Understanding Your Hormones: A Guide to the Female Hormonal Symphony

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers — think of them as cars on a busy highway, delivering critical instructions from your brain to your muscles, heart, reproductive organs, and more. Without them, your body simply wouldn’t function.

Let’s break down this intricate system in a way that actually makes sense — no medical degree required.

What Are Hormones, Really?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through your bloodstream, directing your organs on what to do and when. Each hormone has a unique job and destination, like individual cars on different routes.

• Insulin: Your blood sugar gatekeeper. It signals your cells to open up and absorb glucose. Without it, sugar floats in the blood and gets stored as fat.

• Thyroid Hormone: Controls your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and weight. But more isn’t always better — too much can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, or arrhythmias.

• Estrogen & Progesterone: Your female power duo. Estrogen is the outgoing, energetic party girl; progesterone is her calm, grounded best friend who keeps things in check.

• Testosterone: Not just a "male" hormone — it’s the powerhouse for confidence, libido, and muscle in women. It peaks around ovulation, giving you that natural high.

Your Monthly Hormone Cycle: More Than Just a Period

From puberty to menopause, your hormones follow a 28–32 day rhythm, bringing physical and brain changes.

• Days 1–14 (Follicular Phase): Estrogen rises, energy increases, mood lifts. You’re more resilient to stress — this is the time to go harder at the gym, schedule big meetings, try intermittent fasting.

• Day 14 (Ovulation): Testosterone peaks. Confidence, libido, and muscle-building potential are at their highest. Perfect time to try something bold.

• Days 21–28 (Luteal Phase): Hormones drop — a “mini menopause.” You feel tired, bloated, irritable. Insulin resistance increases. Focus on fiber, protein, lighter workouts like yoga or walks, and don’t overcommit.

Birth Control, Pregnancy, and Hormonal Suppression

• Birth Control Pills: These suppress your natural cycle and ovulation. While convenient, many women experience fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety because their real hormones are turned off.

• Pregnancy: Hormones stay high. You skip the monthly dip — but post-partum, the drop can feel dramatic.

• Post-Partum: The return of hormonal cycling can bring erratic symptoms. Many women feel “off” as their bodies recalibrate.

Perimenopause and Menopause: The Wild Ride

• Perimenopause (Mid 30’s- 40s+): Hormone (especially estrogen) levels fluctuate wildly. One month you feel amazing, the next you're anxious, sleepless, and exhausted.

• Menopause: No ovulation, no period for 12 months = officially menopausal. You're living in the low-hormone late luteal phase full-time. Fatigue, hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain, and often depression are common.

Your body tries to compensate by storing fat — especially around the middle — because fat cells produce estrogen. This is why your shape changes. Muscle mass also drops, so strength training is non-negotiable.

PMS Is Mini Menopause

The week before your period mimics menopause: low estrogen, low progesterone. Cue: cravings, mood swings, poor sleep, and anxiety. Managing PMS well now helps prepare you for perimenopause later.

• Eat more fiber and protein

• Cut back on sugar, caffeine, and alcohol

• Lift weights, take walks, and prioritize self care.

How to Support Your Hormones Naturally

1. Morning Light Exposure:
Get sunlight early — it wakes up your hormones and sets your internal clock.

2. Prioritize Sleep:

• Cold room

• Pitch black (yes, really — even small light disrupts melatonin)
• Consistent bedtime and a calming routine

3. Eat for Hormonal Health:

• More protein (most women eat too little)

• High fiber (stabilizes blood sugar)

• Cut sugar, alcohol, and processed foods

• Hydrate!

4. Calm Your Nervous System:

• Meditate or nap during the natural cortisol dip (1–4 PM)
• Center yourself with prayer, journaling, or breathwork

5. Move Smart:

• Walk more throughout the day
• Lift heavier weights (Start with 5-10 and work up)
• Avoid high cortisol workouts (like excessive running or HIIT) if you're already stressed

When Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Makes Sense

HRT can relieve symptoms (like hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety) and protect against disease (like heart disease and osteoporosis) when started at the right time — typically at the onset of perimenopause or early menopause. Bioidentical hormones are best and don’t increase cancer risk in the right population.

But be cautious: don’t add hormones blindly. You need proper dosing and individualized care — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Supplements That Can Help

• Multivitamin – Every morning
• Calcium + Magnesium – At dinner, for sleep, cramps, and mood
• Vitamin B6 – Mood and energy booster (50mg twice daily)
• Evening Primrose Oil – For breast tenderness and bloating
• Chasteberry – Supports hormonal balance and low progesterone
• Black Cohosh – Can help hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms. Use only the 2 weeks before your period if estrogen is low to help symptoms.

