Lost Your Spark?The Real Reason Your Libido Is Dipping in Perimenopause (And It’s Not Your Relationship)A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective on What’s Actually Happening in Your Body  Let’s talk about something women whisper about but rarely say out loud. You worked all day. You answered emails. You made dinner. You got the kids to practice. You finally sit down at 9:15 pm… and someone expects you to be “in the mood.” And you’re thinking, “I love my partner… so why do I feel nothing?” Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: It is not your relationship. It is not your attraction. It is not a personal failure. It is physiology. Low libido is one of the most common concerns I see in women in their late 30s and 40s. And almost every time, it is not an isolated issue. It is part of a much bigger shift. By the time libido changes, other things have already changed. Sleep is lighter or broken. Energy crashes mid-afternoon. Weight is harder to move. Stress tolerance is lower. Recovery takes longer. Body composition feels unfamiliar. Confidence feels different. You are managing a career, children, aging parents, a partnership, and your own health. The mental load alone is significant. Your body is responding differently than it did five or ten years ago. That is not a coincidence. Perimenopause Is Not A Slow Fade. It's Fluctuation. Perimenopause is dynamic.Estrogen rises and falls unpredictably. Progesterone drops earlier than most women expect. Testosterone gradually declines. Cortisol rises under chronic stress. Insulin resistance becomes more common. All of this influences libido. Let’s break it down. Testosterone: Supports drive and sexual desire in women. Even subtle depletion can lower interest. Estrogen: Supports lubrication, tissue health, and blood flow. When it fluctuates, dryness and discomfort can follow. Progesterone: Supports deep sleep and nervous system regulation. When sleep becomes fragmented, libido often disappears. Insulin Resistance: Increases inflammation and fatigue. When your body is metabolically stressed, reproduction is not prioritized. Elevated Cortisol: Shifts you into survival mode. Survival mode does not create desire. Add in exhaustion, body image shifts, emotional overload, and the nonstop pace of life, and libido becomes one of the most complex things to untangle. Because it is rarely just one thing. It is hormones. It is metabolism. It is sleep. It is stress. It is life stage. Libido reflects physiology. When it changes, I do not start with relationship advice. I start with labs. And that is where real answers begin. Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's Soap BoxStop Treating Low Libido Like It’s the Whole Problem
This is a topic I feel very strong about.
In perimenopause, low libido is often treated as the primary issue. It becomes the focus of the appointment, the quick fix, the single prescription. But in my clinical experience, it is rarely the true starting point. It is a signal. By the time desire has noticeably declined, other systems have already been under strain for months (sometimes years). Sleep has deteriorated. Progesterone has dropped. Estrogen is fluctuating unpredictably. Testosterone may be trending downward. Cortisol has been elevated from chronic stress. Insulin resistance may be quietly increasing. Thyroid function may not be optimal. When libido changes, the body is communicating that something deeper has shifted. Hormones do not operate independently. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin function as an integrated network. They are in constant communication. When one moves, the others adapt. Addressing libido without evaluating that full hormonal and metabolic landscape is incomplete care. This is why I do not treat desire in isolation. If progesterone is low and sleep has been fragmented for months, restorative sleep must be rebuilt. If estrogen fluctuations have compromised vaginal tissue health, that deserves targeted support. If testosterone is clinically depleted, it needs proper evaluation. If metabolic markers indicate insulin resistance or inflammation, stabilizing metabolic health becomes essential. If thyroid function is suboptimal, that changes the entire plan. Skipping this evaluation and focusing only on the symptom may offer temporary relief, but it does not restore balance. Comprehensive labs matter. Metabolic markers matter. Sleep quality matters. Stress load matters. Thyroid function matters. The full hormonal picture matters. This is not about chasing lab numbers or over-medicalizing a normal transition. It is about understanding physiology and responding to it thoughtfully. Perimenopause is dynamic, and care must be dynamic as well. When we evaluate the system as a whole and build a structured, individualized plan, whether that includes lifestyle interventions, metabolic support, hormone therapy when appropriate, vaginal estrogen, testosterone support, or other targeted therapies, outcomes change. Energy improves. Sleep stabilizes. Metabolism responds. And often, desire returns as a natural reflection of restored balance. Low libido is not a character flaw. It is not a relationship diagnosis. It is not something to quietly endure. It is information. And when we listen to it correctly, we can change the trajectory entirely. Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's Ride or Die Mixhers Libido When I call something “ride or die,” I mean it. I do not casually recommend supplements in perimenopause. This stage of life is complex. Hormones are shifting. Metabolism is adapting. Stress is higher. If I am going to suggest something, it has to make physiological sense and support the system intelligently. And this formulation does. Libido is not just about hormones. It involves circulation, nervous system balance, metabolic stability, and psychological engagement. Supporting desire requires more than a single pathway. One of the key ingredients is Libifem, a standardized fenugreek extract with clinical research supporting improvements in female sexual desire and healthy testosterone levels. In perimenopause, testosterone often trends lower, sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly. Even small declines can impact drive. Supporting healthy free testosterone levels within range can make a meaningful difference. Myo-inositol is another ingredient I appreciate. As insulin resistance becomes more common in perimenopause, metabolic stress can increase inflammation and fatigue. Myo-inositol supports insulin sensitivity and nervous system regulation, both of which directly influence energy and hormonal balance. Beet root supports nitric oxide production and circulation, which plays a direct role in arousal and sensitivity. Pomegranate extract provides vascular and antioxidant support, which matters as inflammation tends to rise during this stage. Maca root adds support for vitality and stamina, not as a hormone replacement, but as a resilience enhancer. I also value the liquid delivery format. Absorption matters. Compared to many capsules or gummies, liquid formulations can improve bioavailability and consistency. The data associated with this product is compelling. After 90 days of consistent use, 85 percent of users report increased sex drive and 75 percent report enhanced sensitivity. What stands out to me is that 90-day window. That timeline aligns with how physiology adapts. Hormonal modulation and improved circulation take time. Now here is the most important piece. This is not a substitute for proper evaluation. If progesterone is low and sleep is fragmented, that must be addressed. If testosterone is clinically depleted, direct support may be necessary. If insulin resistance is significant, metabolic stabilization becomes foundational. If thyroid function is impaired, that changes everything. When the foundation is supported, this type of supplement can enhance the process. It can amplify sensitivity, support desire, and integrate seamlessly into a comprehensive care plan. It is not magic. It is strategic support. And when used strategically, it can be a powerful addition to the right plan. That is why it earns ride or die status in my life and practice. Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Final Encouragement
Low libido in perimenopause is common because hormonal and metabolic shifts are common. The key is identifying what is driving it in your body.
When we approach libido through integrated physiology rather than symptom management, we see meaningful improvement. Not just in desire, but in sleep, energy, metabolic stability, and overall function. Perimenopause requires structured, thoughtful care. When the system is evaluated properly and supported intentionally, the body responds. That is where effective care begins. With warmth, Michelle & The Magnolia Team 
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Perimenopause and Women’s Hormonal Health: A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective in Minneapolis1/19/2026 Perimenopause is one of the most misunderstood stages of women’s health. Subtle shifts in hormones can affect how the body feels and functions long before menopause is ever mentioned. In this article, we explore what perimenopause looks like, why it is so often overlooked, and how informed care can change how this transition is experienced. Perimenopause: The Most Overlooked Hormonal Transition In Women's Health As a Nurse Practitioner, I have spent years sitting across from women who cannot quite explain what has changed, only that something feels different. For many women, their bodies begin to shift quietly in their late 30s or early 40s. Sleep becomes lighter or more fragmented. Energy feels less predictable. Mood feels harder to regulate. Stress that once felt manageable suddenly feels heavier. The body stops responding the way it once did, even when effort, routines, and intention have not changed. These women are often high functioning, thoughtful, and deeply in tune with their bodies. And yet, they arrive feeling confused and