Winter tends to hit a little harder when your hormones are already in flux. That is something Pellecome understands well. Founded by Dr. Enrique Jacome, a board-certified OB-GYN and nationally recognized leader in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), Pellecome creates systems that help providers safely support patients experiencing fatigue, sluggishness, or mood changes related to hormone imbalance.
Many people explore BHRT for energy during the darker months, and it’s important to understand how seasonal changes can interact with your hormonal health.
Why Winter Can Feel Harder When Hormones Are Low
People often assume winter tiredness is “just the weather,” but there is physiology behind it. Reduced sunlight has been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms, shifting how the body regulates sleep, mood, and reproductive hormones. A field study conducted in Sweden found that winter months produced significantly higher morning melatonin levels and a longer duration of melatonin secretion, which naturally contributes to morning grogginess and lower energy¹.
If you already deal with menopause-related estrogen decline or low testosterone, those winter changes can feel amplified. Estrogen loss has been linked to more sleep disruption and daytime fatigue², while testosterone deficiency is associated with lower vitality and mood changes in men³. Put together, the season and your hormone status can create a perfect storm for fatigue.
How Hormone Imbalance Affects Energy
Your hormones influence how you generate and use energy. When estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone shift out of balance, you may notice:
- Feeling less motivated in the morning
- Trouble staying asleep
- More afternoon crashes
- Mood dips that make daily routines harder
These patterns often overlap with seasonal affective symptoms, which is why many people seek support around this time of year.
Where BHRT Fits Into the Conversation
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is not a stimulant or a quick fix, but research supports its role in improving sleep quality, hot flashes, mood, and energy in people with documented deficiency.
For example, estradiol therapy has been shown to improve sleep continuity and reduce nighttime awakenings in postmenopausal women². Testosterone therapy has been associated with increased vitality and reduced fatigue in symptomatic men³.
The goal of BHRT is to steadily restore hormone levels to support consistent energy throughout the day rather than highs and crashes.
Supporting Patients Through the Season
If you are exploring options to counter winter fatigue, especially if you already experience hormone-related symptoms, BHRT may be something to discuss with a qualified provider. Pellecome works with licensed clinicians to provide high-quality bio-identical pellets and other beneficial supplements that could help you feel your best this winter.
Find a Pellecome provider near you to schedule an appointment today.
- Adamsson M, Laike T, Morita T. Annual variation in daily light exposure and circadian change of melatonin and cortisol concentrations at a northern latitude with large seasonal differences in photoperiod length. J Physiol Anthropol [Internet]. 2016;36(1):6. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40101-016-0103-9
- Lee J, Han Y, Cho HH, Kim MR. Sleep disorders and menopause. J Menopausal Med [Internet]. 2019;25(2):83–7. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.6118/jmm.19192
- Snyder PJ, Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Matsumoto AM, Stephens-Shields AJ, Cauley JA, et al. Effects of testosterone treatment in older men. N Engl J Med [Internet]. 2016;374(7):611–24. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1506119
