Dr. Sara Gottfried: How to Optimize Female Hormone Health for Vitality & Longevity | Huberman Lab

[@taniasawaya26]

This is THE single best Huberman Lab episode you have ever done, Andrew. On behalf of all women, thank you. Let's hear her again soon, please.

[@JD..........]

Disagree. Any number of superior episodes come to mind. Gut health easily wins. Phytness and sleep destroy.

[@brightlights23]

So many revelations. Bravo. 👏 👏

[@ChefGracesPlace]

I agree

[@nats7991]

Could not agree more! After struggling with menopause, gut issues and more this information was life changing! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@barbiekat6352]

@@nats7991 would love for you to share what specifically helped you!

[@marijazil6362]

(Saying louder than everyone else) Andrew, PLEASE bring more people specialising in women's health to your podcast! I love how on many of topics with other guests you make sure to ask 'and what's that like for women?' - it's so important, and so few other big podcasters do. It was refreshing to listen to Sara and not have to quickly google every other claim with added 'for women'. Can't wait to read her books.

[@hischild16]

Like Dr. Mindy Pelz

[@madeleinesteele2300]

agreed!!

[@londonhealthdietcoach6274]

Agree ❤❤

[@jessicaayers3673]

On how to supplement for hormone imbalances!!

[@ItsMeDarlaLee]

It’s so true! I had to actually remind myself that she was giving advice specifically for women lol. I was like “this advice is for me!”

[@amusienk]

I’m so grateful for this episode, Dr. Huberman! I was struggling with infertility and, thanks to the rich content of this episode, was able to self-diagnose PCOS and then confirm it with my doc. I began exercising 30-60 minutes a day, followed by cold showers, and supplementing with high EPA fish oil, L-Carnitine, and Inositol. My sleep improved, joint pain went away, BG went down from 5.7 to 5.6 and within 2 months of this protocol I achieved ovulation. I found out today I am pregnant, on the very first cycle! My husband and I are joyful beyond words!!

[@oddstuff6137]

Congratulations

[@Kay_Taylor]

Congratulations

[@katefagan633]

Amazing!!

[@sararistow6137]

This being 6 months old, I hope you’re having a wonderful pregnancy!

[@sofiagarciarojascamacho9377]

Omg!

[@lindencalloway5]

We need more people like Sara and Andrew! Just finished reading "The 23 Former Doctor Truths by Lauren Clark" and I had to say its so truth revealing. Industry hides so much from society!

[@lukag3155]

Thanks!

[@LuciaNovaková2]

Finished that book. Its a must-read for sure! Rachel is such an amazing doctor

[@amypolitano9480]

Please do a whole episode on Menopause! We as women are given so little information on this and it impacts us sooo much! Our providers gloss over it if we aren’t in the age range of going through it yet but I personally want to be prepared!

[@dalefurnish5147]

THIS!!!!

[@desireegreen653]

Thanks for the episodes you've done so far about it. We really need light on this. It would also be helpful to know also how to approach our regular Kaiser doctor, for example.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

She Dr Sarah Gotlieb has a awesome podcast that covers all stages of menapause and how perimenopause can start as young as 30's 40 she has so much hands on great knowledge Dr Sarah Gotlieb the one who is interviewing on this podcast 👍👍 I wish I had this video 20yrs ago.

[@deniserobinette6249]

YES - YES - YES!!!

[@mariee.5912]

👏 🎉

[@belamourbeauty]

My family think I’m going through some kind of spiritual awakening in my life. I spent two months binge watching this podcast after I hit rock bottom. Andrew hubermans podcast changed my life. He saved my life. Helped with my trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and adhd. I now have a business, in better physical and mental health I’ve not been at in over 10 years! I am so so so grateful to Andrew for this podcast, I hope he knows the impact he has on others. ❤

[@carolinamayoraln]

Same here! I’d been seduce by his way to communicate knowledge! My life change 180degrees..

[@laura7visionmission]

Powerful 😊

[@jungbell]

A great show to binge on ❤

[@aliabbaswadia3974]

:)

[@agnesestrupule396]

If you don’t mind sharing - which podcasts or practical advice is that you implemented that made the most difference? Also - happy for you and these podcasts are amazing! 🙌🏼

[@SageLazuli]

I went to my primary care physician and asked for them to check my hormones including testosterone and he told me I didn’t need to check testosterone because I’m a woman… 🤦🏽‍♀️ Thank you Dr. Huberman for putting so much free information out to the public so we can have the option to educate ourselves. I’ve lost faith in the medical system long ago.

