Your Go-To Resource for Women’s Wellness
Welcome to the Live Well Collective Blog—where Megan Bendinelli, NP, shares her expertise, practical strategies, and the latest research to empower you on your wellness journey. Whether you're navigating hormonal changes, seeking metabolic balance, or looking for holistic approaches to optimal health, this is your trusted space for knowledge, guidance, and inspiration.
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Live well.
Where Do I Even Start? Why Health Optimization Feels So Overwhelming (and How to Simplify It)
We live in a time where there’s more health information available than ever… and yet, people are more confused than ever.
You might have:
Listened to a dozen podcasts about hormone health
Ordered your own labs online
Tried a handful of supplements someone on Instagram swore by
And still, you don’t feel better.
That’s because optimization isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about doing the right things, in the right order, for your body.
A Deep Dive Into Exercise: Beyond Physique
When most people think about exercise, they picture toned abs, sculpted arms, or a number on the scale. But the benefits of movement go far beyond physique.
Exercise is medicine. It shapes your mood, supports your brain, extends your life, and protects your body from the inside out. At our practice, we help patients think about exercise not as punishment or simply for the sake of aesthetics, but as a long-term investment in your health.
Get You a Health Optimization Plan That Can Do Both: HRT and GLP-1s
For decades, women in perimenopause and menopause have been told that weight gain is inevitable. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helped improve hot flashes, sleep, and mood, but the scale often didn’t move. Meanwhile, GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have made headlines for their powerful weight-loss results.
A growing body of research, including a 2024 study, suggests something important: when used together, HRT and GLP-1s may create greater weight loss benefits than either therapy alone.
This is where medical synergy comes in.
Balanced Digestion in the Colder Months: Strategies for Resilience
Winter changes everything: shorter days, colder weather, heavier foods, more stress, and plenty of holiday indulgence. While these shifts are part of the season, they also place extra strain on digestion and immunity. Since nearly 70% of your immune system is rooted in the gut, supporting your microbiome during this time of year is essential.
Why the Scale Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
If you've ever felt frustrated by the number on the scale not reflecting your hard work, you're not alone. The truth is that the number doesn't differentiate between fat, muscle, water, or bone. Understanding the distinction between fat loss and weight loss is crucial for achieving lasting health improvements.
Focusing on fat loss rather than just weight loss leads to better health outcomes and sustainable results. By preserving muscle mass and targeting fat reduction, you enhance your metabolic health, increase energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The Metabolism–Skin Connection: How GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Skin (and What to Do About It)
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and compounded peptides have been game-changers in the world of weight loss and metabolic health. But as more people experience the benefits of these therapies, a common—and often unexpected—question arises:
“Why is My Skin Changing?”
Let’s Get Started
Your health is your greatest investment. If you’re ready to take control and work with a provider who truly listens, we’d love to support you.
Live Well. Thrive. Feel your best—at every stage of life.