Do you ever wish that your hormonal health and menopause journey were clearer and better understood?
On today’s episode, join me in welcoming Dr. James Simon as we dive deep into the impacts of hormone therapy on cardiovascular health, bone health, and overall well-being during menopause.
This conversation sheds light on pivotal findings from the Women’s Health Initiative, which revealed that early use of estrogen or hormone therapy close to menopause significantly benefits cardiovascular health.
Dr. Simon shares compelling patient cases where hormone therapy decisions were guided by coronary artery calcium scores, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular risk factors. I explore the potential of estradiol for easing perimenopausal symptoms and brings up ongoing studies, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice.
We discuss the emerging molecule, estetrol, a naturally occurring fetal estrogen. This hormone is showing promising results in not just birth control but also in vaginal estrogen products and treatments for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Estetrol’s benefits on bones, blood vessels, and heart health make it a potential game-changer for menopausal therapy.
We also touch on the broader problem of cookie-cutter medicine and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Dr. Simon dispels the myth around hormone therapy and breast cancer risk, citing the Women's Health Initiative's findings.
I also talk about the need for tailored treatment, especially given the high prevalence of heart disease and diabetes in specific populations, such as the South Asian community.
Highlights:
*Cardioprotective Benefits: Early hormone therapy near menopause can offer cardiovascular benefits. Delaying it may increase risks.
*Breast Cancer Survivors: Shared decision-making in hormone therapy post-treatment shows emerging evidence of safety after a period.
*Brain Health: Hormones might help reduce or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia by affecting brain energy metabolism.
*Testosterone Therapy: Dr. Simon advocates for the benefits and safety of testosterone therapy in menopausal women, although an FDA-approved product is still awaited.
*Patient Advocacy: Dr. Simon provides tips on advocating for yourself in healthcare, finding menopause experts, and staying informed.
