77. Hormone Myths & Misconceptions: What Every Provider and Patient Should Know

As the founder and CEO of Living Well Dallas Functional Medicine Center, Dr. Betty Murray pioneered the first multi-specialty clinic in Dallas dedicated to the functional medicine model. Her unwavering mission is to revolutionize the medical landscape and provide a precision healthcare experience for every patient. After being diagnosed with colitis in her early 30s while working as an IT executive, she embarked on a transformative 25+ year odyssey, returning to a Ph.D. program and diving deep into women’s health research. Today, Betty is a leading expert in women's hormones, focusing on their intricate interplay with immune, gut, and metabolic functions

Alongside Dr. Murray, we’re examining and debunking a ton of myths associated with hormones in this episode. We also delve into her personal battle with colitis and the pivotal role nutrition played in her healing process. We unpack the controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially the fallout from the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study. Dr. Murray provides clarity on the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones, emphasizing informed discussions with healthcare providers. We later explore testosterone's often-overlooked significance in women's health and the need for empowered partnerships between patients and their doctors.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Why Dr. Murray’s personal battle with debilitating colitis led her to thoroughly explore nutrition for holistic healing.

• Why Dr. Murray focuses intensely on debunking prevalent myths around HRT.

• How the pivotal 2002 Women's Health Initiative study significantly impacted public perception of HRT.

• Why the study's methodological flaws unfortunately fueled misconceptions about hormone therapy risks.

• How Dr. Murray clearly differentiates between bioidentical and synthetic hormone treatments.

• Why bioidentical hormones effectively can reduce cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular health risks.

• How testosterone is significantly important for women's muscle, brain, and bone health.

• Why bioidentical hormones generally carry zero clotting risk when used appropriately.

• How hormone therapy timing can be crucial for optimal brain health benefits in women.

• Why informed consent is critically important in prescribing effective hormone therapies.

• How environmental factors like pervasive toxins can mimic estrogen and negatively impact health.

• How Dr. Murray strongly advocates for a more personalized approach to hormonal health management.

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MENRVA Telemedicine: https://getmenrva.com

Dr. Betty Murray’s website: https://www.bettymurray.com

Dr. Betty Murray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbettymurray

Menopause Mastery on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/menopause-mastery/id1607369247

Menopause Mastery on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qgY9Cubf9cUm6zz47p6vt?si=be1ca18a4464455a