
New Year, New You: A Midlife Woman’s Guide to Thriving Through Perimenopause Hormone Changes
As we step into a new year, many women feel a mix of hope, overwhelm, and frustration—especially if you’ve been battling changes that seem to come out of nowhere. You may be eating clean, taking supplements, working out, managing a full household and career… and yet you feel exhausted, inflamed, moody, or unlike yourself.
If this resonates, you’re not alone. What you’re experiencing is not a personal failure or a lack of willpower, it’s the biological reality of perimenopause and menopause, one of the most transformative shifts a woman’s body will ever go through.
🔄Your Body in Transition
According to The Menopause Society, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can begin years before the final menstrual period and impact nearly every organ system in the body, including the brain, heart, bones, muscles, and metabolism.
The truth is nobody warned you how intense this transition could be. Hormones fluctuate wildly, and these changes ripple through every system. This is why women suddenly find themselves struggling with symptoms they never expected, like:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood changes that feel like emotional whiplash
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Weight gain or stubborn belly fat
- Recurrent UTIs
- Vaginal dryness or pain with sex
- Frozen shoulder and joint pain
- Sleep disruptions
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety and low mood
- Hair thinning
Research published through PubMed and supported by the National Institutes of Health confirms that estrogen decline is strongly linked to changes in insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, inflammation, and muscle loss, which explains why weight becomes harder to manage and fatigue becomes more pronounced in midlife.
For many women, these symptoms collide with some of the most demanding years of life that involve raising kids, maintaining a career, caring for aging parents, managing a household—and carrying the invisible emotional and logistical load that comes with each. And for many women, they finally muster the courage to seek help only to be told that their labs are “normal,” that they’re “just stressed,” or that “this is aging.”
I believe women deserve better than dismissal.
⚖️A Better Way to Find Balance
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that menopausal symptoms are “medical conditions that deserve evaluation and treatment,” not something women should simply “tough out.” Yet far too many women are left without answers or dismissed altogether.
Here’s the reality: perimenopause isn’t a disease, but it is a state of hormonal imbalance. And those imbalances affect everything from your blood sugar and metabolism to your gut, mood, sleep, and muscle composition.
As you enter this new year, I want to shift the focus away from the pressure to reinvent yourself. The real “New Year, New You” isn’t about restriction, dieting, or punishing your body. It’s about returning to yourself. Understanding your body. Supporting your hormones. Building strength. Creating metabolic stability. Nourishing your nervous system. And advocating for a level of care that honors your lived experience.
This season of life asks for more support, not less.
More nourishment.
More rest.
More muscle.
More blood sugar stability.
More hormone evaluation.
More compassionate care.
And, absolutely, more evidence-based approaches—from nutrition and strength training to peptide therapy, functional lab testing, and bioidentical hormone therapy when appropriate.
💚Total Wellness Solutions is Here to Help!
The perimenopause symptoms you’re feeling are not a sign that you’re broken. They are signals. And they deserve proper evaluation, proper support, and a provider who doesn’t dismiss your concerns.
Midlife can actually become one of the most powerful chapters of your life. You’ve gained wisdom, confidence, boundaries, and resilience. Now imagine pairing that with balanced hormones, restorative sleep, strong muscle, a calm nervous system, and a metabolism that works with you rather than against you. That’s the true transformation.
As we begin this new year, I want you to know this: You are not alone. Your symptoms are valid. And there are real solutions that can help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and health.
You deserve to feel good in your body again—and you absolutely can. Book a call with me to get started on your TOTAL WELLNESS journey.
Laura Young, FDN-P
Midlife Hormone Specialist & Peptide Expert
Board Certified Functional Wellness Practitioner
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Learn more at totalwellnessolutions.com
Book a call
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Free Health Scans, Raffles, and Healing Energy—Join us in Clarkston!
Celebrate the season of renewal with an afternoon of holistic healing at our Health & Wellness Fair this month.
Join us Saturday, December 6 from 12-4pm at our Clarkston location. Explore natural remedies, meet local wellness practitioners, and enjoy the day dedicated to mindful living. The best part? Admission is free!
We’ll have samples of our favorite products, expert-led live demonstrations with practical health tips, gift bag raffles, and more!
🌟Healers & Practitioners You’ll Meet:
• Natalie LaBute – Intuitive Readings
• Aaron Wallace – Balance Your Health
• Angelica Arnes – Naturopathic Doctor
• Tamera Harwig – Max Pulse Cardio Testing
• Donna – Acupuncture & Ozone Therapy
• Dr. Jennifer Shell – FREE Facial Wellness Scans
• Erin Levi – Myofascial Release
• Jill Pittman – Craniosacral Therapy & Foot Reflexology
• Brother Love Windell – Card Readings
• Kristin Gilmore – Hado Counseling & Therapy
•Jennifer Shell – Visera Link wellness scans
💚Supplier & Vendor Lineup:
• Mark Spencer – Spencer’s Honey & Medicine From the Hive
• Flora Coffee – Freshly roasted, locally loved
• 6AM Sourdough – Artisan breads & starter creations
• Joe Gallagher – Red Light Therapy
• Club Pilates – Strength, mobility & whole-body alignment
• Kawa – Ceremonial Grade Cacao
• Pete Laduke – Boiron, CBD, Herb Pharm, Pranarom, & more
• Devon Gibson – Just Thrive Demo
• Nicole Wakefield – Ener-C, Paradise Herbs, & Symphony Naturals
Bring a friend, explore local wellness experts, and celebrate community healing through heartfelt conversations with people who are as passionate about health as you are.
Rebekah’s isn’t just a store – it’s a community and we can’t wait to see you at this Health & Wellness Fair! Come curious, leave inspired. 👋
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Shopping For Him? Use Our Men’s Health Gift Guide 🎁
As the holiday season quickly approaches, you might be looking to get a head start on gathering gifts for all your loved ones. And finding the right things for the men in your life can be tricky. This year, consider giving a gift that will support his health and wellness.
To help get you started, we’re launching our first-ever gift guide! We’re counting down our top 5 men’s health and wellness gift ideas, so you can spend the holidays spreading good vibes and good health.
💪5. Men’s multivitamins and minerals
Starting with the basics, men’s multivitamins and minerals are great for a variety of reasons, like providing the body with nutrients that might be missing from diet alone or preventing diseases. According to research, women are more likely to take a multivitamin than men, no matter the age group.
Trying a supplement can be an easy entry point to the health and wellness journey for the men you love!
Rebekah’s Pick: Pure Essence men’s multivitamin
🌿4. Natural and chemical-free deodorant
Slathering on deodorant can be such a mundane, daily task. Something many people overlook is how this small habit can actually be harmful to the skin. While artificial fragrances might smell good, they can cause painful irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Natural, chemical-free deodorant works to absorb moisture and eliminate odor-causing bacteria with the help of essential oils and safe ingredients. You can make sure he gets the same benefits as standard deodorant—and wonderfully scented options— without the skin irritation.
🎅3. Tallow oil
Next up is tallow oil for the men who sport facial hair. Known for its moisturizing benefits, tallow oil comes from animal fat, which is natural and nourishing for all skin types. It promotes healthy hair growth, supporting both the follicles and the skin beneath the facial hair. Finally, tallow oil also works as a conditioner, softening coarse hair and making his beard or mustache more manageable.
Tallow oil is a great choice to help him feel nourished and stylish.
💚2. Cholesterol products for a healthy heart
Now, let’s go straight to his heart. In general, men tend to have higher levels of cholesterol than women. Sometimes that’s because of genetics and hormones and other times it can be linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle behaviors. The good news is that there are plenty of products that can support a healthy heart and lower cholesterol numbers.
From omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, and flaxseeds to green tea and plant stanols and sterols, consider stocking your pantry with supplements that will support his heart all year long.
Rebekah’s Pick: Bio Nutrition Cholesterol Wellness
💊1. Prostate support
Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S.? There are many ways for men to maintain a healthy prostate, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting regular screenings to detect problems early on.
In addition, supplements can offer prostate support, earning the number 1 spot on our list. Zinc, lycopene, selenium, and saw palmetto are all great options to reduce inflammation, improve urinary flow, and support overall prostate health. Glycinate powder is also helpful for reducing prostate inflammation and quieting an active bladder to ensure a good night’s sleep.
With the gift ideas on our list, great health doesn’t need to be expensive! You can support men’s health and wellness by making small, mindful changes.
At Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition Source, we proudly offer products in each of these categories and more. Stop in and find the perfect gift to give the men you love a healthy holiday season today!
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Holistic Health Practitioner | NES Health Practitioner | Health Coach
Owner, Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Rebekah’s Health Fairs are Back!
Ready to fall in love with wellness? 💚🍂 We’ve got you covered with our FREE Health Fair this month at our Lapeer location.
Join us Saturday, November 15 from 12-4pm to explore natural living, meet local healers, and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to feeling your best with like-minded health seekers.
Our Health Fair will have product samples so you can try our favorite wellness products, expert-led live demonstrations with practical health tips, gift bag raffles, and more! Our Health Fairs bring together people who make great health a priority and remind us that we’re all in this journey together.
✨Welcome this year’s incredible Health Fair lineup:
Julia Deer: Pigeon Chiropractic & Deer Holistic health scans
Jessica Guibord: Reiki Healing
Tamera Harwig: Max pulse cardio testing
Ramie: Acupuncture
Sandy Traver Montgomery: Reiki drum healing
Darlene Stryker: Intuitive readings
Natalie LaBute: Intuitive readings
Sue Novotney: Intuitive readings
Aaron Wallace: Balance Your Health
Taylor: Peak Performance Chiropractor
Liana Toy/Cori: Sound Vibration Mat
Mandy Slawter: Panda Fitness and nutrition assessments
Laura Young: Wellness consultations
Dr. Schelter: Zerona Laser


🎉Meet our Health Fair suppliers!
Eva: Organic sourdough (lovejoybread.com)
Mark Spencer: Local honey & beekeeping (spencerapiaries.com)
Flora Coffee is BACK!
Reagan: Wilderness Wick Candles
Elizabeth Hucker: Solstice Soap Co.
Jake and Katie: Happy Apple Farms Jewelry
Devon Gibson: Just Thrive
Our Health Fairs are perfect for people interested in health and wellness ready to explore a variety of opportunities and resources. Every Health Fair reminds me why I started Rebekah’s: people leave smiling, relaxed, and inspired to take better care of themselves. That’s what real wellness is about.
If you’ve never been to one of our Health Fairs, come experience what health and happiness feel like. You’ll walk out lighter, brighter and full of new possibilities. 💚
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Your Best Defense During Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season is here, and while we can’t avoid every bug, we can build strong defenses that help us recover faster and stay well longer.
At Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition – Michigan’s third-largest supplier of high-quality health and wellness products – our approach is simple: prevention first, and when illness does strike, keep it short and mild.
To give you and your family a strong defense during cold and flu season, we’ve gathered our top prevention tips as well as essential products to ensure quick recovery and immunity strength this fall and winter.
Tips for Prevention:
Strengthen your immune system with each of these daily practices:
☀️ Get outside for sunshine because Vitamin D is a free immune booster.
🍭 Cut back on processed foods and sugar which can suppress immunity.
🧼 Wash your hands often, this is a small habit with a big impact.
💚 Spend time with loved ones because social connection lowers stress, and a calmer body is a healthier body.
Products for Quick Recovery:
When it comes to extra support, you’ll want to keep three essential types of products on hand during cold and flu season:
💊 Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc are core nutrients to keep the immune system primed and responsive.
💪 Probiotics because a healthy gut is the foundation of strong immunity.
