Ageless Hormone Optimization
Ageless Hormone Optimization
Helping you Look and Feel your Best!
Through this program, we want to empower middle-aged adults to take control of their aging with lifestyle, hormone balance, and prescriptions when appropriate.
Why is Hormone Balance Important?
Hormone imbalance and aging can significantly impact your quality of life. Here’s how hormone imbalances can affect your wellness:
1. Skin & Hair Changes
Declines in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to thinner skin, less collagen production, and reduced skin elasticity. Lower testosterone levels in men can lead to hair thinning or loss. Excess estrogen or testosterone in peri-menopause can lead to acne.
2. Bone Density Reduction
Lower levels of estrogen and testosterone can lead to reduced bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Muscle Mass Decline
Growth hormone and testosterone play important roles in maintaining muscle mass. A decrease in these hormones with age can lead to the age-related loss of muscle tissue.
4. Metabolic Changes
A decline in hormones like thyroid hormones or insulin sensitivity can result in slowed metabolism, weight gain, and an increased risk of metabolic syndromes. These conditions accelerate inflammation and aging.
5. Memory & Cognitive Effects
Imbalances in hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones might impact memory, weight distribution, and cognitive functions.
6. Mood & Mental Health
Fluctuations in hormones, especially during events like menopause or andropause, can influence mood, leading to conditions like depression or anxiety.
7. Cardiovascular Effects
Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, with estrogen having a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
Our Approach
We focus on a functional medicine approach for both middle-aged women and men, addressing the root cause of inflammation behind aging and weight gain.
Our program includes:
- Evaluation of hormone panels to identify imbalances or deficiencies
- Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and pharmaceutical-grade supplements if clinically indicated
- Evidence-based anti-aging options such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, Topical treatments, peptides, exosomes, supplements, and other innovative technologies
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of your personalized treatment plan
Your Program Journey
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Complete our comprehensive Ageless Hormone Optimization Questionnaire to help us determine your concerns, risks, and health goals.
Step 2: Ageless Consultation
- In-person or virtual consultation
- Review of your questionnaire responses
- Physical assessment (for in-person visits) including:
- Blood pressure
- Height and weight/BMI
- Waist to hip circumference ratio (if needed)
- Recommendations for:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Supplements
- Lab work
- DUTCH test
- Prescriptions if appropriate
Cost: $249.99 plus GST (1-2 hour appointment)
Testing Options
Blood Work: Comprehensive baseline testing including hormones, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and more.
DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones): The DUTCH test provides a detailed analysis of hormone levels and their metabolites through dried urine samples. This advanced testing is particularly valuable for women considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as it reveals:
- How your body metabolizes hormones
- Your natural hormone production patterns throughout the day
- Stress hormone levels and patterns
- Markers for inflammation and oxidative stress
This comprehensive information helps us create a more precise and personalized hormone optimization plan.
Cost: $699.99 plus GST
Coming Soon: Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis toxicity test
Ongoing Support
Program Monitoring:
- 15-minute virtual appointments every 3 months for the first 6 months
- After stability is achieved, appointments shift to every 6 months
- Cost: $79.99 plus GST per monitoring session
- Additional required tests may incur extra charges
I cannot say enough about the life-changing care I’ve received from Michelle at DermNurse! As a woman living with MS, I’ve struggled for years with imbalanced hormones, which left me feeling fatigued, moody, and out of sync with my body.
After countless appointments with other providers, I finally found Michelle, and it has been a complete game-changer.
From the moment I walked into DermNurse, I felt heard and cared for. Michelle’s approach to hormone optimization is so thorough and compassionate. She took the time to truly understand my unique health challenges and created a personalized treatment plan that has completely turned my life around.
Since starting my treatments, I feel more energized, balanced, and in control of my health than I have in years.
Michelle’s expertise, kindness, and genuine dedication to her clients shine through in everything she does.
If you’re struggling with hormone issues or just looking for someone who truly cares about your well-being, I highly recommend DermNurse. Thank you, Michelle, for giving me my life back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms vary, but common early signs include irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido.