[@sophiarestrepo6775]

I did that once with a doctor and I insisted on them testing my testosterone, turns out I had PCOS.

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

RUN.

[@adonishernandez6361]

My doctor didn’t even know what to look for when I asked for a hormonal test. It’s sad.

[@lunaticwerewolf]

There are doctors who will listen. It blows how much effort it takes to find one.

[@monse4418]

i literally got told the same thing, doctors need to do better

[@honorrush8390]

“being female is a health hazard”. Beyond medical rhetoric, the simplicity yet implication of Dr Sara’s statement resonates strongly. I’ve struggled with digestive and fertility issues for years. Very few male doctors have acknowledged the emotional/ psychological aspect that Dr Sara so rightly recognised. Thank you for this episode Dr Huberman.

[@caravolpicelli8718]

I was dismayed when 15 min in she made the statement that she's an IUD crusader and said, "Having a copper IUD gives you a complete authority and sovereignty over your sexual life that's profound". When I would argue having complete control over it WITHOUT a foreign substance in it is actual autonomy! Then she goes on to say that "women with the copper IUD have the highest satisfaction rate of anyone on contraceptives". Ironically I just made a post about this on my IG a few days ago, sharing the horrific side effects I suffered from having a copper IUD. All bloodwork showed I was completely "healthy," yet I had suddenly developed numerous unexplainable issues - severe loss of strength, constant phantom pain and injuries, severe memory loss, severe fatigue, and more. My obgyn told me it wasn't possible that it was from my IUD, yet when I demanded I have it removed, I already started feeling better the very next morning. So many women also commented on my post sharing their own awful experiences, and if you search you will find info about all the lawsuits filed by women that went through these experiences as well.

[@juniper10]

I agree, as a young woman who wants a family in the future, but not at present I'm wary of the options available to us. When I look up online, a copper IUD 'seems' to be the safest one as no hormones are being administered, but it will still react to your body and its surroundings because it is not an inert metal! Hormonal pills aren't an option at all because I'd rather have a baby earlier than become a zombie in the process of trying to not have one.

[@-lavender-777]

Agree!

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

That is truly bizarre information!. So many women have suffered using IUD birth control

[@lifes2short192]

I agree with you! I was actually surprised as well that she had a hysterectomy and was full of fibroids. Is she taking her own advice or does it even work? The comment Sperm donor? Does she mean father? That comment was so cold. Thanks for advocating against putting foreign objects in our bodies.

[@AliW-xu4lv]

​@@juniper10look up what excess copper does to you. Have you thought about using basal body temperature to track your cycle to find whe. Your fertile window is? Therex many apps and groups on facebook etc that can offer help with this. If your cycles ars regular, its a good option.

[@yogini326]

women’s health and wellness topics are largely centred around selling products and services. This is refreshing. Women want to know and understand the science of their bodies. We really need more of this kind of content. Produce more please!

[@CherryJuli]

They’re either centered around wellness or getting women pregnant. It’s rarely about our health and well-being.

[@yogini326]

@@CherryJuli Good point!

[@paisleymariehamlin]

So true, I feel the same way. I love how she kept circling back to stress for certain factors in disease.

[@JulianaFrugalMinimalMom]

I really hope he does a lot more episodes focusing on women specifically, I know for example when women fast it's a whole different effect in terms of hormones that the fasting has on the female body versus a male, it'd be great to have more episodes that focus on the female physiology

[@xiebabe01]

​@@JulianaFrugalMinimalMom that's interesting insight, so I may do some research on this would you mind citing your source of this knowledge?

[@hubermanlab]

This episode. while focused on female hormone health. has many key takeaways applicable to males and females both. In particular the tools for microbiome, stress, microbiome testing and supplements/nutrition/training.

[@TrumpTrain911]

Thanks Doc! Shared this with my mother! She’s been seeing a doc about her hormones! Thanks !!😊

[@maddonut621]

I would love to let you guys run the gauntlet of tests to figure out what happened to me. I woke up on Oct 19th, 2019, violently sick. Water made my mouth feel like it crystallized my tongue and teeth. I then black out fully. 1 drop of water. That's all it takes to knock me off my feet and flat on my face. I was vomiting for months. I couldn't hold anything down for 9 months. I lost well over half of my body weight in just under 9 months. I have been poked and prodded by Dr's l3ft and right with absolutely no answers but 10 times more questions. I have a heart monitor now. Just to make sure it's not my heart, and so far all reports show its not. I'm no longer allowed to walk, bathe or drive alone due to whatever this is. I'm tired of not being able to eat properly. I feel tired and empty all the time. Truly soul tired and it's getting harder to fight the fight to keep fighting.

[@TrumpTrain911]

@@maddonut621 maybe a parasite?

[@nicholasdalonzo7712]

Much love from Pennsylvania. 🤙🏼 Rogan Huberman 2024. Make Men Masculine again

[@maddonut621]

@@TrumpTrain911 they have checked.

[@dmoyeno5172]

I think this is the first podcast that a male host actually cares enough to dive deep with great questions and actively wants to get to solutions on behalf of women. ✨ Thank you. Just amazing bro✨💫

[@cathylehman7538]

Your comment makes an unfounded assumption that male hosts do not care. That is unfair. The topic itself is wrapped in mystery and anyone daring to enter the topic is at risk of crucifixion. Please apologize or delete your comment. TY

[@becravioli]

@@cathylehman7538relax

[@kgan4733]

she's deep

[@alexandriayeager5695]

Right, so cool

[@tineygerm301]

nope Diary of a CEO has an amazing episode on this! but i agree there needs to be more

[@ymese]

Please consider doing a podcast solely focused on the perimenopausal stage of a woman’s lifecycle. It is so difficult to find useful, evidence based information on this topic. Every woman I know in my age group is struggling through it silently. Thank you! (Ps - Really love and appreciate your podcast and have learned so much!)

[@etelkaronc2932]

Yes!! This is exactly what I was going to say. It’s such a huge change, has a significant impact on our wellbeing (so over waking up tired and the hot flushes!!). Thank you for doing this podcast Dr Huberman, I love it!

[@alvinbeka8770]

Sara is the best for this theme

[@cherenealewis]

Try the "period power podcast" by Maisie Hill

[@pamelajensen5961]

Yes!!!

[@LisaNelson-xy9hs]

💯

[@misscarlyle]

Andrew, you're the man. Bringing women's health issues to the forefront is so important. I have had issues for years and am dismissed, I recently asked for a hormone test as my migraines are happening with hormone fluctuations. My doctor said it's "pointless" as all hormones fluctuate. Love being dismissed. I have kept a journal for 6+ years with dates/symptoms and he didn't even look at it.

[@fangsofmay]

@Sara Carlyle I'm sorry for your experience; I've experienced similar. Please find another doctor, ideally a woman. Good luck 💖

[@lisasternenkind6467]

Since I turned 38, every single doctor told me that it's "just the hormones" and the menopuse and nothing can be done, no matter what poblems I have. 20 years later I still menstruate regularly, as all women in my family before since generations did in my age. Only my siser, who took homone pills since her teenage years to pevent pregnancy, really did stop mentruating with about 40.

[@lais5684]

Find another doctor and say you are trying to get pregnant lol There's noting wrong to lie to get the care and exams that you need. I know this is not ethical nor is denying a woman exams that she needs. I find it sickening that if a woman isn't trying to get pregnant, all out of a sudden, looking at hormones is pointless. I learned during my early teens to advocate for myself, especially as a latina, because systemic racism exist whether we care to admit it or not. So keep going from one doctor to another until you find someone who wants to find the root of your problem, instead of temporary relieving it with medications that will cause more problems in the long run. It's def not easy being a woman in a world that only cares about men's health.

[@rf-uj5sc]

Stop going to a male doctor is your first step

[@arsinoeegypticum8894]

Or

[@1tecito]

I almost cried in several parts of this podcast because the way you two are adressing this almost INVISIBLE problems women all across the world go through is so rare yet so important.

[@erikamantovani]

I totally understand what you mean... I suffered ALONE for a long time. I used to say that pre menopause is an extremely LONELY time of life 😢

[@CeriMoon720]

Ditto!!! Me too

[@Butterflybabexoxo]

Hun? I feel like there is so much out there about menopause. Certainly, more now than ever before. I believe my favorite podcasts all have devoted episodes to this topic.

[@Taliatekito]

This episode is now 7mths old but I’ve recommended it to countless women. The connection between digestion problems and hormone problems is a real AH HA moment. This information is so valuable as anxiety levels are increasing in young females.

[@kayleechicoski1249]

As a woman, this episode was more impactful in understanding my health and wellness than anything else in mainstream medicine and media. It can’t be overstated how important it is to bring experts in women’s health on a show with such a large platform. This podcast has been life changing in many ways, but this one tops the list for me.

[@Fitnessoncallnaples]

I have an amazing Dr. in Naples, Florida that is in the top 10 for HRT. I thank God for this man! I remember going through menopause before I met this Dr. and I kept waking up in a cold sweat 3 times a night. My sheets were literally soaked to the mattress. I had to wrap myself in towels and keep extra next to my bed. It was a nightmare! Yet, i never slept well to sleep through any nightmare because of insomnia and the damn wet sheets! Now my Dr. In Naples has put me on HRT as well as he has put my mother on it years ago as well. I will quote my Dr. “ Once menopause sets in the brain actually starts shrinking and begins to slowly die. With HRT and excellent blood monitoring my body stays more youthful and vibrant.

[@pamcolding5925]

@Melanie White hi! I live in Lakeland FL ( suburb of Tampa). Can I ask about your HRT? I am 64, work nights as a truck driver and am currently on hormone pellets. I had the same sleep issues. The pellets have helped but I still have sleep issues. I'm sure a lot of it comes from having to sleep days. What form of hormones do you take?

[@Fitnessoncallnaples]

@@pamcolding5925Before I suggest anything please consult with your Dr. first. Step One: Get a hormone blood panel. This test will provide the answers to your hormone levels. Step 2: Go back to your Dr. for results and get scripts. Step 3: Ask Dr. for the reputable compound pharmacy he/she recommends. Step 4: Follow the exact instructions. Do not stop! Unless you experience side effects. You will be on them for as long as Dr. recommends. Step 5: Repeat blood panel in a month for adjustments. 6: Return for an annual hormone blood panel. My daily hormone regimine. Estrogen cream -daily Testosterone cream- once a month 1st day 2 x daily Next day same as above. Repeat every month . Progesterone-Small gel capsule. Every day. BONUS- If you want a coumpumded cream for anti- wrinkles I. E. Retin -A ask your Dr. for this script will in the office! Moral of my own hormone history. Nightmare 10 years ago before HRT. Dream Come True Results: WOW!! I feel alive, vitality ( viagra for women) woohooo! and told I look 10 years younger with Retin-A and a little LED mask and Botox. Note: I demand the government pay for HRT! Hello! Men/husbands would reap these benefits! No alcohol to get her in any mood, which I personally believe men use to loosen up. Come on men! This has been used forever!!! And some women that use alcohol to put up with their husbands needs. You asked! My 2 cents…. I hope this helps you and other women and men. Dr. Hubberman was also helpful with a family member suffering from depression. The family member flew to Chicago for Ketamine treatment. The symptoms of depression GONE. If I could wind a clock back I would be a neuropsychologist! The new discoveries are like Neil Armstrong landing on the moon in 1969. Luckily, I have a family member whom just graduated top of his class at Hillsdale College. He was given a full scholarship at U of Iowa. :) Good luck!

[@ioanaploscaru3172]

This podcast has helped me more than all my doctors ever had in my 33 years of existence.

[@didikennedy9079]

SAME.

[@asana_awakening]

Same!!!

[@jennazhang4927]

❤❤❤yesss

[@Fatbum11]

It’s so sad when doctors and specialists don’t agree on your diagnosis. I want doctors who do full maternal and paternal family histories, so we can end genetic diseases in families, which ties in with doctors seeing the same symptoms, time and time again, that put their names to their discoveries.

[@planckismus]

Doctors are there to treat you when you have an illness, not to be health coaches for you.

[@hikergirl2mandy]

Please have Dr. Sara Gottfried on again, specifically talking about perimenopause. As a woman in the midst of symptoms I am struggling to get helpful information and response from health care professionals. I am excited to use this information to help my three daughters navigate through their lives!