🌿 Rebekah’s Signature Supplement Formulas:
Wellness 911 is a rapid response supplement with garlic extract, which has been relied on for centuries to promote overall wellness. Other botanicals like elderberry, olive leaf extract, and oregano oil complete this comprehensive formula – your go-to for cold and flu season!
Seasonal 911 offers a combination of key vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to support respiratory health specifically, including lung discomfort.
Immuno Well RX is a daily herbal blend for long-term resilience, not only helping with cold and flu season but also bacterial and viral infections.
CongestEeze is an herbal supplement which naturally relieves congestion and respiratory discomfort for acute colds, flu, sinus infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.
Rebekah’s personal favorite! Sinus Blaster offers fast-acting results and professional strength relief from first use. This liquid formula can be sprayed in the mouth to treat sinus infections, sinus headaches, colds, flu, fevers, snoring, and more.
Remember: it’s okay to get sick a little bit. Rebekah’s Signature Supplement Formulas are designed to make it easier for you to bounce back!
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

5 Ways to Care for Yourself on World Mental Health Day
Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health says one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, which can include mild to severe mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders.
As a holistic health practitioner and health coach, I believe the key to improving mental health is prevention. The best advice I give to my clients is to take control of your own life and health. And that can be done through small lifestyle changes and routines which make a big difference for our overall health.
With World Mental Health Day coming up on October 10, I wanted to share five practical ways to care for yourself and improve your mental health:
🌻 1. Get Moving and Go Outside
Tai chi, a walk in the park, an exercise class at your local community center. Whatever you choose, make movement part of your regular routine, especially if it can be done outdoors. Regular exercise can sweat away stress, boost your mood, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve sleep quality. And getting out in nature is a great way to stay grounded and grateful for the world around us.
🍎 2. Eat Something Good
Nourishing our bodies with a balanced and nutritious meal is an act of self-care and self-love. Do your best to choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats—these all benefit your brain health and mood. Supplements and probiotics can also ensure your body is getting the right mix of essentials.
🧩 3. Have Fun!
Social connection can have a profound impact on mental health, because it creates a sense of belonging and we feel loved, cared for, and valued. Seek out time with friends and family who support you. Make time to do something that brings you joy. Let yourself have time to play!
🧘♀️ 4. Breathe
Mindfulness is another powerful tool for improving mental health because it brings us to the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. From simple breathwork to meditation, you can become aware of your emotions, accept and work through them, and allow yourself to heal.
🌙 5. Rest
Whether you take a break from technology, dedicate time to be alone, or focus on getting a good night’s sleep, rest is critical for mental well-being. Carve out time in your day to rest—that means no doing, planning, or overthinking. Use the time to pause, recover, and recharge. Your body and mind will thank you!
To further your wellness journey on World Mental Health Day—or any day—explore our products, resources events, and health fairs at all of our store locations:
- Lapeer – 588 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446
- Lake Orion – 1095 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
- Grand Blanc – 252 Perry Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
- Clarkston – 7093 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48346
My team and I are passionate about supporting your wellness journey through consultations, workshops, and personalized sessions. We care about your health!
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition
If you or someone you know is struggling with a serious mental health condition, there are professional resources available for immediate help through the National Institute of Mental Health at nimh.nih.gov.

🌿 7 Types of Magnesium and How They Boost Your Health
Magnesium is one of those powerhouse minerals our bodies can’t live without. In fact, it’s needed for over 300 biochemical reactions that keep us running at full steam. It helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and strengthens our bones.
On top of that, magnesium helps regulate blood glucose levels and is essential for producing energy and protein in the body.
While you can find this mighty mineral in whole foods—like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes—many people still fall short of getting enough through diet alone. That’s where supplements can make a big difference.
What Are the 7 Types of Magnesium?
