Why I Formulated Hormone Hero by Dr. Jess

Hormone Hero Available Now

My Story:

Back in 2014, I made one of the biggest mistakes in my life, concerning my health. And I’m a medical doctor; I should have known better. But just like much of the population, I am not immune to making wrong decisions and not infallible to health concerns. At this point in time, I did not realize the side effects that some manmade drugs and devices had on people. I just felt if it was on the market, it was safe. For me, this was not true. 

When I got was the Mirena IUD, side effects crept so insidiously slow that I did not realize my hormones were in trouble until it was too late. I had it in place for about a year before I started to visibly notice wrinkles, cystic acne on my jawline that never fully came to a head, night sweats and mood swings. I finally connected it to the problem—the release of synthetic progesterone, called progestin in the uterus only with the IUD.  The IUD signals to the body to stop making natural progesterone as its being supplied in the uterus. The issue is, we don’t just have receptors in the uterus, we have them all over the body and progesterone influences cell and neurotransmitter behavior. Because progesterone hormones impact a range of targets and receptors are found on a variety of tissues, an imbalance affects not only a woman's breasts and uterus, but the brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and more. 

In PMS and even menopause, there is a relative estrogen dominance compared to progesterone. The body works in checks and balances so there can either be too much estrogen or too little progesterone. For example, in menopause, all hormones fall. But progesterone decreases by approximately 70% while estrogen falls by 30% or so. Therefore, there is still a relative estrogen dominance despite globally low hormones. Too much estrogen OR too little progesterone feels pretty miserable –think puffy, red, moody, unable to sleep, sore breasts, doomsday thinking, irregular/heavy/painful cycles, acne and headaches. Super fun, right ladies? 

When I finally had it removed, it sent me into perimenopause. I was hot flashing at night and sweating through my sheets. Some days I had such a doomsday feeling that I cried in bed most of the day. I felt like I was stuck in flight or fight and my skin aged in front of my face. I even had itchy rashes that would disappear as quickly as they popped up. It was rough without the right tools, but over the course of 4 months or so, my hormones finally normalized so I felt like myself again. I wish I had known then what I know now. 

What helped me four months down the road was a combination of herbs for an estrogen dominance. I did not realize that when given the correct combination of herbs for hormones, women can feel better rather quickly. I was shocked at how much better I felt after months of suffering after my Mirena experience. This was early on in my career in functional medicine and I will never forget how mesmerized I was by maca, Cypress rotundus (a natural estrogen receptor modulator), curcumin, dong quai, chasteberry tree, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha. They had personally helped me so much, this was the the driving force in creating a hormone product that I knew could help so many women. 

Remember PMS may be common, but its not normal. 

Menopause may be normal, but suffering through it, is not. 

I challenge you to change your thinking around these natural female cycles. It is possible to have a period without pain and to age gracefully and painlessly. 

Introducing Hormone Hero:

Fast forward to 2022, I have worked with so many women and personally witnessed the healing power of the right combination of herbs. I carefully crafted this personal favorite product because I have been through a situation which made me aware of how needed this information is for women out there just like you. Here’s what is in Hormone Hero.

1. Cyperus Rotundus: one of my favorite ingredients, CP is nature’s estrogen harmonizer. It is known as a SERM, or selective estrogen receptor modulator. It helps the body balance the levels at the receptor level. Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have used this tuberous plant for a myriad of conditions for thousands of years, including dysmenorrhea. 
2. White curcumin: this is the essential oil of curcumin and is white rather than the traditional yellow. Studies have shown it is anti-microbial, anti-clotting, an analgesic, and even has anti-ulcer activity. 
3. Maca: Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, it helps balance out testosterone levels and builds stamina. Some studies have shown benefit with libido, menopausal symptoms and even depression and anxiety. 
4. Astragalus: Is a flowering plant also used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is an immunomodulator and is used for several different reasons including upper respiratory tract infections, UTIs, chronic kidney disease, colds, allergies and chronic fatigue. It also helps hormones by interacting with blood sugar, acts as a mild diuretic, and helps with liver (the organ that makes sex hormones) and mitochondrial health. It is a balancing herb included in the formula.  
5. Ashwagandha: this is a lovely adaptogenic herb that helps with the mood swings of cycles or menopause. It is one of my favorites since it helps with being stuck in flight or fight, calms the nervous system, and lowers inflammation. We could all use some of that in today’s world! 

I wish I had known about these herbs when I was personally struggling with hormones! I don’t think I’m alone out there. 

“The cracks are where the light enters.” -Rumi

This is very true for me. My hardest struggles have lead to breakthroughs which encourage me to share my new found knowledge with others so they can avoid the pain I had to endure. 

Hormones don’t have to be a mystery, scary, daunting or something you cannot understand. You deserve to understand and befriend your body. You deserve to have energy, positivity and a joyous outlook on your life. Hormones and neurotransmitters are the lens that shapes our perspective on the world. They are our personalities. 

If I can do it, so can you!!! 

You are your own best doctor.