Elizabethstorymd

12/17/2025

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Starting in 2026, Dr. Elizabeth Story will be offering Biote® BHRT pellet therapy for both men and women!
I’m sharing this with so much excitement because I’ve personally been on hormones for perimenopause—and I wasn’t sure about pellets at first. But after trying them, my life has genuinely improved. Nothing else has given me the same consistent, steady relief.

Pellets aren’t the right choice for everyone, but they can be a game changer for:
✨ Women on HRT who still have symptoms or struggle with consistent testosterone levels
✨ Men who feel suboptimal on topical or IM testosterone and want steadier results
I can’t wait for our patients to have this option available. More details coming soon! 💛

12/17/2025

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Starting in 2026, Dr. Elizabeth Story will be offering Biote® BHRT pellet therapy for both men and women!
I’m sharing this with so much excitement because I’ve personally been on hormones for perimenopause—and I wasn’t sure about pellets at first. But after trying them, my life has genuinely improved. Nothing else has given me the same consistent, steady relief.

Pellets aren’t the right choice for everyone, but they can be a game changer for:
✨ Women on HRT who still have symptoms or struggle with consistent testosterone levels
✨ Men who feel suboptimal on topical or IM testosterone and want steadier results
I can’t wait for our patients to have this option available. More details coming soon! 💛

Concierge/Membership Medicine | 2 Locations Fort Worth & Southlake | Personal. Affordable. Accessible | Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management, Weight Loss, Menopause Hormone Therapy, Peptide Therapy, Longevity, Executive Health

12/17/2025

DHEA for Women Part 2: What Your Options Are

Women are exploring DHEA for energy, mood, libido, skin/hair support, and genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM). Below is Part 2 of an explanation of DHEA treatment, specifically where prescription and non-prescription options fit, and safety notes to help you decide—with your clinician—whether it belongs in your plan.

OTC vs prescription status
* United States: DHEA is available over the counter (OTC) as a dietary supplement. Quality and dosing vary by brand.
* Other countries: DHEA is prescription-only, reflecting tighter regulation.
* Bottom line: Even in the U.S., treat DHEA like a hormone—use with caution and medical guidance.

Product Options
1) Julva® (DHEA cream for vulvar/vaginal use)
A topical DHEA cream applied locally, it is marketed for external vulvar application to support comfort, moisture, and tissue integrity. It’s not the same as prescription vaginal DHEA (see Intrarosa® below) and is considered a non-prescription option.

2) Well Products’ “Saw Palmetto for Women with DHEA + Biotin”
This supplement combines:
* DHEA (prohormone)
* Saw palmetto (helps prevent hair loss associated with DHT)
* Biotin (commonly included in hair/skin formulas).

Pairing DHEA and saw palmetto is a strategy some women consider when balancing hair/skin and androgen-related concerns. Results vary; supplements aren’t FDA-approved to treat disease, and quality control matters. Review ingredient amounts and interactions with your clinician—especially if you’re also on hormonal therapies.

3) Intrarosa® (prasterone) — Prescription vaginal DHEA
Intrarosa is a DHEA insert approved for postmenopausal women. Robust clinical trials show improved vaginal epithelial health and reduced pain with in*******se, with generally low systemic hormone levels.

Patients need individualized treatment plans with labs/history and symptom tracking. For dosage guidelines, side effects, and safety precautions, see my blog post (link in bio).

12/16/2025

DHEA for Women Part 1: What It Is & How It Works

If you’ve been hearing more about DHEA lately, you’re not alone. Women are exploring it for energy, mood, libido, skin/hair support, and genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM).

What is DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone primarily made by your adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, the ovaries. It’s a prohormone—your tissues can locally convert it into small amounts of estrogens and androgens (like testosterone) as needed. This “local conversion” is called intracrine metabolism. Circulating DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age, which is one reason it’s discussed in midlife health.

How does DHEA work?
Inside target tissues (skin, vaginal epithelium, hair follicles, bone, brain), enzymes convert DHEA into estradiol/estrone and testosterone/dihydrotestosterone in tiny, localized amounts. Because much of this happens inside tissues, blood levels of estrogen/testosterone may not rise dramatically, yet symptoms in those tissues can improve.

Where DHEA may help
Evidence is evolving, but research and clinical experience suggest potential benefits for some women:

* GSM (vaginal dryness, discomfort, painful in*******se)
* Sexual function/libido
* Mood/energy/well-being
* Skin/hair

Important: DHEA is not a cure-all. Benefits, dosing, and risks should be reviewed with your doctor—especially if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.��

The bottom line
DHEA is a versatile prohormone that midlife women may leverage—either locally (vulvar/vaginal) or systemically—for select goals.

