Making Your Mark in the World: A Conversation with CarolAnn Tutera on Hormone Therapy, Legacy, and Living with Purpose — Thrive Global

“Hormone balance isn’t just about feeling better-it’s about reclaiming your vitality, protecting your mental health, and living the life you deserve. Aging doesn’t have to mean decline; with the right care, you can thrive at any stage of life.” — CarolAnn Tutera

Hormones play a crucial role in our overall health, yet many people are unaware of how imbalances can affect their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From fatigue and brain fog to weight gain and mood swings, these symptoms are often dismissed as inevitable signs of aging when, in reality, they may be indicators of a deeper hormonal issue. While traditional hormone therapies such as creams, patches, and injections have been widely used, a lesser-known but highly effective method-hormone pellet therapy-is revolutionizing the way people approach aging and wellness. At the forefront of this movement is CarolAnn Tutera, CEO of SottoPelle®, who has dedicated her life to continuing the legacy of her late husband, Dr. Gino Tutera, a pioneer in bioidentical hormone therapy.

In this exclusive interview, CarolAnn shares how SottoPelle® is changing lives through its innovative approach to hormone optimization. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy, the vital role hormones play in mental health, and how both men and women can benefit from properly balanced hormones. With decades of experience and a passion for empowering people to take control of their health, CarolAnn’s insights provide invaluable knowledge for those looking to restore their energy, vitality, and overall well-being. Whether you’re struggling with hormonal imbalance or simply looking for ways to optimize your health, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of hormone therapy and how it can help you make your mark in the world.

Thank you so much for joining us, CarolAnn! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Thank you for having me, Stacey. My late husband, Dr. Gino Tutera, and I founded SottoPelle®, which means “under the skin” in Italian. He learned about hormone pellet therapy in the early ’90s and quickly realized that traditional hormone therapy methods were not providing consistent and effective results. Women were often given too much estrogen and not enough testosterone, leading to imbalances that affected their health and well-being. Over time, we noticed that patients were flying in from all over the country, especially from Arizona. One patient, a pilot, would bring groups of people for treatment until she suggested we relocate to Arizona permanently. What began as a once-a-month visit turned into a full move to Scottsdale, where we could serve even more people. My husband truly revolutionized the world of hormone therapy by bringing pellet therapy back into the spotlight, even though the treatment itself had existed since 1939. After he passed away, I took a step back to process my grief, but I knew I had to continue his work because of how deeply I believed in it. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I had to fight to earn my place, but seeing the impact that SottoPelle® has had on so many lives has made every challenge worthwhile.

Hormone pellets have been around for decades, yet many people still don’t know about them. Why do you think that is?

The primary reason is that medical schools don’t teach about pellet therapy, which means most doctors never learn about it during their training. As a result, many medical professionals remain skeptical and continue to prescribe traditional treatments like patches, creams, or injections simply because that’s what they were taught. Additionally, in the early 2000s, a misleading study from the Women’s Health Initiative led to the misconception that all estrogen was harmful. This fear pushed many doctors and patients away from hormone therapy altogether, even though that study never included bioidentical hormone therapy or pellets. Another factor is resistance to change within the medical community. Doctors are often hesitant to adopt new methodologies, even when science supports them. However, when patients experience the benefits of SottoPelle®, they become our greatest advocates. More and more people are recognizing that hormones impact every aspect of health, and they are seeking alternative therapies that provide lasting results. My mission is to continue educating people about the life-changing benefits of pellet therapy so that more individuals can reclaim their vitality and well-being.

How do hormone pellets compare to other forms of hormone therapy like creams, patches, or injections?

Pellets provide the most consistent and natural hormone delivery system because they mimic the way the body naturally releases hormones. Unlike creams, which require daily application and can transfer to others through skin contact, or patches, which can cause irritation and often fall off, pellets stay in place under the skin and release a steady flow of hormones based on the body’s needs. Injections, while convenient for some, create a cycle of hormone spikes and crashes that can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and inconsistent energy levels. With pellets, the body absorbs what it needs when it needs it-so if you’re exercising or under stress, absorption increases, and when you’re at rest, absorption slows. This creates a balanced, steady state that allows patients to feel their best without the rollercoaster of ups and downs. Plus, there’s no daily maintenance required-once inserted, pellets last for months, making them the most convenient and effective form of hormone therapy available today.

