5 Questions to Ask Your Hormone Specialist: Brokke Hall, MSN, FNP-C

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Navigating hormone therapy can be an overwhelming process, but asking the right questions to your specialist will help you feel empowered to determine your best treatment path. 

To give you expert insights, we’re introducing a new Q&A series featuring Exceed’s Nurse Practitioners. Each month, one of our providers will answer common questions about hormone therapy, helping you make informed decisions while also getting to know the team that’s here to support your health journey.

This month, Brokke Hall, MSN, FNP-C, is answering five key questions about hormone therapy—who it’s for, what to expect, and how to get started.

1. Am I a Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

We get this question a lot, and many inquiries revolve around age. 

  • Am I too old? Absolutely not! Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers significant benefits for cardiac and bone health, even if you’ve already been through menopause. Studies have shown that maintaining hormone balance can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, improving longevity and quality of life.
  • Am I too young? Probably not, but it depends. If you’ve finished family planning and use a non-oral birth control method, you may be a good candidate for HRT. The best way to determine if hormone therapy is right for you is through comprehensive lab testing and a consultation with a qualified provider.

2. What Are the Symptoms of Low Hormone Levels?

Many symptoms of hormone imbalance go unnoticed or are mistaken for other health concerns. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms, it may be time to check your hormone levels. 

Here are some common symptoms that could actually be surprising signs of low hormone levels:

  • Joint pain and stiffness, often mistaken for arthritis
  • Itchy or dry skin that doesn’t improve with topical treatments
  • Cognitive issues, including brain fog and memory lapses
  • Irritability and mood swings that feel out of character
  • Depression and persistent low mood
  • Lack of motivation and general fatigue
  • Poor sleep or trouble falling and staying asleep
  • Itchy ears, an unusual but common symptom
  • Vaginal dryness, leading to discomfort or irritation
  • Pain with intercourse, which can impact intimate relationships
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm, affecting overall sexual wellness

If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth discussing hormone therapy with your provider. Identifying and addressing low hormone levels early can prevent long-term complications and enhance overall well-being

3. Where Can I Learn More About Hormone Therapy?

If you want to dive deeper into the science and benefits of HRT, check out these trusted resources:

By educating yourself on hormone therapy, you’ll be well-positioned to make informed decisions about your health. Our team at Exceed is also available to answer any questions and guide you through the process

 4. What are the Benefits of Hormone Therapy?

HRT isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about achieving long-term wellness. Some of the benefits include:

  • Improved overall health – Restoring hormone balance can help with mood regulation, cognitive function, and energy levels.
  • Stronger bones – Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
  • Better heart health – Balanced hormones support cardiovascular function and may lower the risk of heart disease.

Many patients also report improvements in skin elasticity, muscle tone, and metabolism. The positive effects of hormone therapy go beyond treating symptoms, helping you feel more vibrant and youthful as you age.

 5. What Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Are Available?

There are several ways to receive HRT, including:

  • Creams – Applied directly to the skin for absorption.
  • Patches – A transdermal option that delivers hormones gradually.
  • Pills – An oral method that requires consistent dosing.
  • Shots – Injections administered at regular intervals.
  • Pellet therapy – A long-lasting method that provides steady hormone levels over time.

At Exceed, we specialize in pellet therapy because it offers a consistent, time-released delivery of hormones, minimizing fluctuations that can occur with other methods. Unlike oral or topical treatments that require daily administration, pellets provide a steady dose over several months. Additionally, our licensed and trained providers personalize your dosage based on lab results and how you feel—not a one-size-fits-all algorithm. This ensures that you receive the most effective and tailored treatment for your individual needs.

 

Bonus Question: Do I Have to Do This (HRT) Forever?

No! Your health priorities may shift over time, and you can pause or stop pellet therapy whenever you choose. Some patients continue therapy for several years due to its health benefits, while others opt to take breaks to reassess their needs.

If you decide to stop, follow your provider’s guidance on progesterone or other supplements to maintain balance. Should you wish to restart, just call our office to discuss the next steps. We’re here to support you at every stage of your hormone health journey.

Taking control of your hormone health starts with asking the right questions. By staying informed and working with a knowledgeable provider, you can make the best choices for your well-being. Stay tuned next month when another Exceed Nurse Practitioner answers more of your HRT questions!

 

Reignite the Spark: Creative Ways to Strengthen Your Emotional Connection with Your Spouse

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Over time, even the strongest relationships can fall into routine. Between work, responsibilities, and the demands of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the deep emotional connection that once felt effortless. The good news? Rebuilding that bond doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s the little things, done consistently, that can make the biggest impact.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your connection or deepen an already strong bond, here are a handful of meaningful ways to nurture your relationship and bring back the spark.

1. Prioritize Presence Over Perfection

It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of trying to create the perfect date night or meaningful moment. While planning grand, special occasions can be romantic, focusing on being present during the day-to-day is what truly matters. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and give your partner your undivided attention—even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

Try this: Set aside 15 minutes each night to talk without interruptions. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day? or What’s something you’ve been thinking about lately?”

2. Create New Shared Experiences

Falling into the same routine can make a relationship feel stagnant. Break out of autopilot by trying something new together. The activity can vary from a simple outing to a vacation somewhere new! Whatever you are able to feasibly accomplish, enjoy moments of spontaneity together. 

Ideas to explore:

  • Take a dance class or try a new recipe together.
  • Visit a place you’ve never been, even if it’s just a new restaurant in town.
  • Start a “bucket list” of experiences and commit to crossing off one each month.

3. Revisit Your Beginnings

Looking back at the early days of your relationship can help reignite feelings of excitement and nostalgia.

Ways to do this:

  • Recreate your first date.
  • Look through old photos and reminisce about fun memories.
  • Write each other a letter about what you first admired in one another.

4. Infuse Thoughtfulness into Everyday Moments

Small acts of kindness can significantly strengthen emotional connections and are proven to increase oxytocin, the hormone that fosters bonding and trust.

Simple but meaningful ideas:

  • Leave a sweet note in their bag or on the bathroom mirror.
  • Make them coffee or breakfast in the morning.
  • Send a spontaneous text just to say you appreciate them.

5. Make Laughter a Priority

Laughter strengthens bonds, relieves stress, and helps you feel more connected as a couple. Some studies have found that laughter can reverse the body’s response to stress. 

Ways to bring more laughter into your relationship:

  • Watch a comedy show or a funny movie together.
  • Recall and retell inside jokes or funny memories.
  • Try something playful, like a board game or karaoke night.

6. Work Toward a Shared Goal

Having a common goal gives you something to work on together and strengthens your partnership. When you work toward something together—whether it’s a creative project, a fitness goal, or financial planning—you build trust, celebrate small wins, and stay connected through shared effort.

Ideas to consider:

  • Start a creative project, like redecorating a room or planning a trip.
  • Train for a 5K or try a new fitness routine together.
  • Learn a new skill as a team, like cooking or speaking a new language.

7. Check In with Each Other Regularly

Communication is key to emotional closeness, but it doesn’t have to be all about deep conversations. A simple 5-minute check-in can help foster connection and an open space to share feelings with each other. 

Try this:

  • Have a weekly check-in where you share what’s been on your mind.
  • Use “I” statements to express feelings without placing blame (I’ve been feeling a little disconnected lately. Can we plan some time just for us?).

Final Thoughts

Rekindling an emotional connection doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent efforts can make a big difference. Relationships thrive when both partners feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Try incorporating even a few of these ideas, and you’ll likely find the spark you’re looking for is closer than you think.

Are you ready to bring balance and vitality back into your life? Exceed Hormone Specialists is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation.