Podcast Summary
Free trial to Dr. Hyman Plus for podcast listeners: Listeners get exclusive, ad-free podcast episodes and functional medicine deep dives during a free seven-day trial on Dr. Hyman Plus, including discussions on heart and muscle health, insulin resistance, and addressing community members' concerns about HRT
Dr. Mark Hyman is offering a free seven-day trial to the Doctors' Pharmacy Podcast community on his new platform, Dr. Hyman Plus. During this trial, listeners get access to exclusive, ad-free podcast episodes and functional medicine deep dives, including topics on heart and muscle health, insulin resistance, and more. Dr. Elizabeth Bohem, a medical director at the Ultra Wellness Center, answered community questions during this episode. One question was about a listener who went into premature ovarian failure at age 34 and has been taking HRT, specifically estrogen and progesterone, for the past four and a half years. Dr. Bohem clarified that the listener's estrogen, Estrogel, is bioidentical, meaning it is identical to the body's natural hormones, unlike older forms of HRT that were not bioidentical. The listener's continued use of HRT and potential long-term risks were also discussed. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights on HRT and its various forms, as well as addressing the specific concerns of a community member.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy and Exercise for Women: Hormone therapy with bioidentical estradiol helps women with premature menopause prevent health risks, while morning exercise, including strength training, aids in belly fat loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
For women who experience premature menopause, hormone therapy with bioidentical estradiol can be beneficial in preventing health risks associated with estrogen deficiency, particularly for bone health. Morning exercise, including strength training, is an effective way to lose belly fat by improving insulin sensitivity. While both fasted morning workouts and those with a small meal beforehand have their merits, the most important thing is to prioritize regular exercise and avoid creating too many restrictive rules around food and workout timing.
Prevent muscle loss during fasted workouts and manage menopause symptoms: Consume a small meal with protein before fasted workouts to preserve muscle. For menopausal women, address hormonal shifts with adequate protein, omega-3s, and consider checking thyroid, iron, cortisol levels, and sleep studies.
For individuals who are exercising in a fasted state after a long fast, there is a potential risk of burning lean muscle mass for energy. To mitigate this, consuming a small meal with around 200-300 calories and 15 grams of protein before exercise can help provide necessary nutrition and prevent muscle loss. This could be a banana with nut butter or a small smoothie. Additionally, for post-menopausal women experiencing ADHD symptoms, focus issues, and anxiety, addressing hormonal shifts is important. Ensuring adequate protein intake and omega-3 fats, as well as checking thyroid, iron, cortisol levels, and considering a sleep study and progesterone supplementation, can all be helpful in managing these symptoms. It's essential to consider the timeline of when symptoms started and their severity pre and post-menopause to determine the root cause.
Considering HRT for Menopause Symptoms: A Holistic Approach: HRT can help alleviate menopause symptoms, but consider specific progesterone types and forms for anxiety. Amino acids, magnesium, and maka can aid focus and anxiety. Address symptoms holistically, considering individual needs.
For individuals experiencing menopause symptoms such as anxiety, attention issues, low energy, and mood swings, considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial, especially if initiated before the age of 60. HRT can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. However, it's crucial to consider the specific type of progesterone being used and its form (oral or transdermal) when dealing with anxiety. Amino acid supplements, magnesium, and maka can also be helpful for focus and anxiety. It's essential to address menopause symptoms as a whole, considering the individual's unique needs and circumstances. When considering HRT, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits, and consider other potential contributing factors to symptoms.
Supporting personalized lifestyle factors for a smoother menopause transition: Focus on sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, good relationships, adrenal gland support through breathing exercises, acupuncture, adaptogens, B vitamins, and maka.
Supporting personalized lifestyle factors can significantly improve the experience of menopause. This includes getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress reduction techniques, and good relationships. Focusing on the adrenal glands, which help manage stress and secrete cortisol, can lead to a smoother transition. Practices like 15 minutes of breathing exercises twice a day and acupuncture have been shown to help with symptoms like hot flashes, sleep, and mood. Supplements like adaptogens, B vitamins, and maka can also support the adrenal glands and hormones during this time. Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized recommendations.
Find a qualified medical practitioner for personalized health guidance: Consult with a licensed healthcare professional for expert advice and personalized treatment plans, especially for functional medicine concerns. Use the IFM's 'Find a Practitioner' database to locate a practitioner near you.
If you're currently dealing with health issues or looking to make significant improvements to your overall wellbeing, it's crucial to consult with a qualified medical practitioner. A licensed healthcare professional can provide you with the guidance, expertise, and support you need to make informed decisions about your health. If you're specifically interested in functional medicine, you can visit the Institute for Functional Medicine's (IFM) website and use their "Find a Practitioner" database to locate a practitioner near you. Functional medicine practitioners focus on addressing the root causes of health issues and working collaboratively with their patients to create personalized treatment plans. By seeking out a qualified medical practitioner, you'll be taking a vital step towards improving your health and overall quality of life.
