By Michelle White, The Inspired Wellness Coach, NTP
Inspired Wellness Podcast – Episode 12 Recap

Are bioidentical hormones truly the secret to aging with more vitality—or just another wellness trend? It’s a question I hear often from women navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause. And honestly, I get it—there’s so much conflicting information out there.

That’s why I recently sat down with Dr. Elena Alawa, an Osteopathic Board-Certified Internist and expert in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and Functional Medicine. Our conversation was eye-opening, and I’m excited to share some of the most important takeaways with you here in the Knowledge Corner.

Dr. Alawa is the founder of True Health Solutions Clinic, where she helps women and men restore balance and energy through personalized, root-cause care. She’s also been involved in important advocacy and education work with the Michigan Women’s Commission on Menopause, helping to push forward conversations that have been long overdue.

What Is Functional Medicine—and Why Does It Matter for Women in Midlife?

We kicked off our conversation with a simple question: What is functional medicine?

Dr. Alawa explained that functional medicine looks beyond symptom management. Instead, it aims to identify whysymptoms are happening in the first place—especially important during the perimenopausal and menopausal years, when hormonal shifts can affect every system in the body.

For women who feel like they’re “doing everything right” but still don’t feel like themselves, this approach can offer a more complete picture. Functional medicine practitioners often bring together detailed lab testing, lifestyle evaluation, and hormone support to help women truly understand their bodies—and create lasting change.

Bioidentical vs. Conventional Hormones: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve heard the term “bioidentical hormones” but aren’t quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was clarity around what BHRT actually is:

Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. That means your body can recognize and use them in the same way it would your own estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.

While some bioidenticals are FDA-approved and available at retail pharmacies, others are compounded at specialty pharmacies for a more tailored approach. Dr. Alawa helped debunk the myth that all compounded hormones are unregulated or unsafe—what matters most is working with a knowledgeable, experienced practitioner who uses quality sources and monitors progress closely.

Should You Test or Just Go by Symptoms?

This is a hot topic in the wellness space—should hormone therapy be based on lab results or symptoms? Dr. Alawa’s answer? Both.

While testing offers valuable insight, she emphasized that “normal” doesn’t always mean optimal. Many women are told their labs look fine, even when they’re clearly struggling with brain fog, fatigue, or mood swings. This is where a symptom-based and functional approach can offer a more complete—and compassionate—solution.

When to Seek Hormonal Support

Another key question: Is there a “right” time to explore hormone therapy?

Dr. Alawa encourages women to be proactive—not reactive. You don’t need to wait until symptoms are severe or disruptive to seek support. In fact, addressing hormonal imbalances earlier can help ease the transition and support overall longevity, brain health, and energy.

The Power of Collaborative Care

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how Dr. Alawa views the role of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners (like myself) in this process. She shared that collaborative care—between functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, and wellness professionals—is key to helping women thrive.

By combining personalized nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted medical therapies, we can support women more holistically through this important life stage.

Final Thoughts

Bioidentical hormone therapy isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about restoring balance, feeling more like yourself again, and making empowered decisions with the right education and support.

If you’re feeling confused or unsure about whether BHRT is right for you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either.

Want to continue the conversation? Reach out to me or connect with Dr. Elena Alawa and her team at truehealthsolutionsclinic.com.

📌 Have a topic you want us to cover in Knowledge Corner?
Let me know! I’m here to help you feel strong, supported, and inspired—especially during this powerful season of change.

—
With love and inspired wellness,
Michelle White
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner | The Inspired Wellness Coach

Listen to the Full Episode

Catch this conversation and more on Episode 12 of Inspired Wellness Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

Listen to the full episode here on Apple or here on Spotify

 

Want more frequent tips and knowledge?  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @theinspiredwellnesscoach

 

Want to submit a question? Email me

And check out my Services page to learn more about my nutritional therapy services for women in perimenopause and beyond.

 

DISCLAIMER

This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions. By reading this post, you agree to take full responsibility for your health and well-being.