When shopping for magnesium supplements, you’ll find many types with different names. Let’s explore the 7 main types and how they boost your health:
Magnesium Glycinate
• Highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach
• Calms the nervous system, eases tension, supports deep sleep
Magnesium Citrate
• Highly absorbable
• Mild laxative effect — helps relieve occasional constipation
Magnesium Malate
• Supports energy production in cells
• Eases muscle soreness and fatigue
Magnesium Taurate
• Combines magnesium with the amino acid taurine
• Supports heart health, steady heartbeat, and healthy blood pressure
Magnesium Threonate
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively
• Supports memory, focus, and overall cognitive function
Magnesium Chloride
• Highly absorbable
• Can be taken orally or used topically for sore muscles and magnesium replenishment
Magnesium Oxide
• Most economical form
• Used short term for occasional heartburn and constipation (less absorbable)
✨ Now Available at Rebekah’s
Not sure where to begin? At Rebekah’s, we’ve got you covered. You can find each of these types of supplements in our stores to support your wellness journey.
We’re also excited to now carry Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers—the only brand that combines 7 different forms of magnesium into one powerful blend for optimal absorption and benefits, including glycinate, citrate, malate, taurate, and more!
You can find Magnesium Breakthrough as capsules or delicious drink mixes at all four of our Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition locations:
- Lapeer – 588 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446
- Lake Orion – 1095 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
- Grand Blanc – 252 Perry Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
- Clarkston – 7093 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48346
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer 💚
Holistic Health Practitioner | NES Health Practitioner | Health Coach
Owner, Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Back-to-School Wellness: Creating a Healthier Learning Environment for Your Child
In August, parents everywhere are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and getting ready for another year of learning. But there’s one area of back-to-school preparation that often gets overlooked: the environment our children spend their days in — and how it may affect their ability to focus, learn, and thrive.
We all want our kids to have the best start possible. That includes more than just books and backpacks — it’s also about creating a healthy space for their minds and bodies.
🌿 Why Scents and Chemicals Matter
Fragrances and chemical additives hide in so many everyday products — laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning sprays, deodorants, toothpaste, and even air fresheners.
While these products may smell pleasant, synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals can be surprisingly disruptive.
For some children, these scents can cause:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Difficulty concentrating
And for others, they may aggravate allergies or sensitivities — affecting not just comfort, but also learning and participation in the classroom.
🧼 A Better Approach to Clean
Cleaner is good — but cleaner doesn’t have to mean chemical-heavy. A great rule of thumb is:
- ✅ Choose ingredients you can pronounce
- ✅ Opt for plant-based or mineral-based sources
- ✅ Go fragrance-free or use naturally scented alternatives
By choosing gentler, non-toxic products, you can help create a healthier space for your child — at home, on their clothes, and in the air they breathe.
🔁 Small Changes, Big Impact
Simple swaps can make a world of difference! Consider switching to:
- Non-toxic laundry detergents
- Chemical-free cleaning sprays
- Natural deodorants
- Fluoride-free, remineralizing toothpaste
- Gentle body care products
Good air quality and clean, toxin-free products promote focus, calmness, and overall well-being — essentials for any learning environment.
🛒 What You’ll Find at Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition
We’re your one-stop shop for creating a healthier back-to-school routine. Stop in for:
🌱 Natural Hygiene Essentials:
- Unscented laundry soap
- Remineralizing, non-toxic toothpaste
- Handmade body soaps
- Vegan shampoo & conditioner bars
- Chemical-free deodorants
- Magnesium-infused calming body butters
🥗 Easy Nutrition:
- Nutritious, on-the-go protein bars
💊 Supplement Support:
- Stress relief and mood support
- Sleep aids for growing minds
- Memory & focus supplements
- Immunity boosters like Vitamin C, D, Zinc, and our famous Wellness 911
🎓 A Healthier School Year Starts Now
This back-to-school season, consider making a few mindful swaps. Reducing fragrance and chemical exposure is a gentle, powerful way to support your child’s focus, learning, and overall health.
Because when kids feel their best, they can learn their best — and that’s the most important lesson of all.
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition
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