Over-Therapizing Trauma, Low Libido, HRT & Hormone Myths (Ask Me Anything!)

In this Ask Me Anything, I’m answering your biggest questions on hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and the evolving conversation around trauma. We’re talking about how to know if HRT is right for you, what labs to actually look at (and why “normal” isn’t always healthy), and why so many people still feel exhausted, irritable, or low despite doing all the “right” things. I’m also digging into why the wellness world may be unintentionally over-therapizing normal emotional experiences - and how to hold space for both real trauma and personal responsibility. This one’s for anyone who feels stuck, misdiagnosed, or just overwhelmed by the noise. I hope it brings clarity and a few tools you can actually use.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•  What your doctor might be missing with “normal” hormone labs
• The difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones - and why it matters
• Is hormone replacement therapy safe? Who it’s for and what to ask
• Why trauma culture can sometimes hurt more than it helps
• The problem with over-pathologizing human pain
• Functional medicine’s take on low libido, irritability, hot flashes, and mood shifts
• How stress impacts your endocrine system (and what to do about it)
• Tools for nervous system regulation that go beyond therapy
• When to pursue trauma work - and when to lean into self-leadership instead

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

• Access Orchid’s exclusive offer for Art of Being Well Listeners at orchidhealth.com/beingwell to sign up for an intro call with one of their experts and learn more about if Orchid’s embryo reports are right for you. Art of Being Well Listeners will get access to pre- and post-test genetic counseling at no cost.
• Go to Quince.com/willcole for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order.
• You can find Kettle & Fire in almost every grocery store, nation wide. But if you want the hookup, you can save 20% if you go to kettleandfire.com/willcole and use code WILLCOLE.
•  Visit toupsandco.com and use code DRWILLCOLE at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.
• Timeline is offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/WILLCOLE.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

If you like what you hear, please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe and pass it along to a friend.

In Health,

Dr. Will Cole