Women's Hormonal Balance for Anxiety, Sleep & Fat Loss | Dr. Elana Zinkov
Apr 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Elana Zinkov discusses hormonal balance in women, touching on topics like the effects of birth control on perimenopause, the role of bioidentical hormones, and the importance of DHEA. She explains the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, the significance of hormone ratios, and the impact of anti-Mullerian hormone on ovarian reserve. The discussion also covers the benefits of oral progesterone, peptide use for growth hormone optimization, and the role of protein intake in thyroid health for women.
Monitoring key markers like FSH levels can help identify premature ovarian failure or perimenopause.
Tracking cycle patterns post hormonal birth control cessation enables lifestyle or hormonal adjustments based on individual needs.
DHEA levels play a crucial role in energy balance and hormone equilibrium, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Deep dives
Identifying Premature Ovarian Failure and Perimenopause
Identifying hormonal imbalances like premature ovarian failure or perimenopause involves monitoring key markers like FSH levels, which signal ovarian struggle when exceeding 15. Additionally, tracking estrogen levels below 70 and observing consistency in ovulation timing through monitoring LH and FSH in the cycle's first and second half is crucial for assessment.
Transitioning Off Hormonal Birth Control
Transitioning off hormonal birth control entails understanding one's cycle patterns by collecting three months of data to assess regularity, utilizing temperature measurements, and monitoring cervical fluid changes indicative of ovulation. Lifestyle adjustments, herbal supplements, or bioidentical hormone replacement could be considered for cycle irregularities depending on age and individual needs.
The Role of DHEA in Hormonal Balance
DHEA, crucial for energy levels and hormone equilibrium, influences and is produced by the adrenal glands. Monitoring DHEA levels, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women, can aid in addressing energy fluctuations and hormonal shifts. Starting with a low dose like 5 milligrams and progressively titrating based on individual responses is recommended for hormonal support.
Hormonal Influences on Mood and Gender Dysphoria
Hormonal fluctuations, such as low progesterone levels in women, can significantly impact mood, causing anxiety and depression. The overprescription of psychiatric medications and stimulants to adolescents is highlighted as a concerning trend. The surge in gender dysphoria is discussed in relation to hormonal mediation from exposure to xenoestrogens and societal pressures, emphasizing the importance of considering both hormonal and environmental influences.
Role of Oral Progesterone in Improving Sleep and Mood
Oral progesterone is noted for its effectiveness in improving sleep and stabilizing mood, especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone, which stimulates GABA receptors, explains its soothing effects. The benefits of oral progesterone over topical applications are highlighted, suggesting oral supplementation as a preferred option for addressing sleep issues and mood stability.
Hormones play a pivotal role in every aspect of a woman's life, from mood to fertility and beyond, understanding how to optimize their function is paramount. Dr. Elena Zinkov shares actionable strategies and insights that empower women to take control of their hormonal health and thrive.
0:00 Intro 4:50 Hormonal birth control and xenoestrogens from our environment push women into perimenopause and premature ovarian failure. 6:30 Women who come off birth control may experience early perimenopause. 9:30 Bioidentical hormones can help women coming off hormonal birth control to recuperate. 11:30 Women have more testosterone than estrogen. 13:40 PCOS is an insulin and low progesterone issue. 15:40 Women’s estrogen and progesterone are produced in the ovarian follicles. Adrenal glands also produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 18:25 AMH levels reflect the ovarian reserve. 18:50 Egg quality depends upon balanced levels of estrogen and testosterone. 21:30 DHEA is important for energy, healthy estrogen levels, blood sugar metabolism, immune system, muscle mass, and post workout recovery. 29:05 All hormones are at their peak between 8 and 10 am. 29:45 Blood/serum testing is the most accurate. 32:30 Follicle-stimulating hormone FSH helps the egg to mature and stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone. 34:15 We are starting to see late perimenopause and menopause levels of FSH in young women. 34:40 Optimal estradiol is between 70 to 150. 35:00 The follicular phase starts on day one of bleeding and luteal starts with ovulation. 37:15 Body temperature and cervical fluid are effective ways to determine if you are ovulating. 42:00 Signs of low progesterone 46:50 Bioidentical oral progesterone 50:00 Helps with sleep: valerian root, CBD, magnesium, GABA, and L-theanine (am and pm). 53:30 Growth hormone peptides can help you sleep through the night. 58:45 Oxytocin nasal spray is neuroprotective and can help with stress management and resilience, anxiety, and depression. 59:50 Women should consume 30 to 40 grams of protein at least 3 to 4 times per day, with a minimum of 120 grams/day.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode