Reclaiming Life and Purpose: CarolAnn Tutera on Hormonal Wellness, Self-Discovery, and Continuing a Legacy — Thrive Global
“Rediscovering yourself after loss is not easy, but it’s the most empowering journey you’ll ever take. You have to peel back the layers, embrace your own company, and find joy in the simple things. That’s where true strength and happiness lie.” - CarolAnn Tutera
Navigating life’s challenges while embracing personal growth is never easy, especially when faced with profound loss. CarolAnn Tutera, co-founder of SottoPelle®, is a shining example of resilience and determination. After the passing of her husband, Dr. Gino Tutera, a trailblazer in hormone replacement therapy, CarolAnn took on the monumental task of continuing his legacy. Through her leadership, SottoPelle® has become a global leader in hormone therapy, transforming countless lives while honoring the vision of her late husband. CarolAnn’s journey, however, is about more than continuing a business; it’s about rediscovering herself, learning to live with purpose, and inspiring others to do the same.
In this exclusive interview, CarolAnn shares her story of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. From her candid reflections on grieving and “dating herself” to her insights on the transformative power of hormone therapy, CarolAnn offers a wealth of wisdom for anyone seeking to reclaim their life. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges, exploring wellness options, or simply looking for inspiration, CarolAnn’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of embracing who you truly are.
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! My journey has been filled with both challenges and incredible blessings. I am the co-founder of SottoPelle®, a company specializing in training providers on hormone replacement therapy using pellets. This work is deeply personal to me as it was pioneered by my late husband, Dr. Gino Tutera. In the early 1990s, Gino was introduced to hormone pellets, a concept that was quite unfamiliar at the time. Through his dedication, he revolutionized the industry by creating a method that individualized dosages, ensuring that each patient received tailored care. After his passing, I made it my mission to carry forward his vision and legacy. This journey has not only been about honoring him but also about stepping into my purpose and continuing work that positively impacts so many lives.
That’s such an incredible mission. How long were you and Dr. Tutera married?
Gino and I were married for 22 beautiful years, and we knew each other for over 25 years. Our marriage was a true partnership; we supported each other in life and work, building something far greater than ourselves. Those years were filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Losing him was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain incredibly grateful for the time we had together and the legacy we built side by side.
Losing a partner after such a long time must have been incredibly challenging. How did you cope?
It was an incredibly difficult time. The grief was overwhelming, and there were days when I wasn’t sure how to move forward. I even questioned whether I wanted to keep the company going because it was such a strong reminder of everything we had shared. But then I realized how important Gino’s work was and how many people it had already helped. Honoring his legacy became my source of strength and purpose. Coping was not just about continuing the business but also about redefining myself, finding resilience, and learning to live in a way that kept his spirit alive in everything I did.
You’ve spoken about “dating yourself” after experiencing loss. What does that mean?
“Dating yourself” is about rediscovering who you are outside of the roles you’ve played for others. For much of my life, I was a wife, mother, and caregiver, always putting others first. After losing Gino, I realized I had lost touch with my own identity. I started prioritizing myself, exploring my interests, and discovering what made me happy. It was a process of peeling back layers and asking, “Who is CarolAnn?” This journey of self-discovery has been both challenging and empowering, as I’ve learned to enjoy my own company and embrace who I truly am.
What were some of the steps you took to rediscover yourself?
The first step was seeking therapy, which helped me unpack and release beliefs and habits I had carried for years. Journaling became a powerful tool for processing my emotions and gaining clarity. I also practiced gratitude daily, which shifted my focus from loss to recognizing the blessings in my life. Additionally, I made an effort to step out of my comfort zone. I began attending social events alone and saying “yes” to new opportunities, even when they felt intimidating. Each step, no matter how small, brought me closer to understanding and accepting myself.
How did you build the courage to step out into the world as a single woman?
It wasn’t easy, but I focused on taking small, manageable steps. The first time I walked into a social event alone, I felt completely out of place, but I reminded myself that staying home wouldn’t help me grow. With each outing, I built a little more confidence. Having supportive friends who encouraged me also made a big difference — they’d remind me that I could always leave if I felt uncomfortable, and that gave me a sense of control. It’s not about eliminating fear; it’s about showing up and taking the step anyway, even if you’re scared.
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself during this journey?
I’ve discovered a level of strength and resilience I didn’t know I had. For so long, I defined myself through my relationships and roles, but this journey has shown me that I’m capable of standing on my own. I’ve also realized how much joy there is in the little things — whether it’s a walk in the park, a good book, or a meaningful conversation. These simple pleasures have brought me immense happiness and reminded me to appreciate life’s everyday moments.
Let’s talk about SottoPelle®. Can you explain how the therapy works?
Of course! SottoPelle® therapy involves placing hormone pellets under the skin through a small incision. These pellets release hormones gradually into the bloodstream, mimicking the body’s natural rhythms. The therapy is completely individualized, meaning we tailor the dosage to each patient’s specific needs based on comprehensive lab work. This approach ensures balanced hormone levels and supports overall well-being. Women typically need to replace the pellets every three to four months, while men do so twice a year.
How has pellet therapy impacted your life personally?
Pellet therapy has truly been life-changing. During one of the most difficult times of my life — grieving the loss of my husband — it gave me the stability I needed to navigate the emotional and physical challenges. It helped balance my mood, reduce night sweats, and clear the mental fog I was experiencing. More importantly, it allowed me to feel like myself again. This therapy isn’t just about physical health; it’s about supporting emotional well-being, and it’s made a profound difference in my life.
What advice would you give to someone considering hormone replacement therapy?
The first step is getting a baseline lab test, even if you’re not in menopause or perimenopause yet. Knowing your current hormone levels provides a starting point for monitoring changes and making informed decisions. It’s also critical to work with a trained provider who understands the nuances of hormone therapy and tailors treatments to your unique needs. Hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and finding the right provider can make all the difference in achieving the best outcomes.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone struggling to move forward after loss?
Take it one day at a time and be patient with yourself. Grieving is not a linear process, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it. Focus on small steps forward, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Healing is a journey, and it unfolds differently for everyone, so be kind to yourself along the way.
What’s next for you and SottoPelle®?
We are expanding our training programs globally to ensure that more providers can offer this incredible therapy. Personally, I’m excited to continue my journey of self-discovery and to share my story to inspire others. I also hope to encourage more open conversations about health, wellness, and personal growth, particularly for women. Empowering people to take control of their health and happiness is something I’m deeply passionate about.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit us at www.sottopelletherapy.com, where we provide a wealth of information and resources. We’re also active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, so feel free to connect with us there. I love engaging with people and sharing insights about health, wellness, and personal growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out and join the conversation!
Thank you so much, CarolAnn. This has been a truly inspiring conversation.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share my story and connect with your readers. I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their own paths to healing and self-discovery.
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Originally published at https://community.thriveglobal.com on January 27, 2025.
