Over 40 Fitness Hacks 540: Dr. Malaika Woods - Hormone Replacement Therapy And Functional Medicine For Over 40
Hormone Replacement Therapy And Functional Medicine For Over 40
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Dr. Malaika Woods - Hormone Replacement Therapy
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In this episode of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams interviews Dr. Woods, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, functional medicine practitioner, and expert in hormone therapy. The discussion focuses on hormonal changes in men and women over 40, with an emphasis on perimenopause, menopause, and andropause.
Dr. Woods shares her personal journey of transitioning from a traditional OBGYN practice to specializing in weight loss, bioidentical hormones, and functional medicine. Her experiences with stress, weight gain, and the search for root-cause solutions inspired her to help patients address hormonal imbalances and optimize their health.
Key topics include:
Menopause and Perimenopause: Dr. Woods explains that menopause is defined as one year without a period, with the average onset at age 51. Perimenopause, beginning in the 40s, can bring symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, and joint aches due to declining hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Menopause "Pretenders": Environmental factors like alcohol, sugar, and stress can mimic menopausal symptoms. Dr. Woods emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle to differentiate between true hormonal changes and external influences.
Andropause in Men: Men can experience declining testosterone levels, leading to symptoms like low energy, reduced libido, weight gain, and mood changes. Dr. Woods highlights the need for optimizing testosterone levels for overall health and longevity, aiming for levels above 500 ng/dL.
Weight Gain and Hormones: Estrogen dominance and elevated cortisol are key contributors to weight gain in women during perimenopause. Dr. Woods advises adjusting exercise routines and managing stress to mitigate these effects.
Brad and Dr. Woods discuss the importance of viewing health through a holistic lens, including considerations for diet, exercise, sleep, and mental well-being. They also touch on personal experiences, such as Brad's exploration of intermittent fasting and its positive impact on testosterone levels.
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