Healthcare, Rooted in YOU.

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health. While many people focus on cholesterol and blood pressure (which are important!), one critical piece of heart health is often overlooked — hormone balance. At Rooted Health & Wellness, we believe true prevention means looking at the whole picture. And hormones play a much bigger role in heart health than many people realize. The Heart–Hormone Connection Hormones aren’t just about mood swings or menopause. They regulate critical systems throughout the body — including your cardiovascular system. Key hormones that impact heart health include: • Estrogen • Progesterone • Testosterone • Cortisol • Thyroid hormones When these hormones are balanced, they help support: • Healthy blood vessel function • Cholesterol regulation • Blood pressure stability • Metabolic health • Inflammation control When they are out of balance, your cardiovascular risk profile can shift. Estrogen & Women’s Heart Health Estrogen plays a protective role in cardiovascular health. It supports: • Flexibility of blood vessels • Healthy cholesterol levels • Reduced inflammation This is one reason heart disease risk increases after menopause — when estrogen levels naturally decline. Women often assume heart disease is primarily a male issue, but it remains a leading health concern for women, especially after midlife. Understanding how hormonal changes influence risk is a powerful step toward prevention. Testosterone & Men’s Heart Health Testosterone isn’t just about muscle mass or libido. It also impacts: • Body composition • Insulin sensitivity • Cholesterol levels • Energy and motivation Low testosterone levels in men have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, including higher body fat and metabolic changes. Balanced testosterone — monitored and managed appropriately — can support overall metabolic and cardiovascular health. Cortisol, Stress & the Heart Chronic stress affects more than your mood. Elevated cortisol over time can contribute to: • Increased blood pressure • Inflammation • Blood sugar instability • Weight gain around the midsection February can be a good reminder that stress management is heart care. Sleep, movement, boundaries, and hormone balance all play a role in protecting your cardiovascular system. Prevention Goes Beyond One Number Heart health isn’t just about one lab value. It’s about patterns, lifestyle, and physiology working together. At Rooted, preventative care may include: • Comprehensive lab panels • Hormone evaluation • Lipid and metabolic markers • Nutrient level testing • Personalized care plans Instead of reacting to symptoms later, we focus on understanding your body now. What You Can Do This Month In honor of Heart Month, consider taking a proactive step: • Schedule routine labs • Evaluate persistent fatigue or brain fog • Discuss hormone changes if you’re in midlife • Prioritize sleep and movement • Have a preventative conversation with your provider Small, informed steps today can reduce long-term risk tomorrow. A Whole-Body Approach to Heart Health Your heart doesn’t function in isolation — and neither do your hormones. When you support balance across systems, you build a stronger foundation for long-term wellness. If you’ve been curious about hormone testing or want to better understand your cardiovascular risk factors, February is a meaningful time to start the conversation. Schedule your visit at www.rootedks.org Let’s protect your heart — from the inside out.