If you’ve been standing at a pharmacy counter lately hearing “out of stock,” you’re not alone. Two major manufacturers of estradiol patches are currently reporting shortages, and the causes appear to be a combination of supply chain disruptions, tariff impacts on overseas manufacturers, and a significant surge in demand.

That surge is no accident. In November 2025, the FDA removed its longstanding black box warning from menopausal hormone therapy products — a move that made HRT feel more accessible to both patients and prescribers. The result? HRT prescriptions have surged dramatically since 2021 — and production capacity simply hasn’t kept up.

So what do you do if your patch isn’t available?

– Try a different manufacturer. Not all brands are equally affected. Ask your pharmacist specifically what’s in stock — a once-weekly patch may be available even when twice-weekly options are not.

– Cut a larger dose patch in half. Some patches use an adhesive matrix design, which makes them safe to cut. Always check the packaging or ask your prescriber before doing this, as reservoir-style patches should not be cut.

– Switch to a gel or spray. Estradiol gel is applied daily to the skin and is often in better supply than patches. An estradiol spray is another option, applied to the forearm daily. Both are transdermal, so you keep the same liver-bypass benefits.

– Call independent pharmacies. Many women are finding that small independent pharmacies have stock when the big chains don’t.

The most important thing? Don’t just go without. Even short interruptions in estrogen therapy can bring back hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and mood changes. Talk to your provider — there are options. 

I hope this helps! I have been getting this question lots recently, it helps to know what to do. I like to envision a world where estrogen replacement has just a robust a supply chain as the erection pills do!  😁

The post Estrogen Patch Shortage? Try This! first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

If you’ve been feeling a bit off or noticing changes in your cardiovascular stamina, this might just be the missing piece of the puzzle you’ve been looking for.

Why Nitric Oxide Matters

I love to connect the dots for you, and this connection is a big one with big implications. Nitric Oxide is a signaling molecule that acts as a master regulator for your vascular system. It tells your blood vessels to relax and open up, ensuring that oxygen-rich blood can reach your heart, your brain, and every other hard-working organ.

When NO levels decline, it’s about more than just hormones; it’s about circulation. Without that healthy circulation, our vascular system feels the strain, which is why cardiovascular support becomes so incredibly vital during the midlife transition.

Supporting Your Circulation Naturally

The beautiful thing about our bodies is their innate ability to heal when given the right tools. There are simple, lifestyle-based ways to give your Nitric Oxide production a natural boost:

• Nose Breathing: It sounds too simple to be true, but breathing through your nose actually releases Nitric Oxide into your lungs and bloodstream.
• Nitrate-Rich Foods: Load up your plate with leafy greens and beets! These are nature’s powerhouses for NO precursors.
• Oral Health: Believe it or not, the good bacteria in your mouth help convert those dietary nitrates into NO. Be mindful of harsh mouthwashes that might strip away these helpful microbes.
• Movement: Regular, enjoyable activity keeps the pump going and encourages healthy vessel function.

A Targeted Approach to Support

I know many of you are doing the work—the movement, the greens, the mindful breathing—but sometimes our systems need a little extra nudge, especially when hormonal shifts are throwing us for a loop.

This is where I often point my patients toward Berkeley Life’s Nitric Oxide Support. What I love about this particular supplement is that it doesn’t try to override your system with synthetic fixes. Instead, it works with your body’s natural pathways to help restore healthy NO levels.

Think of it as a specialized tool in your menopause toolkit—one that supports blood flow exactly when your heart and vascular system need it most.

You’ve Got This

Understanding how our biology shifts during menopause allows us to stop fighting our bodies and start supporting them. Whether it’s through a few more beets at dinner or a targeted supplement like Berkeley Life, restoring your “flow” is a powerful way to reclaim your vitality.

Let’s embrace this journey with the knowledge and the tools to feel our absolute best. You’ve got this!

The post The Unsung Hero of Menopause: Nitric Oxide first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

The Classic Midlife Presentations

Women in their 40s and 50s commonly present with three specific conditions: gluteal tendinopathy (hip and buttock pain), frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis (heel pain). While some women experience all three, many present with one or two of these issues. Declining estrogen affects collagen synthesis, joint lubrication, and inflammatory response, making these tissues particularly vulnerable. New-onset pain without prior injury is a direct result of hormonal transition.