discouraged because no one has named what they are experiencing. Perimenopause rarely arrives with clarity or acknowledgment. There is no clear starting point, no routine screening, and very little education offered around what this transition actually looks like. Because the changes happen gradually, women are often left to interpret them on their own. Many assume they are personal shortcomings or temporary phases they should be able to manage with more discipline or better habits. What makes perimenopause especially overlooked is not just how common it is, but how early it begins. This transition can start years before menopause and years before it is ever recognized. During that time, hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably, affecting sleep quality, metabolism, mood, cognition, and emotional regulation. Yet many women are told their labs look normal or that this is simply part of getting older. From a clinical perspective, this matters deeply. Perimenopause is not a waiting period before menopause. It is a critical window where long term health trajectories are shaped. How the body adapts during this transition influences metabolic health, inflammatory patterns, skin aging, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life in the decades that follow. I see what happens when this window is missed. Women spend years trying to force their bodies back into patterns that no longer fit. They double down on strategies that once worked and feel discouraged when results do not follow. Over time, that discouragement turns inward.They begin questioning their resilience, their consistency, and their ability to cope. Waiting is not neutral. When symptoms are minimized or dismissed, women are left without context or guidance. They continue pushing through approaches that no longer work without understanding why. Perimenopause changes the rules. What supported the body in the past may stop working, not because effort has decreased, but because the hormonal environment has shifted. Expecting willpower to override biology is outdated medicine. This is why perimenopause deserves attention earlier, deeper understanding, and care that treats it as the meaningful health transition it is. If any part of this resonates, you do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. At Magnolia, we offer complimentary conversations for women navigating perimenopause who are looking for thoughtful, informed guidance. Simply a chance to talk through what you are experiencing, ask questions, and understand what kind of support might actually make sense for your body and your life. Perimenopause can feel confusing when you are trying to navigate it alone. Having a conversation with a provider who understands the physiology and sees this season of life every day can bring clarity and relief. If you are ready to explore what support could look like, we would be honored to connect with you. You can schedule a complimentary conversation with Michelle through the link on our website. It means a great deal to be able to walk alongside women during this season of life. Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia I couldn’t tell what was wrong, but once we talked through what was happening hormonally, everything started to make sense. Having a plan helped me feel grounded again instead of constantly questioning myself. Michelle's Soap BoxWhy Perimenopause Care Is Failing Women and How We Need to Do Better
As a Nurse Practitioner, one of the most troubling patterns I see is how often women in perimenopause are treated for symptoms without anyone addressing the hormonal transition driving them.
Women come in having been prescribed anxiety medications, sleep aids, or antidepressants with little discussion about hormonal shifts. Mood changes, disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety, irritability, and emotional volatility are often framed as stress or mental health issues, rather than recognized as part of a broader physiological transition. Perimenopause directly affects neurotransmitters, sleep architecture, stress hormones, and emotional regulation. When estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, the brain responds. The nervous system responds. The body adapts. Treating these changes without acknowledging hormones is incomplete care. I want to be clear. Mental health support matters, and medications can play an important role when appropriate. But when we bypass the hormonal conversation entirely, we miss the root cause for many women. That delay prolongs symptoms and reinforces the belief that something is wrong with them rather than recognizing what their body is signaling. Another critical issue is how often women are told their labs look normal. Perimenopause is not always reflected in standard lab ranges. Hormones fluctuate day to day and month to month during this transition. Normal results do not always mean optimal function, especially when symptoms are persistent and progressing. This is often the point where women lose trust in the