What If HRT Isn’t the Answer?

Hello Warriors!

Welcome back to the ‘Pause Like a Warrior newsletter. This week, we’re unpacking one of the most important—and often misunderstood—conversations in women’s health: what if HRT isn’t the right choice for you? Whether it’s due to personal preference, medical history, or lack of access, millions of women are navigating midlife without hormone therapy—and many are told there are no other options. But that’s simply not true.

In episode 134, I sit down with Maryon Stewart—internationally acclaimed author, TV presenter, pioneer of the natural menopause movement, and founder of Femmar (a hormonal health company)—who’s helped over 100,000 women around the world rebalance their hormones naturally through science-backed strategies. From phytoestrogens and nutrient depletion to the hidden dangers of xenoestrogens and the myth of the “quick fix” pill, Maryon delivers the education and empowerment your doctor probably never did.

This episode is a wake-up call, a validation, and a starter kit for anyone wondering, “If not HRT… then what?”

5 Eye-Openers From Our Conversation with Maryon Stewart

1. HRT Isn’t the Only Way — And It Was Never the Whole Solution

Despite the current wave of HRT popularity, only 1.8% of women in the U.S. actually use it. And according to Stewart, HRT doesn't fix the real problem for many women: deep nutritional deficiencies that fuel symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and joint pain. Even if you're on HRT, you're not off the hook when it comes to rebuilding your foundation.

2. Phytoestrogens Can Be as Powerful as Hormones — Without the Risks

These plant-based compounds mimic estrogen in the body and protect against toxic xenoestrogens from the environment. Stewart emphasizes eating phytoestrogen-rich foods (like organic soy, flax, and sesame) every 4–6 hours to “fool the brain” into hormonal balance — with clinical evidence backing the results.

3. The Pill Isn’t a Cure — It’s a Mask

Many women are put on the pill to "solve" PMS or regulate periods, but Stewart argues it often masks the issue instead of addressing the root cause. Her early research showed that PMS and cycle-related mood swings are often triggered by nutrient depletion — especially after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and decades of “giving” without refueling.

4. Most Doctors Aren’t Trained in Menopause — And It Shows

A 2019 Mayo Clinic study found that only 7% of doctors and gynecologists feel adequately trained to treat menopause. No wonder so many women are misdiagnosed, over-medicated, or dismissed. Stewart says the average woman in her workplace studies saw eight doctors before getting meaningful answers.

5. You’re Not Crazy — You’re Under-Fueled

That tired, anxious, foggy-brained version of you isn’t a mystery — it’s the result of depleted nutrients, environmental toxins, and chronic stress. Maryon’s 5-part Natural Hormone Rebalancing Protocol targets the root causes and delivers results in just weeks. Bonus? Her community model offers support, science, and real-time updates — not outdated advice or guesswork..

The Cougar Cure? Younger Sexual Partners Linked to Fewer Menopause Symptoms

A new UK study suggests that younger sexual partners might just be the ultimate menopause hack.

A study funded by Womanizer’s Pleasure Fund and conducted by London Metropolitan University found that peri- and postmenopausal women with partners at least seven years younger reported dramatically fewer menopause symptoms, especially those tied to sexual and psychological health.

Compared to women with partners of the same age or older, the younger-partner group had 54% fewer local/sexual symptoms (like vaginal dryness) and 84% higher sexual function scores.

But it’s not just about who you’re with — it’s what you’re doing.
Women who regularly experienced orgasms — even solo — saw up to 36% fewer symptoms, with sex toy users reporting a 59% reduction in tiredness and sleep issues.

BOTTOM LINE:
Intimacy and orgasms matter (with or without a partner) — and they may be more powerful for midlife wellness than we ever imagined.

Note: This is not advice to become a contestant on Love Island... unless, of course, if they’ll have you. 😉 

Ready to Warrior Up!

Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!