Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

04/15/2026

Testosterone is often misunderstood in women—and too often reduced to oversimplified or fear-based messaging. The reality is this: testosterone can be a safe and effective therapy for women—particularly for Hypoactive S*xual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone—when it is dosed appropriately.

And that’s the key.
When dosing is right—meaning carefully adjusted for female physiology and monitored over time—women are not limited to a single option. They can choose the delivery method that fits their body and their life.

In this video (link in bio) - I walk you through:
🌿 What testosterone actually does in the female body
🌿 Common symptoms of low testosterone
🌿 When therapy may be appropriate
🌿 The difference between FDA-approved testosterone products for men and the formulations commonly used in women
🌿 How dosing is approached in women (low, individualized, and not one-size-fits-all)
🌿 The pros and cons of different delivery methods, including gels, injections, and pellets

We also touch on emerging clinical experience and ongoing research exploring pellet dosing in women, including work in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine. Early observations suggest that, when dosing is appropriate, stable levels and low rates of side effects are achievable—and in some cases may compare favorably to the variability seen with topical therapies.

This is not about one method being “right” and another being “wrong.” It’s about understanding that dose—not delivery—is what determines safety and outcomes.

Testosterone is an important hormone in women. It affects libido, mood, energy, muscle, bone, and overall quality of life.

We need more research.
We need better education.
And we need to move toward collaborative, patient-centered care—where women are informed, supported, and able to choose what works best for them.

As always, hormone therapy should be individualized and guided by a qualified clinician.

Interested in booking an appointment? Click the link in bio.

💻 We offer virtual medical care in Texas, California, and New Mexico.

04/15/2026

Testosterone is often misunderstood in women—and too often reduced to oversimplified or fear-based messaging. The reality is this: testosterone can be a safe and effective therapy for women—particularly for Hypoactive S*xual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone—when it is dosed appropriately.

And that’s the key.
When dosing is right—meaning carefully adjusted for female physiology and monitored over time—women are not limited to a single option. They can choose the delivery method that fits their body and their life.

In this video, I walk you through:
🌿 What testosterone actually does in the female body
🌿 Common symptoms of low testosterone
🌿 When therapy may be appropriate
🌿 The difference between FDA-approved testosterone products for men and the formulations commonly used in women
🌿 How dosing is approached in women (low, individualized, and not one-size-fits-all)
🌿 The pros and cons of different delivery methods, including gels, injections, and pellets

We also touch on emerging clinical experience and ongoing research exploring pellet dosing in women, including work in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine. Early observations suggest that, when dosing is appropriate, stable levels and low rates of side effects are achievable—and in some cases may compare favorably to the variability seen with topical therapies.

This is not about one method being “right” and another being “wrong.” It’s about understanding that dose—not delivery—is what determines safety and outcomes.

Testosterone is an important hormone in women. It affects libido, mood, energy, muscle, bone, and overall quality of life.

We need more research.
We need better education.
And we need to move toward collaborative, patient-centered care—where women are informed, supported, and able to choose what works best for them.

As always, hormone therapy should be individualized and guided by a qualified clinician.

A must-watch video: Should Women Use Male Testosterone Products? | Real-Life Demo with Dr. Susan https://youtu.be/nQlrkWpZOAE

Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

💻 We offer virtual medical care in Texas, California, and New Mexico.



https://youtu.be/SS-LbJ7pM0A?si=OIg_xOPpgXaVc0c9

Testosterone is often misunderstood in women—and too often reduced to oversimplified or fear-based messaging.The reality is this:testosterone can be a safe a...

04/14/2026

We are creating a circle rooted in connection.
Not something to attend, but something to belong to.

A place where conversation matters.
Where presence matters.
Where relationships are built over time — not rushed.

This is not a formal program.
There is no performance here.

Just women, gathering.

What this will look like
• In-person gatherings across Houston
• A steady rhythm, shaped by the group
• Rotating spaces and shared responsibility
• Conversations that are sometimes guided, often organic
• A space to connect in a way that feels real

To support the experience, there will be a small membership contribution.

This is just the beginning
What we are creating will evolve — as all meaningful things do.

If this resonates with you, we invite you to join us.
Add your name to the interest list and be part of the first gathering.
Link in bio 🔗🌸

04/13/2026

“Your labs are normal… so it’s not menopause.” 🚨⏰ One of the most common — and most misleading — things women are told.

Part of our series: 10 Dumb Things Women Are Told About Menopause

Here’s the truth:

In perimenopause, hormones don’t decline in a straight line — they fluctuate.
Which means your labs can look “normal”… while your symptoms are very real.

The most accurate diagnosis starts with listening to the patient.
Your symptoms matter.

Labs can absolutely help — but only when used correctly:
✔️ Drawn at the right time in your cycle
✔️ Interpreted in context
✔️ Not used in isolation

Because if we rely only on numbers, we miss the bigger picture.

And sometimes… the symptoms are the diagnosis.

Don’t let the numbers override what your body is telling you.

04/09/2026

We are building a local women’s circle designed to bring together a small, thoughtful community of women who value conversation, connection, and genuine relationships.

This is not a formal program or a hosted event.

Instead, The Gathering is intended to be a regular, in-person circle that meets across Houston — sometimes guided, sometimes organic — with rotating hosts, shared responsibility, and a collective spirit.

What this will look like
• In-person gatherings in Houston
• Meeting weekly or monthly, based on group interest
• Rotating locations and occasional rotating facilitators
• A simple, consistent structure — not a lecture or class
• A space to connect, share, and build real friendships

To support organization, communication, and light refreshments, we anticipate a small membership contribution.

An evolving circle
This is the beginning of something we are building together.

Over time, this circle may grow into a broader community — including retreats, conversations, and opportunities to connect more deeply.

Join the interest list:
If this resonates with you, we invite you to add your name.
LINK IN BIO

You’ll receive updates as the group takes shape, along with details about the first gathering. 💌

04/09/2026

If you’re wondering what’s changing in your body… start here.

Perimenopause doesn’t always look the way you expect.
It can show up as fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, sleep disruption—sometimes long before your periods change.

This is your reminder: you’re not imagining it, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Complete Midlife Wellness Center, we specialize in understanding and treating this phase with clarity, precision, and real support.

✨ In-person care across Houston & Cypress
✨ Virtual Medical Care visits available for Texas, California & New Mexico
✨ Care designed by women who truly understand this journey

Come see us. We’re here to help you make sense of it—and feel like yourself again.

Book your consultation. Link in bio.

04/08/2026

In this video, I talk about something that has quietly shaped my life—and continues to guide how I move through midlife today:learning how to truly listen to myself.

This idea is deeply influenced by the work of Martha Beck—quieting the noise of expectations, stepping away from “shoulds,” and reconnecting with a deeper, more honest inner voice.

I share three ideas that have become anchors for me:
• Learning to recognize when something feels like a true “yes” or a clear “no”
• Understanding how going against yourself creates tension and internal friction
• Making small, aligned choices that shape how you feel—and who you become over time

When I began to listen—really listen—things started to feel simpler, calmer, and more clear.I also talk about the importance of stepping out of your everyday environment.

Retreats, gatherings, and intentional time away create space to reconnect, reflect, and learn new ways of moving through this phase of life.

This is also the foundation of the work I’m building right now, including my upcoming book and a recent video:

Become Your Best Elder Self — One Choice at a Time
WATCH ON YOUTUBE (link in bio)

Because the way you age is not accidental.
It’s shaped—quietly and consistently—by the choices you make every day.

Martha Beck, PhD — sociologist, author, and life coach
https://marthabeck.com

marthabeck

04/08/2026

In this video, I talk about something that has quietly shaped my life—and continues to guide how I move through midlife today:learning how to truly listen to myself.

This idea is deeply influenced by the work of Martha Beck—quieting the noise of expectations, stepping away from “shoulds,” and reconnecting with a deeper, more honest inner voice.I share three ideas that have become anchors for me:
• Learning to recognize when something feels like a true “yes” or a clear “no”
• Understanding how going against yourself creates tension and internal friction
• Making small, aligned choices that shape how you feel—and who you become over time

When I began to listen—really listen—things started to feel simpler, calmer, and more clear.I also talk about the importance of stepping out of your everyday environment.

Retreats, gatherings, and intentional time away create space to reconnect, reflect, and learn new ways of moving through this phase of life.

