The Nurses’s RX no. 8: I used to dread summer…

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay sooooo……

Summer is fast approaching.

And a couple years ago? I dreaded it.

There were summers I didn’t even own a bathing suit that fit.
I refused to buy shorts.
I lived in long dresses and leggings because they felt safer.

Pool invites stressed me out.
Beach trips felt exposing.
Photos? Absolutely not.

I kept telling myself I just needed more discipline.
More willpower.
Another fad diet.

So I counted calories.
Tracked every bite.
Tried whatever new fad diet was trending that month.

And every time it didn’t “stick,” I blamed myself.

What actually changed everything?

started GLP-1 therapy under medical supervision.

And I stopped dieting.

I stopped counting calories.
I stopped chasing fad diets.
I started eating intelligently.

Protein first.
Fiber daily.
Balanced meals.
No extremes.

The food noise quieted.
My body finally had metabolic support.
And everything else began to fall into place.

This past summer?

I had a whole drawer of bathing suits.
An actual drawer.
And yes… a whole drawer of shorts too.

That didn’t come from trying harder.
It came from upgrading the strategy.

If you’re exhausted from white-knuckling another summer, maybe it’s time to stop fighting your biology.

Summer is coming either way. ☀️
You get to decide how you walk into it.

You can BOOK A FREE 15 MIN CALL WITH ME to ask questions and talk through your thoughts and concerns. Or, if you already know you’re ready, you can GET STARTED THROUGH MY SITE now.

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
↓ Catch up here ↓
READ PAST EDITIONS

↓ LET’S CONNECT ↓


Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

The Nurses’s RX no. 7: Snowed in & feeling snacky?

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay soooo…..

If you’re like me and snowed in for a few days, you might be feeling a little extra snacky! I know I am. That’s my M.O. though. I always snack more at home than when at work or out running errands.

EVEN ON A GLP-1

The difference now… I don’t eat as large of quantities of anything as I used to, and I also typically reach for healthier options – That’s It fruit bars, protein bars that taste like candy, protein chips, granola bars, etc…

Do I still cave in and have a fun size snickers?
You bet I do!

But I don’t eat a whole bag of them. And I don’t feel guilty over wanting and having a Snickers once in a blue moon now.

That’s what happens when you’ve used these medications as a TOOL and not a quick fix.

This is also a part of where I am on my wellness journey. I’m well in maintenance, but also slowly decreasing my dosing to allow for slightly higher intake than when I was actively losing…. and the snow fell right at the perfect time for me to get snacky. I take my injection tonight, and I’ve now been snowed in since yesterday morning lol. I’m in that balancing act between increasing my intake and decreasing my dose, and not doing either one too quickly or too slowly. I do not want to lose any more, but I also don’t want to gain more than a few pounds in the process, to maintian my other health goals such as lower blood pressure.

Maintenance is not as easy as it looks… but I have amazing tools and resources at my fingertips with EllieMD to keep it up!

If you’ve been thinking about starting a GLP-1 but you’re worried that you’ll gain all the weight back when you stop, keep reading…

If you start, or continue your GLP-1 journey with me, I will help you learn how to make better choices that keep you full longer, so that you can continue these healthy habits when you’re ready to come off the meds.

It’s ok to do a slow taper off if that makes you feel more comfortable. Ease into doing it all on your own. Just plan the taper doses with your doctor, and plan to adjust your diet accordingly to maintain your current weight. Then, if the weight does start creeping back, we can talk about how a microdose for a short term might be beneficial.

Depending on your personal health history, like mine with PCOS, it’s also ok if you need to be on these medications long-term. It’s up to you and your doctor if this is the right choice.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? TEXT ME!

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
↓ Catch up here ↓
READ PAST EDITIONS

↓ LET’S CONNECT ↓


Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

Is Your Telehealth Company Pharmacy Hopping With Your GLP-1? Here’s Why That Matters

JUMP TO:: MEDICAL + AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURES


If you’re on a compounded GLP-1 medication through a telehealth company, there’s something you need to know… and most people have no idea it’s even happening.