In the U.S. it’s over-the-counter, but in many countries it’s prescription-only, a reminder that medical oversight matters. Options like Julva® and Well Products’ Saw Palmetto for Women with DHEA + Biotin exist in the supplement space, while Intrarosa® offers an FDA-approved prescription path for GSM. The “right” approach is personal—guided by your history, goals, and careful monitoring.�

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11/18/2025

Creatine for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: Why it Matters

If you’re in perimenopause or postmenopausal, preserving muscle is one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term health, mobility, and independence. Alongside protein and resistance training, creatine monohydrate is a well-studied supplement that can help—safely and inexpensively.

Falling estrogen is linked to accelerated losses of muscle strength and function. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials in older females found that adding creatine to resistance training produced significant gains in strength versus training alone—especially in programs lasting ≥24 weeks.

Beyond muscle, large randomized trials in postmenopausal women are exploring bone outcomes. A recent 2-year RCT tested daily creatine with supervised exercise; while the trial’s primary focus was bone health, it reinforces long-term safety and the practicality of daily dosing in this population.

Proven muscle benefits you can expect include stronger lifts and everyday function (e.g., carrying groceries, stair climbing) when creatine is paired with progressive resistance training) and possible improvements in lean mass/appendicular muscle in older women in some trials—again, most reliably when combined with training.

How much to take (dosage you can trust): Creatine monohydrate is the form with the best evidence. Two evidence-based ways to dose:

*Loading + maintenance: 20 g/day split into 4 doses for 5–7 days, then 3–5 g/day thereafter.

*No-load option: 3–6 g/day consistently; you’ll reach the same muscle saturation in ~3–4 weeks.

When to take it: timing is flexible—consistency beats timing—but many people take it with a meal or near training to minimize GI upset and potentially aid uptake.

For safety tips when taking creatine and links to research studies and references, visit my website www.elizabethstorymd.com

10/21/2025

Microdosing GLP-1 Agonists: A New Frontier in Metabolic and Immune

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have revolutionized weight loss and diabetes care. But a growing number of patients and clinicians are exploring microdosing—taking a fraction of the standard dose—to unlock broader health benefits with fewer side effects. Microdosing typically involves using 10–25% of the full therapeutic dose—a gentler, more personalized approach.

🧠 Why Microdose?
Many patients discontinue GLP-1 medications due to cost or side effects like nausea and fatigue. Microdosing offers a solution by reducing these issues while still delivering meaningful benefits.

For those who have already achieved their desired weight or body composition, microdosing can help maintain results, support metabolic health, and promote long-term adherence.
It’s also a promising option for individuals who don’t need to lose weight but want to improve insulin sensitivity, stabilize energy levels, or reduce inflammation.

🔥 Anti-Inflammatory and Longevity Benefits
Emerging research shows that GLP-1 agonists may have anti-inflammatory effects independent of their metabolic actions. Microdosing these medications has been linked to reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play roles in autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular risk, and aging-related decline.

GLP-1 receptors are found in immune cells and brain, suggesting that these drugs may help regulate systemic and neuroinflammation—key drivers of chronic disease and cognitive decline.

💪 Who Benefits Without Weight Loss?
Even individuals with a healthy BMI may benefit from microdosing GLP-1s. Studies suggest improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep quality, mental clarity, and gut health, joint health and inflammation.

In a maintenance phase after weight loss, microdosing can help preserve metabolic gains without the appetite suppression of higher doses, prioritizing sustainability, tolerability, and resilience—important for long-term health optimization.

For a consultation, contact my office www.elizabethstorymd.

10/14/2025

Top 4 Types of Oral Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, influencing energy production, nervous system health, muscle function, and digestion. While food sources such as leafy greens, nuts, and legumes provide magnesium, supplementation is often necessary for individuals with specific health concerns. The form of magnesium you choose can dramatically influence its effectiveness depending on your goal.

Here are the top four types of oral magnesium – you’ll find more details, dosages, safety guidelines, recommended brands and other important info on my blog at elizabethstorymd.com.

Always check with your provider before taking any supplements.

1. Magnesium Oxide – Best for Constipation and Gut Health
Magnesium oxide has relatively low bioavailability compared to other forms, but it is highly effective as an osmotic laxative. It works by drawing water into the intestines, softening stool, and promoting regular bowel movements, making it particularly useful for individuals with constipation.

