Navigating “Life Hormones” Through Supplementation & Lifestyle with Dr. Felice Gersh
Sep 25, 2023
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Dr. Felice Gersh, an integrative OB-GYN, discusses Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bioidenticals, and the role of lifestyle changes in hormonal balance. Topics include managing symptoms of aging, increasing energy and productivity, understanding perimenopause and menopause, the impact of stress and estradiol on menopausal women, circadian rhythm dysfunction, synchronizing women's cycles with the moon, and understanding hormonal cycles and lifestyle for menopause.
Supplementing with bioidentical hormones can help mitigate the effects of estradiol loss during menopause and maintain overall health.
Hormone supplementation can support critical neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood, cognition, and libido during menopause.
A holistic approach that combines hormone supplementation with a nutrient-dense diet, stress management, quality sleep, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight optimizes women's well-being during and after menopause.
Deep dives
Understanding the importance of estradiol in women's health
Estradiol, one of the main hormones in women, plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, including reproductive function, cardiovascular health, brain function, and immune system regulation. As women enter perimenopause and menopause, they gradually lose estradiol, leading to a range of symptoms and increased health risks. Supplementing with bioidentical hormones can help mitigate these effects and maintain optimal total body function.
The impact of estradiol on brain function and neurotransmitters
Estradiol affects several neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in mood regulation, cognition, and social bonding. As estradiol declines during menopause, women may experience mood swings, cognitive changes, and decreased libido. Hormone supplementation can help support these neurochemicals and alleviate some of the mental challenges associated with menopause.
Lifestyle approaches to support hormone health
While hormone supplementation is beneficial, it should be complemented with lifestyle strategies to promote optimal health. This includes following a nutrient-dense diet, avoiding processed foods and chemicals, nurturing the gut microbiome, managing stress levels, prioritizing quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. A holistic approach that combines hormone supplementation with a healthy lifestyle can optimize women's overall well-being during and after menopause.
Exploring the potential of aligning hormone supplementation with lunar cycles
Some theories suggest that aligning hormone supplementation with lunar cycles, which mimic the monthly cycles in prehistoric times, may offer a more natural approach. While the scientific evidence is limited, it can be an intriguing and romantic notion. Supplementing hormones in accordance with the full moon can be explored, as it aligns with the hypothetical ancient reproductive rhythms. However, more research is needed to better understand the potential benefits and ideal approach to aligning hormone supplementation with lunar cycles.
The Importance of Gut Integrity and Nutrition
Maintaining gut integrity is crucial for overall health and proper nutrition. The speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding malnourishment and ensuring intake of essential antioxidants, micronutrients, and macronutrients. They highlight the significance of phytoestrogens found in various foods, such as pomegranates, flax seeds, and soy, in supporting women's health, including hormone regulation and alleviating menopausal symptoms. A plant-based diet with small amounts of high-quality animal products is recommended, alongside lifestyle factors like exercise, stress control, and circadian rhythm management.
The Role of Exercise and Hormones in Menopause
Exercise is seen as a crucial component in supporting menopausal women's health. It is regarded as a master therapeutic tool, promoting gut microbiome health and mimicking the benefits of fasting. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting exercise routines to account for changes in musculoskeletal health and collagen loss. Resistance training is particularly emphasized for maintaining bone density and muscle mass. The speaker emphasizes the significance of hormones, particularly estradiol and progesterone, in sustaining overall health and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach including nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and hormone therapy to navigate the menopausal transition successfully.
Dr. Mindy is joined by the remarkable Dr. Felice Gersh, a practicing integrative OB-GYN, to delve deep into the intricate world of hormones. Dr. Gersh is a true rarity, advocating an integrative approach to women's health, and she's here to discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bioidenticals, and the essential role lifestyle changes play in hormonal balance.
To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://www.drmindypelz.com/ep198/.
Felice Gersh, M.D. has degrees from Princeton University and the University of Southern California School of Medicine and is fellowship-trained in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona School of Medicine. She is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, a practice that provides comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine. She taught obstetrics and gynecology at Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years as an Assistant Clinical Professor, where she received the highly coveted Outstanding Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award. She now serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member at the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, through the University of Arizona School of Medicine, where she lectures and regularly grades the case presentations written by the Fellowship students for their final exams. Felice Gersh, M.D. is the bestselling author of PCOS SOS and the PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, and Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know. She has also had numerous scientific articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
