Power Within: Hormones, Beauty, and Balance
An empowering women’s wellness event hosted by local women-owned businesses in New Port Richey, Florida: Jennifer Parker, Nurse Practitioner at You First Health & Wellness; Mariah Janus, Licensed Esthetician at Caleigh Ann Esthetics; Desiree Lopez, Doctor of Physical Therapist specializing in Pelvic Floor Health at Integrated Pelvis; and Thaina Cordero, PhD, Sex Counselor. Discover how hormone balance, skin health, pelvic care, and sexual wellness are all beautifully connected.
Hormonal Changes in Women with Jennifer Parker, Nurse Practitioner
Hormones play a central role in our overall health, energy, and emotional balance — especially during life transitions like menopause. For many women, hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms including fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and disrupted sleep.
Bioidentical hormones are gaining attention for their potential to offer more natural support. These hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body, making them a popular choice for those seeking a personalized approach to hormone therapy. In contrast, synthetic hormones, while more commonly prescribed and typically covered by insurance, may not be an ideal fit for everyone.
One hormone that’s often overlooked in women’s health is testosterone. While it’s commonly associated with men, testosterone also plays a critical role in women’s libido, energy, and mood regulation. Addressing low testosterone levels can significantly improve quality of life.
Interestingly, vitamin D is now recognized as a sex hormone, influencing hormonal balance in addition to its well-known benefits for immunity and bone health. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is a simple but impactful step in supporting hormonal wellness.
When done thoughtfully, hormone therapy can bring profound relief and support during hormonal transitions. Many patients report noticeable improvements in their mood, vitality, sleep, and overall well-being — which is why they often choose to stay on therapy long term.
However, hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness. This often includes lab work and check-ins to fine-tune treatment based on your body’s evolving needs.
It’s worth noting that the cost of hormone therapy can vary. While synthetic options may be covered by insurance, bioidentical treatments often involve out-of-pocket expenses, including consultations and lab testing. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Ultimately, understanding the differences between hormone types — and what your body needs — is key to creating a plan that truly works for you.
Hormonal Changes and Skin Health with Mariah Janus, Licensed Esthetician
Hormones play a powerful role in skin health — often more than we realize. Fluctuations in hormone levels can trigger a wide range of skin issues, from acne and pigmentation to dryness and increased sensitivity.
One of the most visible effects of hormonal change is a shift in collagen production. As estrogen levels drop (such as during perimenopause or menopause), collagen decreases, leading to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.
In fact, up to 80% of adult acne in women is linked to hormonal imbalances. These breakouts often appear around the jawline, chin, or cheeks and can persist despite standard skincare routines. That’s because skin is more than surface-level — it often reflects what’s happening internally.
Skin is an incredible communicator. Breakouts, dullness, dryness, or inflammation can all be signs that something deeper — like hormones, stress, or digestion — needs attention. That’s why treating the root cause is essential for long-term results, rather than just masking symptoms.
The good news? We have more tools than ever before. Innovative skincare technologies, such as LED light therapy, microneedling, and bio-identical hormone support, can amplify results when paired with a personalized approach.
Cold therapy is another powerful ally. It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and tighten skin — making it a simple yet effective practice to include in any routine.
And of course, diet and nutrition play a major role in skin health. What we put into our bodies directly impacts how our skin looks and feels. Hydration, healthy fats, and hormone-balancing foods can all support a radiant complexion.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding your unique skin — and what it’s trying to tell you — is the key to truly effective, sustainable skincare.
Mindful Pleasure: A Self-Care Practice with Thaina Cordero, Sex Counselor
We’re often on “go” mode, many of us move quickly from one task to the next without fully savoring our experiences. Yet, pleasure — the kind that nourishes and sustains us — can often be found in the simplest of moments, like taking a deep, intentional breath or feeling sunlight on your skin.
While pleasure is frequently associated with sex, it’s so much more than that. True pleasure can arise from comfort, connection, creativity, and even rest. Understanding what brings us pleasure is a vital part of self-care, and it looks different for everyone.
Unfortunately, many women are socialized to prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own. This can lead to a disconnection from the body’s signals and a lack of permission to explore what feels good — emotionally, physically, or sexually.
Chronic pain further complicates the picture. When the body is in pain, it can be harder to access sensations of ease or joy. And yet, finding ways to reconnect with pleasure — even in small, accessible ways — can support healing and emotional resilience.
Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. Despite this, there’s still a widespread stigma around talking about sexual health, especially in medical and therapeutic settings. That silence can leave people feeling isolated or ashamed.
Mindfulness offers a powerful tool for rediscovering pleasure. When we slow down and become present in our bodies, we create space to feel more — and to feel differently. This presence can soften internalized shame and awaken curiosity.
Exploring what brings you pleasure isn’t selfish. It’s a path to self-acceptance, healing, and greater vitality. Everyone deserves to feel good in their body — not just sometimes, but as a regular and supported part of life.
Pelvic Floor Health: Changes Across the Lifespan with Desiree Lopez, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Pelvic Floor Specialist
Pelvic health encompasses a wide range of concerns, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and organ prolapse. These issues are more common than most people realize and often go undiscussed due to stigma or lack of awareness.
At the core of pelvic health is the pelvic floor — a group of muscles, fascia, and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and other pelvic organs. When the pelvic floor is functioning properly, it helps maintain continence, stability, and support. But when these muscles are weakened or not coordinating well, dysfunction can arise.
Urinary incontinence is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders, yet it’s frequently underreported because people feel embarrassed to bring it up. This silence prevents many from seeking help, even though effective treatments are available.
Age-related changes, especially hormonal shifts like those that occur during menopause, can significantly impact pelvic health. Estrogen, in particular, plays a vital role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of pelvic tissues. As estrogen levels drop, symptoms like dryness, laxity, or incontinence may increase.
Pregnancy and childbirth also place tremendous stress on the pelvic floor. This can lead to muscle damage or strain, which may later manifest as urgency, frequency, discomfort, or pelvic organ prolapse — a condition where pelvic organs drop from their normal position due to loss of support.
Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to treatment. A tailored therapy plan can restore muscle function, relieve symptoms, and greatly improve quality of life.
Awareness and education are key. By understanding how your body works and what changes to watch for, you can take proactive steps to protect and support your pelvic health at every stage of life.