[@dana102083]

Dr Mindy Pelz discusses women and menopause a lot. She has a book "fast like a girl" and I think she was on hubermam...she's on a lot of podcasts and her own.

[@laughingl0tus]

Also Dr. Mary Claire Haver

[@gsp0819kri]

I'd like to see Dr Gottfried talk about this too.

[@Doridoesthings]

We definitely need part 2! We didnt get to what women in their 40s and 50+ need to be doing! Also please talk more about women and testosterone replacement!

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

Maca for testosterone!

[@fineartsandartforlife]

Please,, also 40 plus are listeners, please also dive into that age group. Thank you in advance!

[@brandykelly3981]

Yes!! We are listening

[@leannlujan9832]

I’m 53, started menopause at age 50-1/2. I started hormone replacement ( estrogen, progesterone & testosterone) at age 52. Wish I would have started in my 40’s when I really needed it!!! Just did not know the first thing about it. We need to educate our young girls!!! Since being on hormone replacement for a year and a half, I have had so many test results of that have caused me to go on lower doses, then, back on higher doses, then stop for a while! I just want to find the right dose of all three and stick with them. Actually, I’m going to get an IUD of progesterone to coincide with my estrogen. I keep bleeding with my estrogen and progesterone pills. More discussion about this would be fantastic!

[@alcyone-rising]

Yes please finally found an NP who had the foresight to help me. Only took 2 yrs

[@gabrielab]

I am glad to see that female hormonal health is a more popular topic nowadays. In menopause we find ourselves trying to find the best advice because few care about old women's well-being. Dr. Gottfried has been an excellent guide for me. Thank you so much for this interview... I will watch it with great interest!

[@shitimade97]

True, my mom is going through menopause and doctors give her so much confusing information and mixed recommendations that she can't find a good guide for menopause other than recommendations from other women's experiences.

[@alvareo92]

@@shitimade97 whats telling here is when Dr. Gottfried “steps out of the science”. Too much of female health (and health in general!) is ruled by emotions which can’t be easily reproduced or measured or studied scientifically. And then you got the feminists who say it is patriarchal and reductive to say that you might be sick because of your emotions

[@Alex-ml3zx]

Cream pie?

[@Ms.Magic94]

@Beastbombshell we all should care. we want our mothers and grand mothers to live as long as they can and as healthy as they can.

[@llkoolbean4935]

Same!

[@heatherbaird2041]

Thank you Andrew and Sara for covering menopause in particular. It has been the most confusing period of my life (well done my mum for preparing me and supporting me so well through puberty). Just when a woman's career is in top gear, looking at leadership roles, suddenly the hormonal rug is pulled from under your feet. No longer the sharpest person in the room, no longer emotionally well regulated and exhausted just making it through the working day.

[@AliciaM5555]

@Heather ikr?!?!?! It's disgusting and inhumane how women are virtually ignored. 💖

[@HH-gv8mx]

Menopause is not talked about enough. And in my family, it is not discussed at all. I tried to ask my mother questions and she just said she has no idea because she had a hysterectomy. My grandmother says she experienced nothing but that is her answer with everything from side effects from the vaccine etc. you can never really get her to share her medical experience especially if it’s a taboo female topic. And I have no female friends that discuss menopause. But I can feel a huge hormonal shift in the past two years. And suddenly my periods are irregular, while they always has been, I get them every 22 days and now sometimes I’ll get them twice a month and after experiencing Covid, I didn’t get a period at all for a couple months. Low energy, dry skin, bloating and constipation… is this part of menopause 🤷‍♀

[@drbergfelt]

We need peri menopause abdcthyroid disease talks, ie Hashimoto experts that treat the gut first. Can we have more of these podcasts? Thanks for your awesome channel

[@olemontoya]

This is true for me. I learned quickly that I absolutely had to remove alcohol and coffee bc of their effect on my hormonal balance and digestion. Plus exercising every day. I feel strong, balanced and more in control of my energy and emotions.

[@kjlincontrol]

@@olemontoya Is there a discussion about the effects of caffeine on hormonal balance in this episode? If not, could you share where you learned this information? I want to learn as I'm having ISSUES. Thank you. 🙏

[@jesscalvino8818]

As a woman who lives with a high ACE score, PCOS, IBS systitis, I am sending a huge virtual hug, I am 42 and have been following Dr. Sarah Gottfried for a while now. I not only found this informative but also necessary, moving into peri-menopause without a huge amount of disposable income. Immense gratitude Huberman team!!!

