The other day I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Forever Fit, where host Carol Covino was interviewing Dr. Nayan Patel, a pharmacologist and hormone expert. They were discussing one of my hot topics: menopause hormone replacement therapy (MHRT) and midlife wellness.
Carol asked a question many of us wonder about: When is the right time to start hormones? And more importantly, can hormones actually improve our physical, mental, and emotional health?
Dr. Patel’s response was eye-opening. He explained that hormone replacement therapy doesn’t fix everything. Yes, it can support our diminishing hormones and give us the clarity and energy to make better decisions for our health. But in reality, it’s only about a 10% fix.
The other 90%? That’s lifestyle.
Our daily choices—the food we eat, the movement we choose, the way we manage stress, and the habits we create (and the ones we let go of)—play the biggest role in how we feel through midlife and beyond. These are the true lifestyle changes for menopause that can help us thrive.
This wasn’t a new concept to me—but it was a great reminder. We often want a magic pill, a quick solution to “fix” us. But in truth, we’re the ones who hold the power to change.
The Illusion of the Quick Fix
Think about the weight-loss drugs that are everywhere right now. The pounds melt away, yes—but when the prescription ends and no new habits have been built, the weight often comes right back, sometimes with extra.
Why? Because the lifestyle shift never happened.
And the same is true for menopause hormone therapy. It can be a helpful support, but without the foundation of healthy habits during perimenopause and menopause, it won’t get us all the way to where we want to be.
“Harmony Cannot Be Tested”
Another point from the episode really struck me. Dr. Patel explained that hormone testing isn’t as simple as drawing blood, urine, or saliva. Those tests are only snapshots in time—they can give us an idea of what’s happening in that exact moment, but they can’t tell us if our hormones are cycling in true harmony. This highlights some of the hormone testing limitations women face when trying to get answers.
And then he said something that gave me chills:
“Harmony cannot be tested. It can only be felt.”
Yes! This is exactly what I’ve been saying about advocating for ourselves. Too often we go to the doctor, explain our symptoms, get tests run, and then we’re told everything is “normal.” Sometimes we’re even handed antidepressants and sent on our way.
But we know our bodies. We know when we’re not in harmony. This is where advocating for your health in midlife is essential..
My Reflection
This episode was a powerful reminder that while science and medicine can offer tools like menopause hormone replacement therapy, we cannot outsource our well-being. The biggest transformation comes when we begin to pay attention to ourselves, to trust what we feel, and to create daily habits that nourish both body and mind.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about listening, adjusting, and empowering ourselves—step by step—to feel stronger, healthier, and more balanced. These are the foundations of menopause health and wellness that carry us into the next stage of life with vitality.
A Call to Action
If this resonates with you, you are not alone. These are exactly the kinds of conversations and insights we dive into during my Empowered Midlife Method workshops.
If you missed yesterday’s Online Workshop, don’t worry—there will be another opportunity coming soon!
✨ Stay tuned for October’s workshop, which will be held during National Menopause Month and the Illinois Menopause Awareness Week, October 12–18—leading up to World Menopause Day on October 18.
It will be a powerful time to come together, share, learn, and support each other in this journey through midlife.
Because remember: harmony can’t be tested—it can only be felt. And you deserve to feel it.