Ep. 212 Pt. 2: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Imbalances and Menopause with Dr. Tabatha Barber

Today I am happy to share the second of my two conversations with Dr. Tabatha Barber. Dr. Barber is a triple board-certified OB-Gyn menopause and functional medicine expert. She is also known as The Gutsy Gynecologist.

Dr. Barber is the kind of healthcare provider we are all looking for! She answers all the questions that women are often afraid to ask. In this episode, she and I dive into menopause. We talk about the myths surrounding GYN care, the issues with the Women’s Health Initiative study, how that has adversely impacted female hormonal health care over the last twenty years, and hormone replacement therapy options versus navigating natural menopause therapies. We compare the impact of hormone replacement therapy on our bone, brain, and heart health with not using it. We discuss tobacco use and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, statistics around skipped cycles, and the predictors for who will navigate the menopause transition with fewer issues. We talk about extreme stress and being underweight, how that can push women into menopause earlier, and the physical changes we can anticipate, including muscle-loss, vasomotor symptoms, and vulvar-vaginal symptoms. We also touch on bladder incontinence, overactive bladders, and prolapses.

I know this episode will be valuable for you, and there will definitely be a third episode with Dr. Barber! I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation! Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Barber dispels some myths around GYN care and explains the importance of making informed decisions about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

How can menopause impact women’s brain health?

Some problems with the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative study.

What happens to their eggs when women go into menopause?

Women need to realize that aging does not cause heavy periods.

Intermittent fasting can ease the transition into menopause.

How can being underweight, smoking, and stress cause women to go into menopause at a younger age?

The physical changes women can expect with menopause.

Women need to understand that their sex hormones need high-quality fats. 

Dr. Barber shares her thoughts on vasomotor symptoms. 

What causes an overactive bladder?

Dr. Barber talks about vulvar-vaginal and bladder issues in menopause.

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Connect with Dr. Tabatha Barber

On her website

The Gutsy Gynecologist Show

On Instagram and TikTok

Books mentioned:

Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris

The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi