Holistic Health Bioidentical Hormone Replacement -Grande Prairie-

03/09/2026

Why Can’t I sleep?

How are hormones affecting my sleep?

One of the most common complaints women have during perimenopause and menopause is poor sleep. Many women say they suddenly struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently, or wake up at 3–4 AM and cannot get back to sleep. The main reason for this is hormonal changes.

During perimenopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate and decline. Progesterone is often called the body’s natural calming hormone because it helps activate calming pathways in the brain. When progesterone drops, many women feel more alert, anxious, or restless at night, making it harder to fall asleep.

Estrogen also plays an important role in sleep regulation, body temperature, and melatonin production. When estrogen fluctuates, women may experience night sweats or hot flashes, which can repeatedly wake them during the night. Even mild temperature changes can disrupt deep sleep.

Hormonal shifts can also affect cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Some women begin waking early in the morning feeling alert even though they are still tired.

At our clinic, we often look deeper when patients struggle with sleep. In addition to hormones, things like thyroid function, iron levels and other vitamins, blood sugar balance, and cortisol can also influence sleep quality.

The good news is that sleep often improves once the underlying causes are addressed. Hormone optimization, nutritional support, and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference for many women.



If you are struggling with sleep during perimenopause or menopause, it is important to know that you are not alone—and there are solutions.

https://www.bhrtholistichealthbymk.ca/contact-us.html

03/08/2026

Testosterone in Women

Why Some Women Need Testosterone Therapy — While Others Need It lowered

Testosterone is often thought of as a “male hormone,” but it is also an important hormone for women. In fact, women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, and it plays a key role in energy, mood, muscle strength, and s*xual health.

However, when testosterone levels are too low or too high, women can develop symptoms. This is why some women benefit from testosterone therapy, while others need treatment that reduces or blocks testosterone.

When Women May Need Testosterone Therapy

Some women develop low testosterone levels, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Levels may also decline after o***y removal, chronic stress, illness, or certain medications. The indication for testosterone therapy in women is low libido, but other symptoms women experience are:

Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or poor concentration
Reduced motivation
Loss of muscle strength
Low mood

For women with suboptimal levels and symptoms, carefully prescribed testosterone therapy may help restore balance and improve quality of life.

When Testosterone Needs to Be Lowered

Other women experience the opposite problem — too much testosterone or increased sensitivity to it.

This commonly occurs in conditions such as polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) or with insulin resistance.

High testosterone may cause:

Acne
Excess facial or body hair
Thinning hair on the scalp
Irregular menstrual cycles
Fertility challenges
Low or high libido

In these situations, treatment focuses on reducing testosterone levels or blocking its effects while addressing underlying metabolic or hormonal issues.

Why Hormone Testing Matters

Not every woman needs the same treatment. Symptoms alone can overlap between hormone imbalances, which is why proper testing and a thorough medical assessment are important.

To book an appointment please contact us at 780-512-9329 or complete the form at the link below:

https://www.bhrtholistichealthbymk.ca/contact-us.html

03/05/2026

DIM supplements in estrogen dominance

https://www.bhrtholistichealthbymk.ca/blog/how-does-dim-work-for-estrogen-dominance

03/04/2026

What to expect at your hormone therapy appointment:

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) appointments are designed to understand your symptoms and create a personalized plan to help you feel your best. It is an enhanced traditional medical appointment but we strive to be your partner in your health as you make informed decisions.

1. Comprehensive Health Review

• Discussion of your current symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, sleep issues, mood changes, or

weight gain.

• Review of medical history, medications, supplements, and family health history.

• Menstrual and reproductive history.

2. Symptom Assessment

• We will discuss how symptoms affect your daily life.

• We review each of your body systems to obtain a clear picture of how to help you, and questions are encouraged

3. Laboratory Testing

• Hormone levels are often evaluated through blood

• Labs may include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid function, vitamins, and metabolic

markers. We review each of the labs drawn so you have a complete understanding of your lab work

4. Hormone Education

• You will learn how hormones change during perimenopause and menopause.

• Discussion of the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.

• Review of the benefits and potential risks of treatment.

5. Personalized Treatment Plan

• If appropriate, a customized hormone plan may include progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, or

thyroid support. You will receive a written copy of this plan to review.

• Lifestyle recommendations such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and supplements may

also be discussed.

6. Follow-Up and Monitoring• Hormone therapy is individualized and adjusted over time.

• Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at 3 months and then every 6 months to assess progress and adjust your dosing

You are encouraged to use the communication tool we use (MEDEO) to reach out if you have questions or concerns (no appointment necessary between follow-up).

03/03/2026

Common vitamins used in perimenopause and menopause. While these are common, It is important to discuss with your provider to see if they are safe, and right for you:

01/21/2026

If you are wanting more information, here is the link to the website (I don’t check messenger regularly, and there is a link to contact on the website):

Michelle Koch at Holistic Health By MK has a passion for primary care and community health, Michelle believes in holistic patient centered, and family-oriented

10/02/2025

08/22/2025

I have many patients ask about food intolerance testing…

There really isn’t traditional medical testing unless you see an allergy specialist, but Inside Out offers this….

Inside out Yoga, & Wellness. We focus on all aspects of health from weight loss, to hormonal balancing, energy, yoga, fitness etc. We also offer a selection of naturopathic supplements. Our Services are online or in person.

07/27/2025

If you think that you may be suffering from the symptoms of perimenopause take the Perimenopause Quick Quiz.

At Holistic Health By MK we specialize in helping women restore balance naturally with personalized hormone therapy.

Perimenopause Quick Quiz (Yes or No):

Mood & Mind

1. Feeling more irritable, anxious, or emotional?
2. Struggling with brain fog or forgetfulness?

Sleep & Energy

3. Trouble sleeping or always tired?
4. Low energy during the day?

Cycle Changes

5. Periods irregular or different than usual?
6. Heavier PMS or spotting?

Body Shifts

7. Hot flashes or night sweats?
8. Belly weight gain without diet changes?
9. Decreased s*x drive?

Your Score:
• 0–3 YES – Normal shifts, keep an eye on it
• 4–7 YES – Possible perimenopause, consider hormone testing and a consult
• 8+ YES – Strong signs — book a consult today

Reach out to us through the website below, and one of us will be happy to contact you.

Michelle Koch at Holistic Health By MK has a passion for primary care and community health, Michelle believes in holistic patient centered, and family-oriented

07/04/2025

Exciting news…I have Erin Scharr joining me at Holistic Health. Erin and I will be working as a team to provide exceptional care to new BHRT and TRT clients.

Erin has completed advanced training in bio-identical hormone therapy through World Link Medical, equipping her with the latest evidence-based practices to help restore hormonal balance and vitality. Her approach begins with comprehensive assessments and intake evaluations, ensuring each client receives care tailored to their unique needs and life stage.

Erin offers expert support grounded in both clinical knowledge and genuine connection—so you can feel empowered, informed, and in control of your wellness journey.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy for perimenopause, menopause, low testosterone, PMS, & PCOS.

05/17/2025

T+21 food is medicine conference in New Orleans, from relieving symptoms of PCOS to menopause and perimenopause with food, I look forward to these cooking classes and sharing recipes with my patients!

Health meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference – Culinary Skills Building Sessions - https://mailchi.mp/culinarymedicine.org/conference-8330686

05/02/2025

Do GLP-1s work differently in women — and does menopause blunt their effect?
Emerging research suggests the answer is yes. And the missing link may be estrogen.👇

Studies show that women often experience greater weight loss, improved glucose control, and better lipid profiles on GLP-1 receptor agonists (like liraglutide, semaglutide) compared to men. But after menopause, these benefits seem to decline. Why?

🧬 Estrogen appears to enhance GLP-1 efficacy by influencing the same brain regions that regulate appetite, reward, insulin secretion, and metabolic homeostasis.
📉 In animal models, estrogen loss impaired GLP-1 response—and estrogen replacement restored it.
💡 In humans, women have ~32% greater drug exposure and stronger glycemic response than men, independent of weight. But postmenopausal women often lose this edge.

That’s why researchers are now studying GLP-1 + estrogen conjugates—a targeted therapy that delivers estrogen directly to GLP-1 receptor sites (like the brain and pancreas), avoiding systemic side effects.

In preclinical models, this dual approach leads to:
✅ Greater weight and fat loss
✅ Improved glucose tolerance
✅ Reduced liver fat (MASLD/MASH)
✅ Enhanced insulin secretion + beta-cell protection
✅ Appetite regulation without gynecologic side effects

For postmenopausal women with obesity, T2D, or fatty liver, this could be transformative. Because menopause isn’t just a hormonal shift—it’s a metabolic one.

Precision medicine must include s*x-specific therapies that reflect hormonal status and timing. Women aren’t smaller men. We deserve better.