If you’re looking for a natural way to bring balance to your hormones, feel more energetic, and finally address those nagging symptoms of hormonal imbalances like fatigue, weight gain, or mood swings, Dr. Michelle Sands’ Hormone Harmony Over 35 might catch your eye.
With its promise of holistic, science-backed solutions for women navigating hormonal changes, it seems like the answer many of us have been waiting for. But is it worth the hype? Let me take you through my experience and observations, sharing the good, the not-so-good, and how it stacks up against other hormone-balancing approaches.
Understanding Hormone Harmony Over 35
At its core, Hormone Harmony Over 35 by Dr. Michelle Sands is a guide for women seeking to regain control over their health by addressing hormonal imbalances.
Unlike conventional approaches that often focus on treating symptoms with medications or hormone replacement therapies, this program emphasizes a holistic and natural way to restore balance.
Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, or low libido, Dr. Sands provides a roadmap to identify the root causes and tackle them head-on.
The book doesn’t just target the usual suspects like estrogen and progesterone. It expands the conversation to include cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, and even growth hormone, recognizing that the body’s hormonal network functions as a unified system.
This interconnected approach ensures that you’re addressing not just one imbalance but optimizing your entire hormonal health.
Dr. Sands’ 21-day plan is at the heart of this program. It’s designed to detoxify the body, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce stress—all critical factors in maintaining healthy hormone levels. The plan includes meal guides, shopping lists, recipes, mindfulness exercises, and supplement recommendations, making it easy to integrate into daily life.
What sets this program apart is its accessibility. You don’t need specialized testing or expensive treatments to get started. Instead, it empowers you to make practical changes in your diet, lifestyle, and mindset. For women over 35, dealing with the challenges of midlife hormonal shifts, Hormone Harmony Over 35 is both a resource and a lifeline, offering tangible steps toward lasting health and vitality.
My Experience Using Hormone Harmony
When I first picked up this book, I was drawn to its approachable tone and practical advice. Unlike many hormone-focused products, which can feel overwhelming or too clinical, Sands speaks directly to women who want actionable steps. I decided to try the 21-day plan, hoping it would help me with some persistent fatigue and irregular sleep patterns.
The recipes were straightforward and surprisingly tasty—I particularly loved the chocolate shake, which felt more like a treat than a health supplement. The daily protocols made it easy to follow the plan without feeling like I had to overhaul my entire life overnight. Within the first week, I noticed subtle improvements: my energy levels felt more stable, and my mood swings started to lessen.
By the end of three weeks, I felt lighter—not just in weight but mentally, too. The inclusion of mindfulness exercises and stress-reducing practices made a noticeable difference. However, while my energy improved, the results were less dramatic for sleep quality, which remained inconsistent.
Pros & Cons of Hormone Harmony Over 35
Pros:
- Comprehensive Approach: This isn’t just about popping a pill or focusing on one aspect of your health. The program addresses diet, exercise, stress, and even mental health, giving you a well-rounded path to better hormone balance.
- Accessible and Practical: Sands does a great job of breaking down complex topics into digestible bits of information. Whether you’re familiar with hormone health or just starting, you’ll find her explanations easy to understand.
- Customizable: The hormone assessment helps you identify which areas to prioritize, allowing you to tailor the plan to your specific needs.
- Natural and Holistic: For those wary of synthetic hormone treatments or pharmaceuticals, this approach feels refreshingly natural, focusing on whole foods, clean supplements, and sustainable lifestyle habits.
- Supportive Recipes: The meal plans and recipes are simple, tasty, and designed to stabilize blood sugar—a crucial factor in hormone health.
Cons:
- Results May Vary: Like any health program, results depend on the individual. While many experience improvements in energy and mood, others may find the changes more subtle, particularly for symptoms like weight loss or severe hormonal disruptions.
- Time Commitment: The 21-day plan is effective but requires consistency and dedication. If you’re juggling a packed schedule, it might feel challenging to keep up with all aspects of the program.
