Falling off the Cliff without your HRT Parachute Part 2 with Anne Lemus
If you’ve ever felt like your body hit a wall and no one handed you the manual, you’re not alone. In Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation, Coach Anne Lemus joins Greg and Jami to continue unpacking the very real (and often overlooked) challenges of peri- and post-menopause—especially for women trying to maintain their energy, performance, and sanity.
Anne, a master’s athlete and coach at Fit Body Fusion, dives into the vital topic of hormone health and how critical it is to understand and advocate for your own optimal ranges, not just accept “normal” lab results from conventional medicine. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how you feel, and making empowered decisions that keep you strong, sharp, and balanced through all seasons of life.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating hormonal shifts, whether you're deep in menopause, just starting the journey, or supporting someone who is.
5 Key Takeaways
1. "Normal" lab ranges aren't always optimal for YOU.
Anne explains the crucial difference between medical reference ranges (based on general population averages) and personal optimal levels—what actually helps you feel your best. Just because your lab says you're "in range" doesn’t mean you’re thriving.
2. Baseline labs are your hormonal GPS—start now!
Even if you're not currently symptomatic, get your labs done and start tracking. Having a history helps you understand what “optimal” looks like for you before big shifts occur. It’s like having a hormonal treasure map for your future self.
3. Ask for a comprehensive panel—don't settle for TSH alone.
When it comes to thyroid health (a major player in how you feel), TSH isn’t enough. Anne encourages women to request full thyroid panels (TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, and TPO antibodies) to get the whole picture, especially when symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and stubborn weight are showing up.
4. Track your symptoms—your body is talking to you.
Using a wellness journal to log sleep, energy, mood, and cycle symptoms helps identify patterns and gives context to your lab results. This empowers you to speak up with your healthcare team and advocate for your needs.
5. Knowledge is power—labs are now more accessible than ever.
You don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral to start understanding your health. Affordable, direct-to-consumer lab options mean you can take control of your data, your choices, and your hormone journey.
