Avoid Gaining Belly Fat & Losing Muscle Mass w/ Estrogen Changes in Peri/Menopause | Felice Gersh MD

I'm so happy to share my interview from the Slim Down Conference with the incredible Nagina Abdullah.
In this interview, we cover:
2 types of estrogen you need right now for less belly fat storage
What to add to your diet to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats naturally
Top methods to create the type of estrogen you need to regulate appetite

[@susan_and_baxter]

Dr. Gersh changed my life. She is amazing!

[@Gentilejedi]

There are so many women approaching menopause overweight and not by 5lbs or 10lbs, but over 20lbs+. There needs to be more pre-menopause education for the younger women to better prepare themselves so when they enter into their 40's and 50's will be primed for meno and be better prepared because it is harder to lose weight when you are older. In the US alone, being overweight and sedentary is common these days and expected to grow. Also thyroid issues, hypothyroid as women get older play a culprit with stubborn weight loss.

[@cheryllewis1697]

I love Dr Felice Gersh! 💟 Thank you for being so visible and vocal! 🙏

[@stephaniestutts5431]

I do intermittent fasting, strength training, cardio and count calories and STILL cannot lose fat. I mean I have been doing this for years and my jeans are tighter at the waist than when I started. I am also hypothyroid and on synthyroid

[@chellej.8062]

Stop counting calories. Quit eating grain, sugar and carbs - that includes fruits and vegetables. Keto and Carnivore are the ONLY way you are going to lose weight and you won't believe how fast the weight will come off and how much better you will feel. I didn't think eating a salad or a piece of fruit was bad for me, but once I stopped the weight came off easily. I'm 52, by the way. Right smack in the middle of menopause. Most of those symptoms went away with carnivore. Some people can have carbs. I am not one of those. I have to go zero carbs, but work with it and see what works best for you! Good Luck.

[@natalierobinson6293]

Change your routine. Our bodies know our routine. Lifting heavier weights. Do sprints instead of steady cardio etc. Fast on a different day. Do all day fasting instead of intermittent fasting.

[@eveelliot2109]

Bread carbs and sugar processed foods. My weight rocketed post menopausal. I've radically reduced my carb in take & don't eat after 6-7 pm. Fasting stopped working. Exercise movement is important and gym 3 /4 times a week.

[@beachbreath2504]

Yep-carnivore diet heals

[@Castus-en7op]

Fantastic interview, thank you for inviting Dr Girsh, she's simply amazing 👏 👍

[@kathryncothern3433]

For the most part, Dr. Gersh is on the same page as my hormone doctor who also was an OB/GYN before focusing on men and women hormones. This is why she is a joy to listen to. Starting my BHRT journey right after finally finding out I was in Perimenopause (I was on the hunt for answers), has been amazing all these years for my body, inside and out. That was 9 years ago. I am now 57 and crossed over to post menopause around the age of 52, when my body’s production of Estradiol finally started to decrease on its own. I added Estradiol to my BHRT mix. My hormone doctor has educated me over these past 10 years about hormones and the different stages. My science database brain has taken this to educate so many women. Dr. Gersh’s detailed explanations adds to my knowledge base. Thank you Dr. Gersh!!! ❤

[@AS-yh6xu]

All my health problems started with peri- and in menopause now. Inflammation, everything hurts, fatigue and I feel old. I am about to start HRT, thanks to this doctor and others who are trying to help women to get their lives back! Just 2 weeks ago I was totally against anything hormone… but it all makes sense now! Thank you!!!

[@annetcell-ly4571]

Such a joy listening to Dr Gersh. So informative and the opposite of under-informed, conventional mansplaining - which has a lot to answer for. I’ve been doing ALL the lifestyle changes for years but it isn’t enough without hormones. All those lifestyle changes ( low carb, no sugar, no processed food or snacks, intermittent fasting, regular exercise) didn’t prevent osteoporosis ( and the rest) thanks to Dr Gersh I now realise it will never fix it. Ever. None of the information explained by Dr Gersh was known or available 20 years ago.

