TrueFem

Teen women are perhaps the most vulnerable population receiving poor medical care and evaluation. 

Why?

So many things have been normalized in this population. Painful period, acne, fatigue, and irregular cycles are common in teens, but these things are not normal.

Let me repeat: COMMON does not mean NORMAL.

For the teen women out there that are suffering from painful periods and body image issues related to their weight and symptoms, there is hope.

Here’s the scoop👇🏻

Within two years of starting your first period, ovulation should fully mature to a “normal” cycle that includes:

➡️ A cycle between 24-36 days long (a few days shorter or longer is considered within normal range for this population)
➡️ An ovulatory phase with 5-6 days of fertile mucus
➡️ Signs of ovulation (peak day identified by cervical mucus)
➡️ A luteal phase between 9-18 days long (12-14 average)
➡️ Symptoms like PMS should not last more than 3 days before the start of a period, and should be mild in nature
➡️ Periods should NOT be painful, restricting activities of daily living or requiring over the counter pain control
➡️ Bleeding between 3-7 days without large clots or completely soaking through pads within an hour

So often, teens present to their first OB/GYN visit with common complaints and are prescribed birth control (hormonal contraceptives) to fix, eliminate (or worse, “REGULATE”) their periods.

It is a huge loss of “healthy years” for teen women to be prescribed pharmaceuticals to fix period problems without addressing the root causes behind the symptoms that manifest. So often, the issues women are trying so hard to tackle in their 20s and 30s often present within the first few years of their first period!

We help teens understand what their cycles are revealing about their health. We desire all young women to have access to transformative medical care to re-write the story of their health and wellness.

Check out our on-demand courses for teens- link in bio!

I like this trend I keep seeing of vulnerability in social media space, but I was a little nervous to jump on board. However, I think it helps everyone see that we are all human. Behind every post is a motivator, an insecurity, and raw life. 

So here’s a few things I’m working through, too.

I am first and foremost a mother. And juggling the desire to have professional involvement while also trying to be a good mother is NOT an easy task. And, the truth is, I’m not so great at it!

And because of this, I often question if I’m really doing a good job at my primary vocation as a mom.

I’m often intimidated by taking next steps (NP school?!) because I don’t have it all together already. Laundry? Everywhere. Schedules? A giant mess. Summer camp for my kids? Missed the deadline.

I am also really tired a lot due to my own chronic issues and journey trying to remedy them. And I don’t get my movement in every day, nor am I perfect at eating food in the right order or buy every single thing organic. Despite knowing all “the things” I should do, it’s not always that simple (I get it).

But we are all trying our best in this messy, raw life.

Now you know :)

Did you know that only 3% of women worldwide can identify their approximate time of ovulation?

In the recent storm of conversation around women wanting more in their reproductive health, this statistic is the pinnacle illustration of a gap in education.

Understanding fertility in underserved areas throughout the world is the difference between life and death in some cases. Closing the knowledge gap is one of the best ways to elevate women, reduce teen pregnancy, and improve health outcomes.

This July, I’m taking a small group of dedicated Rotarians to the field in rural, tribal areas of Kenya to expand reproductive health education to women and girls in remote parts of Kenya.

Can fertility awareness work for women without running water? YES.

Can fertility awareness work for teens without basic necessities? YES.

Is fertility awareness an effective method in resource deprived communities? ABSOLUTELY.

Understanding basic physiology should not be reserved for a privileged class.

Follow for more and upcoming updates from the field!

—————
PC: Sarah Rolfing’s outreach to Magadi, Kenya in 2016.

Pulsatile hormones are crucial in reproductive health because they regulate the delicate processes of fertility, ovulation, and pregnancy. 🌿

A pulsatile hormone is a type of hormone that is released from glands in the body in intermittent bursts or pulses, rather than being continuously secreted at a steady rate. These bursts occur in a rhythmic and cyclical manner, with periods of increased secretion followed by periods of lower secretion or even temporary pauses.

In women, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released in pulsatile patterns from the pituitary gland in the brain, orchestrating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. These hormonal pulses are finely tuned to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles, the release of mature eggs, and the preparation of the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.

Prolactin, another pulsatile hormone, plays a significant role in lactation. However, elevated prolactin over time can result in reduced fertility in both men and women. In women, it can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg. It can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

The pulsatile nature of hormone release allows the body to respond dynamically to changing physiological needs and environmental cues.

This rhythmic pattern of hormone secretion is critical for regulating numerous functions in the body, including growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, sleep-wake cycles, and stress responses 💪🏼

Stay tuned for more about how to evaluate pulsatile hormones in lab work!

Follow for more fertility education - links in bio! 👆🏻

At TrueFem, we believe every woman deserves access to reproductive health education because it impacts everything about the body– from head to toe– across the lifespan.

This excerpt from the white paper (available online) is a perfect summary of why REAL informed consent is based on a full reproductive literacy.

“Empowering a woman to take care of her hormonal health is multifaceted. 

It entails educating her to observe events throughout her cycle and to note any irregularities that require health care consultation.

Without knowledge about the hormonal interplay of her cycle, a woman’s ability to make empowered, informed sexual and reproductive decisions is hindered, as it renders her own health and fertility confusing.

Every woman should understand how her body works in order to equip her to make the choice that is best for her. Hormonal health knowledge also includes fertility literacy, or awareness of the behaviors that affect her reproductive health over the course of her lifetime.

Understanding of menstruation also is key, as it protects a woman from the stigma and shame that surround menstruation in many cultures.

Unfortunately… women around the world are lacking in knowledge that enables them to take care of their hormonal health, evidencing a need for the education FEMM provides.”

➡️ Check out our 1:1 live programs, as well as on-demand courses in our bio! We offer scholarships for those experiencing financial need so everyone has access to this important education. 🙌🏻

Follow us for more fertility education!

Did you know that the ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can have fascinating effects on the brain and behavior?

🔍 Estrogen’s Impact: As estrogen levels rise, typically during the follicular phase, cognitive functions like verbal memory and attention tend to peak. This hormone can also influence mood regulation, making this phase a time of increased mental sharpness and a confident outlook. The laws of attraction are influenced by high estrogen levels around the time of ovulation.

💤 Progesterone’s Influence: Enter the luteal phase, where progesterone takes the lead. This hormone has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and potentially impacting sleep patterns. Progesterone plays a vital role in maintaining neuronal function in the brain. It also encourages behavior that supports a possible pregnancy (higher metabolic rate, increased caloric intake, increased sleep).

The Interplay: The dynamic dance between estrogen and progesterone creates a symphony of changes. Some experience heightened creativity and improved spatial abilities, while others may feel more introspective or contemplative.

It’s crucial to note that every woman’s experience is unique. Hormonal shifts affect individuals differently, and factors like stress, lifestyle, and health can further modulate these effects.

If you want a fascinating read for 2024, add to your list and grab a highlighter!

Follow us for more interesting insights into your health and fertility 🫶🏼

Behind the scenes, we are working moms. We know what it is like to wrestle with women's health issues, whether small daily struggles or bigger more profound problems that impact family life.

What keeps us going with TrueFem is the desire to bring hope to every woman by sharing the message that restoration in health can be found. As a woman, you are more than a collection of health symptoms. You have worth from head to toe, inside and out.

We are grateful this holiday season for all the women who have entrusted us as navigators in their healthcare journey, no matter how long it takes to find answers.

We are grateful for YOU ❤️

Here’s the thing… Not all lab value reference ranges are equal.

Often women are told they are within normal ranges, but they still have symptoms and they don’t feel well. And their cycles might be problematic despite “within range” lab values.

With the FEMM method of fertility education and medical management, the lab value ranges used are based on the latest evidence-based research when it comes to reproductive endocrinology. The lab value reference ranges are often narrower within the FEMM medical management protocols. This allows for proper diagnosis and tighter management of reproductive issues and concerns that women have.

The areas that often need a deep dive in assessment for women experiencing menstrual disorders (from an endocrinology standpoint) are prolactin, androgen, insulin and thyroid imbalances (think: PAInT). These culprits largely contribute to the reproductive disorders that women experience as period problems and ovulation dysfunction.

