Untold Medicine Interview: Dr. Kristi Harter
The Problem with Mainstream Hormone Care…
Dr. Harter doesn't hold back. She reveals that most doctors are using outdated lab ranges, surface-level diagnostics, and one-size-fits-all treatments (like birth control or antidepressants) to "solve" complex hormonal imbalances. The result? Millions of women are left misdiagnosed, overmedicated, or completely overlooked.
Here are some key issues she highlights:
"Normal" lab ranges are not optimal – Many women fall into the “normal” range on blood tests but still feel terrible. Functional medicine looks for optimal ranges and symptom correlation, not just numbers.
Synthetic hormones mask symptoms – Birth control and hormone replacement may provide temporary relief but rarely address the root causes of imbalance.
Hormone issues are rarely just about hormones – Gut health, liver detoxification, adrenal stress, nutrient deficiencies, and sleep all play critical roles.
Hormones Are a Symphony — Not a Solo Act
Dr. Harter explains that hormones are interconnected messengers, not isolated problems to be patched up. For example:
High cortisol from chronic stress can throw off progesterone and estrogen levels.
A sluggish liver can impair estrogen metabolism, leading to estrogen dominance.
Poor gut health can recirculate excess hormones, worsening PMS, acne, or bloating.
What makes functional medicine different is its whole-body approach — looking at systems instead of symptoms.
What You Can Do To Take Back Control
You don’t need to be a doctor to understand your hormones. Here are a few empowering steps Dr. Harter recommends:
Start Tracking Your Cycle
Use a basal body thermometer and track symptoms, mood, and cervical mucus. Your cycle is a vital sign, and it gives you valuable clues about your overall health.
Ask for Comprehensive Testing
Instead of standard bloodwork, consider:
DUTCH hormone testing
Saliva cortisol panels
Thyroid panels including Free T3/T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies
Support Your Detox Organs
The liver and gut are essential for clearing used hormones. Load up on cruciferous veggies, hydrate well, and consider castor oil packs or gentle liver-supportive herbs (always with professional guidance).
Nourish, Don’t Restrict
Ditch the crash diets. Your body needs nutrients (especially fats, proteins, and B vitamins) to make and process hormones.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Harter
“Women are not crazy. Their hormones are not broken. The system is broken — and it's time we stop gaslighting women and start listening.”
— Dr. Kristi Harter