It’s called pharmacy hopping. And it could be putting you at risk.

What Is GLP-1 Pharmacy Hopping?

Pharmacy hopping is when your telehealth company sends your prescription to a different compounding pharmacy each month. Not because anything is wrong with your prescription. Not because your dose changed. Just because of whatever deal or arrangement they have going on that month.

Here’s why that’s a problem. Every compounding pharmacy concentrates their GLP-1 medications differently. So even if your prescription says the exact same milligrams from one month to the next, the units, or volume, you draw up in your syringe could be completely different. Same dose on paper. Completely different injection in reality.

That’s exactly how dosing errors happen.

Hand holding an Empower compounding pharmacy tirzepatide niacinamide injection vial at 17/2 mg/mL with multiple other compounded GLP-1 vials visible in the background showing pharmacy variation
Different concentrations. Same prescription. This is what pharmacy hopping actually looks like.

What the FDA Is Actually Saying About This

This isn’t just my opinion as a nurse. The FDA has been raising the alarm on compounded GLP-1 safety for a while now.

As of April 2025, the FDA had received over 500 adverse event reports related to compounded semaglutide and nearly 500 reports concerning compounded tirzepatide. And that number is almost certainly higher because most state-licensed compounding pharmacies aren’t even required to submit adverse event reports.

The FDA has received multiple reports of adverse events, some requiring hospitalization, linked to dosing errors associated with compounded injectable semaglutide. These weren’t errors because people were careless. Many of them were errors because the concentration changed, and nobody clearly explained that.

The FDA estimates that 10 deaths and 100 hospitalizations may be linked to the use of compounded GLP-1 medications. And their responses are often reactive, meaning action is usually taken only after something has already gone wrong.

That last part is the part that keeps me up at night as a nurse.

A Real Example of What Can Go Wrong

I know someone personally who accidentally took four times her dose. Four times. It happened because her pharmacy changed, and she drew up the volume exactly the same as what she was used to… but the concentration was completely different. She felt absolutely awful.

And here’s the thing that really got me. I’m a NICU nurse. Dosage calculations are literally what I do every single day. Tiny babies depend on my accuracy. And I STILL panicked after my own pharmacy changed. I had to go back to my written notes to confirm I’d taken the right dose. I had gone over it so many times in my head that I couldn’t remember what I’d actually done.

If it can happen to me… it can happen to anyone.

Hand holding an SBH Medical niacinamide tirzepatide injectable vial at 2mg/12.5mg/mL showing a different compounding pharmacy concentration than other providers
Same medication. Different pharmacy. Different concentration. This is exactly what pharmacy hopping looks like in real life.

What to Look For in a Compounded GLP-1 Provider

Not all telehealth companies operate the same way. Here’s what actually matters when it comes to safety:

Pharmacy consistency. Your medication should come from the same pharmacy every single month. No exceptions. If your provider can’t tell you exactly which pharmacy fills your prescription, that’s a red flag worth paying attention to.

Standardized dosing. As your dose increases, your units should stay the same. Simple, consistent, easy to follow instructions reduce the risk of errors. If the math changes every time your dose changes, that’s unnecessary confusion and unnecessary risk.

Transparency. A trustworthy provider will tell you where your meds come from, how they’re compounded, and what quality standards their pharmacy follows. You have every right to ask those questions.

Why I Made the Switch

This is a big part of why I moved to EllieMD. One pharmacy, always the same one, every single month. Standardized dosing so the units stay consistent no matter what milligram you’re on. Simple. Clear. And a whole lot less room for the kind of errors that send people to the hospital.

Cheaper isn’t always better y’all. Sometimes what you’re actually paying for is consistency, safety, and peace of mind. And when it comes to injectable medications… that is absolutely worth it.

Hand holding a CloverRx compounding pharmacy tirzepatide plus glycine injection vial at 20mg/0.5mg/mL with a syringe visible in the background — EllieMD's dedicated compounding pharmacy
This is what consistency looks like. Same pharmacy. Every single month.

Questions to Ask Your Telehealth Provider Right Now

Before your next injection, it’s worth picking up the phone or sending a message to ask:

Where is my prescription being filled? Is it always the same pharmacy? How is my dosing calculated and does that change if my concentration changes? What quality standards does your compounding pharmacy follow?

You deserve clear answers. If you’re not getting them, that tells you something too.


This post contains affiliate links and/or brand partnership content. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

LET’S BE CLEAR ABOUT WHO I AM (AND WHO I’M NOT).

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing on this site replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE.

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment — this is not something that should be DIY’d. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

TRANSPARENCY.

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links on this site are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

RESULTS + TESTIMONIALS.

Any testimonials or results shared on this site reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

↑ BACK TO TOP ↑

From 209lbs to 115lbs: My 3 Year Weight Loss Journey with GLP-1 and EllieMD

🌟 3 Years, 94 Pounds, and a Whole New Me 🌟

Three years ago, I stood on the scale and saw 209 lbs staring back at me. That number was more than just a reflection of my weight. It was a reflection of how much I’d been struggling in silence. My body wasn’t just unhappy. It was literally screaming for help, and I was doing my absolute best to ignore it.

Niki Lamie at 209 lbs before starting a GLP-1 weight loss journey with Ellie MD to address health and weight gain.
This was me at 209lbs. I was in total denial about how bad it had actually gotten. My health was suffering, and I was just trying to ignore the truth.

Let me set the stage for you. My blood pressure was completely out of control. Honestly, it was at stroke level dangerous. As a nurse who started out on a neurosurgical unit in the “stroke capital of the world,” I knew exactly what those numbers meant. To be frank, it freaked me the eff out. My cholesterol levels weren’t much better, and then I was hit with a sleep apnea diagnosis that I tried to pretend wasn’t a thing. Spoiler alert: denial doesn’t magically make the snoring stop. Who knew? 😅

On top of all that, my energy was gone, my confidence was shattered, and I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending loop of “lose 5lbs, gain 10 back.”

This photo is such a great "bridge" in your story! Being at 192 lbs right before that big leap into your GLP-1 journey is a moment so many people can relate to. It is that "breaking point" where the denial finally starts to crack.Here is the SEO-rich metadata for your WordPress site and a hook that hits that Shannon Mckinstrie vibe you love.WordPress Image MetadataFieldSEO Optimized & Authentic ContentAlt TextNiki Lamie at 192 lbs right before starting a GLP-1 weight loss journey with Ellie MD for a 94 lb total transformation.
192 lbs and right on the edge of a total life change. This was the moment I stopped making excuses.

When the “Math Didn’t Math”

Fast forward to about 2.5 years ago. My doctor and I finally said, “enough is enough.” I had managed to lose 30lbs on my own, but with the tiniest change of adding just one regular soda back to my diet once a month, I quickly gained 20lbs back. My doctor agreed with me that my math just didn’t math. My calories in were not equaling my calories out, which is something so many women with PCOS struggle with!

At 192 lbs, I began my GLP-1 weight loss journey. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my longevity. Thanks to my incredible telehealth team at EllieMD, I finally had the tools, guidance, and accountability to turn things around. They monitored my progress and kept my wellness plan on point. The community was there to cheer me on, even when I was tempted to drown my frustrations in chips. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes the snacks really do call your name! 🍟🙈

Niki Lamie on October 3, 2023, at 192.6 lbs, starting her first day of GLP-1 injections with Ellie MD.
October 3, 2023. 192.6 lbs. This was the day I finally stopped talking about it and started my first GLP-1 injection.

I remember standing there on October 3, 2023, taking a side-profile photo at 192.6 lbs. I was terrified, but I knew I needed that ‘before’ because this time, I was actually going to change my life with GLP-1

Niki Lamie at 150 lbs during her GLP-1 weight loss journey with Ellie MD seeing results in clothing and photos.

There’s a specific milestone around 150 lbs where the ‘paper towel effect’ kicked in. Suddenly, the clothes I was wearing, like this bright blue dress I finally felt confident in, started fitting differently, and for the first time, I didn’t want to hide from the camera.

Pushing Past 135 lbs

I really thought 135 lbs was my absolute “ceiling” because, for my entire adult life, my body had drawn a line in the sand right there.

To understand why that number felt like a dead end, we have to go back to when I was 19. I was 115 lbs and decided to go on the Depo-Provera shot. Little did I know, I had undiagnosed PCOS, and that medication threw my hormones into a literal tailspin. I gained 15 lbs in just 72 hours. Let that sink in! Over the next few months, while that medication was still in my system, I gained another 15 lbs.

Niki Lamie at 135 lbs pushing past a weight loss plateau with GLP-1 and Ellie MD to reach a normal BMI.
135 lbs. The weight I thought was my “finish line” because I hadn’t been lower since I was 19. I was so wrong!

For the longest time, 150 lbs became my frustrating “baseline.” I had managed to drop down near that initial 15 lb gain once before, but I could never, ever break below it. Every other time I tried to lose weight, I hit a wall at that second 15 lb mark and stayed stuck.

But I have to be real with you: the times in my past when I did get down to 150, or even when I was 115 at nineteen, I did NOT get there the healthy way. I was struggling, my habits weren’t sustainable, and my body wasn’t actually thriving.

Niki Lamie at 120 lbs near the end of her 94 lb GLP-1 weight loss journey with EllieMD.
120 lbs and feeling more like “me” than ever before. This journey has been worth every single second.

This is the first time in my life that I have been at a healthy weight and actually done it the healthy way. Reaching a normal BMI and pushing past that 135 lb hurdle with EllieMD wasn’t just a weight loss win. It was a metabolic breakthrough. For the first time since I was a teenager, my hormones aren’t running the show in a negative way. I finally have the medical support to keep my PCOS in check and the tools to maintain this 94 lb loss for the long haul.

The Results: 94 Pounds Down

Here I am today, 94 pounds lighter, rocking a normal BMI for the first time since I was 19 years old.

What has changed since reaching 115 lbs?

  • Sleep Apnea: Completely gone.
  • Blood Pressure: Controlled and healthy.
  • Cholesterol: Finally playing nice.
  • Confidence: Through the roof!
Side-by-side weight loss before and after of Niki Lamie from 192 lbs to 115 lbs using GLP-1 and EllieMD.
From 192 lbs to 115 lbs. This is what happens when you stop guessing and start a real wellness plan with EllieMD.

But let me be real for a second. This journey has not been all rainbows and glitter. 🌈✨ There were tough days, tears, and moments when I questioned if I could actually do it. There were times when progress felt slow, and I had to remind myself that every small victory added up to something bigger. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly didn’t happen without effort. But oh, was it worth it.

Niki Lamie at 115 lbs living her best life after a 94 lb GLP-1 weight loss journey with EllieMD.
Living my life again at 115 lbs! I finally have the energy and confidence to show up for every moment.

Learning to Live Again

I’ve learned so much over these three years. I’ve learned to celebrate the little wins, like fitting into a smaller size and having more energy to play with my bulldog Rossi. She was very happy about this, by the way 🐶. And oh yeah… I ran a freakin 5K!

Most importantly, I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish. It is necessary. This journey wasn’t just about weight loss results. It was about saving my life. It was about proving to myself that I am resilient and worth the effort.

Let me tell you, you are worth it!

Ready to Start Your Own Journey with EllieMD?

If you’re sitting there feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like it’s just too hard, I want you to know something. You can do this. One step, one choice, and one day at a time. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.