2. Magnesium L-Threonate – For Brain Health and Cognition
Magnesium L-threonate is unique because it can cross the blood–brain barrier more effectively than other forms. Research suggests it may enhance synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive performance, making it particularly valuable for brain health and prevention of age-related cognitive decline.

3. Magnesium Glycinate – For Muscle Recovery and Relaxation
Magnesium glycinate is highly bioavailable and gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive digestion. It is frequently used for muscle cramps, tension, and general recovery, as well as for people prone to migraines or fibromyalgia. Because glycine itself is calming, this form also supports relaxation and stress reduction.��

4. Magnesium Citrate – For Sleep and Relaxation
Magnesium citrate combines good absorption with mild stool-softening effects, making it useful for people seeking relaxation while also supporting regularity. It is commonly used to ease anxiety, improve sleep quality, and relax the nervous system without the strong laxative effect of magnesium oxide.

care

10/07/2025

Hormones and the Female Ge***al Tract: Why Estrogen and Testosterone Matter

The female ge***al tract is rich in both estrogen and testosterone
receptors, which play critical roles in maintaining tissue structure,
function, and overall health. These receptors are not limited to
reproductive function; they also influence sexual sensation, urinary
continence, and tissue integrity. Research has shown that both
hormones contribute to the vascularity, collagen production, and
mucosal health of these areas, and their decline during menopause can
lead to significant anatomical/functional changes.

As estrogen levels drop, many women over 50 experience genitourinary
syndrome of menopause (GSM). This includes thinning and atrophy of the
l***a minora and cl****is, which can become so severe that these
structures shrink or disappear. The cl****is may lose sensitivity and
responsiveness due to reduced blood flow and tissue elasticity. Similarly, the l***a may fuse or flatten, leading to discomfort, sexual dysfunction, and increased vulnerability to irritation and
infection.

Estrogen and testosterone also play a shared role in urinary continence. Estrogen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of the urethral and bladder tissues, while testosterone supports pelvic floor muscle tone. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as localized estrogen or vaginal testosterone, has been shown to improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence by enhancing tissue integrity and vascular support.

Understanding the hormonal landscape of the female ge***al tract is essential for proactive care during and after menopause. Women experiencing symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, urinary leakage, or changes in ge***al appearance should consult with a knowledgeable provider. Hormonal therapies—especially when tailored to individual needs—can restore function, improve quality of life, and preserve
sexual and urinary health.

Dr. Story is well-versed in numerous options to treat these conditions
– call the office or visit the website to schedule a consultation.

10/07/2025

Hormones and the Female Ge***al Tract: Why Estrogen and Testosterone Matter

The female ge***al tract is rich in both estrogen and testosterone receptors, which play critical roles in maintaining tissue structure, function, and overall health. These receptors are not limited to reproductive function; they also influence sexual sensation, urinary continence, and tissue integrity. Research has shown that both hormones contribute to the vascularity, collagen production, and mucosal health of these areas, and their decline during menopause can lead to significant anatomical/functional changes.

As estrogen levels drop, many women over 50 experience genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This includes thinning and atrophy of the l***a minora and cl****is, which can become so severe that these structures shrink or disappear. The cl****is may lose sensitivity and responsiveness due to reduced blood flow and tissue elasticity. Similarly, the l***a may fuse or flatten, leading to discomfort, sexual dysfunction, and increased vulnerability to irritation and infection.

Estrogen and testosterone also play a shared role in urinary continence. Estrogen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of the urethral and bladder tissues, while testosterone supports pelvic floor muscle tone. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as localized estrogen or vaginal testosterone, has been shown to improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence by enhancing tissue integrity and vascular support.

Understanding the hormonal landscape of the female ge***al tract is essential for proactive care during and after menopause. Women experiencing symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, urinary leakage, or changes in ge***al appearance should consult with a knowledgeable provider. Hormonal therapies—especially when tailored to individual needs—can restore function, improve quality of life, and preserve sexual and urinary health.

Dr. Story is well-versed in numerous options to treat these conditions – call the office or visit the website (elizabethstorymd.com) to schedule a consultation.

10/01/2025

Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor Right For You?

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized the way individuals—especially those with diabetes—track and manage their blood sugar levels. These wearable devices provide real-time data on glucose fluctuations, offering insights that traditional fingerstick tests simply can't match. Popular CGM brands include Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic Guardian, each offering varying features such as integration with insulin pumps, predictive alerts, and smartphone compatibility.