medical system. They feel dismissed, unheard, and unsure where to turn next. Many begin managing symptoms on their own, experimenting with supplements, diets, or protocols without guidance, hoping something will finally help. Perimenopause deserves a different approach. It requires listening closely to symptoms, understanding patterns over time, and viewing hormones as part of a connected system that includes stress, metabolism, inflammation, sleep, and lifestyle. It requires providers who are willing to slow down, ask better questions, and offer individualized care rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. This season of life is not something to medicate away, minimize, or ignore until menopause arrives. It is a meaningful transition that deserves informed, proactive, and compassionate care. When women are given clarity and context, everything changes. They stop blaming themselves. They stop fighting their bodies. And they begin making decisions rooted in understanding rather than frustration. That is the standard of care women deserve during perimenopause. Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Final EncouragementAs the year begins, I hope this guide serves as a reminder that meaningful care does not require an overhaul. It starts with understanding, intention, and support that feels steady rather than overwhelming. This season is not about doing more. It is about paying attention to what your body is asking for and responding thoughtfully. Small, well-informed choices have a way of creating momentum when they are rooted in clarity instead of pressure. Take what resonates here, leave what doesn’t, and trust that you are allowed to move forward at a pace that feels sustainable for you right now. With warmth, Michelle & The Magnolia Team What I'm Gifting This Season(and Why It Actually Matters) This week before Christmas always feels a little tender. The holidays are close enough to feel, but not quite here yet. Calendars are full, emotions are layered, and many women I talk to are holding a lot at once. Joy, pressure, anticipation, and fatigue. It’s a season filled with meaning, but it can also quietly ask more of us than we realize. This moment isn’t asking you to do more. It’s asking you to slow down just enough to notice what actually feels supportive. Not what’s trending. Not what January will demand. But what helps you feel grounded, cared for, and a little more like yourself, right now. That’s the place this guide comes from. Instead of a soapbox or a lesson, I wanted to share something personal. A collection of gifts I genuinely love giving because they bring comfort, beauty, and calm into everyday life. These are the kinds of gifts that don’t add more noise. They help people exhale. So glad to share this season with you, Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's Holiday Gift GuideThe things I love giving (and truly love receiving)Cashmere sweaters (always)
I will never stop gifting cashmere. It’s timeless, soft, and quietly luxurious. It’s something many people don’t buy for themselves, but once they have it, they reach for it constantly. Winter walks, travel days, dinners out, slow mornings at home. Cashmere feels like comfort without trying too hard. And that’s a feeling I love to give. Perfume (when it feels personal and is made thoughtfully)
I love gifting perfume when it truly matches the person. Scent becomes memory. Mood. Presence. The right fragrance feels like a signature. Something that grounds you and reminds you who you are. When chosen thoughtfully, perfume isn’t just a gift. It’s an experience someone carries with them. Linnea candles (my favorite)
Linnea candles are one of my go-to gifts every year. They burn clean, smell beautiful without being overpowering, and instantly soften a space. Lighting a candle is a small ritual, but it signals permission to pause. Something many of us need more of right now. Perfect for hosts, teachers, friends, or anyone who could use a moment of calm. And you'll find these candles available right here at Magnolia if you’re stopping by in the days leading up to the holidays. Calming meditation oil (the kind with flowers in it)
This is one of my favorite small but powerful gifts. A calming meditation oil, especially one infused with flowers, turns an ordinary moment into a ritual. A drop on the wrists. A breath before bed. A pause before a busy day. It’s a reminder that care doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Cookbooks that take you far away
I love gifting cookbooks that feel like travel. Not intimidating or overly complex ones, but books that transport you. Different cultures, flavors, and stories.Something you can flip through on a quiet afternoon and feel inspired, even if you never cook every recipe. They invite curiosity, creativity, and a sense of escape, which feels especially good this time of year. Prakash Organics Body Oil
