I’m seeing cookie cutter protocols that you can “super size” based on your symptoms and I’m horrified.  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a powerful tool—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sadly, in the U.S., medicines are being handed out like a fast food order: high doses, quick fixes, and very little personalization. I believe in micro-dosing and mimicking your body’s natural hormone rhythms—not overwhelming it with more than it knows what to do with. Whether you’re navigating peri-menopause, menopause, or andropause, here’s what you should know:🌿 Herbal Support Options:Wild Yam Cream – gentle support for peri-menopause.Maca (Femmenessence) – 3-stage support for hormone balance using Maca – great if you’re wanting to support your body’s natural hormone making process naturally.Estrogen-Supporting Herbs – Black cohosh, sage, hops, licorice root, motherwort.Progesterone-Supporting Herbs/Oils – Evening primrose, chasteberry.Seed Cycling – Nutrient-rich hormone support from real food fats (I love @BeeyaWellness).💊 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BioHRT):Estradiol Patches – Start low (0.025 mg) and adjust as needed – yes you can cut patches in 1/2 to micro-dose. Try different brands—absorption and adhesive comfort vary!Custom Compounding – Troches, drops, creams, or vaginal suppositories using safer bases like anhydrous Versabase or ones that have maximal absorption like regular Versavase or Mucolox.Progesterone – Prometrium is bioidentical but contains peanut oil + titanium dioxide if you get it from a regular pharmacy. Compound it if you want cleaner ingredients. Men can benefit from micro-dosing. Found you had puffiness + acne from progesterone? You don’t have to do the standard 100 or 200 mg, you can compound much smaller dosages and have it make in capsules, creams or drops. Estriol – Great for vaginal or facial tissue support. Avoid the phthalates in conventional versions.  Cream is best here. DHEA – Supports libido, energy, and hormone precursors. Available in cream or capsules.  Men do well with this as do women. DHEA can be found in vaginal creams paired with estriol for maximal vaginal tissue repair and health. Testosterone – For severe fatigue, but dose carefully (can cause acne or hair loss if overdone). Drops, injections, creams and troches are ways to take this one. Pregnenolone – The hormone “mother molecule.” Ideal for adrenal fatigue or anyone over 70 under chronic stress. Men and women benefit big time from this one and a little goes a long way. You can compound this + DHEA in capsules. Histamine balancers – it’s not uncommon for women to experience hormone sensitivity and struggle to tolerate hormones. Sometimes a little anti-histamines can help out. Neurotransmitter balancers – it’s not uncommon to need a little Serotonin boost if you’re feeling down/apathetic, Dopamine if you’re lacking motivation and possibly acetylcholine if the brain just isn’t firing on all cylinders. These are game changers to add to a hormone protocol. 🧪 Hormone Testing:Mira Monitor – Tracks hormones through the urine in real time (marketed for fertility tracking but bonus function for hormone testing – especially in Peri-menopause).Saliva Testing (ZRT Lab) – Best for monitoring topical hormones.Blood Hormone Testing – best for oral hormones & injectables.DUTCH Test – An in-depth look at hormone metabolism using urine.Your hormone journey is unique. Don’t settle for cookie-cutter care. I’ve seen women feel amazing with the right plan—and totally wrecked on a mismatched one. Let’s work smarter, not stronger. Your body deserves a personalized roadmap. Here’s to sleuthing out your own HRT protocol, Dr. JPS: Want a guide with this info – click the link below for it.  
Dr. J’s HRT guide

Jannine Krause

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