Dr. Jennifer Cardinal - Functional Medicine & Hormone Health

08/03/2025

✨ We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us ✨

On our way for an adventure with our teardrop, Dora the Explorer!

I'll be out of the office this week. 🏕️💗

08/02/2025

✨ Important foods to support perimenopause/menopause health:

✅ Calcium-Rich Foods
✅ Healthy Fats
✅ Adequate Protein
✅ Sufficient Fiber

Managing symptoms isn't always easy but even small changes can make a difference over time.

Each step you take supports a healthier YOU! 🚶‍♀️

When you need help, that's why we are here. Reach out to set up a complimentary consultation with our team! We would love to chat with you and see how we can help. 💗

Learn more here:
www.hopehealthwellness.com

07/29/2025

From my monthly blog: When the world feels too loud. 🌍 😔

Ever feel like every little sound is grating on your nerves? The hum of the fridge, the chatter of a nearby conversation, or even the brightness of overhead lights feels overwhelming, almost like your senses are on high alert.

For some people, this kind of hypersensitivity isn’t just an occasional annoyance, it’s a daily struggle. Everyday noises feel too loud, bright lights feel too intense, and even certain textures can feel uncomfortable on the skin. It’s not just “being sensitive” or “getting older.”

Read on here: ⤵️
https://hopehealthwellness.com/why-some-people-become-extra-sensitive-to-sound-light/

07/24/2025

✨HEALTH OVER HUSTLE! ✨
For years, I wished I looked different. I had full thighs and hips before it was a 'thing'.

I grew up in the 80s when we were told the thinner the better. I longed for long, lean legs and arms. Instead, I was short and curvy—and I tried everything to shrink myself. I thought if I could just take be 'less', I’d be more acceptable. More lovable. More enough.

But something has shifted.

Now in my 50s, I choose to focus on my strength and my wellness. I want to age with power, with grace, and with the ability to do all the things I love—with the people I love.

This is my WHY. 💪💗

Sure, I still love the feeling of confidence that comes from slipping into my favorite pair of jeans or a little black dress. I’m only human. But I’m intentional about not obsessing over the number on the scale or chasing perfection through food tracking.

It’s not that those tools are bad. They can absolutely be helpful—until they’re not. Until they steal our joy, take over our minds, or disconnect us from our bodies.

If you find yourself stuck in that loop—obsessing over food, weight, or body image—I invite you to shift your focus.

Focus on health.
Focus on strength.

More often than not, when we do that, the rest begins to fall into place. And in that shift, there’s so much freedom.

You are more than a number. More than a size. You are worthy of love, health, and joy—exactly as you are today.

If this sounds like the kind of encouragement and focus you are looking for, I invite you to read more in July newsletter: ⤵️

https://mailchi.mp/9fab27ab998e/drjennifernewsletter-16579640

07/21/2025

🌿 Fueling Your Soul is Fueling Your Health 💙

Health isn’t just about what you eat or how many steps you take. True wellness means nourishing your whole self—body, mind, and soul.

For me, that soul-fuel often looks like quiet time in nature. 🌅

✨There’s something magical about being on the water in my kayak… the stillness, the rhythm of the paddle, the fresh air—it’s like medicine for my nervous system. It resets me in a way no green smoothie ever could. 😉

The truth is, when we’re constantly “doing” and never “being,” it takes a toll. Stress builds. Burnout brews. And no supplement or workout can undo what a depleted soul carries.

So here’s your gentle reminder today: 🧘‍♀️ Fuel your soul like your health depends on it—because it does.

💬 I’d love to know—what fills your cup? What’s one thing that lights you up from the inside out?

07/19/2025

This has been a long time coming. I strongly encourage you to watch the entire panel below.

⭐ Ladies: it's time to take back our health choice regarding the use of bioidentical hormone therapy! I've been talking about this in my office for years, the hormone revolution is HERE!

Some of the health benefits include:

➕ Cardiovascular protection
➕ Brain health & cognition
➕ Mood stability
➕ Sleep optimization
➕ Weight management
➕ Healthy bone mass

Watch the FDA panel discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/_2ZRlOivC5M?si=Uy2nQia9ikmdnlbt

FREE Bioidentical Hormone Guide download (filed under 'free resources') please grab & share:
www.hopehealthwellness.com

Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding whether BHRT is right for YOU. 💪 Let's talk!

Join the FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women. We'll discuss treatments, education, and comprehensive care beyond symptom ...

07/18/2025

One of the books I often recommend to patients is Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker Little House Studio

Our God-given breath paired with prayer can be a POWERFUL tool for healing! Don't underestimate thisl! 🙏

Check out more about the book and author here: https://littlehousestudio.net/

⭐ Freebie! Grab my breathwork toolkit from my wellness library in the images below or feel free to message me for the PDF booklet. 💗 Happy to share!

Happy Breathing! 🫁

07/14/2025

Back in the office this week after a wonderful time in Vermont with my best friend/hubby. 💕

We biked the causeway in Burlington (which has been on my bucket list for a while) - so much fun, highly recommend!

Life is short - get out there & do it if you can! Doctors orders. 😉

07/08/2025

Out of office this week in beautiful Vermont. ❣️
"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." - John Muir 🌲🦌🦅🪾

07/02/2025

⭐Value Post: Weight loss resistance is a thing!

If you’ve been eating 1200 calories (or less) and still not losing weight, you're not alone — and you're not broken.

💡 Here’s what’s really happening:
Your body is biologically wired for survival, not aesthetics. When calories are consistently too low, your body perceives it as a threat — like famine — and your hormones respond accordingly.

⚠️ Key players involved:

Leptin (the hormone that signals fullness and fat burning) drops.

Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) increases.

Cortisol (the stress hormone) rises, which can lead to fat storage — especially around the belly.

Thyroid hormones may slow down, reducing your metabolism.

Reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone can be disrupted, especially in women.

The result?
👉 Your metabolism slows.
👉 You feel more tired and hungry.
👉 Your body clings to fat to “protect” you.

🚫 Eating less isn’t always better. In fact, undereating can stall your progress long-term.

✅ What to do instead:

- - Focus on nourishment, not punishment.

- - Eat enough to support your daily energy needs, workouts, and hormones.

- - Strength train to build muscle and boost metabolism.

- - Prioritize sleep, stress management, and quality foods.

Sometimes, the path to fat loss starts with eating more, not less — especially if your body has been stuck in stress mode for too long.

💗For more tips & tools visit my free resources page here: www.hopehealthwellness.com