Please consult your medical doctor as this is not medical advice. 🥼

🙌🏻If you are looking for a restorative reproductive medical specialist, check out the FEMM telehealth website. They are licensed in all 50 states, so there is a provider to see anyone who is in need of restorative medical care!

Your period tells you a lot about your hormones 📢 In fact, when charting your cycle using FEMM or another FABM, you can objectively assess the health of your period (it’s a clue to your overall hormone health!).

A healthy menstrual period typically lasts 3-7 days and includes at least one day of moderate to heavy bleeding.

🩸🩸🩸 Heavy bleeding is indicated by using 5 or more regular tampons/pads in a day.

🩸🩸 Moderate bleeding corresponds to 3-4 regular tampons/pads per day.

🩸 Light bleeding is characterized by using 1-2 regular tampons or pads per day.

The quality and quantity of bleeding during the period actually is a clue as to the hormone activity of estrogen!

Estrogen (produced by a growing follicle) builds the lining of the uterus during the first half (follicular phase) of your cycle. Think of it like HGTV -   builds the house.

Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, *furnishes* the house: it makes the lining of the uterus secretory with added blood supply and nourishment for a possible pregnancy.

A menstrual bleed occurs as a result of declining hormone levels toward the end of a cycle if no pregnancy has occurred. The lining of the uterus sloughs as a result of   decline.

A light flow could suggest suboptimal estrogen levels, while a heavy flow could suggest estrogen dominance (due to sub-par ovulation, excess fat tissue, and estrogen elimination problems stemming from poor gut health).

Keeping record of your menstrual flow allows for assessment of your hormonal health. It’s important because many different factors play into the quality and quantity of bleeding women experience during menstruation (including thyroid, stress, metabolic issues, endometriosis, etc).

YOUR BODY IS AN INTEGRATED WHOLE! Period problems are connected to the rest of your body, and vice versa.

👉🏻Struggling to find answers to your period problems? Book a free consult with TrueFem! We are taking new clients 🙌🏻 Links in bio.

                               

Let’s talk about medications that have the potential to be life-changing.✨

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a medication that is typically used off-label for a variety of conditions, and its use has gained interest among some healthcare providers and patients.

While it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, here are some areas where LDN has been explored, with a focus on women's health:

1️⃣ Chronic Pain: LDN may offer relief for conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, improving quality of life for some.

2️⃣ Autoimmune Diseases: For individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease, LDN has been considered as an adjunctive therapy to modulate the immune system.

3️⃣ Reproductive Health: Research is ongoing, but LDN's immune-modulating properties might have implications for women with fertility issues or conditions like endometriosis.

4️⃣ Mood Disorders: Some have reported improved mood with LDN, although more research is needed to understand its effects on conditions like depression and anxiety.

5️⃣ Immune System Modulation: LDN might play a role in immune function, making it interesting for immune-related conditions and allergies.

With a very small side-effect profile, it could be a useful treatment for a variety of health issues.

LDN's effects can vary from person to person, and its efficacy depends on the specific medical condition being treated. LDN should always be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can monitor its effects and adjust the dosage as needed.

Have you tried LDN or have questions about it? Share your thoughts and experiences! 🗣️💬 And as always, consult with a medical professional for personalized advice. 💡

(Check out LDNresearchTrust.org for more info).

We just got back from the Revitalizing Women’s Healthcare Together conference, and WOW.  It was a gathering that left us inspired, informed, and re-energized thanks to and

Doctors from all over the world came together united by one thing: a passion for restoring women’s health. The current medical model is focused on disease management and treatment for symptoms. Yet, so many women suffer silently and root-cause issues go undressed. Sometimes for years.

What’s the problem with this?

Imbalances can progress to disease. So many fertility issues– when addressed early on– can spare women from the burden of chronic illness later in life.

The most important takeaway from this conference, echoed by nearly every physician presenter, is that the key to optimal treatment for restoring women’s health starts with charting the female cycle. One of our favorite keynote speakers, Dr. Phil Boyle said it best:
 
“Navigating medical treatment without a fertility chart is like driving in a new city without a map.”
 
As a woman, recording your reproductive hormone activity (and signs of ovulation) through charting is the first step to finding restorative treatment and personalized medical care. Restoratively trained physicians are available worldwide and share a passion for treating root-cause issues so women can live meaningful and healthful lives.

Find a doctor near you on the directory. offers telehealth in all 50 states!

Don’t schedule and appointment without being prepared to bring your cycle charting. Learn to chart with TrueFem 👆🏻 Links in bio!

There are a lot of new faces around here since this account launched, so I thought I’d take a minute to reintroduce who is behind the scenes of TrueFem.

👋🏼 hi there.

I’m Sarah Rolfing, registered nurse, mom of 2 boys, and lover of the outdoors. I live outside Glacier Park in the NW corner of Montana. If I can’t see mountains, I get claustrophobic immediately! Here is a fun fact: we are a llama ranching family 🦙 🦙 (yes, llamas!).

I am a nurse by training but have worn many hats in my professional life. I became a nurse in 2018, inspired by international humanitarian work to make an impact in the lives of the underserved.

I quickly realized that WOMEN are underserved in medicine. Women’s health is completely behind the ball when in comes to root cause treatment and innovation. I felt I could do something about this if I combined my marketing skillset with clinical curiosity . . . And TrueFem was born.

This account was made for education about the fertility facts every woman should know. My education partner Ulrika (also a nurse) and I 💯 strive to accommodate every learning style in the way we teach reproductive health literacy so every woman (teens to women approaching menopause) feel they know their body and are comfortable in the skin they are in.

TrueFem offers tailor made programs for women who:

🌿 Are experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage

🌿 can’t lose the weight, are struggling with symptoms, or need clarity on hormones

🌿 have PCOS or other suspected gynecological issues

🌿 want natural, medication-free birth control options

🌿 desire control in their healthcare decisions

Check out our links 👆🏻 for more info on live and on-demand program options. We offer lots of free education, so there is something for everyone 🫶🏼

Thanks for following-Comment below where you are from!

There are a lot a new faces around here since this account launched, so I thought I’d take a minute to reintroduce who is behind the scenes of TrueFem.

👋🏼 hi there

I’m Sarah Rolfing, registered nurse, mom of 2 boys, and lover of the outdoors. I live outside Glacier Park in the NW corner of Montana. If I can’t see mountains, I get claustrophobic immediately! Here is a fun fact: we are a llama ranching family 🦙 🦙 (yes, llamas!).

I am a nurse by training but have worn many hats in my professional life. I became a nurse in 2018, inspired by international humanitarian work to make an impact in the lives of the underserved.

I quickly realized that WOMEN are underserved in medicine. Women’s health is completely behind the ball when in comes to root cause treatment and innovation. I felt I could do something about this if I combined my marketing skillset with clinical curiosity . . . And TrueFem was born.

This account was made for education about the fertility facts every woman should know. My education partner (also a nurse) and I 💯 strive to accommodate every learning style in the way we teach reproductive health literacy so every woman feel they know their body and are comfortable in the skin they are in.

TrueFem offers tailor made programs for women who:

🌿 Are experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage

🌿 can’t lose the weight, are struggling with symptoms, or need clarity on hormones

🌿 have PCOS or other suspected gynecological issues

🌿 want natural, medication-free birth control options

🌿 desire control in their healthcare decisions

Check out our links 👆🏻 for more info on live and on-demand program options. We offer lots of free education, so there is something for everyone 🫶🏼

Thanks for following-Comment below where you are from!

Did you know that cervical mucus is healthy… not gross at all? 🙋‍♀️

Cervical mucus is a result of hormonal stimulation of the cervix by estrogen and progesterone, the hormones produced during the cycle.

When women learn to chart cervical mucus signs in a standardized way, they often see patterns emerge that give insight into overall hormonal health.

Women with patterns of limited cervical mucus may find that this is the first clue underlying a hormone imbalance, blood sugar issues, or changes due to certain medication.

There are a number of factors that have an impact on the quality, quantity, timing and characteristics of cervical mucus.

These are some interesting ones no doubt. Swipe for more! 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

Know of other factors? Comment below! 🙌🏻

Women’s health in our current medical system is often reactive with the focus on symptom management.

In contrast, restorative medicine is proactive and addresses root cause imbalances. The signs and symptoms of imbalance now can result in chronic disease later if left untreated.

For women, hormone imbalance and ovulation dysfunction could be a huge player in developing metabolic disorders, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia and heart disease later in life.

Your health now MATTERS.

Changes in women’s health will come from the ground up, when patients demand more in their health care.

Follow for tips on advocating for your healthcare 👆🏻

We highly recommend for your summer reading list!

TrueFem will be there! Join in the fun and learn more if you’re a health professional about the science with Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science - FACTS

Meet the first three keynote presenters joining us at our Revitalizing Women's Healthcare Together Conference in Minneapolis!

Dr. Lauren Rubal is a USC-trained Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility physician from California. She will share her expertise on Restorative Reproductive Medicine through an Integrative Medicine Lens.

Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff is a board-certified internist and pediatrician who has received several international awards for medical research. He will be speaking on the Role of Vitamins A & D in Optimizing S*x Hormone Function, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding.

Dr. April Lind is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and certified in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. She will share her expertise on Exploring the Relationship of Neuroendocrine and Autoimmune Systems in Restoring Reproductive Health.

Registration is NOW OPEN! Don't miss your chance to join us in Minneapolis Sept 29th-30th. Visit the FACTS conference webpage for more information about speakers and topics.

Register now for early bird pricing: www.factsaboutfertility.org/revitalizing-womens-health/

✨Why do I need this education? I have been tracking my cycle using an app.

🙋‍♀️ We get this question a lot. Scroll down because this is important ladies.

Yes, tracking your cycle is important and a great place to start! There are countless apps, platforms and old-school calendars that women use to keep track of their periods. However, simply tracking your cycle is not an indicator of your health status.

🤷🏼‍♀️Do you know:
✨What parameters are considered "normal" in your cycle?
✨How long your period should be and type of bleeding?
✨What your mucus says about your estrogen levels?
✨Or, if your luteal phase is sufficient or not in length?

And here is the kicker... do you know if you are ovulating or not? Believe it or not, your cycle health is not about your period— it's about ovulation, the central event of a functioning reproductive system.

🙌🏻All these topics are covered in our educational programs and will empower each and every woman to advocate for optimal health care.

Schedule a free consult - links in bio!

We offer so much FREE education! Visit our website for more info and to get in touch with a registered nurse educator 🫶🏼

Did you know that metformin, a medication commonly used to treat diabetes, is showing promising clinical efficacy in non-diabetic patients too? 🌟

🌿 Metformin has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in various areas:

1️⃣ Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS): Metformin has been found to regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and reduce insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
2️⃣ Weight management: Studies suggest that metformin may contribute to modest weight loss in overweight or obese individuals by suppressing appetite and reducing calorie intake.
3️⃣ Cardiovascular disease: Metformin has shown potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by improving lipid profiles, reducing inflammation, and promoting vascular health.
4️⃣ Cancer prevention and treatment: Initial research indicates that metformin may have a protective effect against certain cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. However, more investigation is required in this area.

👎 Cons of Metformin:
1️⃣ Gastrointestinal Upset: While most people tolerate Metformin well, some individuals may experience stomach upset, including nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms typically improve over time or can be managed with dose adjustments.
2️⃣ Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of Metformin may lead to reduced vitamin B12 absorption, potentially resulting in deficiency over time. Regular monitoring and supplementation, if necessary, can help mitigate this risk.

🔍 While the use of metformin in non-diabetic patients is considered off-label, these findings offer hope for potential benefits beyond diabetes management.

Always consult with your healthcare professional to assess the suitability and risks based on your individual circumstances.

Remember, reliable medical advice is crucial. Follow for more health info for women!