This is one of my favorite things to gift because it feels genuinely nourishing. It absorbs beautifully, leaves skin soft and supported, and gives that healthy glow without feeling heavy. It’s especially good in the winter when skin needs a little extra care. We carry this one at Magnolia, and it’s always a favorite. Free People PJ bottoms
If you know me, you know I love a good cozy moment, and these are that gift. Free People PJ bottoms are soft, relaxed, and effortless. They feel elevated without being fussy, and they’re the kind of thing people live in once the holidays slow down. Perfect for slow mornings, evenings on the couch, or those in-between days where comfort matters most. Melissa Mark jewelry (meaning you can wear)
I love jewelry that feels intentional, not just pretty. Melissa Mark pieces really do that for me. Created by a Minneapolis-based physician, these designs are meant to be worn with purpose. Her pieces feel like quiet reminders of strength, alignment, and trusting yourself, especially in seasons of change. It’s the kind of jewelry you reach for without thinking because it means something. Magnolia favorites
If you’re local, this is very much the same way we approach gifting at Magnolia. We’ve put together a collection of curated gift bags this season for those moments when you want to give something thoughtful without overthinking it. Simple, supportive pieces, including Prakash Organics oils, Noon Starter Kits, Linnea candles, and a few of our favorite everyday wellness essentials. Everything is chosen with the same intention behind this guide: comfort, care, and things that actually get used. If you’re stopping by for the Linden Hills Wine & Stroll, our Open House, or visiting us in the days leading up to the holidays, we’d love to see you. This is how I like to gift this time of year. Simple, thoughtful things that genuinely support how we feel day to day. If this list makes gifting feel easier, or reminds you to take care of yourself too, then it’s exactly why I wanted to share it. With warmth this season, Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's Ride Or Diegoop beauty Vitamin C Glow Serum This is one I reach for because it actually works. A lot of vitamin C serums sound great but don’t stay effective long enough to deliver real results. This one does. It’s well formulated, stable, and you can see the difference in brightness, tone, and overall skin quality with consistent use. Vitamin C only works if it stays potent, and that’s where so many products fall short. I love the two-part system. Mixing the vitamin C powder into the serum before first use keeps it fresh and active, which is why it continues to work through the entire bottle instead of fading halfway through. It supports glow without irritation, fits easily into a daily routine, and keeps skin looking fresh, even, and well cared for especially during winter when skin can feel dull or stressed. Simple, reliable, and effective. That’s why it’s a ride-or-die for me this month. Happy Glowing! Michelle Final EncouragementAs you head into the holidays, I hope this guide serves as a reminder that thoughtful care doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re gifting to others or choosing something for yourself, the intention behind it matters. Small, supportive choices, the kind that feel grounding and useful, have a way of carrying us through busy seasons more gently. Take what resonates from this list, leave what doesn’t, and trust your own sense of what feels right for you right now. With warmth, Michelle & The Magnolia Team The Holiday Quick Fix TrapWhy Real Weight Loss Takes More Than a Shot Every holiday season, there’s a surge of “quick fixes.” A shot. A patch. A subscription refill. A promise that you can bypass biology and magically feel better by the weekend. And while convenience can be helpful, it’s rarely the whole story. Your body doesn’t want shortcuts. It wants support. It wants someone to understand the full picture, not just one symptom in isolation. Over the last month, I’ve had more and more women reach out feeling discouraged after trying Him & Hers-style care. One woman told me she never even spoke to her provider. She clicked through an online questionnaire, waited for a refill, tried to troubleshoot symptoms through customer service, and still wasn’t getting answers. Not one person was looking at her full picture. Not one person was looking at her hormones, her inflammation, her perimenopause changes, her sleep, her stress, or her nutrition. No one was connecting the dots for her. That’s the gap. That’s where personalized, relationship-based care truly makes the difference. And just to be clear... treatments like Botox, chemical peels, SkinPen, and even medications that support weight, skin, or hormones absolutely belong in the conversation. I use them every day with my patients because they’re effective and they help women feel good in their skin. At Magnolia, we simply make sure they’re part of a bigger, more thoughtful plan that supports your whole body. Not a stand-alone “quick fix.” At Magnolia, we take a comprehensive approach. We look at the whole story: your labs, your symptoms, your stress load, your energy patterns, your cycle changes, your metabolism, your goals, and your lived experience. And then we help you make sense of it. Step by step. With real guidance. From a real provider who knows your name. This matters even more heading into the holidays, when stress, alcohol, sugar, disrupted schedules, and travel take a toll. You deserve support that lasts longer than your refill cycle. If you’re feeling like something is “off” and want help sorting through your symptoms, I’ve opened a limited number of complimentary 15-minute calls this month so we can talk through what you’re experiencing and explore the best next steps for you. Here’s to embracing the season together, with care that sees your whole picture! Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's SoapboxWhy Your Weight Loss Needs More Than a Mail-Order Shot
If you've spent any time on social media, you've seen the GLP-1 Hype.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide can be incredible tools. I prescribe them when they’re the right fit and I see great results in my practice. But they are not magic. They are not a shortcut. And they are not designed to be used without real medical support. A few weeks ago, a woman came to Magnolia after using a GLP-1 from an online subscription. She lost 25 pounds. But when she stopped, the weight returned quickly. She felt confused and defeated. During her body composition analysis, we found that most of what she lost wasn’t fat. It was lean muscle. Her “plan” gave her a medication but offered no guidance for protein intake, strength training, metabolism support, or lifestyle balance. And when you lose muscle, your metabolism downshifts. Suddenly everything feels harder. Hunger returns. Fatigue increases. Progress stalls. This is the piece the quick-fix companies don’t tell you. Here’s what I tell my patients: Medication is not magic. It is one tool in a much bigger toolbox. Muscle is metabolism. You have to preserve it. Your mindset matters. The habits you build while on medication determine whether your progress lasts. Accountability counts. You need someone tracking your labs, watching for patterns, understanding the whole picture, and helping you adjust along the way. GLP-1s can be transformative when used safely and intentionally. But without comprehensive support, they can leave you feeling more lost than before. If you’re considering a GLP-1, please don’t do it alone. Work with someone who understands hormones, inflammation, perimenopause, and weight physiology. Work with a provider who looks at you as a whole person, not a refill cycle. This is why we take a comprehensive approach at Magnolia. We look at your labs, body composition, symptoms, nutrition, lifestyle patterns, and hormone balance so we can support your metabolism from every angle. Medication can help you reset, but it works best when combined with strength, protein, inflammation support, and a provider who understands the full landscape of women’s health. That’s where real, lasting success happens. Our focus is always long-term health. Protect your metabolism. Protect your muscle. Protect your future self. With Love! Michelle Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia Michelle's Ride Or Dieglymed+ Oxygen Deep Pore Masque  I’m officially declaring this my can’t-live-without-it product of the month, and if you’ve ever struggled with blackheads, congestion, or that stubborn bumpy texture, you’re about to understand why. This masque is pure magic. It oxygenates the skin, bubbles deep into the pores, and loosens everything that’s been hanging on for way too long. No steam. No scrubbing. No irritation. Just clearer, smoother, happier skin. Why I’m Obsessed It gets your pores to let go... finally! The active oxygen lifts congestion on its own, which means everything from dullness to blackheads improves without me having to be overly aggressive in treatment. And if you’ve had extractions with me, you already know: this makes them easier, quicker, and way less uncomfortable. Who I Reach for This For Oily or congested skin Teens starting to break out Adults dealing with blackheads or texture Anyone whose skin feels dull, clogged, or blah Clients looking for a gentle reset without drying out their barrier Pregnant or nursing? Totally fine to use. Just stay mindful, since skin can be sensitive during this time. How I Recommend Using It After cleansing, apply a thin layer to your face, neck, and décolleté. Leave on 5–10 minutes. Rinse. Glow. Use 2–3 times per week for best results. If you love steam, go for it in the last 1–2 minutes…but truly, this masque doesn’t need any help. Email Magnolia at [email protected] to get your hands on this latest obsession. You won't regret it! Happy Glowing! Michelle Final EncouragementAs we move deeper into the season, let this be your reminder that you don’t have to chase quick fixes or push through feeling “off.” Real change comes from support that understands the whole picture and honors what your body is navigating.
