Are Using Hormones for Perimenopause and Menopause Helpful or Harmful? with Dr Anna Cabeca
The Girlfriend Doctor, Dr. Anna Cabeca, DO, FACOG is back on Midlife Conversations today to talk about hormone replacement for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. There is a lot of controversy around this topic but I am a firm believer in its ability to help us. There IS a right way to do things: from testing properly to following the right order of things. One of the things I LOVE about Dr. Anna Cabeca is that she is in alignment with that and she is SO GOOD at breaking things down in a simple, easy to understand and follow way – telling us only what we need to know and cutting through the information overload.
👉 Join us for the FREE Hormone Masterclass
Why Is There Such A Dichotomy With Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Some women take the “I’m just powering through and I’ve gotta make it the way God designed me and I need to keep it natural without any support” route. This can cause you to feel miserable for years…and is simply not necessary. What we know now is that the way we transition in menopause actually affects the quality and longevity of our life. While menopause is natural and mandatory, suffering is optional. When we have symptoms, there is always a reason why we have them.
Why Do Doctors Tell Us It’s “Normal” for Menopause?
It seems so common that women will present their doctors with their menopausal symptoms and complaints only for them to be told it’s “normal” and to “deal with it” or get on birth control or antidepressants. Unfortunately, this is just what doctors are being taught – even at leading institutions. Similar to taking a Tylenol for a fever and never figuring out what is causing the fever in the first place, masking symptoms with birth control and antidepressants also doesn’t get to the root of what is CAUSING the imbalance or disruption in your body’s natural functions in the first place.
What About Synthetic Hormones?
Birth control pills, for example, contain synthetic hormones like progestin. There is not currently a bioidentical birth control pill. Some contain bioidentical estrogen, but they ALSO contain synthetic progestins. This was the whole issue with the trial in the 90s and 2000 where they used the synthetic progestin and premarin which have negative effects. The study had nothing to do with bioidentical hormones – it was strictly performed with synthetic hormones. Estrogens (bioidentical) are NOT the culprit for the cancers that were caused during the study. Oral estrogens can increase inflammation in the body.
Do Bioidentical Hormones Cause Cancer Too?
Bioidentical estrogen does NOT cause or increase your chance for cancer.
What is the Difference Between Bioidentical and HRT?
HRT is typically referring to pharmaceutically hormone replacement regimens like estrogen and progestin. When we talk about Bioidentical (or body identical) hormones, we are talking about replacing or replenishing with estrogens that are identical to what our bodies are making. It also takes into account DHEA, testosterone, and pregnenolone.
Why Do Compounding Pharmacies Get Such Negative Press?
One reason is big pharma. Compounding pharmacies are direct competition to big pharma’s bottom dollar. They are able to compound the active ingredients and create even better custom combinations than otherwise available and at a more affordable cost.
What Are Some Reasons We Might Need Help with Balancing Our Hormones?
Balancing hormones is about having your body make what it needs, using it efficiently, and then supporting or replenishing our bodies when it can’t keep up. Some reasons for it not being able to keep up can be:
- Toxicity
- Estrogen and hormone disruptors
- Gut dysbiosis
- Thyroid imbalance
- Mold toxicity
- Modern day lifestyle
👉 Join us for the FREE Hormone Masterclass
About Dr. Anna Cabeca
Dr. Anna is an expert in Women’s health and Functional Medicine. She is Emory University trained and board certified Gynecologist and Obstetrician, she is also certified in Integrative Medicine, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. She specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and their natural alternatives, she also focuses on successful menopause and age management medicine.
Dr. Cabeca’s years of experience in her private practice along with her own journey of transformation has placed her as one of the most in-demand speakers regarding restorative health and women’s health issues. She is a consultant and trainer for other physicians in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Functional Medicine Principles.
Her teachings on sexuality and women’s health are found in the popular online programs called MagicMenopause.com, WomensRestorativeHealth.com and SexualCPR.com. She has created revolutionary solutions for women where non existed in her products MightyMaca Plus superfood drink and Julva, an anti-aging feminine cream for the vulva.
Her belief is that the advantages of creating health and hormone balance not only improve our own health, but also improve the health of generations to follow
In this episode, you will learn:
- What hormone treatment should you be using if any
- What types of things can be done naturally for women in menopause
- What type of testing you should be getting done
- How to stop it at the source
