When “getting older” isn’t the real problem
Many people in Simi Valley hit a season where energy drops, sleep changes, body composition shifts, mood feels “off,” or workouts stop working—despite doing “all the right things.” Sometimes that’s stress, sometimes it’s nutrition, and sometimes it’s hormones (often a blend of all three). Hormone optimization is the process of identifying what’s driving symptoms, addressing root causes, and using lifestyle, targeted supplementation, and—when appropriate—medical hormone therapy to restore balance safely and thoughtfully.
What “hormone optimization” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Hormone optimization is not about chasing “high” numbers or turning your body into a science experiment. Done well, it’s a personalized, medically supervised plan that aims to:
• Connect symptoms to the right drivers (hormones, thyroid, stress response, sleep, nutrient status, inflammation, metabolic health).
• Use the lowest effective dose (if medication is needed) and monitor response over time.
• Keep the plan grounded in safety—especially for people with family history concerns, clotting risks, migraines, mood disorders, or complex medical histories.
A key point: major medical organizations emphasize that FDA-approved hormone therapy options exist (including “bioidentical” forms like estradiol and micronized progesterone), and that compounded products may carry additional risks because they’re not reviewed by the FDA for safety/efficacy in the same way. (support.endocrine.org)
Common signs your hormones may need attention
• Fatigue that doesn’t match your routine
• Sleep disruption (waking at 2–4 a.m., night sweats, restless sleep)
• Brain fog, reduced focus, or memory changes
• Mood shifts, irritability, anxiety, or feeling “flat”
• Weight gain around the midsection, reduced muscle tone
• Low libido or changes in sexual comfort
• Irregular cycles (perimenopause) or bothersome menopause symptoms
Why symptoms aren’t “just hormones”
Hormones don’t operate in isolation. Stress, inflammation, gut health, medication interactions, and nutrient deficiencies can mimic—or worsen—hormone-related symptoms. That’s why integrative care often includes:
• Lifestyle and sleep strategies
• Nutrition and protein/fiber targets for metabolic health
• Strength training support (a powerful “hormone ally”)
• Targeted supplements when indicated (quality + appropriateness matter)
• Special testing when symptoms are complex or persistent
A clear, step-by-step process for hormone optimization
1) Symptom mapping + history
We start by clarifying what changed, when it changed, and what makes it better or worse (sleep, stress, cycle stage, diet, exercise, life events).
We start by clarifying what changed, when it changed, and what makes it better or worse (sleep, stress, cycle stage, diet, exercise, life events).
2) Evidence-informed testing
Testing is chosen based on your symptoms—not a one-size-fits-all “panel.” For some people, that includes metabolic markers and nutrient status; for others, thyroid, sex hormones, inflammation markers, or specialty assessments.
Testing is chosen based on your symptoms—not a one-size-fits-all “panel.” For some people, that includes metabolic markers and nutrient status; for others, thyroid, sex hormones, inflammation markers, or specialty assessments.
3) Foundation plan (often where the biggest wins happen)
Sleep consistency, nervous-system downshifting, resistance training, protein timing, and targeted micronutrients can meaningfully change how you feel—even before medication enters the conversation.
Sleep consistency, nervous-system downshifting, resistance training, protein timing, and targeted micronutrients can meaningfully change how you feel—even before medication enters the conversation.
4) Medication options when appropriate (with monitoring)
If hormone therapy is appropriate, we focus on safety, physiologic dosing, and follow-up. Professional medical guidance matters because risks/benefits differ by age, timing, symptoms, and personal history.
If hormone therapy is appropriate, we focus on safety, physiologic dosing, and follow-up. Professional medical guidance matters because risks/benefits differ by age, timing, symptoms, and personal history.
5) Ongoing adjustment
Optimization is not “set it and forget it.” Your plan evolves with stress load, sleep, weight changes, and life seasons.
Optimization is not “set it and forget it.” Your plan evolves with stress load, sleep, weight changes, and life seasons.
Important safety note: Multiple professional organizations caution that compounded hormone products may have variable potency and purity, and that claims of being “safer” or “more natural” aren’t supported by strong evidence. (support.endocrine.org)
Comparison table: common hormone therapy delivery options (high-level)
| Delivery method | Potential upsides | Considerations to discuss with a clinician |
|---|---|---|
| FDA-approved oral / transdermal (patch/gel) options | Consistent dosing, regulated manufacturing; many are “bioidentical” forms | Individual risks (clotting, migraines, blood pressure, breast/uterine history), correct use and monitoring |
| Compounded creams/capsules (custom) | May address allergies or unusual dosing needs when approved options don’t fit | Not FDA-reviewed for efficacy/safety; potency/purity may vary; usually not first choice when FDA-approved options exist (support.endocrine.org) |
| Pellet therapy (often compounded) | Convenient dosing schedule for some patients | Can be difficult to adjust quickly once placed; safety concerns exist around compounded pellets and adverse event reporting (fda.gov) |
Note: This table is educational and not medical advice. The “right” option depends on your symptoms, goals, medical history, and risk factors.
Did you know? Quick facts that help patients make safer choices
• Many therapies labeled “bioidentical” are available as FDA-approved products (for example, estradiol and micronized progesterone). (support.endocrine.org)
• Professional guidance cautions that salivary hormone testing is not reliable for dosing decisions in most situations. (acog.org)
• If testosterone is used for women, expert consensus emphasizes staying within physiologic ranges and monitoring appropriately. (academic.oup.com)
• A U.S. FDA statement described thousands of adverse events associated with compounded hormone pellets that were not initially reported to the agency, highlighting why oversight and follow-up matter. (fda.gov)
A local angle for Simi Valley: stress, sleep, and the “always on” nervous system
Simi Valley life often means full calendars—commutes, family logistics, demanding roles, and long stretches of “productive mode.” Chronic stress doesn’t just affect mood; it can influence sleep quality, cravings, inflammation, and how strongly symptoms show up during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause.
In integrative care, we often pair any hormone-focused plan with mind-body protocols that support the nervous system—because calmer physiology tends to create better outcomes (and fewer “mystery symptoms”).
If you’re exploring whole-person care and want to understand La Mer’s philosophy, visit the Holistic Care page. If cognitive changes are part of your story, Maintaining Cognitive Function is a helpful next read.
Ready for a personalized hormone optimization plan?
La Mer Holistic Medicine provides integrative, whole-body care for patients across Ventura County—combining functional medicine insight with supportive mind-body strategies and medical oversight when hormone therapy is appropriate.
FAQ: Hormone optimization (Simi Valley & Ventura County)
How do I know if my symptoms are perimenopause, menopause, thyroid, or stress?
Pattern matters: timing, cycle changes, sleep disruption, and how symptoms respond to lifestyle shifts. A clinician-guided evaluation helps determine whether testing is needed and which markers are most meaningful for your situation.
Are “bioidentical hormones” always safer?
Not automatically. “Bioidentical” refers to chemical structure, not safety. There are FDA-approved bioidentical options, and professional guidance cautions against assuming compounded versions are safer or more effective. (support.endocrine.org)
Do I need saliva testing to “customize” my hormones?
Usually, no. Professional guidance notes that salivary (and urinary) hormone testing is not reliable for steroid hormone dosing in most menopause care. (acog.org)
What should I ask before starting pellet hormone therapy?
Ask about dose adjustability, monitoring plans, how side effects are handled, and what evidence supports your specific indication. It’s also reasonable to ask how adverse events are tracked and reported, given FDA concerns described for compounded pellets. (fda.gov)
Can hormone optimization support healthy aging and cognition?
It can be one piece of a bigger healthy-aging plan. Sleep quality, metabolic health, movement, nervous-system regulation, and targeted therapies all play roles. Explore La Mer’s approach to The Aging Experience and Maintaining Cognitive Function.
Glossary (helpful terms you may see in a hormone workup)
Bioidentical hormones: Hormones with the same chemical structure as those made in the human body. Some are FDA-approved; others are compounded.
Compounded hormone therapy: Custom-prepared hormones made by a compounding pharmacy. Professional organizations warn that potency and purity can vary and products may lack the same safety/efficacy review as FDA-approved therapies. (support.endocrine.org)
Estradiol: A primary form of estrogen commonly used in menopausal hormone therapy (available in FDA-approved forms).
Micronized progesterone: A form of progesterone used to protect the uterine lining in women who take estrogen and have a uterus (available in FDA-approved forms).
Supraphysiologic levels: Hormone levels higher than the body’s typical/healthy range, which can increase side effects and risk—one reason careful dosing and monitoring matters. (acog.org)
If you’d like support selecting the right testing strategy, consider reviewing La Mer’s Special Testing services—especially helpful when symptoms are layered or have persisted despite lifestyle changes.