#327: Hormone-Health Myths and Facts with Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell
Sep 5, 2024
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Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell, a specialist in hormone health, debunks common myths about hormone balance and weight management. He challenges the effectiveness of fad diets and supplements, arguing against the misconceptions of adrenal fatigue and the Ozempic craze. Dodell emphasizes the importance of a patient-focused approach, advocating for intuitive eating and personalized health strategies. He highlights the complexities of diagnosing hormone-related issues and promotes a weight-neutral perspective on managing hormonal imbalances.
Many hormone health myths proliferate in wellness culture, emphasizing diets and supplements without scientific support for their effectiveness.
Evidence-based practices highlight the significance of holistic approaches over weight-centric models for managing hormonal conditions like PCOS.
The growing trend of GLP-1 agonists as weight-loss solutions raises concerns about simplifying complex health issues without addressing underlying factors.
Deep dives
Understanding Hormone Myths and Wellness Culture
The discussion highlights prevalent myths surrounding hormone health that saturate wellness culture. Many practitioners, ranging from influencers to alternative medicine providers, assert that diets and supplements can achieve 'hormone balancing,' yet such claims lack scientific backing. A significant point is that wellness culture often prioritizes profit over evidence, leading to recommendations that can leave patients vulnerable to misinformation. The conversation urges individuals to remain skeptical of these claims and focus on seeking verifiable medical advice.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices
Practitioners stress the necessity of relying on evidence-based medicine when dealing with hormone and endocrine issues. The dialogue reveals how misguided treatment approaches, often centered on weight loss or restrictive diets, can exacerbate hormonal conditions rather than alleviate them. For instance, weight-centric models of care may overlook critical factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and mental well-being. By shifting the focus from weight to holistic behavioral modification, patients are better equipped to manage their health.
Navigating Weight and Hormonal Disorders
The interplay between weight and hormonal conditions like PCOS is complex, necessitating a nuanced approach to management. Endocrinologists emphasize that PCOS occurs across various sizes and that its foundational elements are rooted in insulin resistance rather than weight alone. The recommended management strategies involve promoting balanced nutrition rather than outright dietary restrictions. Therefore, incorporating mixed meals that include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is more beneficial in regulating blood sugar and supporting metabolic health.
Addressing Menopause with Holistic Support
Menopause can lead to significant physical changes, which often trigger distress about weight and body composition. Experts suggest that instead of pursuing weight loss, women should focus on healthy aging and stress management during this transition. They note the importance of acknowledging that fat cells contribute to hormonal balance, especially during menopause, as estrogen production naturally declines. By emphasizing behaviors that support overall health—like sleep, nutrition, and stress reduction—women can navigate this stage with greater ease and acceptance.
The Risks Associated with Diet Drugs
The podcast highlights the rising popularity of GLP-1 agonists, like Osempic, marketed as weight-loss solutions. The conversation brings attention to potential dangers posed by these drugs, particularly when framed as simple diet solutions without considering the individual's overall health context. Professionals caution against overlooking the underlying complexities of weight management and hormone health, underlining that relying solely on such pharmaceuticals can lead to complications. Instead, a comprehensive understanding of health and behavior modification is posed as a necessary foundation for effective treatment.
Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell joins us to discuss myths and facts about hormones, including the problems with doing diets and supplement protocols for “hormone balancing,” why weight-loss recommendations aren’t helpful for hormone health, how to manage thyroid conditions without falling prey to wellness fads, the truth about “adrenal fatigue,” the Ozempic craze, and more. This episode is a cross-post from our sister podcast, Rethinking Wellness, where paid subscribers can hear an extended interview with Greg.
Gregory Dodell, MD FACE is a board-certified endocrinologist. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his internal medicine and endocrinology Fellowship at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University. He is the President of Central Park Endocrinology, PC.
For more critical thinking and compassionate skepticism about wellness and diet culture, check out Christy’s Rethinking Wellness podcast! You can also sign up to get it in your inbox every week at rethinkingwellness.substack.com.
Ask a question about diet and wellness culture, disordered-eating recovery, and the anti-diet approach for a chance to have it answered on Rethinking Wellness. You can also subscribe to the Food Psych Weekly newsletter to check out previous answers!
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