4+8=12 Things For My Birthday
June is a big month for me because it’s my birthday month. 🥳 I absolutely obsess over my birthday and always have. I celebrate it ALL. MONTH. LONG. Because, why not? #GeminiEnergy⭐️ This year I turn 48yo (hence the 4+8) and I wanted to give you some personal insight into where I’m at, what I’m doing, and what I’ve learned.
Where I’m at:
I still have regular periods and I still ovulate! And yes, I still take my progesterone for everyone’s sake. I am not on estrogen (yet).
My hair is also going on its own hormonal journey in that I was stick-straight and am now a wavy girl. Except I have no idea what to do with wavy hair! Thankfully I have had some great recs from my wavy/curly girls. I’m also open to ANY suggestions.
I was noticing that my irritation was INCREASING in the days leading up to my period even with progesterone. I started taking Nu-Woman by NuEthix in my luteal phase because it has my 2 favorite herbs for anger and heatedness - bupleurum and schisandra. It has helped significantly! You can use code DRJONES for 10% off.
I did cortisol testing and found my cortisol was driving up at night. This was TOTALLY self-induced, ugh, and the reason for my restless sleep! Now I read a real book in bed (no screens or I change my Kindle to a yellow background), listen to instrumental music and relax. It has helped a lot! Sleep hygiene for the win. Yes, even hormone doctors don’t always get it right and have to be reminded.
What I’m doing:
I’m writing a book!! Cue release party in 2026! 💃 My fabulous co-author (also named Carrie) and I teamed up to give you the hilarious basics behind perimenopause. Stay tuned for more information. We’re currently in editing with design to come soon.
This year I also launched my podcast, Hello Hormones, to rave reviews from you so THANK YOU!! 🩷 I absolutely love being able to sit down and talk about #allthethings that I see in the comments, dms and of course, the research. Soon I will have on your favorite guests so we can get real and break it all down. You can listen on Apple or Spotify.
Stay tuned for regular, free Hormone Masterclasses! They will be done online (with a replay available) and cover topics such as hormones (duh!), herbs/nutrients, cortisol, lab work, and more.
I also have the honor of lecturing at two cool practitioner conferences this summer (Hello, PCCA Compounding HRT and A4M Sleep & Longevity) plus more in the fall! If you’re in the LA/Anaheim area in October, check out The 2-day National Menopause Show open to absolutely everyone!
What I’ve Learned:
The *Surrender Experiment* is an absolute favorite book of mine. It came to me at just the right time in my life and has helped a lot. While there is SO MUCH you can do for your health overall and in perimenopause, there is a degree of surrender at the same time that is making my life much easier. But damn, do I like to be in control. 👀
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is probably a more important lab marker than we think that’s largely underutilized. More info to come on this soon! Right now, we use it as part of fertility testing OR to determine if you’re perimenopausal when it’s above 25(ish) mIU/mL. However, I think it warrants more regular testing and gives us additional insights.
Topical estrogens (patch, gel, etc) can act quite variable in the body! A 2025 study showed that you could be on the lowest dose or highest dose of estradiol and your labs (and symptoms) may not reflect that. If you’re feeling like your route or dose isn’t working, you’re not crazy. I actually did a whole YouTube video on it here and the comments confirmed the study!
A.I. is moving WAY faster than my brain can comprehend. I understand why my bestie went and bought 5 acres in the country to live her low-key dream life. While I did write this article entirely myself, I do love my ChatGPT and other A.I. apps that are making my life SO MUCH EASIER!
I graduated from medical school in 2005 and have been in women’s health and hormones the entire time. I feel very lucky to be in this field of medicine AND now going through perimenopause myself at the same time! I also feel very lucky to have you along for the ride. Thank you for all of your support - it’s the perfect birthday dream come true! 🙌