Support energy, mood, sleep, and resilience—without guesswork
Hormones influence far more than reproduction. They help regulate metabolism, stress response, temperature, sleep quality, cognition, muscle maintenance, libido, and how “steady” you feel day-to-day. When levels shift—often subtly at first—many people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond notice changes that don’t improve with another coffee, a stricter workout plan, or “pushing through.” This guide explains what hormone optimization can look like in real life, what’s supported by current medical guidance, and how an integrative approach can help you build a plan that fits your goals in Simi Valley and surrounding Ventura County communities.
What “hormone optimization” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Hormone optimization is a personalized process of evaluating symptoms, health history, labs, and lifestyle factors to decide whether support is best delivered through targeted nutrition, stress/sleep protocols, supplements, or—when appropriate—medical therapies. The goal is not “maximizing” hormones. The goal is restoring balance and function while prioritizing safety, monitoring, and long-term health.
It also helps to name what hormone optimization is not:
Not a one-size-fits-all “anti-aging” prescription.
Not a promise that every symptom is hormonal.
Not “more is better” dosing—especially with testosterone.
Not a substitute for preventive care (blood pressure, cancer screenings, metabolic health).
Common signs your hormones may need support
Symptoms can overlap with stress, thyroid issues, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, sleep disruption, or medications—so it’s worth evaluating the full picture. That said, these patterns often prompt people to explore hormone optimization:
Women (peri/menopause and beyond): hot flashes/night sweats, sleep changes, mood variability, brain fog, low libido, vaginal dryness, weight redistribution (especially midsection), joint aches, new anxiety, or a feeling that your “usual tools” no longer work.
Men: low energy, reduced muscle recovery, lower libido, mood changes, sleep disruption, increased belly fat, and reduced motivation or vitality (especially when paired with metabolic stress or poor sleep).
Evidence-informed context: hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, and safety
Menopause care has evolved quickly in the last few years, with more nuance around who benefits from hormone therapy and how risk is discussed. In late 2025, the FDA announced efforts to update labeling on menopausal hormone therapies to clarify benefit/risk considerations and remove broad boxed-warning language for certain risks, while still keeping key cautions (for example, endometrial cancer risk with systemic estrogen-alone in people with a uterus). (fda.gov)
At the same time, major medical guidance remains clear about compounded “bioidentical” hormone therapy: when FDA-approved options exist, compounded preparations should not be routine because evidence for marketing claims is limited and quality/consistency may vary. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that compounded bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy generally should not be prescribed routinely when FDA-approved formulations exist, and it specifically recommends avoiding testosterone pellet therapy when possible due to limited safety data and the inability to remove the pellet once placed. (acog.org)
The Endocrine Society also notes that there’s little or no scientific evidence supporting claims that compounded bioidentical hormone therapy is safer or more effective than FDA-approved therapies, and it highlights concerns about dose and purity variability in compounded products. (support.endocrine.org)
For people who can’t—or prefer not to—use hormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats), non-hormonal FDA-approved options have expanded. The FDA approved Veozah (fezolinetant) in May 2023, with later FDA safety communications adding stronger warnings about rare but serious liver injury and the need for liver testing. (fda.gov) In October 2025, the FDA approved Lynkuet (elinzanetant), another non-hormonal option for moderate to severe hot flashes. (bayer.com)
Important note: Hormone therapy is typically used for symptom relief and specific indications—not as a blanket strategy for chronic disease prevention. The USPSTF recommends against using hormone therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal persons. (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)
A simple “map” of hormones commonly addressed in optimization
| Hormone / System | What it can influence | Common next steps |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen / Progesterone | Vasomotor symptoms, sleep, mood, bone support, vaginal/urinary comfort | Risk review, individualized dosing; consider non-hormonal options if needed |
| Testosterone (all genders) | Libido, motivation, muscle recovery, mood, energy | Evaluate symptoms + labs; aim for physiologic ranges; monitor closely |
| Thyroid | Energy, hair/skin, temperature tolerance, bowel function, weight changes | Assess thyroid labs, nutrient status, inflammation and stress load |
| Cortisol / stress physiology | Sleep depth, cravings, fatigue “wired/tired,” anxiety, belly fat patterns | Sleep timing, breathwork, exercise dosing, adaptogenic/nutrient support when appropriate |
This table is educational and not a diagnosis tool. A complete plan should consider medications, cardiovascular risk, personal/family cancer history, sleep apnea risk, insulin resistance, and more.
Did you know? Quick facts that can change your strategy
“Bioidentical” doesn’t automatically mean compounded. Some FDA-approved products are bioidentical (chemically identical to what the body makes). Compounded products are different: they aren’t FDA-approved for safety/effectiveness/quality in the same way. (acog.org)
Symptom relief is the main goal. Major preventive guidelines recommend against using menopausal hormone therapy solely to prevent chronic disease. (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)
Non-hormonal options are expanding. FDA-approved therapies like fezolinetant (2023) and elinzanetant (2025) offer alternatives for hot flashes/night sweats, with specific monitoring requirements. (fda.gov)
Step-by-step: a safe, realistic hormone optimization process
1) Start with your “symptom timeline,” not just labs
Track what changed, when it changed, and what makes it better/worse: sleep timing, stress load, cycle shifts (if applicable), alcohol, new medications, training intensity, and appetite changes. This context helps prevent treating a lab number while missing the real driver.
2) Identify “hormone look-alikes” first
Low iron, B12 insufficiency, under-eating protein, sleep apnea, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation can all mimic hormonal symptoms. A good plan asks: “What else could this be?” and checks the basics.
3) Use targeted testing when it will change decisions
Depending on your goals and history, your provider may recommend labs and advanced panels to clarify thyroid function, sex hormone patterns, metabolic markers, nutrient status, inflammation, or other contributing factors. If testing won’t change the plan, it may not be necessary.
If you’re looking for a deeper-dive approach, La Mer Holistic Medicine offers advanced assessment options through Special Testing.
4) Build the foundation: sleep, strength, protein, and nervous system support
Many people are surprised to learn that “hormone optimization” often begins with strength training (smartly dosed), adequate protein, and consistent sleep timing. Add gentle nervous-system regulation (breathwork, meditation, Reiki, restorative yoga) and you have a base that improves results from any medical therapy—because you’re changing physiology, not just numbers.
If stress and recovery are a major piece of your puzzle, explore La Mer’s whole-person approach to Holistic Care and supportive modalities highlighted in Other Services We Celebrate at La Mer.
5) Consider medical options when benefits outweigh risks
For some people, lifestyle work alone isn’t enough—especially for disruptive menopausal symptoms or clinically significant deficiencies. When therapy is appropriate, the safest path is typically:
• Shared decision-making and clear goals (symptoms you want to improve)
• Thoughtful route and dosing (lowest effective dose, reassessed regularly)
• Ongoing monitoring (response, labs when indicated, side effects)
• Avoiding “locked-in” therapies when safer, adjustable options are available
La Mer Holistic Medicine provides supportive pathways for midlife vitality through BioTe Hormone Optimization and broader longevity-focused support via The Aging Experience.
Local angle: hormone optimization for life in Simi Valley
Simi Valley living often comes with a full calendar—commuting, family responsibilities, and “always-on” work demands. Two local realities can quietly impact hormones:
1) Sleep disruption is common—and it changes everything. If you’re short on sleep (or waking frequently), hunger hormones and stress physiology shift, recovery drops, and symptoms like anxiety, hot flashes, and fatigue feel amplified. A plan that improves sleep consistency often improves “hormone symptoms” faster than adding more supplements.
2) Fitness culture can backfire when recovery is low. High-intensity training stacked on low sleep and high stress can worsen fatigue, cravings, and inflammation. Many midlife bodies do better with strength training, zone-2 cardio, and intentional recovery days—especially during perimenopause and menopause.
If cognitive clarity is a top concern, La Mer also offers supportive strategies through Maintaining Cognitive Function, which can be an important part of a whole-body optimization plan.
Ready for a personalized hormone optimization plan?
If you’re in Simi Valley or Ventura County and want an evidence-informed, whole-person approach—testing when it matters, clear communication, and a calm, medically guided plan—La Mer Holistic Medicine can help you map the next right steps.
FAQ: Hormone optimization
How do I know if my symptoms are hormonal or “just stress”?
Often it’s both. Stress physiology can worsen hormonal symptoms, and hormonal shifts can reduce stress tolerance. A structured assessment looks at symptom timing, sleep, metabolic markers, thyroid function, medications, and (when useful) sex hormone patterns to avoid assumptions.
Are compounded “bioidentical” hormones safer because they’re natural?
“Bioidentical” refers to chemical structure, not safety. Medical organizations note that evidence supporting safety/efficacy marketing claims for compounded bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy is limited, and compounded products may vary in dose and purity. When FDA-approved options exist, they’re generally preferred. (acog.org)
What’s the concern with hormone pellets?
One key concern is adjustability: once placed, a pellet can’t simply be “stopped” the way many other delivery methods can. ACOG advises choosing preparations other than testosterone pellet therapy when possible due to limited safety data and the inability to remove the pellet. (acog.org)
Is hormone therapy meant to prevent heart disease or dementia?
Hormone therapy can be appropriate for symptom relief and certain indications, but preventive guidelines recommend against using hormone therapy solely for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal persons. (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)
What non-hormonal options exist for hot flashes/night sweats?
In addition to lifestyle and targeted supportive care, the FDA has approved non-hormonal prescription options such as Veozah (fezolinetant, approved May 2023) and Lynkuet (elinzanetant, approved October 2025) for moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause. These medications have specific safety guidance and monitoring requirements, including liver-related precautions. (fda.gov)
Glossary
Bioidentical hormones
Hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. Some are FDA-approved products; others may be compounded.
Compounded hormone therapy
Custom-made hormone preparations mixed by a compounding pharmacy. These are not FDA-approved in the same way as commercially manufactured drugs, and potency/purity may vary.
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS)
Hot flashes and night sweats related to menopause.
GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
Vaginal, vulvar, urinary, and sexual symptoms related to lower estrogen (often includes dryness, irritation, discomfort, or urinary changes).