Final Thought: Advocate for Yourself

Hormonal shifts are natural, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer. Too often, women are told to "just deal with it" or are handed an anti-anxiety prescription without understanding the root cause.

This is not “just the way it is.” Women’s health has been under-researched and overlooked. It’s time to change that — starting with understanding your own hormonal story.

You’re not broken. You’re just cycling.

The importance of a thorough aesthetic consult

Your Consultation at Feeling 22 Aesthetics: Expert Guidance Tailored Just for YOU

Your free consultation at Feeling 22 Aesthetics is designed as a collaborative and informative session, serving as the cornerstone of a personalized treatment plan. It is far more than a simple service selection; it is a comprehensive assessment aimed at understanding your unique needs and aesthetic aspirations.

During the consultation, you can expect a thorough process that typically includes:

• Skin Analysis: A detailed examination of the skin to determine its type, condition, and specific concerns.

• Goal Discussion: An open conversation about the client’s aesthetic goals, concerns, and desired outcomes.

• History Review: Discussion of relevant medical history, previous treatments, and any allergies or sensitivities to ensure safety.

• Treatment Options: Explanation of the most suitable treatment options based on the assessment and goals, including potential benefits, risks, and expected results.

• Personalized Plan: Development of a tailored treatment plan, outlining recommended procedures, timelines, and costs.

The expert team at Feeling 22 brings specialized knowledge to this process. Consultations regarding injectables are typically led by board certified nurse practitioner and practice owner, Lacey Saurbaugh, leveraging her medical background and expertise in facial anatomy and injection techniques. The consultation provides a dedicated opportunity for you to ask questions, address any uncertainties, and feel completely comfortable and informed before proceeding with any treatment. This transparent and client-focused approach builds trust and sets the stage for a positive treatment experience.

Making the Right Choice: The Importance of Personalization

While understanding the different service categories is helpful, selecting the most effective treatment requires a personalized approach. There is no single “best” treatment applicable to everyone; the ideal choice depends heavily on individual factors. Key considerations include:

• Skin Type: Whether skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone significantly influences treatment suitability and potential reactions.

• Specific Concerns: The primary issues to be addressed, such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, volume loss, hyperpigmentation, redness, unwanted hair, or skin texture, will guide treatment selection.

• Desired Outcomes: Goals can range from subtle refreshment and prevention to more noticeable correction or rejuvenation.

• Lifestyle and Downtime: Some treatments require minimal to no downtime, while others may involve a recovery period. A client’s tolerance for downtime and lifestyle factors (e.g., sun exposure habits) are important considerations.

• Budget: Treatment costs vary, and budget is a practical factor in developing a feasible plan.

A treatment that yields excellent results for one individual may not be appropriate or effective for another due to these variables. Therefore, a professional assessment is crucial not only for efficacy but also for safety. Attempting to self-select treatments based solely on general information can lead to suboptimal results or adverse effects. The value of a professional consultation lies in receiving expert recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of these personal factors, ensuring the chosen path aligns with individual needs and expectations.

Botox®, Fillers, Collagen Stimulators, Kybella

• Purpose & Benefits: This broad category includes several types of treatments administered via injection.

  • Neurotoxins (Botox®, Daxxify®, & Jeuveau) work by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, those formed by repeated expressions like frowning or squinting. This results in smoother skin and a reduction in the appearance of lines like crow’s feet and forehead furrows.3

  • Dermal Fillers (Juvéderm®, RHA®) primarily use substances like hyaluronic acid to restore lost volume, smooth out static wrinkles (lines present at rest), enhance facial contours (like cheeks and jawline), and plump lips. They provide immediate structural support and hydration17

  • Collagen Stimulators (Sculptra®, Radiesse®) work differently, stimulating the body’s own collagen production over time. This leads to gradual improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and overall quality, offering longer-term rejuvenation.

  • Fat Dissolvers (Kybella®) contain deoxycholic acid to break down and absorb fat cells, specifically targeting areas like submental fullness (double chin) for improved contour.

• Concerns Addressed: Fine lines, moderate to severe wrinkles, volume loss in cheeks or lips, lack of definition in the jawline or chin, double chin.

• Expertise: The safe and effective administration of injectables demands a deep understanding of facial anatomy, product properties, and aesthetic principles. Lacey possesses the necessary qualifications and experience. As she notes, “Injectables require precision and artistry. Understanding facial structure and using the right product in the right place is key to achieving subtle, beautiful rejuvenation.” This highlights the blend of medical knowledge and artistic skill required for natural-looking outcomes.

Discover Your Personalized Path to Your Best Skin

Navigating the options for aesthetic enhancement is the first step; unlocking truly personalized results requires expert guidance. Individuals seeking to understand the best treatments for their unique skin and aesthetic goals are encouraged to schedule a free consultation at Feeling 22 Aesthetics. This dedicated session is the key to developing a tailored plan designed to achieve optimal outcomes safely and effectively. Contact Feeling 22 through this website to book a consultation and begin the journey toward achieving one’s best skin.

