Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ BONUS: AMA: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Their Health with Dr. Tabatha Barber
Dec 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tabatha Barber, a triple board-certified OB/GYN and host of The Gutsy Gynecologist Show, decodes the complexities of midlife health. She explains how both high and low estrogen can lead to weight gain and the importance of achieving hormonal balance. Dr. Barber also tackles the impact of xenoestrogens from plastics and menstrual products. Dive into insights on managing hormones post-hysterectomy, strategies for low libido, and the effects of leptin resistance on hunger. A must-listen for women navigating midlife changes!
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Estrogen Both Drives And Prevents Weight Gain
- Both too much and too little estrogen can cause weight gain because estrogen is a growth hormone that signals the body to store fat.
- Finding a hormonal "sweet spot" is essential to avoid weight gain from either extreme.
Cut Xenoestrogens To Rebalance Hormones
- Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens by avoiding scented products and plastics, and choose organic menstrual products or a Diva cup.
- Cleaning up your environment and diet can markedly reduce estrogen dominance symptoms and heavy periods.
Use FSH To Guide Hormone Dosing
- If on estrogen therapy, monitor FSH and aim to lower it (not necessarily to premenopausal levels) to help with weight and metabolic outcomes.
- Use FSH as a dynamic marker to guide hormone dosing rather than a single "menopause" cutoff.