[@a_woman_who_loves_to_lift]

Agree with you on all counts! 💯💯💯💯

[@Julia29853]

If not known or available, why do they have a lot to answer for? I despise big medicine and bg pharma in general, but blaming on “men” rather than ignorance and medical pride in general is wrong, ( I mean this all applies equally to male and female doctors) and your comment reveals a feminist bitterness which veils the truth of the rest of your comment

[@jessicahitchens6926]

VitD3 and VitK2 and Progesterone USP cream will help your bones. Strength training. Put on a vest that fits you correctly and go walking. Or a little weight around your arms. If the damage is severe you need to start slowly.. Progesterone helps your bones and the production. Estradiol helps with bone density.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Some of the women are even worse.

[@New-York-Attitude]

Thank you for this! It’s obvious the medical establishment doesn’t understand hormones and because we are women we’re being sheltered from so-called risky hormones. Meanwhile, men are able to take testosterone, if they have “low T” no questions asked in the US. However, I don’t like fasting over the long term because it makes it hard to eat enough protein. Protein is critical in keeping muscle mass. Since I started eating 100gs+ of protein a day the weight is coming off-15 lbs since October. I am on low dose HRT, exercise and eat a healthy diet with 30gs of fiber a day. I’m flabbergasted at how effective eating protein is.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Protein is crucial. I saw other comments saying they cut out meat and eggs. Absolutely insane..

[@jessicahitchens6926]

They do know... it's far more lucrative overall not to help women.

[@cherylrife6206]

Thank you, Dr. Gersh! I very much appreciate all of your talks. They are very helpful. I need to start HRT because I have been post menopausal for about 30 years now, and I don’t seem to have much energy now plus I am gaining weight around my middle. Even after having four children, my waist was only 26”, but now it is 38”. I hope to start therapy soon. ❤ Cheryl Rife

[@charlinep7477]

Wow! How generous on your part Dr. GERSH!

[@claudiacelenza9844]

Hi doctor! I like your explanations, I would like to be your patient but I live in Italy. Thank you for your work!

[@yogaexercise9637]

So I guess a good study going forward would be to study exactly what benefits could be achieved when women start HRT years after menopause. Me, for instance, am starting HRT 13 yrs post meno. The belief is that although much loss can't be reversed completely, how much improvement might be expected, and in what areas--bone, heart, etc? I see a whole world of study ahead!! And I'll just say, personally, I was "denied" HRT in the medical world for a years, and now I hear so much "so sad, too bad" but you missed out of all of these benefits!! No choice on my part, it just makes me feel bad. Dr. Gersh was gentle in how she worded losing out on those benefits, but think I just want to feel heard that some of this talk just makes me sad for the benefits I lost, for the years of suffering. I'm glad for the young women going forward, they'll be able to receive good treatment, but yes, still a long ways to go. I'm so grateful for all the doctor's speaking up about this.

[@magpiegirl3783]

I am like you and other women in the post Women’s Health Initiative world … we lost access to HRT that would probably have slowed or prevented bone loss and other benefits. Im osteoporotic and just learning about HRT - 13 years post menopause and facing the situation of most women in my era. Missed a major opportunity and now faced only with taking nasty drugs. Im dirty on the medical industry.

[@yogaexercise9637]

@@magpiegirl3783 I'm 68 and went ahead with HRT. We'll see. I was dx with osteopenia last year, it'll be interesting to see what my next DEXA scan shows in a couple yrs. I was just dx with Hashimoto's also, a condition I've likely had for 5+ yrs, totally missed by my MD; I am so hugely disillusioned with our medical system. When it comes to metabolic health, I have absolutely no faith in them. Ah well...I just feel lucky that I'm kinda figuring some of this out on my own.

[@edievelenger3500]

I’m also 10 years into menopause. I’m just starting HRT now. I’m fortunate because I don’t have osteoporosis or heart disease yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to prevent those as well as dementia as I get older 🤞🏻

[@wendymccleary1465]

​@@edievelenger3500I'm in a similar situation.. 14 yrs post menopause and just found out I do have osteoporosis (which my grandmother had) and a 65 CT scan result on my heart ( my mom has heart issues and dementia). I'm 66 now, so I'm hoping it's not too late to reverse or stop the progression. I've eaten organic and mostly healthy for the past 12 yrs. All the best on your journey!

[@crepesuzette5540]

Amazing Dr.Gersh!!!

[@isabelalder9998]

Thank you so much for this informative & invaluable interview! I don't think that any of my conventional Dr.'s would be able to explain these essential facts. Thank you for clarifying so many of my questions here! 🙏❤️

[@auaticamazon]

Fascinating talk

[@R-anne7375]

I would like to know if the Dr. herself takes hormones ? She is so full of great information !

[@magpiegirl3783]

She does … she has spoken of it in other interviews.

[@carolwong9279]

Love all of Dr. Gersh's interviews. So smart. I always learn so much.

[@eclipse9440]

I'm over 40 and menopause nightmare is obviously coming. I stopped eating meat 3 years ago, I built strong muscle with resistance bands and I cycle long distance everyday. On top it I recently started taking pueraria mirifica and fenugreek. I feel really good, these supplements improved my mood and boosted energy tremendously.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

You need organic meat and good fats.. Protein is crucial for women. Eat organic eggs..

[@jannlittle4745]

I love this. Men take testosterone when they're low... This is 2024.. Why aren't we making sure our hormones are optimal to keep us for going through age related diseases...

[@Elena-rt9yu]

Bc big pharma needs future sic broken hips for their orthopedic units, bc big pharma needs Alzheimer’s patients for their Long term care memory units. Bc the fda needs to make money off selling women expensive osteoporosis md that won’t work.or because The FDA is run by misogynists men, who will no t approve any testosterone for women. Therefore on;y women who take the initiative to educate themselves. Will learn. How to care for themselves, and only the women who can afford to pay for hurt will get relief. And the low literacy women/and low income women will continue to feed e FDA’ s goals. I’m a nurse , this is my opinion.

[@charlinep7477]

Wow ! She is a walking encyclopedia !

[@ArcturusAndromeda]

This is really excellent thank you

[@j.c.7555]

Dr. Gersh found all my problems…now I need her as my doctor or at least one as brilliant and helpful. Thank you both so much…a subject well needed.

[@MC-vr3yh]

I really enjoy listening to this wonderful lady. I was wondering if you could perhaps do a lesson on fibroids in correlation to HRT . I was told by my doctors that I can’t take HRT because of my fibroids that causing me a heavy bleeding of lately. Thank you so much for your wisdom and knowledge. Blessings and love to everyone!

[@maryellengambutti1789]

I am looking for an integrative gyn, preferably female, in Ocean County NJ. I just moved here, aged 73, and hope to remedy or repair the harms of having never been on any form of hormonal therapy. I hope its not too late. I realize I can't fix it all. Thank you so much for your clarity and caring.

[@abbycroft0]

Dr felice gersh is the goat

[@kat1327]

Where is her book?

[@nutritionandrea]

integrativemgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Menopause-SOS_2nd-edition.pdf

[@lyrical-feline]

The Menopause Societies of various countries, including Australia where I live, present enormous barriers to informed women seeking access to appropriate hormonal therapy In peri menopause and menopause. Women often spend years doctor hopping until they find someone who recognise hormonal supplementation is essential for most women during these important transitions. It has taken me 2.5 years to finally access estradiol and progesterone. I have moved during that time from peri menopause into menopause. Access to DHEA or testosterone in Australia for women and men is incredibly restricted. More than one doctor has told me firmly that testosterone is not a female hormone. Neither my husband or I can access either DHEA or testosterone.

