Health News & Articles
Evidence-based articles on hormone balance, adrenal health, cortisol, brain fog, and whole-body wellness — written by Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D.
Showing 12 of 138 articles

The Complete Perimenopause Symptom Checklist
Perimenopause can begin up to 10 years before your last period and produces a wide range of symptoms that are frequently misdiagnosed. This checklist helps you identify what you're experiencing and understand the underlying hormonal causes.

7 Signs Your Adrenals Are Struggling (And What to Do
Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common and most misunderstood conditions I see in my practice. Here are the seven signs I look for and the steps I take to support adrenal recovery.

Why Women Over 40 Experience Brain Fog
Brain fog in women over 40 is one of the most distressing and most misunderstood symptoms I see in my practice. It is not a normal part of aging — it is a signal from your body that specific hormonal and metabolic systems need support.

The Best Vitamins for Dry, Aging Skin in Women
Dry, aging skin in women over 40 is not primarily a skincare problem — it's a nutritional and hormonal problem. Here are the vitamins and nutrients that actually make a difference from the inside out.

The Best Supplements for Body Composition in Women
Body composition — the ratio of fat to lean muscle — is influenced by hormones as much as by diet and exercise. Here is what the evidence shows about supplements that genuinely support healthy body composition in women.

Do Cortisol Supplements Actually Work? A Physician's
The cortisol supplement market is full of bold claims. As a physician who tests cortisol levels regularly and works with patients on adrenal health, here is my honest assessment of what works, what doesn't, and what the research actually shows.

Cortisol Symptoms in Women Over 40: Why Your Body Is
The symptoms of cortisol dysregulation in women over 40 are often misattributed to aging, menopause, or depression. Here is what your body is actually telling you and what to do about it.

Natural Progesterone vs Synthetic Progestins
The distinction between natural bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins is one of the most important and most misunderstood topics in women's hormone health. Here is what the research shows and why it matters for your health decisions.

L-Theanine vs Ashwagandha: Which Is Right for
Both l-theanine and ashwagandha are widely used for stress and anxiety, but they work through completely different mechanisms and are best suited for different situations. Here is how to choose.

The Best Cortisol Supplement for Women
As a physician who has worked with thousands of women dealing with cortisol imbalance, I want to cut through the noise and give you a clear, evidence-based answer about which supplements genuinely support healthy cortisol rhythm.

Probiotics for Men: Complete Guide to Men’s Gut Health
Complete guide to probiotics for men covering benefits, best strains, how to use them, and choosing quality supplements for male health.

Best Tasting Protein Powder: Finding Flavor You’ll Love
Find the best tasting protein powder for your needs. Learn what makes protein taste good, popular flavors, and how to choose quality supplements.
About the Author
Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D.
Physician, functional medicine practitioner, and co-founder of Taylor MD Formulations. Dr. Bell-Taylor writes to help patients understand the root causes of their symptoms — not just manage them.
Learn more about Dr. Bell-Taylor
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