Hormone-Health Myths and Facts with Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell
Apr 1, 2024
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Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell debunks myths about hormone health, challenges weight-loss recommendations, and discusses managing thyroid conditions. Topics include 'adrenal fatigue,' the Ozempic craze, holistic approaches in endocrinology, intuitive eating, and misconceptions around adrenal fatigue and steroid medication usage.
Addressing insulin resistance is crucial for managing PCOS, focusing on balanced meals over carb restriction.
Emphasizing health behaviors for menopausal women can be more beneficial than strict weight loss.
Adrenal fatigue lacks scientific validity, emphasizing accurate cortisol testing and avoiding unnecessary medications.
Prioritizing evidence-based care and supportive behaviors over weight-centric solutions in managing hormonal imbalances.
Deep dives
PCOS Treatment Approach
For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), regardless of a person's size, the focus should be on addressing insulin resistance, the cornerstone of this metabolic condition. Engaging in mixed meals that combine carbohydrates with proteins and fats to balance blood sugar levels, rather than outright carb restriction, is recommended. Emphasizing behaviors like enjoying movement, stress management, and balanced nutrition, irrespective of size, can help manage PCOS effectively.
Handling Menopause Weight Concerns
During menopause, as estrogen production decreases, the body may retain some fat, as fat cells produce estrogen. Recognizing that weight gain can be a natural response to hormonal changes is important. Understanding that an aging body benefits from having some extra fat for health and injury prevention is crucial. Encouraging behaviors that focus on health and well-being rather than strict weight loss can be more beneficial in managing menopausal symptoms.
Addressing Adrenal Fatigue Misconceptions
Adrenal fatigue, a term popular in wellness culture, describes symptoms like fatigue, potentially attributed to adrenal gland dysfunction. However, the scientific validity of this condition is questionable. Testing cortisol levels in the morning is essential to assess adrenal function accurately. Avoiding unnecessary steroid medications is crucial as prolonged use can lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency, highlighting the risks associated with misdiagnosed adrenal fatigue.
Root Causes in Wellness Culture
In wellness culture, the emphasis on finding root causes often leads to blaming weight for hormonal symptoms, promoting harmful weight loss tactics. These biased views fail to consider the multifactorial nature of conditions and overlook behaviors like sleep, stress management, and balanced nutrition in addressing health issues. Prioritizing evidence-based care over weight-focused solutions is essential within wellness and medical practices.
Insights on Hormone Health and Weight
Weight is often incorrectly linked to hormone-related conditions like PCOS and menopause, perpetuating the myth that weight loss can solve hormonal issues. Understanding the complexity of these conditions across diverse body sizes is crucial. Focusing on supportive behaviors, balanced nutrition, and stress management rather than weight loss can be more effective in managing hormonal imbalances.
Ozempic and Weight Loss Agonists
GLP1 agonists like Ozempic being promoted for weight loss raise concerns about framing them as diet drugs. Highlighting the potential harmful effects of such medications and discussing the complexities of using them for weight loss can shed light on the risks associated with relying solely on medication for addressing weight concerns.
Helping Patients Navigate Hormone Health
Navigating hormone-related conditions like PCOS, menopause, and adrenal function requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual needs and symptoms instead of solely focusing on weight. Encouraging behaviors that promote overall health, balanced nutrition, and stress management can be key in supporting patients through hormonal changes.
Promoting Evidence-Based Care
Emphasizing evidence-based care over weight-centric solutions and addressing the multifaceted nature of hormonal conditions can lead to more effective and supportive treatment approaches. Rethinking traditional narratives around weight and hormones is essential in providing holistic and personalized care to individuals navigating hormonal imbalances.
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.
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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.
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