For many women, conversations about hormone health do not begin until symptoms start to disrupt daily life. Fatigue, mood changes, weight gain and restless sleep are often brushed aside as inevitable parts of aging. But Jari Becker, a registered pharmacist and director of women’s health at Town & Country Compounding, says those changes deserve closer attention.
“My approach is rooted in education first,” Becker says. “I want women to walk away from every conversation feeling informed and empowered enough to advocate for themselves.”
Through one-on-one consultations and community events, Becker helps women better understand the role hormones play in overall health and quality of life. She also collaborates with prescribing physicians, helping guide patients through testing, therapy options and ongoing management.
Hormone-related symptoms often appear gradually, which can make them easy to overlook. Becker says many women initially attribute symptoms to stress, aging or lifestyle changes.
Among the most common concerns she hears are hot flashes, low libido, weight gain and brain fog. Others report fatigue, hair loss, irritability, depression and sleep disruptions. While these symptoms may be associated with perimenopause or menopause, Becker emphasizes that they should not be dismissed.
“If something feels off, it deserves a conversation,” she says. “Many of these symptoms can also be connected to thyroid dysfunction, metabolic issues or other underlying conditions.”
Understanding hormone balance begins with evaluation. Becker often recommends saliva testing, which measures progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and DHEA, along with a four-point cortisol panel that evaluates stress hormone levels throughout the day.
Saliva testing measures the hormones your body can actually use—those available to interact with cells—unlike blood tests, which show total hormone levels.
“Cortisol plays a particularly important role,” Becker says. “Both physical and emotional stress can raise cortisol levels, and when cortisol is elevated, it can disrupt the balance of other hormones.”
She also encourages comprehensive testing that includes thyroid function, noting that thyroid health and hormone balance are closely connected.
For women experiencing symptoms or declining hormone levels, hormone therapy may be part of the solution. At Town & Country Compounding, prescriptions from licensed providers are prepared using bioidentical hormones, which share the same molecular structure as hormones naturally produced by the body.
Because the pharmacy specializes in compounding, therapies can be customized to meet individual needs. Hormones may be delivered in several forms, including capsules, creams, gels, troches and suppositories.
Customization is particularly important for medications such as testosterone, Becker says, noting that there are currently no commercially available testosterone products specifically designed for women.
“Compounding allows us to prepare doses that are appropriate for female patients, which is something the commercial market does not offer,” she says.
One of the greatest challenges Becker encounters is misinformation. Many women turn to social media or online forums for advice, but hormone therapy is highly individualized.
“What worked for someone else may not be right for you,” Becker says. “Hormone health is about balance across multiple hormones, not simply addressing one symptom with one therapy.”
She also notes that hormone therapy does not deliver instant results. The body needs time to adjust as hormone levels stabilize.
While hormone therapy can be helpful, Becker stresses that lifestyle factors play an equally important role in hormone balance.
Chronic stress, poor sleep and inconsistent nutrition can all disrupt hormonal regulation. Elevated cortisol levels caused by prolonged stress can interfere with other hormones, while sleep deprivation can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm and melatonin production.
Nutrition is key. Diets that stabilize blood sugar, limit processed foods, and support gut health can improve hormone balance, while adequate protein helps maintain muscle and bone density, especially during and after menopause.
Exercise is another component. Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle, support metabolic health and improve overall well-being.
“Hormone therapy and lifestyle work together,” Becker says. “The best outcomes happen when both are addressed.”
Alongside hormone therapy, Becker may recommend supplements like magnesium (for sleep and mood), omega-3s (for brain health), B12 (for energy), and vitamin D3 with K2 (for bones and hormones).
Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha may also help regulate stress and cortisol levels. However, Becker cautions against self-prescribing supplements based on online trends.
“Supplements can interact with medications or with each other,” she says. “It’s important to discuss them with a pharmacist or prescriber before adding something new.”
Above all, Becker encourages women to trust their instincts and advocate for their well-being.
“I want women to know that what they are feeling is real and that they don’t have to accept it as inevitable,” she says. “Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, but suffering through the symptoms is not.”
Every woman’s hormonal journey is different, she says, and care starts with listening, testing, and creating a personalized plan.
“Your quality of life matters,” Becker says. “And advocating for it is worth it.”
Town & Country Compounding Pharmacy
535 East Crescent Ave.
Ramsey, NJ 07446
tccompound.com
“Too many women have been told their symptoms are just part of aging. Education gives them the language and confidence to advocate for their health.” - Jari Becker