- Supplement Suggestions: While Sands provides a lot of natural solutions, some of the recommended supplements might be hard to source or feel like an additional expense.
Tips To Maximize Results
- Stick to the 21-Day Plan: The 21-day program is a cornerstone of the book. Follow the meal plans, recipes, and daily protocols closely. These have been designed to reset your hormonal health effectively. Prepare ahead by shopping for the suggested ingredients and organizing your meals to avoid falling back on old habits.
- Incorporate Movement: Regular exercise is vital for balancing hormones. Engage in activities that you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, strength training, or brisk walking. The book emphasizes movement as part of the program, and even moderate exercise can boost endorphins, reduce cortisol, and stabilize blood sugar.
- Manage Stress Effectively: Hormonal health is deeply tied to stress levels. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises daily. Even 10 minutes of focused relaxation can reduce cortisol, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
- Get Consistent Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Hormonal repair and regulation occur during rest. Turn off screens an hour before bed, keep your bedroom cool, and create a nighttime routine that signals your body to wind down.
- Use Supplements Wisely: Dr. Sands highlights specific supplements like magnesium, adaptogens, and omega-3s. These can support your hormonal health, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor the recommendations to your needs.
- Track Your Progress: Keeping a journal of your symptoms, energy levels, and overall feelings throughout the plan can help you see tangible improvements. It’s also a great tool to identify any areas where you may need to adjust your approach.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration aids detoxification, improves skin health, and supports digestion—all of which contribute to balanced hormones. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, especially if you’re increasing fiber intake through the meal plans.
Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Other Hormone Health Approaches
- Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Alisa Vitti’s WomanCode
Both books emphasize the importance of understanding your body’s hormonal cycles, but Sands takes a broader approach, addressing multiple hormones beyond the menstrual cycle. While Vitti’s plan focuses heavily on syncing with your cycle, Sands provides strategies for women in all stages of life, including menopause. However, WomanCode offers more detail for women looking to optimize their monthly rhythms.
- Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Suzanne Somers’ Ageless
Somers’ book advocates for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is a more medicalized approach compared to Sands’ natural plan. While BHRT can provide faster symptom relief, it’s not suitable for everyone. Sands’ approach feels safer for women looking to avoid synthetic hormones.
- Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Sara Gottfried’s The Hormone Cure
Both books take a science-backed approach, but Gottfried’s plan is more clinical, often requiring hormone testing and lab work. Sands simplifies the process, making it accessible to women who might not have access to advanced testing.
- Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Macafem
Macafem is a supplement that claims to balance hormones naturally, but it lacks the comprehensive lifestyle changes that Sands emphasizes. While Macafem can be a quick fix, Hormone Harmony Over 35 offers long-term solutions.
- Hormone Harmony Over 35 Vs. Over-the-Counter Supplements
OTC supplements often promise quick fixes for hormonal issues, but they rarely address the root cause. Sands’ book provides an integrated plan that combines nutrition, stress management, and detox strategies, which is more sustainable than relying solely on supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Results vary, but many women notice subtle improvements within the first week of starting the 21-day plan. More significant changes, like weight management or enhanced sleep, may take a few months of consistent effort.
No, the program doesn’t focus on increasing estrogen directly. Instead, it aims to balance all hormones, including estrogen, by supporting the body’s natural processes.
The book’s plan emphasizes whole foods, clean supplements, and natural ingredients like cruciferous vegetables, adaptogenic herbs, and omega-3-rich foods to support hormone balance.
The primary goal is to help women over 35 achieve optimal hormone balance through a holistic approach. It addresses symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and poor sleep while promoting overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Michelle Sands’ Hormone Harmony Over 35 is more than just a guide—it’s an empowering resource for women seeking to reclaim their health naturally. While it requires commitment and consistency, the benefits are worth it. If you’re tired of quick fixes and want a sustainable, holistic solution to hormonal imbalance, this book offers a practical and achievable path to better health. Give it a try—you might just discover the balance you’ve been searching for.
