Ep. 454 Menopause, Memory & Hormones: What You Need to Know with Dr. Daved Rosensweet
Apr 5, 2025
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In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Daved Rosensweet, founder of The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine, shares his expert insights on menopause and cognitive health. He emphasizes the crucial role of hormones and nutrition in preventing cognitive decline as women age. The conversation addresses the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy, advocating for individualized treatment plans. Dr. Rosensweet also highlights the significance of maintaining optimal estrogen levels and the impact of testosterone on muscle and mood, offering practical strategies for healthier aging.
Hormonal imbalances during menopause can lead to significant health complications, making proactive management essential for long-term health.
Maintaining muscle mass through exercise and proper hormonal therapy is crucial for preventing mobility issues and enhancing overall quality of life.
Personalized approaches to hormone replacement therapy are vital, as individualized treatment can lead to better health outcomes and cognitive protection.
Deep dives
The Importance of Hormonal Balance
Hormones play a critical role in maintaining overall health, especially as women transition through menopause. A significant focus is placed on the balance between estrogen and progesterone, as a decline in progesterone occurs earlier and more sharply than that of estrogen. This imbalance can lead to complications like heavy menstrual cycles and other symptoms commonly associated with perimenopause. It is important for women to address these hormonal changes proactively to stave off later health issues, particularly those that could lead to nursing home care.
Exercise and Muscle Health
Maintaining muscle mass is essential for women's health, particularly as they age. Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, significantly impacts mobility and overall quality of life, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Hormones, particularly testosterone, play a critical role in maintaining muscle health. Engaging in regular exercise, along with appropriate hormonal therapies, can help stave off these declines and promote longevity without the need for assisted living or nursing care.
The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a pivotal element in treating symptoms of menopause and protecting against neurocognitive decline. There are many different forms of HRT, including varying methods of administration such as patches, injections, or compounded options like estradiol and progesterone. Understanding the unique hormonal needs of each individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, leads to better outcomes. Significant attention is needed to avoid super physiologic dosing, which can introduce additional risks and side effects.
Neurocognitive Health and Hormonal Influence
Concerns about neurocognitive decline, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, are important topics for women transitioning through menopause. Estrogen is shown to be protective for brain health, and estrogen deficiency can exacerbate cognitive decline. Studies suggest that appropriate hormonal treatments can alleviate symptoms and in some cases even reverse cognitive impairment when caught early. This highlights the importance of regular evaluations and discussions around hormone levels for women of all ages, especially those years post-menopause.
Individualized Treatment and Patient Empowerment
Personalized treatment strategies are crucial in addressing the complexities of hormone health during menopause. Women should feel empowered to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with healthcare providers who understand the individual nuances of hormonal balance. Factors such as family history, personal health conditions, and lifestyle choices must be considered when making treatment decisions. Ultimately, women deserve tailored approaches that respect their unique bioindividuality, which can significantly enhance their health outcomes and quality of life.
Today, I am excited to connect with Dr. Daved Rosensweet, the founder of The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine and The Menopause Method, a leading expert in andropause and menopause treatment, and an internationally recognized lecturer and presenter with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Rosensweet has written three books, including his latest, Happy Healthy Hormones.
In our discussion today, we dive into factors that influence long-term health and cognitive function during menopause, exploring strategies to help you avoid becoming a nursing home patient. We look at the role of hormone replacement therapy, the neurocognitive shifts that occur in perimenopause and menopause, why pellet therapy may not be the best choice for most women, and the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative. Dr. Rosensweet also shares valuable insights on the differences between compounded and synthetic HRT, the importance of testing, and the best routes of administration, and we examine what happens to hormone receptors more than a decade into menopause and how to support brain health by maintaining optimal estrogen levels.
This insightful conversation with Dr. Rosensweet is invaluable, so you may want to listen to it more than once.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:
Why hormones, exercise, and protein are crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health as women age
Why testosterone is essential for muscle mass maintenance, mood, and cognitive function
The role of estrogen in maintaining cognitive function and potentially reversing dementia in women
Dr. Rosensweet shares his concerns about pellet therapy
The benefits of using bioidentical hormones
Some alternative forms of HRT
Why patients and clinicians must share decision-making
How long-term hormone deficiency affects women's health
Why it is essential to monitor hormone levels
The benefits of addressing progesterone deficiency early
Bio: Dr. Daved Rosensweet
Daved Rosensweet, MD, is the Founder of The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine and The Menopause Method, as well as the author of three books on the subject, including his latest "Happy Healthy Hormones". With over 30 years of experience specializing in andropause and menopause treatment, Dr. Rosensweet is an internationally known lecturer and presenter. Early in his career, he trained the first nurse practitioners in the United States and was in charge of health promotion for the State of New Mexico. Currently, Dr.Rosensweet spends the majority of his time as the Medical Director of The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine, where he trains medical practitioners to specialize in menopause and andropause medicine.