[@jesshatchette]

I want a whole video with her for perimenopause and menopause! This affects women as early as our late 20s and early 30s. We really need this information.

[@rachaelita-gw7sg]

We women are suffering and need more help! Please do more podcasts dedicated to women and women's hormone health, specifically on hormonal health during and post- menopause. Please have Sara back on to discuss this or any other expert. There's a unique kind of deep suffering that comes to a woman when she hits her menopausal years: there is the emotional pain of feeling so disregarded and no longer relevant in society (which comes on fast btw), combined with the debilitating physical and mental/emotional suffering that comes with menopausal symptoms and with not much help out there at all!! It's like there's been a wholesale abandonment of womankind at this stage of life. It's a full-blown catastrophe and shameful for a country such as the US. Thank you so much Andrew Huberman for what you do, you are a top rate human!! : )

[@Toot-xl6qt]

Why don’t women just do their own podcasts🌞

[@karengresham9512]

Hit play not pause is a great menopause podcast. By a WOMAN :)

[@VivSees]

@@karengresham9512 thank you!

[@scaramoucheysimp]

this is how i feel but just as a woman of color. so invisible. im only realizing now at 26 that i'd been going through life esp in adolescence with severe brain fog, almost fainting all the time, depressed, never able to focus, barely eating and needing to sleep 12 hours and the entirety of that time, every single adult in my life just thought i was lazy, plus annoying for having trouble waking up. it's kind of astounding to me how just one girl can be that invisible let alone the thousands of others.

[@Fatbum11]

All of what you put was through my hypothyroidism diagnosis , pituitary and vitamin deficiencies, a family history of women’s problems, and the affects it has in childbirth and bringing up our children, . As Huberman said it affects men, and their hormones genetically. No wonder there’s so much dysfunction in the world, these are things we need to know earlier and throughout our lives. Unfortunately well people don’t need to keep going back to the doctors.

[@kathealy60]

I was fortunate enough to be a participant in Dr. Gottfried’s course for health coaches about 10 years ago; she is a star and so engaging and enthusiastic! Her book “The Hormone Cure” did change my life. Having both Huberman and Gottfried together on a podcast is like winning the lottery! The 2+ hours flew by…such great information from both of you. Would love to see another episode of the two of you together. Very much appreciate both of you and what you both put out there for all of us.

[@yikesmoody]

Wow, what a an amazing experience! Dr. Gottfied is amazing!

[@sabinacho2300]

Thank you for this episode. I recently came to my OBGYN with some of the symptoms noted here; painful periods, bowel issues, mood irregularities, ovarian cysts. All my doctor recommended was birth control to alleviate these symptoms. There needs to be more conversations such as this one, as in practice, many women are left without proper care.

[@SageLazuli]

Yes! I agree. I’ve had a similar experience with my primary and OBGYN. Everyone keeps telling me it’s normal and fine when it doesn’t feel like it! 😔

[@sabinacho2300]

@@SageLazuli I'm saving up for a complete hormonal and micro nutrient panel, but insane that preventative and diagnostic care is not fully covered by most insurance!

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

Dr. Neal Barnard; look him up. He's got a book on hormones, Changed and saved my life.

[@meghan8020]

Women’s healthcare is straight up abysmal, and honestly, so many doctors just don’t give a shit. I’ve just had my second baby. I was so blessed to be in (what we call here in aus) the Midwife Group Practice - which is essentially a holistic medical model based on continuity of care (the same midwife sees you throughout your preg, birth and PP. it was amazing. Women who just go through the hospital system have much worse outcomes. Hospitals care that the baby lives, and the mother lives. Which isn’t nothing. But they’ll butcher your body unnecessarily to make that happen. They’ll steamroll and gaslight women’s preferences at every turn, because they’re more concerned about checking boxes and following protocols than they are about properly respecting a woman’s concerns and preferences. This model has been for many years, and still is resulting in so much physical and mental trauma. It’s appalling. I now have a chiropractor, pelvic floor specialist, community of exercise enthusiasts and experts and nutritionist/naturopath/homeopath friends and/or healthcare practitioners around me. You really need to do the research yourself, advocate for yourself and find alternative care practitioners who will work with you if you actually want to improve your health. And you have to be resilient to withstand the disdain you might cop from a lot of the mainstream medical community for not abiding by their bullshit status quo haha

[@millename]

I had the same symptoms! My gynaecologist had my blood tested on lots of things, but we found nothing, everything was normal. The only thing that was persistent was a cyst that hadn’t disappeared for a year. So my diagnosis is endometriosis, I had a laparoscopy 8 months ago, my condition is better now, but I am still on dienogest.

