If you’ve ever searched “low testosterone” or “hormone replacement therapy” online, you already know the problem: there’s an overwhelming amount of information out there, and not all of it is good. For every well-researched article, there are ten more built on outdated studies, sales pitches, or straight-up myths.
We get it. Making decisions about your own health should never feel like a guessing game. So instead of leaving you to sort through it all on your own, we asked our clinical team to share the books, research, and organizations they personally trust, and actually use, when they think about hormone health.
Consider this your reading list. Whether you’re just starting to explore hormone therapy or you’ve been a patient with us for years, these resources can help you feel more informed at your next appointment.
Books Worth Your Time
Hormone Havoc, by Dr. Terri DeNeui, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC Menopause and andropause both come with a lot of noise, and a lot of outdated assumptions. This book is written as a practical roadmap through both, cutting through common myths and misconceptions about hormones in women and men alike. If you want a clear, no-nonsense starting point, this is it.
Estrogen Matters, by Avrum Bluming, MD & Carol Tavris, PhD Few topics in medicine have been as misunderstood, or as feared, as estrogen therapy. This book walks through the history and the science behind that fear, and why much of the concern doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny. If you’re a woman weighing whether HRT is right for you, this is essential reading before that conversation with your provider.
The XX Brain, by Lisa Mosconi, PhD Brain fog is real, and it’s measurable. Dr. Mosconi, a neuroscientist, explores exactly how hormones, especially estrogen, shape brain health, memory, and cognitive protection across a woman’s life. It’s a fascinating look at why “I just don’t feel as sharp anymore” is often a hormone story, not just an aging story.
For the Research-Minded
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), Revisited If you’ve heard that hormone therapy is dangerous, you’re likely hearing an echo of the original WHI study from the early 2000s, which changed prescribing practices almost overnight. What often gets left out is that later re-analyses of that same data told a more nuanced story. Age of initiation, hormone type, delivery route, and individual risk factors all matter enormously, and they’re exactly what today’s more personalized approach to hormone therapy is built around.
In Vivo Brain Estrogen Receptor Density, Lisa Mosconi, PhD For anyone who wants the science behind the symptoms, this research shows how estrogen interacts with neurotransmitters and neural processes tied directly to memory and mental clarity. It’s a great example of “brain fog” moving from a vague complaint to something researchers can actually see and measure.
An Organization We Trust
Evexias Medical Education (evexias.com) For providers (and curious patients who want to go deeper), Evexias is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to evidence-based hormone optimization. Their focus on clinical education and long-term outcomes research is part of why we hold the standards we do.
A Quick Note on Reading Widely
We’d rather you read too much than too little. Hormone health touches nearly every part of how you feel day to day, so it’s worth understanding.
Just remember: books and research can inform your questions, but they can’t replace an actual conversation with your provider about your labs, your history, and your goals. Bring what you read to your next visit. We love a good discussion.
Have a topic you’d like us to cover in more depth on the blog? Let your provider know at your next visit, we’re always looking for what our patients actually want to learn about.
