48: The Truth About Supplements for Hormonal Health with Shawn Wells
Mar 2, 2025
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Join nutritional biochemist Shawn Wells, known as the 'World's Greatest Formulator', as he discusses the vital connection between hormones and women's health, particularly during menopause. He explores the impact of the gut microbiome on hormonal balance and the role of stress in disrupting it. Discover the power of adaptogens like ashwagandha for resilience, and how supplements such as magnesium and vitamin D3 can enhance hormonal health. Shawn also advocates for a fresh perspective on women's hormonal cycles, aiming to empower women's health awareness.
Supplementation with magnesium, vitamin D3, and adaptogens like ashwagandha is crucial for managing hormonal health during menopause.
Understanding the four hormonal phases of a woman's menstrual cycle can empower women to optimize their health and self-care practices.
Addressing chronic stress through lifestyle changes and nutrition is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and alleviating mental health symptoms.
Deep dives
The Role of Supplements in Hormonal Health
Supplementation is vital for managing hormonal health, particularly during menopause. Specific supplements such as magnesium and vitamin D3 have shown significant efficacy in improving symptoms such as sleep disturbances and mood swings. Both these nutrients are often found to be deficient in many individuals, contributing to increased stress and hormonal imbalances. Along with these, adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are discussed for their ability to help the body manage stress and restore balance.
Understanding Hormonal Phases and Female Superpowers
The podcast elaborates on the four hormonal phases women experience throughout their menstrual cycle, likening them to the four seasons. Recognizing the distinct characteristics of each phase empowers women to align their lifestyle choices, supplements, and self-care practices accordingly. For example, high estrogen levels during the ovulatory phase can enhance focus and productivity, while the luteal phase might necessitate more self-care and relaxation. This perspective encourages women to harness these cycles as superpowers rather than view them as burdens.
The Connection Between Stress and Hormonal Imbalance
Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on hormonal balance, often leading to conditions like anxiety and depression, particularly during menopause. The discussion emphasizes the significance of managing stress through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and proper supplementation. Notably, the impact of a disrupted gut microbiome as a consequence of stress is highlighted, linking it to hormonal dysfunction. By addressing stress holistically through nutrition, sleep, and mindful practices, women may alleviate many corresponding mental health symptoms.
Alternative Approaches to Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Several alternative supplements for menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes and low libido, are presented. Herbs like Dong Quai and evening primrose oil offer promising relief for menopausal symptoms without the need for traditional hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as proper nutrition, stress management, and ensuring adequate sleep play crucial roles in mitigating menopausal discomfort. These recommendations aim to provide women with safe, effective alternatives to pharmaceuticals that often come with troubling side effects.
A Call for Gender-Specific Research in Medicine
The conversation stresses the importance of recognizing gender differences in medical research, particularly in the context of hormonal health. Historically, women’s health has been somewhat neglected in studies, which often extrapolate data gathered from male populations. This oversight leads to misunderstandings in treating conditions unique to women, such as menopause and hormonal imbalances. A push for more female-focused research and clinical trials is advocated to ensure that women receive appropriate care tailored to their specific biological needs.
TL;DR: In this episode, holistic endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith teams up with supplement formulator Sean Wells to chat about how hormones affect women's health during menopause and perimenopause. They dive into the importance of understanding the different phases of a woman's menstrual cycle and how stress can throw hormonal balance off track.
About Sean Wells: Shawn Wells, MPH, RD, CISSN, FISSN, is a globally recognized nutritional biochemist, dietitian, and supplement formulator. Known as The World's Greatest Formulator, he has developed over 1,000 products and holds 40+ patents in the health and wellness industry.
A best-selling author of The ENERGY Formula, Shawn’s work has been featured on major platforms like Forbes, NPR, and The Joe Rogan Experience. Passionate about optimizing health, he continues to innovate in performance nutrition and longevity.
Show Highlights:
(00:01:13) Exploration of supplements for hot flashes, stress management
(00:01:13) Sean discusses the gut microbiome's impact on hormones and stress
(00:02:12) Exploration of different hormonal phases in women’s lives
(00:11:55) Discussion on the need for a shift in how society views women's health and hormonal cycles.
(00:21:18) Sean recommends adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola to help balance hormones and improve resilience.
(00:26:01) Impact of microplastics and environmental toxins on health and hormonal function.
(00:31:19) Recommendations for supplements to support hormonal balance, especially during menopause.
(00:52:14) Strategies for managing stress without relying on pharmaceuticals.
(01:05:20) Final thoughts and sharing of resources for further information and supplements.