[@drironmom6815]

That is terrible. DHEA is OTC in the US. Might be with a trip overseas

[@iss8504]

​@@drironmom6815if they catch it at the border they'll confiscate

[@anaf9314]

It will be nice if she tells us how much estradiol average We should be getting in postmenopause stage!

[@bluejean-1968]

​@@anaf9314 I agree!!!

[@wendymccleary1465]

​@@anaf9314I believe she did mention how much in another interview, but I'll have to check which one.

[@norameehan4633]

I really wish you would have discussed more specifics such as how much protein does she recommend , a healthy daily or weekly menu. Whole foods I got and hormones, hormones, hormones.

[@natalierobinson6293]

How much protein you should eat isn't hard to figure that out. We all know what we should and shouldn't be eating, really. Whole foods. Not easy to do, but if we want it bad enough we will make changes.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Organic eggs daily. Organic meat 3× weekly.

[@vanessa4397]

I’m on progesterone and testosterone and I’m gaining water weight. Wondering if I need estradiol. I’m 41. Two dr assume I have estrogen dominance because I’m gaining weight, hence why they put me on P and T. But it sounds like I need estradiol to calm down the inflammation.

[@wendymccleary1465]

I've been told I may be low androgen (the opposite of estrogen dominance) and have the same issues as you. I just ordered the estradiol patch from My Alloy to find out if this helps. The Bio Est topical cream (80% estriol/20% estradiol) isn't quite cutting it for me. All the best!

[@jessicahitchens6926]

You need to be on Progesterone and Estradiol/Estriol. Not Testosterone. 41 is so young.. I keep seeing this more and more. Younger and younger women falling into ovarian insufficiency. Chemicals almost around us and no proper nutrition.

[@carolrobinson9897]

Dr. Gersh, are there any supplements that I shouldn’t take when on HRT? I’m using Fish oil and an Organ Complex. Thank you for all this vital information

[@LustigeMedizin]

I Love you,you are such an inspiration!!! Thank you very much!❤💐

[@MS-sr1fe]

Wonderful explanation. Ty v much

[@iss8504]

Dr Gersh, the phytoestrogens are very weak. Are you saying we can optimally substitute soybeans to get our estradiol?

[@nccrchurchunusual]

At 60, I weigh more than ever before- so much belly fat. I just got a rebounder bc all former exercise injures me. Went thru bad covid and general menopause at same time, then exercise hurts. After Hep C treatmnts I was diagnosed with RA. Crazy.

[@kimbe910]

❤ so much information

[@juliak2591]

Can berberine or metformin help improve the insulin resistance triggered by estradiol insufficiency?

[@nutritionandrea]

berberine, fiber to make your gut make natural GLP-1, inositiol. check these out

[@GillianWard-h5r]

For all us gals that have had belly fat all our adult lives, Im going to say the increase of stress around menopause may be contributing to belly fat deposition. I removed myself from all my toxic relationships in perimenopause and started dealing with complex trauma, age 54 just in final stage of perimenopause I live alone with a great career, creative outlet, non existent frustration...I have lost 40 lbs and 6" on my waistline over 4 years ..also keto-carnivore diet and regular gym Could it be the increase in anxiety and stress hormone cortisol that is helping the ladies get their first belly fat?

[@veronicah571]

Why is estradiol only available with a prescription?

[@jessicahitchens6926]

It's in bio identical creams but a tiny amount. Because it's very profitable for big pharma...you got to milk the women.

[@a_woman_who_loves_to_lift]

Where is the gift ebook promised in the show notes at the end of the interview?

