Understanding Estrogen: The Key Hormone in Women's Health

09/15/24 • 16 min

Hello everyone! In today's episode, we delved into the fascinating world of estrogen, a crucial hormone that significantly impacts women's health. As a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, I've been researching this topic extensively, especially after my own experiences with perimenopause and menopause. Key Points Covered: Introduction to Estrogen: Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily produced in the ovaries, but also in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands and fat tissues. There are three main types of estrogen: estradiol (common in childbearing ages), estrone (present after menopause), and estriol (produced during pregnancy). Functions of Estrogen: Regulates the menstrual cycle. Develops secondary sexual characteristics. Maintains bone health and cardiovascular health. Supports skin and hair health. Estrogen and the Menstrual Cycle: Estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, affecting the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Perimenopause and Menopause: Perimenopause typically starts in the 40s, with erratic estrogen levels causing irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Menopause is defined as the end of menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months, usually between ages 45 and 55, with common symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and joint pain. Postmenopause: After menopause, low estrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, and cause vaginal dryness. Estrogen's Effects on Different Tissues: Reproductive system: Promotes growth and maintenance of the uterine lining and vaginal walls. Bones: Maintains bone density. Cardiovascular system: Protects against atherosclerosis. Skin and hair: Maintains thickness and elasticity. Brain: Supports cognitive functions and mood regulation. Metabolism: Influences fat storage. Estrogen Dominance: Occurs when estrogen is disproportionately high compared to other sex hormones, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and increased risk of certain diseases. Causes include diet, environmental toxins, hormonal treatments, and chronic stress. Management includes a whole food plant-based diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, maintaining a healthy weight, and stress management. Phytoestrogens: Found in soy and other plants, phytoestrogens can compete with natural estrogens and may help decrease estrogen effects. I hope you found this episode informative. Tomorrow, we'll be discussing progesterone and its role in women's health. Don't forget to subscribe, comment, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it. Thank you for listening, and have a blessed day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

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Effective Cholesterol-Lowering Protocols

In this episode, I, Dr. Laurie Marbas, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, delve into a cholesterol-lowering protocol that I've developed over the past four years through extensive research and patient experimentation. This protocol is particularly beneficial for those on a whole food plant-based diet who still struggle with high cholesterol levels. I start by explaining the importance of a plant-based diet and the common challenges my patients face, such as maintaining optimal cholesterol levels. I emphasize that while statins can be necessary for some, my goal is to improve quality of life and longevity through dietary means whenever possible. The core of my protocol involves a specific mixture to be consumed twice daily before lunch and dinner. This mixture includes: 1. Unsweetened applesauce (a quarter to half a cup) 2. Amla powder (eighth to a quarter teaspoon) 3. Psyllium husk (one teaspoon) 4. Ground flaxseed (one tablespoon) 5. Ceylon cinnamon (half a teaspoon) I also recommend additional steps to enhance the protocol's effectiveness: One Brazil nut per week for selenium. Berberine supplements (500 mg, three times a day) for cholesterol and blood sugar management. Algae omega-3s for heart and brain health, with brands like Nordic Naturals or Compliment. Soy products (two to three servings per day) such as soybeans, edamame, tempeh, tofu, or soy milk. I highlight the importance of consistency in following this protocol to achieve the best results. Additionally, I mention that this regimen can help with satiety, which may be beneficial for weight management. Towards the end of the episode, I invite listeners to join my newsletter for more detailed information and updates, including a forthcoming menopause course and a symptom questionnaire. I encourage everyone to subscribe, share the video, and stay connected for more health tips and recipes. Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to helping you achieve better health and well-being. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

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Transforming Stressful Thoughts: A Guide to Cognitive Reappraisal

Hello everyone, I'm Dr. Laurie Marbas, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician currently living full-time in an RV. In today's episode, I delve into the topic of stress and introduce a powerful tool called cognitive reappraisal, which is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I start by sharing some personal experiences, including the stress of selling my house and moving into an RV, to illustrate how stress can impact our lives. I then explain the concept of cognitive reappraisal, a psychological strategy that helps alter the way we interpret stressful situations to change our emotional responses. The process involves four steps: 1. Identify Negative Thoughts: Recognize and identify the negative or unhelpful thoughts that arise in response to a stressor. 2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Examine the evidence for and against these thoughts, question their validity, and consider more balanced perspectives. 3. Reinterpret the Stressor: View the stressor in a way that reduces its emotional impact, such as seeing it as a challenge rather than a threat. 4. Implement Reappraised Thoughts: Replace the original negative thoughts with more constructive ones, making this new way of thinking automatic over time. I discuss the benefits of cognitive reappraisal, including improved emotional regulation, better mental health, enhanced resilience, and improved decision-making. I also touch on practical applications in various areas such as workplace stress, interpersonal relationships, and health-related stress. To wrap up, I encourage listeners to practice these steps and share some additional resources, including a research paper by Ellen Langer, the "mother of mindfulness," whom I interviewed on the podcast. I invite everyone to subscribe, click the notification bell, and sign up for my newsletter for more insights. Thank you for joining me today. I'm sending you joy, love, peace, and healing. Have a beautiful rest of your day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen