In this interview, Joya Van Der Laan, FNP, IFMCP, shares her perspective on what’s missing in modern healthcare conversations about women’s health, and how simple, natural interventions can have profound effects.
Joya Van Der Laan, FNP, IFMCP
Bio: Joya Van Der Laan, FNP, IFMCP, is the founder of Nourish House Calls and a leading voice in the field of functional and integrative medicine. Her approach combines clinical expertise with deeply personalized care, helping patients—especially women—achieve optimal health through hormone balance, gut healing, and targeted lifestyle strategies.
- Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP). My practice, Nourish House Calls, is a mobile and virtual clinic designed to make individualized functional medicine accessible and convenient for busy people and families.
I specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, regenerative medicine, GI health, IV nutrition therapy, and peptide protocols. My clinical style is grounded in lab-guided precision, clean nutrition, and deeply listening to my patients—something I think the modern medical system has often lost. I’m also a mom of three, so I understand the reality of navigating health while juggling the demands of family and career.
My approach is informed by extensive training through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), the International College of Integrative Medicine (ICIM), NuBioAge’s CALM longevity and peptide therapy program, and the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Institute (SSRP), founded by Dr. William Seeds. I’ve also learned about complex chronic illness and mold toxicity from Dr. Neil Nathan and regularly pursue advanced coursework across the spectrum of integrative, regenerative, and functional medicine. This foundation allows me to bring together the best of science, systems biology, and natural therapeutics to help my patients feel like themselves again.
- What do you think are the most misunderstood aspects of women’s health today?
The perimenopausal transition is one of the most misunderstood and under-supported stages in a woman’s life. Many women are told they’re “too young” to have hormone issues in their late 30s and 40s, or that their symptoms—like poor sleep, anxiety, joint pain, or low libido—are just a normal part of aging.
We now know that hormone fluctuations during this time can significantly affect everything from brain function and metabolism to cardiovascular health. Monitoring hormone levels and supporting them with lifestyle, nutrition, and in some cases, bioidentical hormone therapy, can dramatically improve quality of life—and potentially prevent more serious issues down the road.
- Why do you believe that the prevalence of hormone imbalance has risen steadily over the last few decades?
We’re living in a time of unprecedented environmental and emotional stress. From endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our water, food, and personal care products, to the 24/7 demands of modern life, our bodies are constantly navigating threats that weren’t as prevalent a generation ago.
The average woman is exposed to hundreds of synthetic chemicals before breakfast—from the shampoo she uses, to the nonstick pan she cooks with, to the air fresheners she uses in her home, to the lotion she applies. Add in high stress levels, ultra-processed foods, inflammatory seed oils, and poor blood sugar control, and it’s no surprise we’re seeing more dysregulation in the HPAG axis and reproductive hormones.
- What are some common signs of hormone imbalance that often get brushed off as “normal”?
This is a big one. Women are often told they’re “fine” because their labs are “normal,” even though they’re experiencing:
- Disrupted sleep or waking at 2–3 AM regularly
- Anxiety or mood swings that feel out of character
- Joint pain that comes and goes
- Changes in libido
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Fatigue that no amount of coffee fixes
These are not just random nuisances—they’re signals. When we dig deeper with proper testing and context, we often uncover hormone imbalances that are highly treatable.
- What is the relationship between gut health and hormone regulation?
The gut and hormone systems are in constant conversation. For example, the estrobolome—a collection of gut bacteria—plays a direct role in metabolizing estrogen. If the gut is imbalanced or inflamed, estrogen clearance can be impaired, leading to estrogen dominance symptoms like PMS, weight gain, and fibrocystic breasts.
Gut health also affects how we detoxify hormones through pathways like glucuronidation, mediated by an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. If this process is disrupted, hormones that should be excreted get reabsorbed and recycled—often in harmful ways.
A healthy microbiome, regular bowel movements, and low inflammation are essential for proper hormone metabolism. That’s why I never look at hormones in isolation—they’re part of a larger network, and the gut is often one of the root causes.
- Are there specific nutrients or supplements that can support hormone health?
Absolutely. I always start with food, but many patients benefit from targeted supplementation, especially in today’s nutrient-depleted environment.
- Minerals like magnesium and zinc are essential for hormone synthesis and stress response.
- B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folate, support methylation and neurotransmitter balance.
- Omega-3s, and especially GLA from evening primrose or borage oil, help modulate inflammation and support hormone communication.
- Chasteberry (Vitex) can support progesterone production in women with luteal phase deficiency.
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help modulate stress response, which is foundational to hormone regulation.
I know this isn’t a supplement or nutrient, but we absolutely cannot ignore the role of blood sugar regulation – it’s so foundational! Sometimes I use targeted nutrients like chromium, berberine, or inositol to support insulin signaling if diet, exercise, stress management aren’t quite enough.
But none of this is one-size-fits-all. I use advanced lab testing to create customized protocols based on real biochemistry.
- Besides diet and supplementation, what other ways can women promote balanced hormones and overall well-being?
Hormone health is about so much more than food or pills. Some of the most powerful interventions are the least talked about:
Prioritize sleep: This is when hormone repair happens. Deep, regular sleep can shift cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones dramatically.
Regulate stress: I’m a big fan of vagal nerve stimulation, cold exposure (not too cold for women!), sauna, BrainTap, and breathwork tools. These methods can shift the nervous system into a parasympathetic state and lower cortisol output.
Move your body, but not to exhaustion: Especially in perimenopause, overtraining can backfire. Resistance training, walking, and short HIIT can be more effective than hour-long cardio sessions.
Create space for joy, creativity, and connection. Hormone health isn’t just biology—it’s also emotional. When women feel heard, safe, and supported, their physiology shifts.
- Where can people learn more about your work or contact you?
You can find me online at www.nourishhousecalls.com and on social media:
Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @NourishHouseCalls
YouTube: Nourish House Calls
I also regularly post educational content, patient stories, and tips for hormone and gut health. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone just starting to explore root-cause wellness, I’d love to connect.