This is also the foundation of the work I’m building right now, including my upcoming book and a recent video:

Become Your Best Elder Self — One Choice at a Time
WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Because the way you age is not accidental.
It’s shaped—quietly and consistently—by the choices you make every day.

Martha Beck, PhD — sociologist, author, and life coach
https://marthabeck.com/ Martha Beck



https://youtu.be/QzVpDMo1oDA?si=AS5bAfFN7KSg48BB

In this video, I talk about something that has quietly shaped my life—and continues to guide how I move through midlife today:learning how to truly listen to...

04/07/2026

Information about perimenopause and menopause is everywhere.
But care that is thoughtful, experienced, and truly personalized is much harder to find.

At Complete Midlife Wellness Center, this is our focus.
We are a team of menopause-certified providers offering physician-guided care through every stage of midlife—with depth, nuance, and clinical expertise.

In-person across Houston & Cypress.
Virtual medical care available in Texas, California & New Mexico.
Coaching worldwide.

You don’t have to navigate this on your own.

Book your consultation. Link in bio.

04/06/2026

It doesn’t usually happen all at once.

It starts quietly…
Leaving one meeting early.
Saying no to something you would have once pushed through.
Stepping back—just a little.

And over time, those small moments can become something much bigger.

So many women in midlife are navigating real, physiological changes that are still misunderstood—or simply unsupported—in the workplace. And too often, the impact reaches far beyond symptoms.

This is a conversation we need to have more openly.

Dr. Louise Newson is leading an important initiative to better understand how hormones affect health and wellbeing at work—and where meaningful change is needed.

This survey is open to everyone—regardless of gender or whether you’ve personally experienced hormone-related symptoms. Every perspective helps build a clearer, stronger picture.

Your responses are anonymous, and your voice truly matters. 🤍

Take a few minutes to share your experience.
SURVEY -LINK IN BIO

Because the more we understand, the better we can support women—at work and beyond.

04/01/2026

Strength in midlife is built with intention. 🤍

This session is a focused core and upper body burner, created with master personal trainer Kelley Workman (www.kelleymoves.com), designed specifically for women in midlife.

Not every workout needs to be flashy.

Sometimes it’s simply you, the burn, and the decision to keep going. That’s where real change happens—not in perfect conditions, but in the quiet choice to stay consistent, even when you’re traveling, out of routine, or working from a hotel room.

This is about more than arms or abs.

A strong core and upper body support your spine, improve posture, protect your joints, and give you the strength to move through daily life with confidence and control. It’s the kind of strength that carries forward—into your 60s, 70s, and well beyond.

The workout itself is simple and intentional: four exercises, performed for three rounds of 15 reps each (with the option to add a fourth if you feel strong).
✔ Seated Straight Leg Shoulder Press
✔ Seated Straight Leg Tricep Press
✔ Plank Rows
✔ Side Plank Raises

There is no rushing here, no throwing reps around. Just controlled movement, steady effort, and the discipline to stay with it.

This is midlife.
We don’t coast or give up.
We train. 💪

04/01/2026

Strength in midlife is built with intention. 🤍

This session is a focused core and upper body burner, created with master personal trainer Kelley Workman (www.kelleymoves.com), designed specifically for women in midlife.

Not every workout needs to be flashy.
Sometimes it’s simply you, the burn, and the decision to keep going. That’s where real change happens—not in perfect conditions, but in the quiet choice to stay consistent, even when you’re traveling, out of routine, or working from a hotel room.

This is about more than arms or abs.
A strong core and upper body support your spine, improve posture, protect your joints, and give you the strength to move through daily life with confidence and control. It’s the kind of strength that carries forward—into your 60s, 70s, and well beyond.

The workout itself is simple and intentional: four exercises, performed for three rounds of 15 reps each (with the option to add a fourth if you feel strong).

✔ Seated Straight Leg Shoulder Press
✔ Seated Straight Leg Tricep Press
✔ Plank Rows
✔ Side Plank Raises

There is no rushing here, no throwing reps around. Just controlled movement, steady effort, and the discipline to stay with it.

This is midlife. We don’t coast or give up. We train. 💪

KelleyWorkman



https://youtu.be/yPz64z40FMo?si=DMAp_xcAKYEPC0cI

Strength in midlife is built with intention. 🤍This session is a focused core and upper body burner, created with master personal trainer Kelley Workman (www...