If you’re feeling out of balance, low on energy, discouraged about your progress, or simply ready to feel more like yourself again, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. At Magnolia, our focus is always thoughtful, personalized care that supports the whole you — inside and out — so you can move into the months ahead feeling steady, supported, and well. With Care, The Magnolia Team Let's Turn Up The Heat On Menopause & The Myths Keeping Women Stuck! Did you know October is National Menopause Month? For generations, women have been told to suffer quietly through perimenopause and menopause, as if silence was strength. I’m here to remind you... quiet doesn’t heal. It’s time to turn up the heat and start talking honestly about what’s really happening in women’s health. Menopause isn’t something to hide or “push through.” It’s something to understand, support, and move through with confidence and care. At Magnolia Aesthetics & Wellness here in Minneapolis, we meet women every day who feel discouraged and confused. Their energy is low. Their metabolism has slowed. Sleep feels off, moods are unpredictable, and their skin doesn’t feel the same. Most have been told the same thing by their providers: “Your labs are normal.” Let’s be honest... normal doesn’t always mean optimal. Menopause doesn’t just show up one day and turn everything upside down. For most women, the transition begins years earlier, quietly, gradually, and often without clear answers. That’s where the conversation needs to change. Perimenopause: The Early Hormone Changes No One Talks About Many women are surprised to learn that perimenopause can begin in their late 30s or early 40s. It often starts with subtle shifts in mood, sleep, energy, or weight long before your cycle changes. These early signals are your body’s way of saying your hormones are fluctuating, and it’s the perfect time to start paying attention. I can’t tell you how many women come in saying they just don’t feel like themselves anymore. They’re doing all the right things, but something still feels off. That’s often perimenopause. When we catch these changes early, we can take a proactive approach that supports hormone balance, protects long-term health, and helps you feel like yourself again. This is where functional and integrative care truly matter. At Magnolia, we see perimenopause and menopause as opportunities to pause, reset, and realign your health for the years ahead. With the right testing, education, and personalized support, women can move through this season feeling clear, strong, and grounded again. If you know me, you know I have strong feelings about this topic. So in honor of National Menopause Month, consider this my official soapbox moment. Ending the Stigma Around Menopause For too long, menopause has been treated like something to hide or push through quietly. Women are told to tough it out, to accept hot flashes, brain fog, and weight changes as just part of getting older. That narrative is outdated and unfair. It’s time to change that. At Magnolia, we want to normalize these conversations. We want women to feel empowered to talk about what’s happening in their bodies without shame or hesitation. When we understand what’s going on and have access to the right care, everything shifts. Menopause deserves the same level of education, curiosity, and compassion that any other stage of life receives.
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At Magnolia, we believe education is everything. When you understand what your skin is actually trying to tell you, everything changes. You stop wasting money on products that don’t work. You stop blaming yourself for “bad skin.” And you finally start making real, lasting progress.
Because let’s be honest: most people are stuck chasing surface-level solutions for what’s really a deeper, internal conversation. So let me get on my soapbox for a second—because in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, there’s something I need to say: |
Sun protection is non-negotiable…
But here’s the part that gets overlooked: SPF can only protect you from external exposure. What about the internal triggers? Hormonal shifts, chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalance, and even blood sugar instability can all create inflammation that visibly shows up on your skin.
I see it all the time—clients showing up with drawers full of products, religious about their sunscreen, doing “all the right things”… and still frustrated with dull skin, stubborn melasma, flare-ups, or premature aging.
Here's what they're not being told: You can’t fight inflammation from the outside in.
If your hormones are out of whack, your stress is through the roof, your gut is struggling, and your blood sugar’s on a rollercoaster, it will show up on your skin. That’s not harsh—it’s just how the body works. Your skin is an extension of your internal health, not a separate system you can patch up with product.
So yes, wear the SPF. But don’t stop there. Prevention doesn’t come in a bottle.
It comes from understanding your body, honoring what it’s asking for, and giving your skin what it really needs--from the inside out.
With Love!
Michelle
Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia
But here’s the part that gets overlooked: SPF can only protect you from external exposure. What about the internal triggers? Hormonal shifts, chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalance, and even blood sugar instability can all create inflammation that visibly shows up on your skin.
I see it all the time—clients showing up with drawers full of products, religious about their sunscreen, doing “all the right things”… and still frustrated with dull skin, stubborn melasma, flare-ups, or premature aging.
Here's what they're not being told: You can’t fight inflammation from the outside in.
If your hormones are out of whack, your stress is through the roof, your gut is struggling, and your blood sugar’s on a rollercoaster, it will show up on your skin. That’s not harsh—it’s just how the body works. Your skin is an extension of your internal health, not a separate system you can patch up with product.
So yes, wear the SPF. But don’t stop there. Prevention doesn’t come in a bottle.