[@nutritionandrea]

integrativemgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Menopause-SOS_2nd-edition.pdf

[@PattyCap]

I can not find any link: could you share it? Thank you

[@nutritionandrea]

integrativemgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Menopause-SOS_2nd-edition.pdf

[@cindysmyth580]

Ido we always have to focus on the Wait aspect of menopause I believe the cardiovascular system is the most important and which has affected me greatly

[@dianaa.8270]

I dont have belly fat, I carry it in the legs and hips. what can I do

[@lijmanderson1955]

thank you

[@plejaren1]

I'm on only 4 mg of estrogen - how much estradial shoud I ask my hormone doctor for? (approximation)

[@StayGold_MrsE]

I have so many tips and tricks and things that work for me that I would like to share that maybe would help someone else, but I'm not going to do that. I'm going to touch on the one thing that crosses over so many people and they have no idea how much of a enormous impact it has and that is to tell everyone here if you're drinking alcohol, stop it completely. Not even one on the weekends, a glass of wine here and there or once a month, just cut it out. I am telling you, your inflammation will go down in ways you can't even believe and it will help in aiding you with weight loss. It'll definitely cut out some of the hot flashes that some people experience. I never had hot flashes but when I would have one glass of red wine the past few years, I would start to get what seemed like them sometimes in middle of the night. I'm a deeply sound sleeper and I never get up in the middle of the night but whenever I would have red wine I would notice I was getting up hot and kicking the covers off in the middle of the night those last few years. I heard Dr. Gersh say in one of her other presentations here on KZbin that inflammation is heat and so to cut alcohol out of your diet entirely will really help. I was already contemplating 10 years ago, how I'm going to get the money for a facelift eventually and I'm 55 now. After I stopped drinking 2 years ago (and I wasn't a heavy drinker but I was social and I did it on the regular)let me tell you my whole face started to bounce back. It changed shape, my skin on my entire body, everything started to look different. I was typically drinking red wine and probably one glass at least every day or every few days and on the weekends sometimes I would drink a martini or two with vodka and no more alcohol has not only saved tons of money but my vision improved exponentially! I was starting to have a hard time with just getting off two or three pounds that would pop up out of nowhere and that all stop too. A lot of brain fog and laziness, it's just a beneficial thing to do so if there's anyone here who's enjoying your wine because that's just kind of what we've all done as women at this age in society, try to cut it out, it will be benefit you greatly! Also one last tip if you want to improve your cholesterol numbers, drink 1 tbsp of extra-virgin cold pressed organic pure olive oil every morning before you eat or have coffee and right before you go to bed as well. It will put your lab numbers into a state of mystery for your doctors... believe me on this one I've known this for years and I turn so many people on to this trick you wouldn't believe it :) God bless you all on your health Journey and into your futures♥️

[@gingerschultz3258]

I believe that to be true. Yet I don’t drink and still have inflammation….heat….weight gain. I’ve recently started drinking bitter teas and ginger and the heat is reducing. There’s much inflammation in my gut.

[@wendymccleary1465]

​@@gingerschultz3258 Thank you for sharing. I don't drink either and have very high inflammation. I will check this out. ❤

[@anaf9314]

@@StayGold_MrsE Thank you for sharing!

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Women should stop drinking after 37... forever.. its poison.

[@taramontoya2730]

Also started the no alcohol thing as in the past this was helpful. Tried to drink one glass of wine last night and got sick. I agree give it up for a lifetime. Just started making my own home baked bread. We have terrible breads in the US. Going to the bathroom nicely and it is very comforting.

[@deelicious1610]

There are no links

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

The link isn’t here. Your show notes are for another interview.

[@nutritionandrea]

integrativemgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Menopause-SOS_2nd-edition.pdf

[@bluejean-1968]

I am so shocked at how sick I feel since hitting my 50's. My life is wasting away.

[@tamih6533]

I felt the same way! And then I was beating myself up because I felt so useless! I tried the synthetic HRT and it made me feel worse. Thought I couldn't afford the bioidentical hormones (most aren't FDA regulated anyway) but then I found out there are bioidentical estradiol patches and progesterone capsules that are FDA approved and covered by insurance. Good Rx also has coupons if your copay is too high or you're uninsured. I use the generic Vivelle dot by Mylan and 100mg micronized (that's the keyword to know if it's bioidentical) progesterone every night, and the change has been miraculous! My insurance copay is about $45/month for both. If your doc won't prescribe it, go to another one. Good luck ❤

[@bluejean-1968]

@@tamih6533 Thanks for the kind words. Recently I stopped taking estrogen patch. I took it off and threw it away. Since then, I decided to take 2mg Estradiol twice a week. Also, I took my 100mg progesterone cream down to 20mg twice a day. I also stopped taking DHEA. I started drinking 32oz celery juice every morning on an empty stomach along with D-limonene for gut bacteria. I also started taking T3 supplementation 9 weeks ago. I'm happy now and coming out of my bad symptoms. Going out dancing this weekend!! Went to the movies today!!

[@wendymccleary1465]

​@@tamih6533This is good to hear, thanks! I am 66 now and just started on Medicare insurance. My understanding is that it does not cover hormone replacement. I've just ordered the same thing you've mentioned from My Alloy for $75 mo. I'm wondering if there's a way to get the cost down. I appreciate your share.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Its happening to women in their 30s and early 40s nowadays. At least you got to your 50s. You need to change everything!! Research as much as you can. You have a major deficit now. In sex hormones and minerals.. Its essentially a decline off a cliff if you don't handle it properly. It's the oil in your car.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

You can get bio identical creams online. At least get some USP Progesterone cream.

[@marcelakrajcova8254]

Hi, I don't see the link to the ebook. Will you still be posting it?

[@nutritionandrea]

integrativemgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Menopause-SOS_2nd-edition.pdf

[@ItsAllBeenDecided]

Menopause made my weight extremely hard to control. It had never, ever been a problem. I do cardio in the form of interval running on the same day I do weight training, usually twice a week. I walk almost everyday. I also do a ketogenic diet and IF, 18:6. I only eat whole foods. I've been doing this for at least five years. Some days I have had to add some carbs to my diet because I'm always teetering on being underweight. I'm not sure if this might be part of the reason, but I also get bio-identical hormone pellets every four months.

[@SirenASMR_]

Thyroid and Vitamin levels did you do that yet ?

[@ItsAllBeenDecided]

@@SirenASMR_ Every four months to coincide with pellet insertions. All good.

[@denisemaples6519]

I heard to never take the pellets

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Cut the cardio out now!! You should not be running as a woman. You need strength training and Pilates. Walking and climbing stairs. Intermittent fasting. Organic Naca powder. No wonder you had such a hard time losing it. You also need to be supplementing daily. Magnesium Glycinate and VitB complex. VitD3

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Don't go near them. She hasn't a clue 🤣

[@reneewhittinghill3440]

We restore the nutrients and hormones the body needs before we ask patients to make lifestyle changes. If you supply the nutrients then the cravings go away and the brain is balanced. Then they have the willpower to eat better. We don't ask patients to exercise until they have hormones like adrenal, thyroid, testosterone to produce enough energy to exercise. Restore first. If you don't have the mineral or hormonal spark plug, then your engine can't run. I like how Dr Gersh says you can't balance zero in regards to no estradiol left. 😏

[@laurarenfro5136]

Eat butter Eat ghee Eat real olive oil

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Reduce your working hrs and stress!! Cortisol and Cortisone starts to be over produced after the ovaries close shop.

[@jannlittle4745]

How much estradiol?

[@abbycroft0]

Do we have someone talking to the government about changing our lives yet???

[@Lori050]

What about eating red meat? I swear red meat causes me inflammation as odd as that sounds.

[@jessicahitchens6926]

Where are you getting it from? I'd recommend organic Turkey and organic eggs daily. Organic Maca powder..