Julie Taylor MD

Here’s the scoop on “leaky gut”: when the barrier in your intestines weakens, it allows unwanted particles—like toxins, microbes, and undigested food—to leak directly into your bloodstream. This can set off inflammation throughout your body, triggering symptoms like aches and pains, allergies, asthma, sleep issues, headaches, and even mood changes!

Treating the gut is like laying the foundation for the rest of your body. And here’s something you might not realize: hormone imbalances, especially in thyroid, estrogen, and progesterone, can impact gut health, too.

For leaky gut and other gut issues, finding balance is key. From personalized nutrition changes to bioidentical hormone therapy, a targeted approach can make a world of difference.

October is in full swing! I spent the weekend at a conference in Tennessee enjoying the sunshine and cool, fall weather. It was such a great week of networking, preparing for my BOOK LAUNCH (big news coming!), and also just enjoying beautiful Nashville… one of our absolute favorite places! I also had some time to interview for my new office (stay tuned).

Fall is the perfect season to slow down, take stock of where you are, and prepare for what’s ahead. I encourage you to use this time to gather your thoughts, refocus, and set the stage for a productive and intentional new year. 🍁🩵

What touches me most about this client review is this powerful line:

“What I love about Dr. Julie is the at I’m not just her patient. I’m a woman who can share the most intimate issues about my life.”

As a functional medicine doctor, my goal is to be more than just someone you see for five minutes and leave feeling unheard, with no real answers. At my clinic, I encourage you to be your own health advocate! You can be comfortable and confident knowing that my approach is sensitive, compassionate care that guides you toward your best possible outcome.

What’s the deal with methyl B12? 🤔

If you’ve ever heard about B12 supplements, you might have seen “methyl B12” on the label. So, what’s the difference? Regular B12 needs to be converted by your body to its active form. But methyl B12 is already methylated—meaning it’s ready for your body to use right away!

This makes methyl B12 super effective for boosting energy, supporting nerve function, and even detoxification. Methylated vitamins are ideal, especially for those with methylation issues (like an MTHFR mutation), making it easier for your body to process and absorb all those essential nutrients. 🧠✨

If you’re feeling low energy or looking to support your nervous system, methyl B12 might be just what your body needs!

A functional medicine approach takes this truth to heart, focusing on the whole person—not just symptoms! From your environment and genetics to social conditions, it’s important to look at all the factors affecting your well-being. If you’re struggling with weight management, migraines, digestive issues, food intolerances, or even menopause symptoms, nutrition counseling could be the key to transforming your health.

The food you eat becomes a part of you, affecting your mood, energy, and digestion. By optimizing your nutrition, you’re optimizing your health.

As a functional medicine doctor, I’ve seen countless patients who weren’t getting the care they needed from conventional medicine. Too often, healthcare focuses on treating symptoms instead of finding the root cause. That’s why I’ve dedicated my practice to taking a whole-body approach, because every system in our body is interconnected!

I’ve helped many patients, both men and women, get off medications like anti-depressants, anxiety meds, and sleep aids by addressing the underlying issues. And the results? They’re feeling better than they have in years—sometimes decades.

I’m passionate about helping people not just treat their symptoms, but truly heal and thrive. Whole-body wellness isn’t just a method—it’s the future of healthcare. Let’s work together to get you back to feeling your best.

I see so many patients who struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep. Sleep is essential for our overall health—we simply can’t function without it. Unfortunately, many people turn to sleeping pills as a quick fix, but that’s not the solution! Instead, here are some simple yet powerful ways to start building healthier sleep habits:

📱 Put the phone away: The blue light from phones and tablets disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
🕯 Switch to dim, warm lighting: Mimicking the natural sunset, gentle lighting helps your body transition into its sleep cycle without overstimulation.
☕🍷 Cut back on caffeine and alcohol: Both can disrupt your sleep cycle. While you might fall asleep after a glass of wine, it can interfere with REM sleep, leaving you groggy.
🌿 Lower stress through mindfulness: Practices like deep breathing and meditation help reduce cortisol levels, easing you into a more restful state for better quality sleep.

Lastly, get your hormones checked! Imbalances in cortisol, progesterone, or melatonin could be the root cause of your sleep issues. Instead of relying on sleeping pills, consult a functional medicine doctor to explore hormone testing and balance as the key to better sleep.

Noticing a dip in libido? It’s more common than you think—especially as women enter perimenopause. Testosterone plays a crucial role in women’s s*xual health, confidence, and energy. Even though testosterone is often thought of as a “male hormone,” it’s actually essential for women, too.

