Hormones, Poolside Chats, and the Surprising Side Effects

Last weekend, I found myself poolside in Miami—sun shining, palm trees swaying—celebrating the end of another school year, picking up my daughter from her school. It was supposed to be a relaxing little escape from the clinic. But, as any hormone provider knows, the topic of “what do you do?” never stays quiet for long.

A few conversations (and margaritas) in, I found myself surrounded by a small circle of sun-soaked new friends, half in the pool, half on the deck chairs, all curious about hormone therapy. And while I’m always happy to talk shop, this time, my husband beat me to it.

He dove in talking about how hormone therapy had “saved her sleep, cleared the brain fog that was frustrating her at home and work, and brought back her libido with fervor.” 

Cue the raised eyebrows and laughter from the couples nearby. Suddenly, we weren’t just talking about hormones like it was some medical mystery. We were talking about real life. Marriage. Energy. Connection. How the little things—like feeling rested, mentally sharp, and, let’s be honest, a little friskier—can ripple out and transform everything.

It made me realize something I see every day in the clinic, but rarely witness from the outside: hormone therapy doesn’t just change you. It changes how you show up in your relationships. It shifts your presence. It wakes you up to life again, and the people around you notice.

Watching my husband light up while he explained how our whole dynamic had improved made me smile. Because yes, hormone therapy is grounded in science, health, and individualized care. But it’s also this quiet little revolution that can sneak up on your relationship and make it feel like a rediscovery.

So, if you’ve been on the fence about starting hormone therapy—whether it’s for sleep, libido, mental clarity, or just feeling more like yourself again—know that the benefits aren’t just personal. They’re relational. They’re joyful. They’re contagious.

And if you find yourself poolside talking about progesterone, just know—you’re not alone.

Curious if hormone therapy might be right for you or your partner? Schedule a consultation with me this week and let’s talk about how to turn “tired and disconnected” into “energized and reconnected.”

— Written by Jean Walker, WHNP-BC | Arctic Rose Wellness Clinic