It comes from understanding your body, honoring what it’s asking for, and giving your skin what it really needs--from the inside out.
With Love!
Michelle
Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia
Michelle's Ride Or Die
Summer Skincare Essentials
When it comes to summer skin, I’m all about that sweet spot: protected and glowing, supported and simple. Here are my non-negotiables—things I actually use, actually love, and actually recommend to our clients every single day.
1. A Trustworthy SPF (that doesn’t make you break out)
If your SPF clogs your pores, causes irritation, or leaves a white cast—it’s not the one. Look for clean, non-comedogenic, zinc-based options that protect and play nice with your skin.
Favorites: CLEARSTEM You Are Sunshine, BIOJUVE Sheer Finish SPF
2. SPF for Your Lips (because yes, they burn too)
Lips are often forgotten, but super prone to sun damage. A swipe of SPF lip balm = major payoff.
Favorite: SunBum SPF Lip Balm
3. A Hat That You’ll Actually Wear
Nothing fancy—just something cute, comfy, and wide-brimmed enough to keep your face shaded. Especially important if you’re dealing with melasma or pigmentation that flares in the heat.
4. Internal Support (your secret weapon)
Skin health isn’t just topical. Think antioxidants, Omega-3s, and collagen to reduce inflammation, support elasticity, and keep your glow going strong.
Client faves: Vitamin C, Omega-3s, or a clean collagen peptide
5. A Body Oil That Feels Like a Ritual
Post-sun skin craves nourishment. A high-quality, unrefined body oil locks in moisture, calms irritation, and gives that silky glow without the endocrine disruptors.
Favorites: Prakash Organics Nectar Unrefined Clinic Grade Body Oil—clean, rich, and so good after a shower.
Not sure where to start with your summer skin game?
Come see us at Magnolia. We’ll help you build a routine that’s not just protective—but powerful. Real results, real support, and products we actually stand behind.
Happy Glowing!
Michelle
Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia
1. A Trustworthy SPF (that doesn’t make you break out)
If your SPF clogs your pores, causes irritation, or leaves a white cast—it’s not the one. Look for clean, non-comedogenic, zinc-based options that protect and play nice with your skin.
Favorites: CLEARSTEM You Are Sunshine, BIOJUVE Sheer Finish SPF
2. SPF for Your Lips (because yes, they burn too)
Lips are often forgotten, but super prone to sun damage. A swipe of SPF lip balm = major payoff.
Favorite: SunBum SPF Lip Balm
3. A Hat That You’ll Actually Wear
Nothing fancy—just something cute, comfy, and wide-brimmed enough to keep your face shaded. Especially important if you’re dealing with melasma or pigmentation that flares in the heat.
4. Internal Support (your secret weapon)
Skin health isn’t just topical. Think antioxidants, Omega-3s, and collagen to reduce inflammation, support elasticity, and keep your glow going strong.
Client faves: Vitamin C, Omega-3s, or a clean collagen peptide
5. A Body Oil That Feels Like a Ritual
Post-sun skin craves nourishment. A high-quality, unrefined body oil locks in moisture, calms irritation, and gives that silky glow without the endocrine disruptors.
Favorites: Prakash Organics Nectar Unrefined Clinic Grade Body Oil—clean, rich, and so good after a shower.
Not sure where to start with your summer skin game?
Come see us at Magnolia. We’ll help you build a routine that’s not just protective—but powerful. Real results, real support, and products we actually stand behind.
Happy Glowing!
Michelle
Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Magnolia
Michelle dewald, np
Michelle, founder of Magnolia Aesthetics and Wellness, is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in primary care now specializing in aesthetics. Her passion lies in helping women achieve their best selves by enhancing their natural beauty in a realistic and subtle way. She adopts a conservative approach in her treatments, ensuring that the enhancements are organic and understated, helping her clients to look and feel naturally beautiful without appearing overdone. Her commitment extends beyond mere aesthetics, as she is deeply passionate about women's wellness, focusing on the health of their skin to bring out their inner radiance. Michelle is the go-to expert for women seeking to feel confident and naturally beautiful.
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