As hormone levels start to shift during perimenopause, declining testosterone can lead to a lower s*x drive, less energy, and changes in mood. But you don’t have to accept it as just part of aging!

Getting your hormones checked can make all the difference. Working with a functional medicine doctor who understands hormone balance can help restore your libido and improve your overall well-being. 💛

Pre-conception health is one of the most important ways we can set the stage for healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and babies. The choices we make before and during pregnancy have a lasting impact on the health of both mother and child. The first decade of life, and even before conception, are crucial for a baby’s development. 👶🏻

Prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet, taking prenatal vitamins, and incorporating omega-3s like fish oil can help nourish your body and prepare it for pregnancy. A healthy gut microbiome also plays a significant role, as studies show that the mother’s microbiome can influence the baby’s immune system and digestive health.

My best advice is to focus on what you CAN control—nutrition, minimizing stress, and optimizing hormone balance. These make all the difference in giving our babies a healthy start! 🍼

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

🛑 Myth: Estrogen is the only hormone that matters during menopause.

✅ Truth: Many people mistakenly equate testosterone with men and estrogen with women, but that’s far from the whole story. While men do have higher levels of testosterone, it’s actually the most abundant s*x hormone in women throughout their lifespan. Menopause isn’t just about estrogen; it’s about the balance of all three key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Estrogen is crucial for skin health, brain clarity, and joint function, but it’s only part of the picture. Progesterone, our natural antidepressant, plays a vital role in mood regulation, sleep, and reducing anxiety. And testosterone, often overlooked, is essential for strength, confidence, and maintaining a healthy s*x drive. All three hormones work together to support your overall well-being.

So when it comes to hormone health during menopause, don’t just focus on estrogen—consider the bigger picture. 🌿

Our friends, daughters, and mothers deserve a better standard of care, especially during the postpartum period. As a functional medicine doctor, my focus is on helping you achieve equilibrium in your body, particularly when it comes to hormones, but also in your mind, home, and relationships. The days, weeks, and months after childbirth can be wonderful if you prepare realistically!

Here are my top postpartum tips:

1. Take sleep seriously. Sleep is crucial for regulating your hormones. Without it, you risk a “hormone cascade” that can affect your mood and health.

2. Make exercise a priority. Even when you’re tired, a daily exercise routine helps with sleep, reduces stress, and boosts those “happy hormones” that aid mood regulation.

3. Take your postpartum health into your own hands. Your obstetrician or midwife’s focus is mainly on delivering your baby safely, not on your long-term health. It’s vital to listen to your body and make health a priority beyond those initial weeks.

In summary- get enough sleep, connect with your babies, and evaluate your job and life choices. In my 30s, after having my three babies, I realized my residency wasn’t right for me. Now, with a great work-life balance, I’m fulfilled, and my family benefits too. 🌸

There used to be a time when doctors made house calls and really spent the necessary time getting to know their patients. But now, patients are often left frustrated, dissatisfied, and wondering how anyone will ever solve their symptoms.

As a functional medicine doctor, my primary goal is to look at the whole patient. I strive to provide an easy way to understand what is happening to your body and identify tangible ways to fix it! I’d be honored to work with you in person or via telemedicine.

Taking birth control pills can be detrimental because they cut off access to what I consider your fifth vital sign—your natural menstrual cycle! This cycle offers crucial insights into your body’s health. When you take birth control, it suppresses and clouds this vital information.

Have you ever considered that the mild depression you’ve been tolerating might be linked to your birth control? Research shows that when estrogen and progesterone levels are disrupted by birth control, it can alter the brain’s response system, leading to psychological side effects. I’ve seen many women experience significant depression after starting birth control pills, often before they come to see me.

Remember, going on the pill isn’t the only option for managing your symptoms. Take the time to find what’s right for YOU, rather than just what’s most convenient for your doctor.

Menopause is, by far, the number one reason women start asking questions about their hormones. Yet, misconceptions about menopause are widespread, leaving many women confused about what’s really happening in their bodies!

Common Menopause Myths:
❓In Order to Be in Menopause, You Must Be Having Hot Flashes
✅Not true! Menopause symptoms vary widely, and not everyone experiences hot flashes.
❓All Hormone Treatments Are the Same
✅ Bioidentical hormones, specifically tailored, can make a world of difference.
❓Your Doctor Knows What Tests to Do and How to Read Them
✅Unfortunately, not all doctors are equipped to properly evaluate and treat hormone imbalances, especially during menopause.

