For many women, perimenopause and menopause are more than just hot flashes and irregular cycles. They can also be a time of intense emotional change—mood swings, anxiety, depression, brain fog, or just feeling “off.” Many women share with me that they feel “overwhelmed” despite experiencing the same levels of stress they have in the past. These women, do not feel like themselves.
For many women, perimenopause and menopause are more than just hot flashes and irregular cycles. They can also be a time of intense emotional change—mood swings, anxiety, depression, brain fog, or just feeling “off.” Many women share with me that they feel “overwhelmed” despite experiencing the same levels of stress they have in the past. These women, do not feel like themselves.
In functional medicine, we often say, “All health begins in the gut.” This is especially true when it comes to autoimmune conditions. Whether you're dealing with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, there’s a common theme: immune dysregulation—and often, gut dysfunction lies at the root.
As women move through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes—especially the drop in estrogen—can impact everything from metabolism and muscle mass to mood and motivation. One of the most powerful tools we have to counter these effects is Sprint Interval Training (SIT): short, intense bursts of effort followed by recovery.
If you're experiencing water retention while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you're not alone. Mild fluid shifts are a common and often temporary side effect, particularly when starting or adjusting estrogen-containing formulations. At Tendwell, we support a thoughtful, individualized approach to optimizing your hormonal balance while minimizing side effects.
If you're low in iron or have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, you might assume that taking a daily iron supplement is the best way to rebuild your levels. Surprisingly, research now shows that taking iron supplements every other day — instead of daily — can actually lead to better absorption and fewer digestive side effects.
Seaweed is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with iodine, minerals, and antioxidants. However, like all plants from the ocean, seaweed can absorb heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury from the water in which it grows. Understanding the risks and how to choose safe seaweed is essential for anyone incorporating it into their diet.
It usually starts with a vague sense that something’s off. Fatigue that’s not your normal fatigue. Joint stiffness. Brain fog. Maybe a rash or some odd symptoms that come and go. You finally push for labs — and then comes the result that gets your attention: a positive ANA.
Recently, I spoke with a woman who was looking for a new hormone-savvy provider. As we began talking, I couldn’t help but notice her voice—low, gravelly, with a sort of sexy smoker’s rasp. But as she shared more of her hormone history, I began to suspect there was something else going on: unintentional vocal deepening, likely due to testosterone pellets.
Your annual check-up shouldn’t just be a quick “how are you feeling?” followed by a cursory glance at your labs. At Tendwell, we see your yearly visit as a powerful opportunity to dig deeper, ask smarter questions, and get ahead of any health issues before they become problems. Here’s how to make the most of your annual visit—functional medicine style—plus a list of smart labs and tests to consider asking for.
At Tendwell, we’re always looking to uncover the why behind symptoms—not just put a Band-Aid on them. One of the most powerful tools we use to do that is comprehensive stool testing. One of our favorite tests is the Gut Zoomer 3.0 from Vibrant Wellness because it gives us a detailed window into what's happening in the gut, far beyond what standard tests can tell us.
At Tendwell, we’re always on the lookout for promising, evidence-based supplements that support cellular and metabolic health. One that’s been gaining attention lately is Fatty15, a supplement made from C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid)—an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that some are calling a game-changer for healthy aging and mitochondrial function.
Metabolic health is the foundation of overall well-being, influencing energy levels, weight, mood, and even longevity. From a functional medicine perspective, achieving optimal metabolism goes beyond just counting calories or exercising more—it requires addressing underlying imbalances that can sabotage the body's ability to maintain a healthy weight and energy balance. Two critical yet often overlooked factors in metabolic health are toxins and weight loss resistance and gut health and the microbiome.
Have you ever felt drained by trying to control how others perceive you, respond to you, or behave around you? Mel Robbins' new book, The Let Them Theory, offers a simple yet transformative mindset shift: instead of worrying about what others do, just let them.
Seaweed is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with iodine, minerals, and antioxidants. However, like all plants from the ocean, seaweed can absorb heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury from the water in which it grows. Understanding the risks and how to choose safe seaweed is essential for anyone incorporating it into their diet.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet many standard cholesterol tests miss critical markers that help assess true risk. Traditional testing often focuses on total cholesterol and LDL levels, but functional medicine takes a deeper, more individualized approach to cardiovascular health.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be life-changing for women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, it’s essential to understand the associated risks, particularly regarding cancer.
1 in 7 people have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid issues are especially common in women. In functional medicine, we take a holistic approach to working with thyroid concerns.
It is essential to understand the physiological and neurological foundations of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to better support patients during seasonal transitions. This article provides an overview of SAD and explores the critical role neurotransmitters, melatonin, and cortisol play in its manifestation. With this understanding, clinicians can implement targeted, evidence-based interventions.
As a functional medicine clinician, I often have mold toxicity on my mind when consulting with clients. Mold exposure is more common than many people realize, and its effects on the body can be far-reaching. If you’ve been feeling unwell with unexplained symptoms, mold could be a hidden culprit.