Summary: Many health issues women (and men) face can be rooted in hormonal changes.Many health issues women (and men) face can be rooted in hormonal changes. While often associated with perimenopause and menopause, these shifts can occur as early as your 30s. Sleep disruption, weight gain, mood changes or feelings of depression can all be signs something is off. Not every doctor recognizes these symptoms as being based in hormonal causes. As a patient advocate, Liz Lyster, MD, believes there is no reason for her patients to not feel well, and she will investigate any solution to improve health and well-being. Typically, Dr. Lyster starts that investigation with a panel of blood work. She then interprets labs for not just what is considered a "normal range" but digs deeper to understand what an appropriate level is for YOU. Estrogen can be a confusing hormone to understand. Much of the bewilderment comes from scary headlines in the media. Studies have shown, however, that estrogen does not cause or increase the risk for cancer, breast cancer in particular. According to Dr. Lyster, hormone therapy on a short-term basis is safe for anyone. Estrogen is best used topically (patch, gel). Oral use can result in undesirable side effects. Progesterone (needed to balance estrogen intake) is critical to be taken in a bio-identical form (can be topical or oral). Progesterone calms the brain and helps you sleep. Listen in as Dr. Lyster joins Dr. Taz to clear some of the confusion surrounding hormones and hormone therapy.
