Own Your Data: Making Smart, Science-Backed Choices for Your Hormone Health

One of the first lessons I learned in my career was the importance of basing decisions on solid data. At my first job out of school, a core principle of the company was "Own Your Data." The idea was simple: recommendations and decisions had to be supported by real data, not assumptions or speculation. If you were presenting an idea, you were expected to have reviewed and analyzed the data thoroughly. This approach kept everyone honest and ensured we made informed decisions. 

In today's world, this principle is more important than ever—especially when it comes to wellness. We live in an age of information overload. Every day, we are bombarded with advice from celebrities, influencers, bloggers, TV doctors, and self-proclaimed experts. Some of this advice is backed by science, while much of it is opinion or marketing. With so much conflicting information, it can be difficult to know what to trust. 

This is especially relevant when it comes to hormone health—a space where misinformation is rampant and many women are left confused or underserved. From ‘quick-fix’ supplements to fad diets claiming to balance your hormones overnight, it’s more important than ever to approach your hormonal wellness journey with clear, evidence-based information. 

If you’re in your 40s or 50s and trying to make sense of the changes happening in your body—from sleep disruptions and mood swings to brain fog and hot flashes—you’re not alone. It’s overwhelming enough without being bombarded by contradicting wellness advice. You deserve clarity, not confusion. That’s why knowing how to find trustworthy information is one of the most powerful tools you can have during this phase of life. 

The challenge is that misinformation spreads quickly. Overconfident personalities, often with no scientific background, can be persuasive. Even people in positions of authority can share misleading or incomplete information. When bad information is everywhere, separating fact from fiction takes effort. 

So, where can you find reliable wellness information? The best sources fall into three categories: 

1. Peer-Reviewed Journals 

The most credible sources of health and wellness information are peer-reviewed scientific journals. These journals publish research studies that go through a rigorous evaluation process by independent experts before being accepted. These are where you’ll find studies on hormone replacement therapy, perimenopausal symptoms, or the effects of specific nutrients on estrogen levels. 

Why does peer review matter? 

• It acts as a quality control filter to catch errors, biases, or weak evidence. 

• It ensures studies meet high standards of scientific accuracy. 

• It helps professionals rely on evidence-based data rather than personal opinions. 

While peer review isn’t perfect, it raises the standard for credible information. Without it, there’s no way to verify the accuracy or reliability of health claims. 

2. High-Quality, Non-Peer-Reviewed Sources 

Some sources provide reliable information even though they don’t go through peer review. These include: 

• Recently published academic textbooks 

• University public health websites (e.g., Harvard School of Public Health) 

• U.S. government health websites (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 

• International health organizations (e.g., World Health Organization) 

• Conference presentations by researchers who do not have a brand or product to promote 

• Podcast interviews with primary researchers 

These sources can be valuable, but they have a higher risk of bias. Always check whether the information is based on actual research rather than personal opinion. 

3. Questionable or Poor Non-Peer-Reviewed Sources 

Caution is needed when consuming wellness information from the following sources: 

• Popular media (TV, social media, radio, and podcasts focused on entertainment rather than accuracy) 

• Anecdotes and testimonials (personal stories are compelling but not reliable evidence) 

• Advertisements promoting specific products, supplements, or methods 

• Most blogs and their comment sections 

This is where you’ll often see ‘hormone balancing teas’ or influencers claiming their personal detox cured their hot flashes—claims not backed by clinical evidence. A common red flag is the use of absolute claims. Words like "best," "essential," "every," and "all" often indicate marketing hype rather than scientific accuracy. 

How to Make Informed Decisions 

Before trusting wellness advice, ask yourself: 

• What is the source of this information? 

• Does the person sharing it have relevant expertise? 

• Is the claim backed by scientific research or just personal opinion? 

• Are multiple credible sources saying the same thing? 

The irony that we are sharing this information on our blog is not lost on us. While we sell dietary supplements, we are committed to transparency, and pride ourselves in providing honest, science-backed information. Our goal is to share facts, not hype, so that you can make informed and educated decisions for your personal wellbeing. We encourage you to apply the "Own Your Data" mindset—seek out credible sources, ask questions, and make informed choices for your health. When you learn to filter out the noise and lean on credible, science-backed sources, you’re not just protecting yourself from misinformation—you’re empowering yourself to make better choices for your hormone health, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing. And that’s exactly what we want for you.