Most people associate hormone therapy with women. Can men benefit from it as well?

Absolutely! While hormone therapy has long been associated with treating symptoms of menopause, men also experience hormone imbalances as they age. Testosterone levels naturally decline over time, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, decreased mental clarity, mood swings, and loss of muscle mass. Many men don’t realize that their symptoms are hormone-related and may attribute them to aging or stress. At SottoPelle®, we have treated countless men, including professional athletes and veterans, who have seen life-changing results with testosterone therapy. In some cases, men struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts have experienced a complete turnaround simply by restoring their hormone balance. When testosterone levels are optimized, men regain their energy, focus, and overall sense of well-being. It’s an essential part of aging healthily, and more men should be aware of how hormone therapy can help them lead fuller, healthier lives.

You’ve talked about leaving a lasting impact. What does it mean to you to make your mark in the world?

For me, making a mark means leaving behind a legacy that continues to help people live healthier, happier lives. My husband was dedicated to improving healthcare through hormone balance, and I am honored to carry that mission forward. It’s about more than just providing a service-it’s about educating people, advocating for better healthcare practices, and ensuring that SottoPelle® remains the gold standard in bioidentical hormone therapy. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for this work, including being named one of the most admired companies in the industry. But beyond awards, what truly motivates me is knowing that our treatments are changing lives. I want people to know that aging doesn’t have to mean declining health-there are ways to maintain vitality, and hormone therapy is one of the most powerful tools available.

Do you have any patient success stories that really stand out to you?

There are so many, but one that stands out is a woman who came to us on the verge of divorce. She was constantly exhausted, had lost interest in life, and felt completely disconnected from herself. After starting SottoPelle® therapy, she regained her energy, confidence, and passion. Her marriage improved dramatically because she finally felt like herself again. Another incredible story involves an NFL player who had been struggling with severe depression due to multiple concussions. Before hormone therapy, he had daily suicidal thoughts. After starting testosterone pellets, he completely turned his life around and found renewed purpose and mental clarity. These stories reinforce why I do what I do. The impact of balanced hormones goes far beyond just feeling better-it transforms lives, relationships, and mental health.

With so much focus on mental health today, how does hormone therapy impact emotional well-being?

Hormones play a critical role in brain function, and imbalances can contribute to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Estrogen, for example, is known to protect the brain and can even help prevent Alzheimer’s by reducing harmful proteins associated with the disease. Testosterone plays a key role in motivation, mental clarity, and mood stabilization. Studies suggest that balanced hormones significantly improve overall emotional well-being. My husband used to say that if we could treat every person with hormone therapy, mental health issues would decline by as much as 85–90%, and I firmly believe he was right. Many patients struggling with anxiety and depression have seen dramatic improvements once their hormone levels were optimized. When the body is in balance, the mind follows.

For those considering hormone therapy, what advice would you give them?

The first step is to get a baseline hormone test-even if you feel fine. You may not realize how much of an impact imbalanced hormones are having on your life until you see the numbers. The second step is to work with a provider who specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy and understands how to properly dose pellets. Not all doctors are trained in hormone therapy, and reading lab results correctly is essential to getting the best results. Finally, be patient. Hormone therapy is a long-term investment in your health. It’s not a quick fix, but when done correctly, it can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being.

Where can people go to learn more about your work and connect with you?

People can visit SottoPelle® Therapy to learn more about our treatments, find a provider, and read patient success stories. We are also active on social media, where we share educational content and updates about hormone health. I encourage anyone with questions to reach out-we’re here to help people live their best lives.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion with us today. Your dedication to improving lives through hormone therapy is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Stacey. It’s always a pleasure to share this message, and I appreciate the opportunity to educate people on the importance of hormone balance.

Author(s)

Originally published at https://community.thriveglobal.com on February 4, 2025.