As estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and drift downward in perimenopause, many women notice changes they didn’t expect—more irritation, new (or recurrent) yeast infections, increased discharge, or episodes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) that feel out of nowhere. These symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and often surprising, especially for women who never struggled with vaginal health before.
At Tendwell, I’m constantly searching for the safest, cleanest, and most nourishing products—both for myself and for the people I care for. As a holistic nurse practitioner and the founder of a functional medicine practice, I only recommend items I trust, use, and genuinely love. Here are a few of my Favorite Things for 2025—from fragrance-free moisturizers to nourishing foods and simple lifestyle tools that support a healthier, calmer, more balanced everyday life.
Wondering if GLP-1 medications affect egg freezing or fertility? Tendwell Functional Medicine in Denver offers personalized fertility optimization, metabolic support, and hormone balancing to prepare your body for IVF and pregnancy.
Anyone who’s ever started a business has probably been told to define their “ideal client.” When I first launched my functional medicine practice, that concept felt foreign — even uncomfortable. I mean, I’m a people person. I like everyone. I find challenging personalities interesting. I didn’t want to exclude anyone. I’m here to help.
With all the changes our bodies experience during the menopause transition, one issue raises more questions, frustrations, and self-doubt than almost any other: the new accumulation of fat around the midsection — often called belly fat.
Discover how vagal nerve stimulation and limbic retraining calm the nervous system and support recovery from chronic illness. Learn tools like Gupta, Primal Trust & Apollo Neuro.
Recently a popular media piece (e.g., in the The New York Times “Sunday Read”-style coverage) spotlighted women receiving testosterone pellets and portrayed it in very dramatic terms. Yes, there are real benefits of testosterone (T) for women — especially in the context of perimenopause/menopause — but the “miracle cure” narrative is misleading and may gloss over important risks and proper practice.
Perimenopause is one of the most transformative stages in a woman’s life. It’s a time when hormone patterns begin to shift, the body starts to recalibrate, and symptoms can emerge that make you feel — quite simply — different than you used to.
Clean water is foundational to good health. It supports every cell, tissue, and organ, playing a central role in detoxification, hormone balance, and mitochondrial energy production. Yet, the quality of our tap water can vary widely depending on where we live, our plumbing system, and municipal treatment methods. Understanding what’s in your water and what your body needs can help you choose the best filtration system for your home—whether that’s a simple pitcher, an under-sink filter, or a whole-house purification system.
Have you been struggling with vague, persistent symptoms — brain fog, fatigue, sinus congestion, anxiety, dizziness, gut issues — and have been told, “Your labs are fine” or “It’s just stress”? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s possible that mold exposure is part of the picture.
Have you been struggling with vague, persistent symptoms — brain fog, fatigue, sinus congestion, anxiety, dizziness, gut issues — and have been told, “Your labs are fine” or “It’s just stress”? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s possible that mold exposure is part of the picture.
When we evaluate thyroid health at Tendwell, we often check for two types of thyroid antibodies: TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies. These markers help us assess whether the immune system is playing a role in thyroid dysfunction, often before symptoms even show up.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting many women, often marked by elevated androgens (like testosterone), irregular cycles, and symptoms such as hirsutism and infertility. While conventional treatments exist, many women seek natural options with fewer side effects—one of which may be as simple as sipping spearmint tea.
As summer unfolds and outdoor adventures call, it’s important to stay informed about the risks of tick bites—especially in regions like Colorado and New York, where tick-borne illnesses are increasingly common. While Lyme disease is the most well-known, many people don’t realize that ticks can carry other infections, too. Accurate testing, early awareness, and prompt action can make a big difference.
At Tendwell, we know that true wellness starts in the gut. Your digestive tract is more than just a place where food is broken down—it's home to a complex ecosystem that influences everything from your hormones to your mood, immune resilience, and even how your body clears toxins. That’s why, when patients come to us with symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, or hormone imbalances, we often start by looking closely at the gut.
At Tendwell, we believe that sustainable health comes from small, consistent changes—not quick fixes. James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits, offers a powerful framework for making lasting behavior changes, which aligns perfectly with a functional medicine approach to well-being.
Longer, fuller lashes are often associated with youth and vitality—but you don’t need prescription serums or lash extensions to get there. At Tendwell, we believe in supporting beauty from the inside out. Here’s how to naturally nourish eyelash growth while keeping your eyes healthy and irritation-free.
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.