Is Microneedling Good for Your Skin? All You Need to Know!

Microneedling is a popular procedure that targets wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and facial scars. This innovative treatment is often the answer to various skin issues such as a dull complexion, wrinkles, age spots, and scarring. A cosmetic treatment that can be performed in a specialist’s office with no need for general anesthesia or post-recovery period, microneedling can be exactly what the doctor prescribes for a multitude of skin conditions. Here at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno we have clients from around the country visit us for our Microneedling service.

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a simple, non-invasive treatment that increases collagen production and rejuvenates the skin. Board-certified dermatologists use professional microneedling devicesequipped with small, sterilized needles to create thousands of microchannels into the skin. 

So, how does a bunch of needles stuck into your deeper layers of skin help with wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and scars? What you feel as a minor discomfort, your body perceives as a physical injury and it immediately activates its healing mechanism to reorganize old collagen fibers, increase collagen levels and stimulate elastin. As the “wound” is repaired, granulation cells help with the growth of new skin tissue and skin rejuvenation.

Benefits of microneedling

A minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, microneedling is increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits for the skin. Each microneedling treatment restores up to a year’s worth of lost collagen, improving skin texture and targeting skin concerns such as:

• facial wrinkles

• acne scars

• surgical scars

• stretch marks

• hyperpigmentation

• age spots

• skin laxity

• uneven skin tone

• enlarged pores

Since the microneedling procedure boosts the production of collagen, your skin will get a more youthful appearance and have a smoother texture. Furthermore, microneedling therapy results in skin tightening and fills in facial acne scars.

At-home microneedling devices may claim they have the same benefits as professional microneedling but they can penetrate only the outer layer of skin. While professional devices reach not only the epidermis but also the dermis (2 mm to 3 mm deep), commercial microneedling devices reach a depth of only 0.25 mm. This allows skin exfoliation and better absorption of topical products but does not boost collagen productionor rejuvenate the skin.

Is microneedling painful?

Microneedling sessions involve the use of small needs to puncture the skin, so you may experience discomfort. However, the pain is always minimal and manageable if performed by a medical professional certified to use a microneedling device. Furthermore, before the microneedling session, your dermatologist will most likely use a topical anesthetic or numbing cream to decrease pain and discomfort.

The device used to perform microneedling looks like a pen and is called a derma roller. A professional dermatologist will apply it to your face to insert minuscule stainless-steel needles into the skin to create micro-injuries and activate the organism’s healing mechanism. It is important to remember that microneedling does not scar your skin, and the risk of infection is always minimal.
The tiny abrasions left behind are microscopic, and although they are not visible, they are enough to trigger a boost of collagen levels in the treated area. A microneedling procedure usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, but your treatment plan will probably include several sessions spaced one month apart for you to access the full palette of microneedling benefits. Our team of experts at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno will work with you to understand your goals and create a treatment plan that caters to you and your personal medical history so you can achieve your aesthetic goals.

Does microneedling have side effects?

Microneedling is considered to be a safe and effective skin treatment for healthy adults. The procedure can be performed on all skin types. Unlike laser treatments, microneedling is a good fit even for patients with darker skin tones as this type of medical device does not use heat. Laser skin resurfacing uses heat and may expose people suffering from melasma or hyperpigmentation to the risk of experiencing pigmentation issues. 

However, just as with any other medical procedure, microneedling may come with certain side effects for patients with sensitive skin. Fortunately, most side effects are temporary and usually take the form of swelling, redness, and skin flaking. You may also feel minor tenderness to the touch for a day or two. Your skin should recover in a few days, and you will be able to wear your regular makeup the day after the treatment. 

While the procedure is considered safe for the majority, not everyone is a good candidate. People who suffer from active acne, oral herpes, or have a history of keloid scars, collagen vascular disease, or fungal infections should not expose their skin to microneedling. Patients with a history of oral herpes may benefit from microneedling, but they should take an oral antiviral medication for one week following the procedure to prevent the appearance of new cold sores. Moreover, the treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or immunosuppressed patients. Our professionals at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno will do a thorough assessment of your skin and medical history to ensure this is the right treatment for you. If this is not the best option, we offer a host of treatments that might be a better fit for your situation.

How long do the results last?

The first results can be noticed almost immediately as the body starts to heal as soon as it feels the “aggression.” Your skin will look more radiant and plump for up to two weeks following the treatment, but for the full effects of microneedling, you need to wait six to eight weeks from the last session. This is when the collagen reaches its potential, and its effects become evident. The results may last for many months. However, most people choose to schedule at least two sessions a year. Patients suffering from burn scars or stretch marks may want to undergo the procedure up to five times a year.

Remember that after the procedure your skin is more sun-sensitive, so sunscreen is mandatory for when you go outside. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions, and it is advisable to follow them to avoid any complications or the risk of infection. People with open wounds should wait until the skin heals before undergoing microneedling.

This is an outpatient procedure, but it is best to rest the day after the treatment because you will experience a sensation similar to sunburn, and your skin might feel tight. While the biggest benefits of microneedling are improved skin appearance, fewer wrinkles, and reduced appearance of scars, the procedure is also known to improve absorption of skincare products allowing them to penetrate the outer layers of the skin and augment their effects.

Hormonal Skin

The word ‘hormonal’ is often used to explain away break-outs, bad moods and erratic behavior, but what is the real effect that hormones have on our skin?  Hormonal changes are part of the natural aging process that takes us from adolescence to maturity.

Androgens, which are the hormones that stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, can run the show in our early teens through 20s. When the sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by androgens, acne flare-ups can occur.  Androgens also effect body hair growth.

Estrogen takes center stage as women enter ‘child-bearing years.’  Fluctuations especially during pregnancy can result in increased melanin, body break-outs and dry, rough patches of skin.  Estrogen fluctuations also occur throughout the menstrual cycle for women and these fluctuations often have a strong effect on skin for women beginning or coming off of birth control pills.

The dip in estrogen levels later in life dramatically increases skin sensitivity while also resulting in a downturn in elasticity and collagen.

Stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, perhaps have the most powerful effect on skin for both men and women.  Stress hormones are released any time our brains interpret situation as being potentially dangerous, and these hormones interact with and often cause fluctuations in estrogen, testosterone and androgens.

The best thing treatment for ‘hormonal skin’ is two-fold.  First have a professional evaluate your skin.  The most common pitfall in home skin care regimens is treating your skins former condition instead of its current one.  Pregnant women experiencing break-outs may turn to the astringent they used at 16 and pre-menopausal women may notice that their skin seems thinner and just apply more of the moisturizer that they have been using for the past decade when these are not the best products for their current condition.  This inappropriate product use in a home care regimen stresses the skin, causing it to work harder and possibly worsening the condition you are try to fix.

The second part of treating hormonal skin is easier said than done: relax.  Simply taking time to breathe deeply is scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones in the body.

Hormonal skin need not be a synonym for bad skin; take a deep breath and treat your skin well.  To schedule a  complimentary consultation to evaluate your skin care products, please use the booking link on this website.

IV Therapy and Weight Loss: Enhancing Your Wellness Journey at Feeling 22 Aesthetics

Losing weight and staying fit requires dedication, proper nutrition, exercise, and hydration. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might hit a plateau or feel exhausted. This is where **IV Therapy** can give you the extra boost you need! At Feeling 22 Aesthetics, we offer IV infusion treatments designed to support hydration, boost metabolism, and enhance your overall weight loss program.

In this guide, we’ll explore how IV therapy can complement your weight loss journey by providing essential nutrients, hydration, and metabolism support. Discover how you can maximize your fitness results and feel your best!

How IV Therapy Supports Weight Loss

IV therapy works by delivering a powerful mix of fluids, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into your bloodstream. This process bypasses the digestive system, ensuring that your body absorbs the nutrients more efficiently. Here’s how IV therapy can specifically enhance weight loss:

• Hydration Boost: Proper hydration is crucial for effective weight loss. IV therapy quickly restores fluid balance, helping you stay energized and support optimal body function.

• Metabolism Support: IV infusions with **B vitamins** and **amino acids** help increase your metabolic rate, allowing your body to burn fat more efficiently.

• Detoxification: IV therapy flushes out toxins that can hinder weight loss, improving your body's ability to metabolize fat and function optimally.

• Increased Energy Levels: IV drips provide a quick energy boost, helping you stay motivated and consistent with your workouts.

• Reduced Inflammation: Certain IV ingredients like **Vitamin C** and **glutathione** help reduce inflammation, which can aid in weight loss and recovery.

Key IV Ingredients for Weight Loss Support

Our IV therapy blends are customized to support your weight loss goals. Here are some key ingredients often included in weight loss IV drips:

• B-Complex Vitamins: These vitamins boost energy levels, support metabolism, and help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and aids in recovery.

• Amino Acids: Essential for muscle growth, fat metabolism, and reducing muscle fatigue.

• Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the body and supports weight loss by reducing oxidative stress.

• L-Carnitine: Helps transport fatty acids into the cells to be burned for energy, aiding in fat loss.

Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals with IV Therapy

IV therapy is a powerful tool to support your weight loss journey by enhancing hydration, boosting metabolism, and providing essential nutrients. At Feeling 22 Aesthetics, we’re committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals.