Hormones are wild, especially when you realize they're not just about how much you have, but how your body uses and processes them behind the scenes. That's what hormone metabolite testing helps uncover, and honestly, it's a game-changer. I'm sitting down with Dr. Liz Bartman, an incredible Naturopathic Doctor with a deep background in hormone science, to talk about how we can actually test our hormones in a meaningful way and what those results are really telling us.

We chat about the different ways to test—blood, saliva, urine—and why each one tells a slightly different story. Dr. Liz also shares what happens to our hormones during menopause (hint: it's not all doom and gloom) and why cholesterol is actually essential for hormone production. One of the most eye-opening parts? The way our bodies detox estrogen and what certain metabolites might be saying about our long-term health risks, like breast cancer.

If you've ever felt like your labs weren't giving you the full picture, this one's for you. Dr. Liz brings a refreshingly smart, grounded approach to hormone health. Oh, and speaking of refreshing… I've been sipping on my new favorite thing lately: Mighty Maca Mango! It's the same powerful superfood blend you know and love, now with a zesty mango twist—perfect over ice or made into popsicles. You can grab it over at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:04:25] Hormone metabolite testing significance.

[00:07:17] The postmenopausal woman's hormones.

[00:10:39] Hormonal changes during menopause.

[00:18:41] Cholesterol and hormone production.

[00:24:32] 16-hydroxyestrone and cancer growth.

[00:27:42] Quinones and cancer risk.

[00:34:34] Progesterone's role in conception.

[00:37:45] Cortisol levels and metabolism.

[00:44:53] Mitochondrial resuscitation techniques.

[00:54:29] Gut health and hormone regulation.

[00:58:45] Oxidative stress management strategies.

[01:05:09] Waking up the hormone receptors.

[01:06:05] DIM, I3C, Calcium D-glucarate.

[01:11:13] Estrogen metabolism and methylation.

[01:14:32] Lifestyle changes impact health.

Memorable Quotes:

"We don't want to build up our garbage pile if we don't have enough garbage bags to deal with it." [01:12:38] – Dr. Liz Bartman

"I think really through lifestyle, there can be a lot that can be corrected. We don't want to just supplement away our symptoms. But really focusing on those." [01:15:10] – Dr. Liz Bartman

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Dr. Liz Bartman:

Website: https://wholegenicwellness.com/ & https://www.endoaxis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholegenic_wellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstreaFamilyWellness

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com