If you’ve been scrolling social media or following mainstream health news, you’d think every woman over 35 should be on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to “age well.”
And while that seems like a great idea… some studies suggest early HRT use (around age 48) can be helpful, I’m finding some discrepancies between research and what I see. (Read one here)
But what about staying on HRT for life?
Here’s what the newer research says .
The science is evolving, and it makes sense…almost.
Here’s why I say “almost”…
The problem with conventional HRT
Traditional medicine tends to think in set doses using estradiol patches, progesterone capsules, suppositories or Estrace cream – all products made by pharmaceutical companies:
- If you can’t tolerate the lowest dose (ex: 1/2 patch of 0.025 mg estradiol or 100 mg progesterone) → too bad.
- If you max out on the highest dose without benefit (ex: 0.1 mg of an estradiol patch or 400 mg of progesterone) → you’re a “non-responder.”
What happened to factoring in your body’s ability to actually tolerate and detox those hormones?
I see women all the time taking 3 to 4x more hormones than their liver, lymph, and nervous system can process.
And they feel worse than they did starting the hormones yet, they’re still taking them hoping for that day they suddenly feel better.
Estrogen, for example, is excitatory and it revs up the body.
If you’re already in overdrive from stress, trauma, or a taxed nervous system, piling on more estrogen can feel like pouring gas on the fire.
When that happens, many women get stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression roller coasters with higher doses, more side effects, and finally being told “there’s nothing else they can do.”
What’s really going on?
In my practice, I’ve learned to always ask:
- Can the body detox the hormones being added? (liver, lymph, gut health matter)
- How stressed or dysregulated is the nervous system? (PTSD, POTS, trauma, anxiety all affect tolerance)
- Are hidden infections, autoimmunity, or toxin exposures draining the body’s reserves? (mold, Lyme, EBV, chemical sensitivities)
- How well is the gut clearing estrogen? (constipation and an overgrowth of the bacteria beta-glucuronidase that can cause estrogen re-absorption from the colon and recycling of estrogens).
When these areas of concern are supported, using micro-doses of hormones and herbs can make a big difference.
Here’s what I’ve found…
Not everyone needs HRT.
Some women (and men too) only need a micro-dose.
And some can feel better by clearing the roadblocks to hormone balance first.
I’ve seen 80-year-old women still producing hormones naturally and thriving.
Aging doesn’t always equal depletion of hormones.
What to do next?
This Thursday, October 2nd 4p PST/6p CT, I’m hosting a free masterclass on HRT in midlife where I’ll share:
- What to ask before starting HRT
- How to know if you’re a candidate for micro-dosing
- Pairing HRT with thyroid support and blood sugar balancing
- When to use herbs, lifestyle, or both alongside hormones
- And why your nervous system may be the key to improved tolerance
Click here to register for the masterclass (replays will be provided for those who register).
Here’s to balanced, happy hormones on your terms,
Dr. J
