Hormones and Health: Understanding Adrenal Fatigue and HRT in Midlife

In this episode of the Nirvana Sisters Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Elizabeth Poyner, a gynecological oncologist and expert in midlife women's health. Dr. Poyner shared her extensive knowledge on the intersection of hormonal health, stress management, and overall well-being for women, particularly during midlife. We kicked off the conversation by discussing our personal "nirvana" moments of the week, highlighting the joy of seasonal changes and family milestones. Dr. Poyner then delved into her journey from specializing in cancer surgery to focusing on midlife women's health, emphasizing the importance of understanding how stress impacts our bodies and the role of hormones in managing that stress. A significant portion of our discussion centered around adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysregulation, with Dr. Poyner clarifying the differences between adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency. She explained how chronic stress can lead to dysregulated cortisol production, affecting our overall health. We also explored the importance of androgens, particularly testosterone and DHEA, in women's health. Dr. Poyner highlighted the benefits of these hormones for mood, cognitive function, and overall vitality, while also discussing the various methods of hormone delivery, including creams and troches. As we moved into the topic of brain health, Dr. Poyner shared alarming statistics about women's risk of dementia and the protective role of estrogen. She emphasized the importance of starting hormone replacement therapy early in the menopause transition to potentially reduce dementia risk. Finally, we wrapped up the episode with Dr. Poyner's recommendations for supplements that can support midlife health, including vitamin D, omega-3s, and magnesium, and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and community engagement. This episode was packed with valuable insights and practical advice for women navigating midlife health challenges. We hope our listeners find this information empowering as they strive for their own nirvana in health and well-being. Brands/Mentions + Shop this episode here For more on this episode, read the full show notes here Follow us @nirvanasisters on Instagram Find us at www.nirvanasisters.com Shop our Amazon Store ShopMy Shop Say hi at [email protected] Please subscribe, rate, review and share 🙏🏻✌🏻 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices