper monitoring, self-care, and a whole-body approach to wellness.
Monitoring Matters: Test, Don’t Guess
Hormones are powerful, and imbalances can cause serious health issues. That’s why it’s critical to monitor hormone levels at least twice a year—especially if you are peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal. Some prescriptions may even require testing every three months to ensure safe and effective dosing.
For the most comprehensive picture, we recommend testing both blood and saliva—not just one or the other. Blood often needs more frequent testing than saliva, so be sure to discuss the right schedule with our team.
Hormones and Self-Care: Everything is Connected
Hormones aren’t isolated from the rest of your body—they’re part of an intricate system linked to gut health, detoxification, stress response, and more. Optimizing your hormone health starts with proper self-care, including:
- A nutrient-rich diet
- High-quality nutritional supplements
- Clean skincare routines
- Regular exercise
- Effective stress management
- Good sleep hygiene
Studies even show that women in less industrialized countries experience fewer menopausal symptoms, highlighting how lifestyle can play a big role in hormonal balance.
Nutrition Tips: What to Avoid
Certain foods and chemicals can disrupt hormone production, such as:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Cow dairy
- Peanuts
- Gluten
- Commercial fluoride
- Microplastics
- BPA in plastics
- Hormone-disrupting skincare and makeup products
Frequent consumption of these items is linked to hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain, and insomnia. Our esthetician at Optim8 Health and Wellness can help you evaluate your skincare products to ensure they are hormone-safe.
Histamines, Liver, Gut Health, and Hormones
Histamines, which can cause symptoms like temperature dysregulation, are often overlooked. They can also contribute to estrogen dominance, creating a vicious cycle. Stress, certain foods, and environmental factors can trigger histamine overflow, affecting your hormones.
Supporting your liver and gut health is essential:
- Drink dandelion or milk thistle tea
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol, added sugars, and artificial ingredients
- Focus on a clean, anti-inflammatory diet
Adrenals, Insulin, and Testosterone
Adrenal health plays a crucial role in hormone balance. Many young women with irregular periods and women misdiagnosing menopause symptoms actually suffer from adrenal and gut dysfunctions.
Keeping insulin levels stable through a healthy diet and regular exercise also promotes optimal testosterone levels, essential for overall energy and wellbeing.
Exercise and Hormones
Exercise isn’t just about fitness—it also:
- Increases blood flow
- Improves detoxification
- Enhances sleep
- Reduces stress
- Supports gut health
- Helps maintain healthy testosterone levels by preventing visceral fat accumulation
Nutrition and Supplementation
Colorful fruits and vegetables (like blueberries, blackberries, and dark leafy greens) are loaded with phytonutrients that support hormonal balance. Ask us about supplements like Tribulus, Vitex, pregnenolone, adrenal support blends, and desiccated liver to see which ones might benefit you.
Stress and Hormones
Stress affects adrenal hormones like cortisol and DHEA. Learning to release stress (not just manage it) is critical for maintaining hormonal harmony as you age. At Optim8 Health and Wellness, we can share strategies to help.
Libido: It’s More Than Just Hormones
A healthy libido depends on more than just hormone levels. It’s tied to self-esteem, relationship health, emotional wellbeing, adrenal and physical health. To boost your libido:
- Discover what excites you
- Read romance novels or erotica
- Plan enjoyable date nights
- Invest in self-care like massages, new hobbies, or beauty treatments
- Consider red light therapy for improved circulation
Ready to take control of your hormone health?
Contact Optim8 Health and Wellness today and let’s build a personalized plan for your optimal well-being!
