Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona and honored as Innovator of the Year, CarolAnn Tutera has made a lasting impact in the world of health and wellness. As the owner of Tutera Medical offices and SottoPelle, a hormone replacement training company,  she has built a reputation for innovation, compassion, and leadership, empowering countless individuals to live healthier, more vibrant lives. We’re excited to share her story with our DC Ranch community and learn more about her journey, inspirations, and vision for the future.

First of all, congratulations on being named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona and Innovator of the Year!

What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?  It’s a powerful acknowledgment of the hard work, resilience, and passion I’ve poured into my life and career… and the validation of a journey that began over 30 years ago. Being recognized among influential women reinforces my sense of purpose and boosts my confidence in my mission. It’s an empowering reminder that I’m not just participating—I’m leading.

My ultimate hope is that this recognition can serve as a beacon of inspiration for others, especially young women or those facing similar challenges. It shows that success is possible, and that influence can be earned through authenticity, resilience and dedication.

Can you share the story behind the SottoPelle Method of HRT and what inspired you to take it in the direction it is today?  Despite my entrepreneurial roots, I never imagined entering the medical field. My late husband Dr. Gino Tutera, a board-certified ob-gyn, began using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in 1979 to help prevent pregnancy loss. In 1993 he developed a proprietary method using bioidentical hormone pellets. As co-founders of SottoPelle®, we were the pioneers who paved the way as the industry leader for pellet practices across America. We moved from California to Scottsdale in 2004 and worked together for over 30 years, combining our vision, passion and talent to expand pellet therapy to a new level. As the company CEO, I became the first woman to start the pellet industry and the only female entrepreneur in this male-dominated field.  

Above all, what sets us apart is the dedication to our patients. They come first. We’re not just another medical clinic but a visionary team specializing in the best protocols for natural hormonal optimization, disease prevention and age-management medicine backed by 87 years of scientific research. We’re always looking ahead to the future… how we can leverage our groundbreaking research and proprietary method to improve human health and prevent disease, without synthetic drugs that often carry harmful side effects. Under my leadership, we’ve been named the No. 1 Hormone Clinic in Arizona for 10 consecutive years.

Innovation clearly plays a big role in your success—what drives your passion for creating new solutions?  Knowing that we are transforming lives fuels my passion. I’ve seen firsthand how hormone health can radically improve quality of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Every patient we help is a reminder that my work matters deeply. But it’s not just about an innovative method or medicine; it’s about pioneering a movement. Being the original leader means I’ve carved a path where few dared to go. That trailblazing spirit—challenging norms, educating others, and setting new standards --keeps my fire alive.  Hearing husbands tell us we saved their marriage and brought back their wives is very fulfilling!

What has been the most rewarding part of leading Tutera Medical & SottoPelle and helping people through your work?  My mission is to help people age gracefully and prevent serious illness or disease. Between countless online reviews and firsthand patient stories, hearing how we have restored their health and marriages and even saved lives is the most rewarding part of this work. Knowing how we are helping people age gracefully and enjoy a better quality of life makes my day. Good health is everything, and people need it to pursue their dreams. We’re helping them do that.

Being recognized as an influential woman is a huge honor. Who were some of the mentors who influenced your own journey?  My father has been my greatest mentor. He taught me about dedication and hard work at an early age as I watched him open many stores. Observing his dedication, resilience, and commitment as an entrepreneur to quality and integrity in his business had a profound impact on me. He emphasized the importance of responsibility and the pursuit of excellence, which influenced my professional and personal development as a trailblazer.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in the healthcare industry, and how did you overcome them?  When I co-founded the company with my late husband over 30 years ago, I managed the business administration. After he passed, I faced the enormous challenge of building the company and carrying on his medical legacy in a male-dominated industry. I knew he would want me to continue the work we started together, especially in brain and mental health, and the only thing that matters to us — helping people. I learned to trust my instincts and the innate skills that got me here in the first place.

 

Also, many members of the medical community still don’t understand bioidentical hormones or pellet therapy. One of my greatest challenges involves sorting out the confusion about hormones… that they’re not just about reproduction but critical for menopause, andropause, aging, brain health and disease. Educating people that bioidentical hormones are safe and the foundation for good health at any age remains an ongoing challenge.

 

You’re not only a business leader but also a community builder. How do you see your role in inspiring others in Arizona?  I didn’t just build a career — I built a legacy. My influence shapes the future of hormone health, inspires other professionals, and creates a ripple effect of wellness and empowerment across Arizona and beyond. My company set the gold standard for pellet therapy practices across America and has expanded internationally. We now have over 3500 Certified SottoPelle® Hormone Therapy providers serving thousands of patients worldwide.

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to be innovators and leaders in their fields?  As a CEO, to me it stands for Compassionate, Energetic and Original. Believe in yourself and be willing to take risks. Find what you love to do and keep at it.  Allow your own ideas to shine and take you where you want to go. Persist with courage, determination and tenacity, and it will become a reality. Don’t be afraid to stand out and glow!  

As visionary leaders in our field, we have always been years ahead of the industry in the correlation between hormones and brain health. Understanding how hormones regulate every function of the body and brain, we began treating patients with Parkinson’s, Traumatic Brain Injury and other neurodegenerative conditions in 2013, as well as former NFL players who turned to us for help with concussions.

 

Tutera Medical has now initiated a collaborative study with the Amen Clinics for neuroscientific research showing the impact of bioidentical hormone pellet therapy on the brain. We’re at the forefront of this exciting research that could help alleviate brain conditions and much of the general malaise that hits both sexes in mid-life.