40: Unlocking Estrogen's Secrets: A Guide to Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Felice Gersh
Apr 1, 2024
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Dr. Felice Gersh, a board-certified OB GYN and integrative medicine physician, enlightens us on the pivotal role of estradiol in maintaining metabolic and immune processes. She debunks misconceptions about natural estrogen and its impact on breast cancer, explores the complexities of hormone-positive tumors, and advocates for a plant-based diet and phytoestrogens to support estrogen receptors. The podcast emphasizes the importance of natural hormone rhythms, challenges the use of contraceptives for menstrual irregularities, and discusses individualized hormone therapy approaches for women's health.
Menstrual cycles serve as vital signs revealing underlying health issues, cautioning against masking symptoms with contraceptive pills.
Synthetic hormones in birth control pills and HRT are portrayed as endocrine disruptors disrupting natural hormone balance.
Estradiol is highlighted as a protective hormone crucial for cancer prevention, emphasizing its anti-inflammatory and tumor suppressor effects.
Deep dives
Mismanagement of Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities
The traditional medical approach of prescribing birth control pills to address menstrual cycle irregularities is criticized for merely masking symptoms without addressing underlying issues. Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle serve as vital signs revealing potential health problems, including irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, and emotional changes. The significance of menstrual cycles as vital signs akin to blood pressure and pulse is emphasized, indicating the need to address underlying health issues rather than resorting to contraceptive pills.
Concerns Regarding Synthetic Hormones
The use of synthetic hormones, specifically in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, is highlighted as problematic. These synthetic hormones, such as ethinyl estradiol and conjugated equine estrogens, are described as endocrine disruptors that can have adverse effects on hormone functioning in the body. The comparison of synthetic hormones to endocrine disruptors emphasizes the potential risks they pose in disrupting the body's natural hormone balance and functioning.
Role of Estradiol in Cancer Prevention
Estradiol, a form of estrogen, is portrayed as a protective hormone that plays a crucial role in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer. High levels of estradiol are linked to anti-inflammatory effects and activation of tumor suppressor genes. These mechanisms highlight the significance of estradiol in maintaining cellular health, apoptosis, and protecting against cancer development.
Importance of Hormonal Optimization and Prevention
The importance of early hormonal optimization and prevention strategies in women's health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, is underscored. It is suggested that treating menopause as a hormone insufficiency state and addressing hormonal deficiencies can contribute to healthier aging and disease prevention. The paradigm shift towards embracing natural hormones and focusing on prevention rather than reactionary measures is advocated as a key approach to women's health and well-being.
Understanding Hormone Replacement in Women
The podcast episode delves into the importance of hormone replacement therapy in women, emphasizing that hormones are crucial for overall health. It highlights the significance of being attentive to changes in hormone levels and considering hormone supplementation as women age. The discussion stresses the relevance of starting hormone replacement therapy early, recognizing signs of hormonal changes, and addressing hormonal imbalances to maintain well-being.
Exploring the Role of Testosterone in Women
Another key focus of the podcast is the role of testosterone in females, shedding light on its production, effects, and relevance in reproductive and menopausal ages. The episode emphasizes the sources of testosterone, including the adrenal gland, and the impact of testosterone levels on women's health. It discusses the considerations for testosterone supplementation, potential benefits, and the necessity of individualized approaches to hormonal balance for optimal well-being.
In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Felice Gersh, a board-certified OB GYN and integrative medicine physician. In this episode we tackle the contentious and often misunderstood relationship between estrogen and breast cancer, as Dr. Gersh dispels the myths surrounding estradiol, enlightening us on its pivotal role for maintaining metabolic and immune processes. We critique the conventional medical practice of using contraceptives to treat menstrual irregularities, the discussions uncover the importance of natural hormone rhythms for preventing inflammation and cancer. We delve into the complexities of hormone-positive tumors, the nuances of different estrogen types, and the unintended consequences of hormone suppression in breast cancer treatment.
In this episode you'll:
Discover the distinctions between estrone and estradiol, and their impact on breast cancer.
Learn about the potential negative effects of common breast cancer medications.
Challenge the long-standing misconceptions about natural estrogen's role in our bodies.
Explore the benefits of phytoestrogens and a high plant-based diet to support estrogen receptors function.
Recognize the importance of menstrual cycles as an essential sign of women’s health and fertility.
Dive into the detrimental impact of hormonal contraceptives on hormone levels and endocrine health.
Emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches to hormone therapy and the potential of "super aging."
Understand the timing and considerations for perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.
00:00:35 Introduction and Welcome 00:01:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh 00:03:32 Correcting Estrogen and Breast Cancer Misconceptions 00:10:28 The Downsides of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors 00:17:11 The Critical Function of Estradiol in Women's Health 00:24:06 The Case for Phytoestrogens and Plant-Based Diets 00:30:57 The Ill-Preparedness of Medical Practitioners in Hormonal Balance 00:38:14 Menstrual Cycles and Fertility's Impact on Long-term Health 00:49:25 Hormonal Contraceptives and Their Impact on Women's Wellness 00:58:13 Strategies for Managing Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms 01:05:47 Closing Advice and Where to Find Dr. Gersh
Dr. Felice Gersh is a multi-award-winning physician who is board certified in both OB GYN and integrative medicine. Dr. Gersh's extensive research and clinical experience have made her a crusader against the one-size-fits-all approach to women's health. She's an advocate for patient education, disrupting outdated medical paradigms, and providing holistic care that encompasses emotional, physical, and environmental wellbeing.