When I turned 51, I was tired constantly, my moods were all over the place and my weight had been slowly but steadily creeping up. I was frustrated and wanted my life back. So, I started my research for a bio-identical hormone replacement clinic with professional medical staff that had years of experience. And my frustration started. I could not find one. Several day spas, a few random medical spas (with no information on the actual medical staff "on-site"), a clinic that sells dermal fillers and weight loss packages, and a doctor's office in Michigan that has some pretty bad recent reviews. There was however, one local location that sounded decent, and the reviews that were positive with regards to hormone replacement referred to a licensed nurse named Amanda. I made an appointment and hoped for some change. Amanda is a ball of energy, she listens, she is honest about what to expect and can back up what she recommends with research and years of actual clinical experience in hormone replacement. Her honesty, passion for what she does, and medical background is obvious in every conversation. I challenge her with a journal article, and she responds with articles and books from professionals in hormone research. We build trust that way. We did my bloodwork, "everything we can test" I asked for, and she came back with results and went through every single one. Although many of my levels were not "too low" per the medical charts-they were not optimal for a body in stress like mine was. We worked on that. I started with hormone pellets, within 3 months I was walking again for pleasure and enjoying more energy. My vitamin D was not budging even though I was on a tablet every day, she stated my body may not be absorbing it and had me switch to a liquid form. Within 3 more months, my Vitamin D was where it was supposed to be. I followed her as a client to her new clinic (New Beginnings) and asked her about injections for weight loss. I was feeling better and wondered if that could help get me under the clinical "obese" range. We discussed every option, and I started one. A little under a year later, I am not "magically" super thin and young. Being healthy takes commitment and discipline (walk, take the vitamins every day, do some form of resistance exercise). What I am is a very healthy, thriving 52-year-old woman that is in control of my moods, health, energy, and weight. I can enjoy my life and my family without feeling like my body and brain gave up on me. I know this is long, but this journey was a long frustrating road, and I hope this helps anyone else out there that needs to know aging does not mean you have to give up. Finding Amanda was my path to going into menopause and life with a balanced and healthy body. The pics are before and now :)
Anna S. · Published January 2, 2026