Justine Altman joins Sarah Clark as we're digging into bioidentical hormones and when/if you need to use them during the fertility journey.

When I was diagnosed with POF/POI at 28 I was told that I needed to get on hormone replacement therapy right away to protect my bones, prevent osteoporosis, and protect my heart. So I took a synthetic form of hormone replacement therapy for years. And then I discovered that the root cause of my infertility was a food sensitivity, gut infection, and chronic stress. Many of my chronic health issues went away because I committed to the diet and lifestyle changes. I stopped taking hormone replacement therapy because of the negative side effects of synthetic hormones. But I know I still needed support with my hormones. Enter bioidentical hormones. You may be wondering "can I use bioidenticals if I am TTC?" They can be a good addition to your fertility toolkit...but they need to be used at the right time (Lifestyle changes need to be prioritized first before we take the hormones).

Because bioidenticals alone are not the answer, but they can be part of the solution.

Today I'm welcoming Justine Altman back to the podcast.

Justine is part of my team here at Fab Fertile. She is an integral part of our Couples Coaching program - which uses functional lab testing, diet, and lifestyle changes to dramatically improve conception. If you are struggling with infertility...your body is desperately trying to tell you something...focusing on your health will either help you get pregnant naturally or if you do need to go to the fertility clinic it will improve your chances of success.

Justine is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. She was diagnosed with PCOS and struggled with infertility. She had her first baby with fertility treatments, but after taking a functional approach was able to conceive her 2nd child naturally.

On today's episode you'll learn:

1) The difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones. Why pharmaceutical companies wouldn't have produced bioidenticals.

2) The controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy. We discuss the studies.

3) The top mistake we see with hormone therapy (synthetic and bioidenticals).

4) When to use bioidentical hormones and when will they be more effective.

5) Why regular testing is key. Plus diet/lifestyle factors that are essential to address when you are TTC. It's not about focusing directly on the hormones - but relieving the stress on the body (why are the hormones unbalanced, to begin with).

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TIMESTAMPS: 05:53- INTRO AND JUSTINE ALTMAN'S BIO

07:10- DISCLAIMER

07:29- THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYNTHETIC AND BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES

• The difference between their functions and side effects
• Why pharmaceutical companies would not just produce exclusively bioidentical
• Different ways of administrating bioidentical hormones and the benefits/cons

12:00- CONTROVERSY WITH HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND THE RISK OF CANCER

• What research has found (and not found) in regards to the effects of synthetic vs bioidentical hormones
• "Synthetic vs the bioidentical is really night and day."

14:10- FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE'S APPROACH TO HORMONES

• Why focusing on hormones is the opposite of functional medicine's approach
• "If we take stress off the body the body starts to do whats it's supposed to do."
• The importance of testing continually

17:45- WHICH HORMONES WE ARE TESTING FOR AND THAT TEND TO BE LOW

• DHEA the "master hormone" and why we don't want too much of it
• The balance of hormones in order for the body to function properly
• Testing first before supplementing

20:05- WHY TAKING ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE TOGETHER IS IMPORTANT

• What "estrogen dominance" means and why it matters looking at the individual to restore balance

22:02- WHEN TO USE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES

• Looking at lifestyle first at how that helps bioidentical hormones be more effective
• "The body is meant to function optimally"
• How functional medicine views hormones
• "Hormone deficiency is not the problem, it's the symptom of the problem."

26:25- MISTAKES WE REGULARLY SEE WITH BIOIDENTICAL

• Not testing properly and making it bio-individual
• "We don't treat the diagnosis."

27:43- HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE BE TESTING AND WHEN DO WE RETEST?

• The importance of continually testing and sticking with the process
• Focusing not just on the individual but the individual right now

29:25- ACCESS TO DIFFERENT TESTS BASED OFF WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD

• United States, Canada, and Europe

31:35- DHEA CREAMS AND PRODUCTS 33:49- THOUGHTS ABOUT MACA 38:16- INFORMATION ABOUT A FREE CONSULT WITH SARAH

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For the non-US residents go to www.yogafreebie.com to access your free fertility yoga video. In this 20-minute intro video, we focus on a calming and peaceful practice to connect back to our heart. These simple yoga poses can help quiet negative thoughts and make you feel more in control.

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Book your Free Supercharge Your Fertility Discovery Call here: https://intakeq.com/booking/cZ7XW6

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Got questions? Join the Fab Fertile Support Group for motivation, support, and education so that you can prepare for pregnancy success.

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Connect with Sarah on social media and learn more about functional fertility solutions that will help you have your baby.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabfertile/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sesacoaching/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabfertile
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahclarkfertilitycoach/

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