32. Hormone Replacement Therapy in Perimenopause: Interview with Rachel Schaefer

Are your hormones out of balance? In this episode of The Histamine Well Podcast, Joanne sits down with Rachel Schaefer, founder of Ginkgo Integrative Medicine, to demystify perimenopause and the role of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in supporting women’s health.They explore what actually happens during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause, how to recognize estrogen dominance, and the benefits and risks of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy. Rachel shares practical insights on how personalized care, detailed hormone testing, and integrative medicine can help women navigate this transitional stage with confidence.You’ll learn how early intervention with the right HRT protocol can improve energy, mood, sleep, and long-term wellbeing—plus how to avoid common pitfalls with synthetic hormones, patches, and oral estrogen.Whether you’re just entering perimenopause or already considering HRT, this episode offers a clear, empowering look at how to restore hormonal harmony and thrive through midlife.Learn more about Rachel’s integrative approach to hormone health and women’s wellbeing:Website: https://www.ginkgointegrativemedicine.com/ Instagram: @ginkgointegrative🧪 Rachel’s Recommended Annual Serum Lab Panel (Age 40+)Done fasting, ideally once per year. Tracks hormonal shifts & key biomarkers:CBC w/ diff · Ferritin, TIBC, Iron sat · CMP · GGT · SHBG · DHEA-S · Free & Total Testosterone · Estradiol LC/MS (Cycle Day 2–3) · FSH (Day 2–3) · LH · Progesterone LC/MS (Day 20–21) · Homocysteine · MMA · HSCRP · Insulin · HbA1c · ApoB · Lp(a) · TSH · Free T4 · Free T3 · rT3 · TPO antibodies · ANA · Vitamin DAdditional testing based on the case: DUTCH · Tiny Health GI Pro · Mira · 3x4 Genetics · Total Tox Burden · DEXA · OATS · Mood Sense💡 At-Home Hormone Tracking — Listener DiscountRachel checked in with Mira, a home-based hormone urine testing device, to offer a special 20% off discount for listeners of The Histamine Well Podcast.🔸 Public Discount Code: 2GINGKO20🔸 Mira Website: www.miracare.com✨ Want more? Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for updates and tips.📘 New to this journey? Buy The Ultimate Bundle for Managing Histamine Intolerance—your step-by-step guide to manage your histamine intolerance effectively. 🧪 Curious about your methylation status? Try our at-home Methylation Test! In just 15 minutes, discover if you're over-methylating or under-methylating and receive targeted supplement recommendations to help rebalance. Use code HISTAMINEWELL10 for 10% off.🎓 Practitioner or student? Join the waitlist for the Histamine & Methylation Online Group Coaching Course starting early 2026!📆 Work with us 1:1! Book a consultation and take your first step to real healing.🎤 Have a topic suggestion? Submit it here!