The DUTCH Podcast Supporting Perimenopause: Hormonal Balance, Personalized Medicine & HRT
Jan 14, 2025
Dr. Tara Scott, a seasoned OBGYN and integrative medicine expert, opens up about the complexities of perimenopause. She emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine and comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances. The discussion includes vital lifestyle changes that can enhance well-being during this transition, the role of supplements, and how understanding estrogen metabolism is crucial. Tara also delves into the nuanced considerations surrounding hormone therapy, aiming to empower women with informed choices.
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Complexity of Perimenopause Duration
- Perimenopause definitions are vague and can last over 20 years, much longer than previously thought.
- Hormone levels fluctuate drastically, complicating diagnosis and treatment for providers and patients.
Broader Hormonal Impact
- Hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect more than reproduction; they influence metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.
- Fluctuations in these hormones during perimenopause can cause symptoms beyond reproductive issues.
Estrogen Effects on Thyroid
- Estrogen fluctuations affect thyroid hormone availability by increasing binding proteins, resulting in functional hypothyroidism.
- Traditional thyroid tests often miss this because free thyroid hormone levels, not total levels, are more clinically relevant.