What You Get When You Start Your Journey

Starting your transformation with EllieMD means you are never just a number on a scale. You are getting a comprehensive, medically-backed wellness plan designed to help the “math finally math” for your body!

  • Medical Provider Consults: You’ll work with a telehealth team that actually listens to your history, including things like PCOS or perimenopause struggles.
  • GLP-1 Medication Support: Access to the tools that helped me break through my 135 lb plateau and reach a normal BMI.
  • Monthly Wellness Plans: No more guessing games. You get a clear roadmap for your nutrition and health goals.
  • Ongoing Lab Monitoring: We keep it safe and clinical by keeping a close eye on your bloodwork and progress.

✨ THE BESTIE BONUS ✨

Exclusive Nurse Coaching with me

When you join through my link, you aren’t just getting a website. You are getting me in your corner! As a Registered Nurse with over a decade of healthcare experience (and 94 lbs lost myself), I’m here to help you navigate the real-life side of this journey.

Whether you are a night shift worker trying to figure out your injection schedule or you just need a hype-girl who understands the struggle, I’ve got you. No gatekeeping, just real support from someone who has been exactly where you are!

Maintenance is a beast of its own, and of course, I am sharing that whole process with y’all too. Whether you are a fellow nurse working the night shift or someone just looking to feel like themselves again, you are worth it! I am so grateful for the team at Ellie MD for helping me get my life back.


Professional Disclosure: I provide BS-free metabolic education as a registered nurse and health coach for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, and stubborn weight loss. While I share evidence-based research and nurse-informed support, please remember that I am not your nurse. The content shared here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Nothing on this site is a substitute for care from a licensed provider who knows your full health history. All opinions and content shared on this platform are my own and do not reflect the views or endorsements of my employer or the hospital where I am employed.

Scope of Practice and FDA: Per professional coaching guidelines, I may recommend over the counter (OTC) medications or supplements to support your wellness goals. However, I do not prescribe or recommend specific prescription medications. For prescription options, including GLP-1 tools, my role is to help you understand the available science so you can have an informed discussion with your licensed healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and medical treatments require professional oversight.

Trust and Transparency: I only recommend products I trust. Most are items I use personally, while others are shared based on my professional trust in the clinical standards of partners like Ellie MD. Some links are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Beyond Weight Loss: The Nurse’s Guide to Microdosing GLP-1s and NAD+

Are you tired of feeling tired?

I hear it every single day. You are exhausted, you are experiencing brain fog, and you feel like your body is fighting against you. You tell yourself you will prioritize your health “after the holidays” or “in January.”

But as a nurse, I am here to tell you that exhausted is not a personality trait. And accepting that feeling drained is “just a part of aging” is not an option.

If you have been curious about the buzz surrounding GLP-1s but are hesitant because you don’t want to just “lose weight”—or if you are in that perimenopause transition and looking for a way to feel like yourself again—it is time to look at the science of microdosing.

This isn’t about a quick fix. It is about longevity science. And right now, there is a special opportunity to start this protocol with a massive advantage (more on that at the end).

What is Microdosing?

When most people hear about GLP-1s, they think of aggressive weight loss. But there is a different approach: Microdosing.

Think of microdosing as whispering to your metabolism instead of screaming at it. We aren’t trying to completely silence your appetite or force rapid changes. We are supporting the body’s natural functions to correct metabolic dysfunction.

11 Benefits of Microdosing GLP-1s (That Have Nothing to Do with the Scale)

While weight management is a fantastic side effect, the systemic benefits of this peptide therapy are what truly excite me as a healthcare provider.

  1. 1mproved Insulin Sensitivity It helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it easier to support insulin sensitivity. This is vital for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, which becomes much more common during perimenopause.
  2. Hormonal Balance Support For my perimenopause and menopause ladies, this is huge. It can help manage the hormonal imbalances related to insulin and estrogen. It can also positively influence cortisol levels, reducing the toll chronic stress takes on your body.
  3. Brain Health & Cognitive Function Brain fog is one of the biggest complaints I hear from women in midlife. GLP-1s have neuroprotective benefits that support cognitive function and mental clarity.
  4. Cardiovascular Health It improves lipid profiles by supporting healthy cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure by improving vascular function.
  5. Quiet the “Food Noise” Microdosing helps suppress that constant mental chatter about food. It promotes satiety so you can make conscious, healthy eating habits without feeling deprived.
  6. Gut Health By slowing gastric emptying, it improves digestion and nutrient absorption. A healthier gut microbiome is linked to better immunity and reduced inflammation.
  7. Anti-inflammatory Effects Systemic inflammation is a root cause of so many chronic issues, including arthritis and skin aging. Lowering inflammation supports your whole body.
  8. Muscle Maintenance Unlike aggressive dieting, microdosing helps preserve muscle mass. This is essential for longevity and strength as we age.
  9. Metabolic Health Boost It enhances overall metabolic function, teaching your body to use fat as an energy source more efficiently.
  10. Emotional Well-Being Stabilizing blood sugar levels has a direct impact on your mood. This can help reduce the anxiety and stress often associated with feeling out of control of your health.
  11. Long-Term Prevention This is a proactive tool. It supports longevity by addressing core health issues that become prevalent in midlife, promoting overall vitality.

Why You Should Pair It With NAD+

If the GLP-1 Microdose is the steering wheel keeping you on the road, NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is the gas in the tank.

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme that fuels your cells. As we age, our natural levels drop, leading to fatigue and slower cellular repair. Supplementing with NAD+ provides a “cellular battery” boost.

  • It boosts energy by converting nutrients into ATP.
  • It supports DNA repair to slow the aging process.
  • It improves metabolism to assist with weight management.

The “Nurse’s RX” Synergy

Why do I recommend these two together? Because they solve the puzzle from two different angles.
A common struggle when changing your metabolism is temporary fatigue. NAD+ directly counteracts this by boosting your cellular energy. While the Microdose regulates your hormones and insulin, the NAD+ optimizes the cellular machinery that burns the fuel.
It is the ultimate “Metabolic Momentum.”

A Special Opportunity to Start

I am a big believer that the best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is right now.

For a limited time, we are offering a special bundle to help you kickstart your longevity journey. When you purchase a Longevity Microdose kit, you will receive a 1-month supply of NAD+ for FREE. (This is a $175 value included at no cost.)

Black Friday Deal graphic showing a free 1-month supply of NAD+ Injection ($175 value) with an Ellie MD GLP-1 Microdose purchase. Three medical vials wrapped in a festive red bow.
Don’t miss the biggest wellness deal of the year: Get a free month of NAD+ ($175 value) when you start your longevity microdose protocol. Valid Nov 24 – Dec 1.

You do not have to go “all in” to see changes. You just have to start. This is your chance to get a massive boost while dipping your toes into a protocol that addresses the root causes of how you feel.

Six months from now, you will be so glad you didn’t wait for January.

Shop The Longevity Special


Professional Disclosure: I provide BS-free metabolic education as a registered nurse and health coach for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, and stubborn weight loss. While I share evidence-based research and nurse-informed support, please remember that I am not your nurse. The content shared here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Nothing on this site is a substitute for care from a licensed provider who knows your full health history. All opinions and content shared on this platform are my own and do not reflect the views or endorsements of my employer or the hospital where I am employed.

Scope of Practice and FDA: Per professional coaching guidelines, I may recommend over the counter (OTC) medications or supplements to support your wellness goals. However, I do not prescribe or recommend specific prescription medications. For prescription options, including GLP-1 tools, my role is to help you understand the available science so you can have an informed discussion with your licensed healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and medical treatments require professional oversight.

Trust and Transparency: I only recommend products I trust. Most are items I use personally, while others are shared based on my professional trust in the clinical standards of partners like Ellie MD. Some links are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

It’s Not Cheating, It’s Chemistry: My GLP-1 Journey with Ellie MD | Nicole in Scrubs

Every time I share about my GLP-1 journey, the comments flood in.
Some supportive. Some curious. Some skeptical.

And almost every time, someone says it:

“But isn’t that cheating?”

Let’s talk about that.

Because if we don’t call glasses cheating for eyesight 👓
or insulin cheating for diabetes 💉
then why do we treat GLP-1s any differently?

I’m Niki — NICU nurse, wellness advocate, and creator behind Nicole in Scrubs. 💜
I’ve seen how often people blame themselves for health struggles that are really rooted in biology. That’s why I share my GLP-1 journey so openly — to show what happens when science and self-compassion finally meet.

If you’ve been curious about GLP-1 medications or how to start your own journey with support that actually listens, I’ve partnered with Ellie MD to make that process simple, safe, and personal. I even offer one-on-one coaching for everyone who begins through my link.

🧬 The Truth About “Willpower” vs. Biology

As a nurse, I’ve seen this over and over again.
People blaming themselves for biology that’s been quietly working against them.

When hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) are out of balance, your hunger cues, fullness signals, and blood sugar control all get mixed up. The result? A body that constantly fights to regain weight no matter how much you “eat less and move more.”

GLP-1 medications help restore communication between your gut, brain, and pancreas. They allow your body to do what it was always meant to do. That’s not cheating. That’s science helping your body function the way it should.


💜 Why I Chose to Partner with Ellie MD

When I started sharing my own journey online, I kept getting one question:
“How do I even get started?”

That’s why I decided to partner with Ellie MD, a concierge telehealth service that specializes in obesity care and metabolic health. Their licensed providers understand that obesity isn’t a character flaw. It’s a complex, treatable medical condition.

With Ellie MD, you can:

  • Meet with licensed clinicians through telehealth (no waiting rooms)
  • Get personalized, evidence-based GLP-1 treatment plans
  • Receive continuous support and education through your journey

You deserve care that listens, not lectures.
👉 Start your journey with Ellie MD here.


👩‍⚕️ One-on-One Coaching: My Promise to Every Client

If you begin your journey through my partnership with Ellie MD, you’re not doing it alone. I personally offer one-on-one coaching and support for every client who starts their plan through my link.

That means you’ll have:

  • A nurse (hi, it’s me 👋) who’s been through this herself
  • Weekly check-ins and message support
  • Accountability that feels like community, not pressure

Because this isn’t about dropping pounds.
It’s about gaining back peace with your body.


🌿 You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Ready for Help.

Taking care of your health isn’t weakness.
It’s wisdom.

If you’ve been wondering whether GLP-1s could be right for you, maybe this is your sign to stop fighting biology and start supporting it.

You deserve to feel like yourself again — inside and out.

💜 Click here to start your Ellie MD consultation or reach out to me directly for a private chat about what this process really looks like.


Professional Disclosure: I provide BS-free metabolic education as a registered nurse and health coach for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, and stubborn weight loss. While I share evidence-based research and nurse-informed support, please remember that I am not your nurse. The content shared here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Nothing on this site is a substitute for care from a licensed provider who knows your full health history. All opinions and content shared on this platform are my own and do not reflect the views or endorsements of my employer or the hospital where I am employed.

Scope of Practice and FDA: Per professional coaching guidelines, I may recommend over the counter (OTC) medications or supplements to support your wellness goals. However, I do not prescribe or recommend specific prescription medications. For prescription options, including GLP-1 tools, my role is to help you understand the available science so you can have an informed discussion with your licensed healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and medical treatments require professional oversight.

Trust and Transparency: I only recommend products I trust. Most are items I use personally, while others are shared based on my professional trust in the clinical standards of partners like Ellie MD. Some links are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.