Dr. T’s Tips for Managing Menopause:

1. Get your hormones evaluated by a functional medicine physician who specializes in bioidentical hormones.
2. Focus on your sleep. Progesterone, which promotes better sleep, can be a game changer during menopause.
3. Understand the role of estrogen. Low doses of estradiol, whether as a patch, cream, or pellet, can be highly effective.
4. Be proactive about your health! The right support can transform your menopause experience.

I have devoted my medical career to helping patients get to the root of their hormone problems by treating hormonal deficiencies. If you’re struggling with symptoms of menopause or suspect a hormonal imbalance, let’s work together to find the right solutions for you. Request an appointment today! 📲

Happy first day of 4th, 6th, and 8th! Hope it’s the best year yet! Xo 😘

Just got back from vacation and I’m feeling so energized! Ready to kickstart my wellness journey with the detox. 🌿

I’ve been hearing about this for ages and finally decided now’s the time for a reset—especially with the start of school and fall creeping in. 🍂 Anyone else tried this detox before? Let’s do this together!

Did you know over half of women with migraines notice a connection with their menstrual cycles? 🩸

These “menstrual migraines” are incredibly intense, often striking when estrogen levels drop.

But, periods aren’t the only triggers! Hormonal changes from the Pill, menopause, and pregnancy can also play a role in when and how migraines strike. ⚡️

Looking for relief from hormone headaches? For very intense episodes, many doctors prescribe non-hormonal migraine meds. These may find you temporary relief, but addressing the root cause is key. I find Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helpful not just for migraines, but also for hot flashes and sweats.

My advice? Test your hormones to find specific areas of deficiency and address hormonal imbalances with B-HRT!

Thriving in Your 40s: Your Ultimate Checklist 🌟

As you navigate your 40s, it’s essential to prioritize health and well-being. Here’s a handy checklist to help you feel your best:

1. Hormone Health: Get your hormones evaluated by a functional medicine physician.
2. Regular Exercise: Find an exercise routine you enjoy and can stick to.
3. Manage Blood Pressure: Incorporate yoga, deep breathing exercises, and magnesium supplements.
4. Cholesterol Control: Consider eliminating dairy and eggs, and start plant sterols and bergamot.
5. Strengthen Relationships: If you’re married, make time for meaningful connection with your spouse.
6. Mental Health: Feeling down? Check your hormones—normal periods don’t always mean optimal hormone levels.

Let’s make your 40’s the best decade yet! 💪

Dr. John McDougall, esteemed physician, speaker, and best-selling author, has sadly passed at the age of 77.

I was first introduced to John McDougall in my preventive residency at Loma Linda. I was inspired by his story and how he was one of the first to link the American diet to disease. He devoted his career to reversing chronic disease, putting patients on a plant based diet, and reversing insulin dependent diabetes among other chronic diseases.

He has left an amazing legacy and will be remembered for his work in preventive and lifestyle medicine!

🧠 Cortisol, produced by our adrenal glands, plays a vital role in our body’s stress response. Here are four common signs to look out for that may be telling you your levels are imbalanced:

⚖️ Struggling with stubborn weight, especially around the midsection? Excess cortisol can trigger fat storage and weight gain.

🍪 Find yourself constantly reaching for sweets? High cortisol levels can cause intense sugar cravings as your body seeks quick energy boosts.

⚡️Experiencing a drop in your drive? Imbalanced cortisol can interfere with other hormones, leading to a decreased libido.

💤 Feeling constantly drained despite getting enough rest? Elevated cortisol can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling perpetually tired.

If you might be experiencing a cortisol imbalance, the next step is to get your hormone levels tested!

Boost your hormone health naturally after 25! ✨

MORE of these:
- Essential minerals like Magnesium, and the benefits of cruciferous veggies. 🥦
- A lifestyle that includes regular exercise, stress management, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. 🧘‍♀️🌞
- Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors by choosing natural personal care products and avoiding plastics.

Your hormones will thank you! 💪❤️

✨ Easy Gut-Friendly Food Swaps for Beginners! ✨

Simple food swaps can make a HUGE impact on your gut health. 🍓

Why does it matter? A healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness. By choosing whole foods over processed options, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive! These swaps not only support digestion but also boost your energy, improve your mood, and strengthen your immune system.

🔎 Exploring the common symptoms of hormonal imbalances! We’ve discussed Estrogen dominance, but women can also experience Testosterone dominance.

If you recognize any of these symptoms, your Testosterone levels might be too high:
❔ Excess body hair
👃🏻 Acne & oily skin
🩸 Irregular or absent periods
🪮 Thinning hair
⚡️ Loss of libido

As a functional medicine doctor, I view these irregularities as signs that something is off – this shouldn’t become your new normal! My first step would be to test your hormone levels and determine a personalized treatment plan.