While CGMs are primarily prescribed for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there's growing interest among non-diabetics and wellness enthusiasts who use them to understand how specific foods and lifestyle choices affect their glucose levels.

The appeal of CGMs lies in their ability to uncover personalized glycemic responses. Studies show that individuals can have vastly different reactions to the same carbohydrate-rich foods like rice, bread, and pasta. One person might experience a sharp spike after eating rice, while another sees minimal change. This variability is influenced by factors such as insulin sensitivity, microbiome composition, and even meal timing.

Short-term CGM use—just a few weeks—can be incredibly valuable for identifying these patterns. Users can experiment with food combinations, meal timing, and exercise to see what keeps their glucose levels stable, making CGMs a powerful tool for personalized nutrition.

However, CGMs are not without drawbacks. Cost is a major barrier, especially for those without insurance coverage. Some devices require calibration with fingersticks, and users may experience skin irritation or alarm fatigue from frequent alerts. There's also a learning curve in interpreting the data, which can lead to information overload.

Despite these challenges, short-term CGM use can offer meaningful insights for those curious about their metabolic health, even if you don’t continue using the device indefinitely.

09/25/2025

Microplastics in the Human Body: What We Know So Far

Over the last decade, research has increasingly shown that microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 mm in size—are not just an environmental concern, but also a human health issue. Evidence suggests that these particles can accumulate in the bloodstream and tissues, raising concern about long-term biological effects. A 2022 study published in Environment International demonstrated the presence of microplastics in human blood for the first time, confirming systemic exposure.

More recently, researchers have identified micro- and nanoplastics in the brain tissue of animal models, raising the possibility that these particles may cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and potential neurodegenerative pathways.

The most concerning aspect of microplastic exposure is the potential for bioaccumulation. Unlike many toxins that can be metabolized or excreted, microplastics appear to persist in tissues, where they may trigger chronic immune activation. Laboratory studies suggest that once inside the body, these particles can generate reactive oxygen species and disrupt cell membranes, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and neurological impairment. While human data are still emerging, the early evidence highlights the urgent need to better understand long-term consequences, especially since plastics are so pervasive in modern life.

Minimizing exposure requires both individual and systemic changes. The most common offenders include single-use plastic bottles, food packaging, synthetic textiles, and microbeads from personal care products. Heating or storing food in plastic containers significantly increases the release of microplastics and associated chemicals into what we consume. Choosing stainless steel or glass water bottles, avoiding microwaving food in plastic, using natural fiber clothing and bedding, and installing high-quality water filters are all practical strategies to reduce intake.

www.elizabethstorymd.com

09/23/2025

Postpartum to Perimenopause: Navigating the Overlap in Women’s Health

In recent decades, more women are choosing to have children in their late 30s and early 40s—a trend that reflects greater reproductive autonomy and advances in fertility care. However, this timing can create a unique overlap between the postpartum period and the onset of perimenopause, two hormonally intense phases that share many symptoms. From mood swings and fatigue to night sweats and low libido, the physical and emotional toll of these transitions can be confusing and overwhelming.

The postpartum period begins immediately after childbirth and is marked by a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can trigger mood changes, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms like hair loss and acne. While most women expect to feel better within a few months, some find that symptoms persist or evolve—especially if they are breastfeeding or nearing their 40s. In these cases, what may seem like lingering postpartum effects could actually signal the beginning of perimenopause, a phase that typically starts in the early-to-mid 40s but can begin earlier.

Perimenopause is a gradual transition toward menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and a host of symptoms including brain fog, anxiety, and vaginal dryness. Unlike the postpartum period, which eventually resolves as hormone levels stabilize, perimenopause can last for several years and may require ongoing management. For women who have recently given birth and are entering this phase, the hormonal “collision” can feel especially intense. It’s not uncommon to experience overlapping symptoms that blur the lines between postpartum recovery and midlife hormonal decline.

Navigating this dual transition requires a personalized approach. Comprehensive hormone testing, mental health support, and lifestyle interventions—such as strength training, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness—can help women feel more in control.

Most importantly, women should feel empowered to seek care and ask questions. If symptoms persist beyond the expected postpartum window, it’s worth exploring whether perimenopause may be contributing. With the right support, women can move through this phase with clarity and confidence.

If you would like a consultation, please call the office to schedule or visit elizabethstorymd.com