2502: Hormone Therapy for Aesthetics With Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald
Jan 2, 2025
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Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald, a functional medicine physician specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), shares her insights on the transformative power of hormone therapy for aesthetics and wellness. She discusses the crucial role hormones play during midlife, especially for women, and dispels misconceptions around testosterone and thyroid treatments. The conversation explores her journey from anesthesia to health entrepreneurship, emphasizing individualized treatment plans and the integration of diet and exercise to optimize health outcomes.
Hormone replacement therapy is vital for individuals over a certain age to improve energy, weight management, and cognitive function.
Conventional lab tests may misrepresent hormonal health, making it essential to distinguish between normal and optimal hormone levels for effective treatment.
Integrating functional medicine with hormone therapy enables personalized care strategies that address the underlying causes of health issues and enhance well-being.
Deep dives
The Case for Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is viewed as essential for individuals above a certain age to address deficiencies that can impact overall health. Hormones play a crucial role in managing various bodily functions, including weight, energy, and cognitive performance. Many individuals struggle with symptoms of hormone deficiency despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the need for potential intervention. The notion that everyone over a certain age should consider hormone therapy extends beyond just aesthetics; it addresses fundamental health issues often exacerbated by environmental factors.
The Importance of Lab Testing Beyond Averages
Conventional lab tests often rely on average ranges that can mislead individuals about their hormonal health. Many people can fall within these so-called normal ranges yet still experience significant deficiencies. Understanding the distinction between normal and optimal hormone levels is crucial for effective treatment. The discussion emphasizes that optimal hormone levels lead to better health outcomes, while normal ranges can represent a large and potentially unhealthy population.
The Role of Specific Hormones in Health
Testosterone and thyroid hormones emerge as crucial factors for both men and women when addressing health issues related to aging. For many individuals, inadequate testosterone levels can contribute to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and mood disturbances. Among women, maintaining hormone balance, including progesterone and testosterone, is vital for overall health and well-being. By focusing on individual hormone optimization, practitioners can significantly impact their patients' quality of life.
The Shift Towards Functional Medicine
Functional medicine represents an evolving approach that looks beyond traditional medical practices to address the root causes of health issues. This model emphasizes personalized care, where practitioners focus on understanding each patient's unique hormonal profile and lifestyle factors. The integration of hormone therapy and functional medicine allows for comprehensive treatment strategies that can lead to improved health outcomes. This holistic perspective often contrasts with standard practices that may overlook the underlying issues affecting patients.
The Impact of Lifestyle and Nutrition on Hormonal Health
Exercise and nutrition play critical roles in optimizing hormonal health, particularly through strength training and high-protein diets. Regular weight lifting helps build muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining metabolic health and preventing muscle loss as individuals age. Additionally, adequate protein intake is often lacking in many diets, and tracking protein consumption can reveal significant deficiencies. A focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods complements the benefits of hormone optimization, creating a synergistic effect that enhances overall health.
Hormone Therapy for Aesthetics for Women Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald
Why she believes you should go on hormone therapy once you are past a certain age. (1:26)
Normal does NOT mean optimal. (2:56)
The difference between BHRT and HRT. (3:47)
Her journey of becoming an MD, a Beachbody coach, and how she got into functional medicine. (7:51)
How is she different from traditional functional medicine doctors? (16:02)
Why hormones place a MASSIVE role on your progress. (17:44)
Her experience with GLP-1s and busting the myths surrounding them. (20:15)
The most common hormones she starts her clients with. (24:23)
Which provides the most aesthetic benefit? (24:58)
What does progesterone provide for women? (25:40)
Why labs are NOT nearly as important as symptoms. (26:33)
Why she prefers creams for men and women. (29:46)
You can have a good libido and have TERRIBLE testosterone. (32:23)
Her preferences when it comes to thyroid medication. (33:05)
Why she prefers to be OPTIMIZED and not natural. (36:23)
To whom doesn’t she recommend hormone replacement therapy? (37:56)
The benefits of DHT. (40:37)
The sooner you invest in yourself the CHEAPER your healthcare will be when you get older. (41:43)
The rise of the female hormone optimization movement. (44:34)
The order of operations for a female looking to make a shift in their health. (46:05)
The best form of exercise for hormone optimization. (51:46)
The muscle-memory investment. (52:54)
Why getting back to the way our ancestors lived just helps support how our hormones are designed to work. (54:38)
PCOS needs to be renamed. (55:35)
Weak muscles, weak bones. (57:07)
The importance and value of protein. (57:55)
Why nothing happens fast with hormones. (59:15)
If you’re taking thyroid medication, DO THIS! (1:01:42)
Her primary business. (1:05:29)
Make America Hard Again. (1:06:14)
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