You Are Not Broken

328. Should I take hormones?


Listen Later

Episode 328: Should I take hormones?

In this episode, I dive deep into the evolving conversation around hormone therapy—where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go. If you’ve been confused, scared, or unsure about hormones, this one’s for you. I break down the myths, share the science, and explain why education—not fear—should drive our health decisions.

I talk about the crucial difference between vaginal and systemic hormones, the benefits of both, and why so many women are missing out simply because they’ve never been properly informed. I also touch on the role of GLP-1 medications, not just for weight, but as part of a broader discussion around midlife health.

We also get into the realities of perimenopause—what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stop dismissing symptoms as “just aging.” I explain why hormone therapy isn’t just about hot flashes—it’s a longevity and quality-of-life tool. The truth? Living decades post-menopause without hormones can come with real risks. But with the right education, you get to choose what’s right for you.

Reminder: knowledge is power—and the foundation of empowered healthcare.

Takeaways:

  • The narrative around hormone therapy is changing—from fear-based to informed and empowering.

  • Education is the single most important tool in making good decisions about your health.

  • Vaginal estrogen and DHEA are safe and effective for many postmenopausal women.

  • Perimenopause isn’t just “normal aging”—hormonal shifts can cause real symptoms worth treating.

  • GLP-1 medications are part of a bigger picture of metabolic and hormonal health.

  • It’s never too late: women post-menopause can still benefit from hormone therapy.

  • Hormones play a critical role in preventive health, including protecting your bones and brain.

  • We need to stop misunderstanding breast cancer risk in the context of hormone therapy.

  • Choosing to live without hormones comes with its own set of risks—know them before deciding.

    Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠

    Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ , share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

    Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠

    Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    You Are Not BrokenBy Kelly Casperson, MD

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    848 ratings


    More shows like You Are Not Broken

    View all
    Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

    Well Beyond 40

    1,091 Listeners

    HOT For Your Health by Dr. Vonda Wright

    HOT For Your Health

    146 Listeners

    Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely by Discussions on women's health, the peaceful passage of menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal balance for all women.

    Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

    290 Listeners

    Energized with Dr. Mariza by Dr. Mariza Snyder

    Energized with Dr. Mariza

    985 Listeners

    The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

    The Dr. Hyman Show

    9,367 Listeners

    Health By Heather Hirsch by Heather Hirsch

    Health By Heather Hirsch

    215 Listeners

    Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™ by Everyday Wellness™

    Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

    1,203 Listeners

    The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel by Karen Martel Hormone Specialist

    The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel

    339 Listeners

    Better! with Dr. Stephanie by Dr. Stephanie Estima

    Better! with Dr. Stephanie

    593 Listeners

    Hack My Age by Zora Benhamou

    Hack My Age

    89 Listeners

    Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information: Menopause, Midlife, and More by Lauren Streicher, MD

    Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information: Menopause, Midlife, and More

    363 Listeners

    The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

    The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

    1,140 Listeners

    Hello Menopause! by Let's Talk Menopause

    Hello Menopause!

    78 Listeners

    All About You With Dr Shauna Watts by Dr Shauna Watts

    All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

    10 Listeners

    The Tamsen Show by Tamsen Fadal / Authentic Wave

    The Tamsen Show

    259 Listeners