271. What Every Couple Needs To Know About Women's Hormones

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses women's hormones and their impact on sexual health with sex therapist, Amanda Louder on her "Sex For Saints" podcast.

She emphasizes that libido is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. The conversation focuses on perimenopause and postmenopause, highlighting the lack of education and information available to women in these stages of life. Dr. Casperson addresses the fear surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and explains that the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 contributed to this fear. However, she emphasizes the numerous benefits of HRT, including decreased risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mood disorders.

We discuss the importance of vaginal estrogen in maintaining vaginal health and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). We highlight the issues of cost and the FDA's black box warning on estrogen products, which she believes are outdated and misleading.

Dr. Casperson also addresses the misconception around bioidentical hormones, explaining that they are the same as the hormones produced by the body and can be obtained through insurance-approved medications. She emphasizes the need for individualized hormone therapy and the importance of communication in navigating menopause and sexual health.

Takeaways

• Libido is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Perimenopause and postmenopause are stages of life that lack sufficient education and information for women.
• The fear surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is largely due to the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002.
• HRT has numerous benefits, including decreased risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mood disorders.
• Finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider and advocating for oneself is crucial in addressing women's sexual health concerns.
• Vaginal estrogen can be highly beneficial for women's sexual health, particularly in addressing issues such as chronic UTIs. Vaginal estrogen helps maintain vaginal health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by promoting a healthy acidic environment in the vagina.
• The cost of vaginal estrogen can vary significantly, but there are ways to find more affordable options, such as using online pharmacies and discount coupons.
• The FDA's black box warning on estrogen products is outdated and does not differentiate between systemic and vaginal estrogen. The safety of vaginal estrogen has been supported by multiple studies.
• Bioidentical hormones are the same as the hormones produced by the body and can be obtained through insurance-approved medications. The term 'bioidentical' is often used as a marketing tool.

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