How Laser Therapy Helps

Laser therapy stimulates cellular energy production at the mitochondrial level, accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. For midlife women struggling with gluteal tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, or plantar fasciitis, this means faster recovery from everyday activities, improved joint function, and decreased pain.

Why It’s Ideal for This Population

• Targets specific conditions: Particularly effective for the presentations women commonly experience
• Complements chiropractic care: Enhances adjustment effectiveness and extends relief
• Natural approach: Aligns with women seeking non-invasive options
• Quick sessions: Fits busy midlife schedules
• No contraindications: Safe alongside other health management strategies

Real-World Results

Women report improved shoulder mobility, reduced hip and heel pain during exercise, and better sleep quality—often within weeks. Many notice that combined chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy create sustainable relief they haven’t experienced elsewhere.

Reclaim Your Vitality

Midlife doesn’t mean accepting chronic pain. Laser therapy offers a science-backed path to the mobility and comfort you deserve during this transition.

Your best years are ahead—let’s keep you moving pain-free.  Contact Active Sports Therapy to book a treatment with Dr. Lovely.  403-278-1405

The post Laser Therapy: Relief for Midlife Women’s Musculoskeletal Pain first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Joy Kong shares her pioneering work in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. From reversing signs of aging to offering hope for chronic conditions, Dr. Kong explains how ethically sourced umbilical cord-derived stem cells act as the body’s ultimate repair crew.

She shares a moving case study of a child with autism who experienced life-changing improvements after stem cell therapy, and breaks down why we lose stem cells as we age—and what we can do to replenish them.

Dr. Kong also talks about how this cutting-edge science supports women in midlife, with benefits for hormonal balance, cognitive function, and vitality. She even gives us a peek into her personal anti-aging routine, including her potent stem cell skincare line and regular IV infusions.

If you’re curious about the future of longevity, disease prevention, and rewriting the rules of aging, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

✨ How umbilical cord-derived stem cells regenerate tissues and calm inflammation

✨ A powerful autism case study that shows real-world results

✨ Why stem cells decline as we age—and how replenishing them can prevent chronic decline

✨ How to ensure stem cell sources are ethical and safe

✨ Dr. Kong’s personal anti-aging protocol, from IV therapy to skincare

✨ The emerging promise of stem cells for menopause and healthy aging

Find more about Dr. Kong here

🎧 Listen now and step into the cutting edge of regenerative health!

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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The post Stem Cell Therapy for Menopause? Let’s talk about it with Dr. Joy Kong first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Kim Casaburi, co-founder of Serotonin Centers, esthetician, and passionate menopause wellness advocate, for a powerful and empowering conversation about reclaiming midlife health through hormone optimization and functional medicine.

After facing years of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and emotional struggles, Kim shares how her search for answers led her to hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—a turning point after being dismissed by traditional medical professionals. She opens up about the medical gaslighting many women face and how she found her vitality again through functional, whole-body care.

Kim also dives deep into the connection between hormones and skin health, sharing why aesthetic treatments like microneedling and HydraFacials fall short when hormones are out of balance—likening it to “pouring water into a bucket with a hole.” She explains why testosterone is not just for men and how it supports women’s confidence, energy, and emotional resilience.

Together, Dr. Lovely and Kim explore the need to shatter outdated medical narratives around menopause, embrace personalized care, and prioritize thriving—not just surviving—in midlife and beyond.

What You’ll Hear:

• Kim’s personal journey through misdiagnosis and healing
• The overlooked impact of hormone imbalance on skin and vitality
• Testosterone: the misunderstood hormone women need too
• How Serotonin Centers blend HRT, aesthetics, and wellness coaching
• The stigma around menopause in conventional medicine
• Why hormone health is a cornerstone of longevity
• A call to action for women to own their needs and advocate for themselves
  

You can learn more about Kim Casaburi and the services offered at Serotonin Centers by visiting www.serotonincenters.com. Offerings include hormone optimization, PRP microneedling, IV therapy, HydraFacials, and more—available at locations nationwide.

Final thoughts from Kim: “Stand up straight. Stop hiding your pain. And own your needs.”

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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The post Seeking Your Own Gaze: Reclaiming Confidence and Health in Menopause with Kim Casaburi  first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Kim Vopni, certified fitness professional, menopause support practitioner, and founder of The Buff Muff Method, for a refreshingly candid conversation about pelvic floor health—the topic no one talks about but every woman needs to know.

Known as The Vagina Coach, Kim shares how an eye-opening moment in sixth grade sparked her passion for pelvic wellness, leading to a global mission to educate women on the foundation of core strength, sexual function, and continence.

Forget the outdated “just do Kegels” advice. Kim explains why pelvic floor training should be holistic and dynamic—connecting breath, posture, and real-life movement. She and Dr. Lovely also dive into the challenges of prolapse, incontinence, pelvic pain, and how menopause magnifies these issues.

Most importantly, they discuss effective, non-surgical solutions and why pelvic floor PT should be routine care for women everywhere.

What You’ll Hear:

• Kim’s journey to becoming The Vagina Coach
  
• Why “tight” isn’t the goal—rethinking pelvic floor strength
  
• Pelvic dysfunction: common but fixable
  
• The Buff Muff Method: beyond basic Kegels
  
• How menopause affects your pelvic health
  
• Non-surgical solutions (PT, pessaries & more)
  
• Why pelvic health deserves mainstream attention

You can find more about Kim Vopni at www.vaginacoach.com, explore her Buff Muff Method at www.buffmuff.com, and follow her on Instagram @vaginacoach. Plus, check out her podcast Between Two Lips for more pelvic health education.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🥬Have you tried AG1?  Please visit our product partner page: drinkAG1.com/fionalovely for the BEST all-in-one nutritional supplement out there (and where podcast subscribers get cool free stuff!) 

🩵 Protein struggles? Same, friend. But I found a game-changer—KION Aminos! This tasty, mix-in-your-water powder is packed with the essential aminos your body and brain need to feel amazing.  Since adding it to my daily routine, I’ve got more energy, laser focus, and just feel way more like myself. 😍⚡️ Wanna feel the magic too? Snag 20% off your order at getkion.com/lovely—you’re gonna love it! 💃✨

The post The Vagina Coach, Kim Vopni talks Pelvic Floor and Menopause first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Lovely sits down with Katie Beecher—medical and emotional intuitive, licensed professional counselor, and author of Heal from Within—for a deeply personal and empowering conversation about healing, self-trust, and the intersection of intuition and women’s health.

Katie shares how a near-death experience as a teen led her to embrace her psychic gifts and begin a lifelong journey of intuitive healing. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, she explains what it means to be a medical intuitive and how she uncovers the root causes of physical and emotional challenges. She also opens up about living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), the common overlap with neurodivergence and empathy, and why fibromyalgia is often a misdiagnosis for misunderstood women.

From menopause as a spiritual awakening to the role of energetic boundaries in self-protection, Katie’s insights offer a refreshing lens on aging, healing, and the power of listening to your body’s wisdom. Her take on hormone therapy is bold, honest, and empowering—proclaiming, “You’ll pry my estrogen patch from my cold, dead hands!”

In This Episode – The Intuition Edition:

• What a medical intuitive actually does—and how Katie channels health insights with no prior info
• How intuitive art can reveal emotional blocks and healing paths
• The surprising connection between hypermobility, empathy, and neurodivergence
• Why many women with EDS are misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia
• How menopause is not an ending—but a powerful rebirth
• Her unique take on dementia as a spiritual and energetic transition
• How to protect your energy and honor your intuition in a chaotic world

Katie’s message is one of radical self-trust, fierce self-love, and owning your personal power—especially in midlife and beyond.

You can find more about Katie Beecher here:

🌐 katiebeecher.com

📘 Heal from Within (available on Amazon & in bookstores)

📱 Instagram: @katiebeecher

🎉 Bonus: Her pole dancing journey @katiebeecher

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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The post What A Medical Intuitive says about Menopause with Katie Beecher first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

A recent paper showed this about a well established medication typically used for elevated blood sugar and diabetics: “We discovered that metformin treatment prevented age-associated ovarian fibrosis by modulating the proportion of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and immune cells.” In other words, there are medications already in use that might assist in maintaining healthy tissues to preserve quality of life and health. Additionally, the controversial yet helpful class of blood sugar management and weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are also showing promise to help us alive longer and healthier. We are able to access new tools of anti-aging if we keep open minded and watch where the science takes us.