It can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years before menopause. Some women experience mild symptoms, while others have significant hormone fluctuations.
• Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause when hormone levels fluctuate.
• Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
Symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and weight gain can overlap with thyroid issues, adrenal dysfunction, or nutrient deficiencies. Testing hormones, thyroid, and blood sugar can clarify the cause.
Yes. Progesterone and estrogen decline can affect brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, leading to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
• Estrogen decline contributes to insulin resistance and slower metabolism.
• Cortisol (stress hormone) imbalance also leads to abdominal fat.
• Addressing insulin sensitivity, strength training, and optimizing protein intake can help.
• Reduce evening stress and screen time.
• Optimize progesterone levels (low progesterone affects sleep).
• Magnesium, melatonin, and adaptogens like ashwagandha can help.
• Yes, declining estrogen and testosterone can lower libido.
• Vaginal dryness and pain can also make intimacy less enjoyable.
• Testosterone therapy, vaginal estrogen, and DHEA suppositories may help.
Untreated hormone imbalances can lead to bone loss, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and insulin resistance.
• Estrogen plays a protective role in bone, heart, and brain health.
• Postmenopausal women have higher risks of fractures, heart attacks, and cognitive decline.
• HRT, strength training, and optimizing nutrition can help reduce these risks.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• For most women, HRT is safe and beneficial when started within 10 years of menopause.
• Bioidentical hormones have a better safety profile than synthetic hormones.
• Bioidentical hormones (estradiol, progesterone) match the body’s natural hormones.
• Synthetic hormones (e.g., progestins, conjugated estrogens) have different structures and may have more risks (e.g., clotting, breast cancer).
• No, HRT does not directly cause weight gain.
• In fact, balanced hormones support metabolism, muscle retention, and insulin sensitivity.
There is no set time limit. Many women benefit from long-term, individualized hormone support.
Yes, phytoestrogens (e.g., flaxseeds, soy), herbal adaptogens (ashwagandha, maca), and lifestyle changes can help, but they may not fully replace HRT.
• Women with active breast cancer or a history of blood clots should consult a specialist, as estrogen may not be recommended.
• Topical estrogen (patches, gels) has a lower clotting risk than oral estrogen.
• Transdermal estrogen (patches, gels) is preferred because it avoids liver metabolism and clotting risks.
• Micronized progesterone (Prometrium) is safer than synthetic progestins.
Yes, estrogen supports cognitive function, and many women report improved focus, mood, and memory on HRT.
Yes, but the risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated. Women over 60 may need lower doses.
Symptoms and follow-up lab tests (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone) help guide dosage adjustments.
Thyroid, Adrenal, & Metabolic Health
Chronic stress worsens hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings by depleting progesterone and affecting insulin.
Yes, low estrogen can reduce thyroid hormone conversion, leading to hypothyroid symptoms (fatigue, hair loss, weight gain).
Lower estrogen increases insulin resistance, making weight management harder.
Strength training, protein intake, and managing carbs can help.
Comprehensive testing (thyroid panel, cortisol levels, hormone levels) helps differentiate the cause.
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone affect insulin sensitivity, leading to blood sugar instability.
Lifestyle & Natural Approaches
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) support estrogen detox.
Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil) support hormone production.
Magnesium, Vitamin D, Omega-3s, DIM, and B vitamins support hormone balance.
Strength training and HIIT help with muscle mass, insulin resistance, and bone health.
Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, but too much fasting can stress the adrenals.
Ashwagandha, maca, Rhodiola, and black cohosh can support hormone balance and stress resilience.
Sexual Health & Vaginal Changes
Low estrogen and testosterone lead to thinning vaginal tissues.
Yes, vaginal estrogen (Estring, creams) restores moisture and elasticity.
Testosterone therapy, oxytocin, and DHEA can help boost libido.
Yes, low-dose testosterone can improve energy, muscle tone, and sex drive.
Pelvic floor therapy and vaginal estrogen can strengthen tissues and reduce leakage.