The post Ovarian Senescence: Can We Delay Menopause to Extend Youth? first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

First, let’s talk terms.  Menopause is the time when you have been 12 months without a menstrual period.  The 10-ish years before that are what is now referred to as perimenopause.  As the typical age for menopause is 52, it is likely you have entered perimenopause by the time you are in your early 40s.  For some women, it’s at 35. Let the math be fluid on this, as every woman is different.  

How do you know you are in perimenopause?  The early signs are the change in quality and length of sleep and a change in moods.  You may not be easily able to elevate your mood to match the environment.  Anxiety can show up or worsen.  Same with depression.   Perimenopause is a neuroendocrine transition which means the brain is signalling the hormones to create a new normal.  This transition can be long, so its helpful to know you can expect change. 

For many women in their late thirties and early forties, you may be in your child-birthing years and brush these early symptoms off as a lack of sleep, or the baby-blues or stress.  These things may in fact be caused by the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. Your levels of testosterone and progesterone do a slow decline towards menopause.  Estrogen levels can be quite high or low and can swing wildly.  You can feel moody, sleepy, less strong, less sharp mentally and your cycle can get shorter, meaning you can bleed every 25 or 26 days instead of 28-30 days.  

In the forties, women can experience the more classic signs of menopause like hot flashes, dryness, lack of libido, deepening insomnia, feelings of low self worth, low confidence, anxiety and/depression.  This is a delicate time for a woman as she can easily be misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder instead of being treated for perimenopause.   You may not have even had a hot flash or a skipped period at this point.  

On a list of the top ten most common symptoms of perimenopause, hot flashes are number 10.  Many women never have a hot flash, so please don’t wait to assume you are in perimenopause only when your periods change or you experience a hot flash! 

Reducing stress, recognizing your symptoms are a result of changing hormone levels, getting enough rest, nutritious food, outside light and daily enjoyable movement are important for preparing yourself for a gentle perimenopause.  Eating enough daily protein and strength training for maintaining muscle health is important too. 

In short, if you are a woman between 35-55 years of age and something recently has changed with your health, it’s likely related to perimenopause!   It begins long before you miss a period.  Look for great practitioners who can coach you through this transition.  Perimenopause can be a chaotic time where the help is thin on the ground.  Have you considered speaking with a Menopause Doula?  We can help guide the way forward to better sleep, a peaceful mind and a calm and cool physical self. 

The post Perimenopause is the Cause first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.

Menopause is not only characterized by hormonal changes and reproductive system adjustments but also by various musculoskeletal symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. This is called the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM). This encompasses a range of symptoms affecting the bones, joints, and muscles, which can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations.

One of the most common musculoskeletal symptoms experienced during menopause is osteopenia and osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. However, during menopause, declining estrogen levels lead to accelerated bone loss, especially in weight-bearing bones like the spine, hips, and wrists.

Menopausal women frequently report joint pain and stiffness, commonly attributed to osteoarthritis. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect joint cartilage and maintain joint function. As estrogen levels decline, inflammation increases, contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

I like to say that estrogen is a lubricator of all tissues, this is especially true with joints. For example: I see many women in their 40’s and 50’s with new shoulder complaints which can be attributed to the estrogen decline. The shoulder is the most freely moveable joint in the body and when it isn’t working well, you notice!

Muscle weakness and decreased muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, are also prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms of menopause. Estrogen has anabolic effects on skeletal muscle, promoting muscle growth and strength. Declining estrogen levels during menopause can accelerate muscle loss and impair muscle function, leading to decreased mobility, flexibility and function.

Menopause-associated hormonal changes can trigger new onset musculoskeletal symptoms, including tendonitis and bursitis.

Understanding the musculoskeletal implications of menopause is crucial for implementing preventive measures, such as regular weight-bearing exercise, maintaining flexibility with daily stretching, keeping your spine healthy with regular chiropractic treatments, adequate magnesium glycinate and vitamin D intake, and hormonal therapy when appropriate, to mitigate the impact of these symptoms and promote musculoskeletal health and well-being in menopausal women.

The post Understanding Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM) first appeared on Dr. Fiona Lovely.