[@dianarutecki9810]

I am 69 year old female and just stared HRT including testosterone. My brain, bones, mood, depression, lack of joy and panic attacks during the night has all gone. Never ever go without your hormones. I wish when I was going through my forties I monitored my hormones so that I had base lines to follow on my hormone replace levels. Best thing is quality of life . Women. HRT changed my life. Thank god for my doctor who allowed me to get on hormones and stop the collapse of my life.

[@LatinBellyGoddess]

Yes I started 5 months ago and I’m finally sleeping, and feeling so much better overall w all the benefits of HRT.

[@peacelove7437]

Still have my period at 48, regular cycle, and I just started HRT. Can't wait to see what it does for me.

[@mscrunchy68]

Watching this so I can be ready for a conversation with my doctor - definitely need hrt now having thought I could just power through, things are awful at the moment 😢

[@georgiabessie]

I’m 65 and got my first hormone replacement 2 days ago. Finally. I have to pay cash. Worth it. Two doctors refused me for decades. I gave up until I took a women’s health class in my FNP school this summer. The WHI is a lie.

[@GrettaHG]

At 59 I have asked my doctor for HRT and given a ‘hard no’ despite low risk profile. It is so frustrating especially since it is virtually impossible to find a doctor here at the moment (Canada) so changing doctors is very difficult.

[@Sunnysunshineshine]

Thank you so much for this episode Andrew and dr. Gottfried. I just really hope for en separate episode on menopause. Many of us suffer in silence because we don’t know what to do. Some women are no longer the same after they come into menopause. We need our lives back 🙏❤️

[@kimbadull6448]

Yes!

[@Buc-eesGurl]

DEFINITELY needs an episode on menopause.

[@heidis.t.8769]

Brava!

[@annieclayton2262]

🙏🏼

[@kellymoses3666]

*like not lime.

[@emmali1009]

30 year old woman from Pakistan. Sending you love. Your podcast has changed my life. I look forward so much to each episode.

[@aliabbaswadia3974]

:)

[@Jo-sv6uw]

THANK YOU Dr.Gottfried for explaining how we get gaslighted by our doctors out of hormone panels, if we are not trying to, or cannot get pregnant!! This brought me to tears just hearing someone in the field put this thought out on a public platform.

[@emilyb5557]

I agree that the advice given is not good & lacking. But they aren't gas lighting in the real sense - I'm a UK medic and we are not taught any of this stuff! A lot of it wasn't known when I was in med school in last decade but still doubt it would have been. The next gen are getting themselves educated & the some of my gen are self educating! But working with older gen who are not always open to it. That said my consultant is happy for me to px b vitamins & magnesium to my patients. I'd love to do one of the functional medicine courses. One day - £4k is too much for me for now. Not meaning to dismiss in anyway the impact on the poor treatment but maybe helps to know they just aren't aware not trying to screw women over or lie to them.

[@jeniferjohnson374]

May I ask about what age you are? We may be in a similar boat. It would be relieving to hear from others who have progressed through dr issues/trying to get pregnant.

[@oddstuff6137]

​@@emilyb5557 the uni education has gotten worse with health and medical education

[@vivianfreitaswithazhomesty4532]

A little side note about copper IUDs. I also thought as a person very sensitive to hormones, a copper IUD would be a perfect solution for me. I had it in for 7 years before I got pregnant with it. After that child was born, my post baby body was difficult to get back to say the least. We did some testing and my thyroid was under performing. I did a reinsert of an IUD after a 2nd child and I had some SERIOUS neurological symptoms. I was seeing specialists consistently with no answers. As soon as I took that IUD out, everything resolved itself. I’m pretty convinced the copper IUD caused my thyroid performance and my neurological symptoms after the 2nd insertion. Just some important things to think about before recommending this birth control method for women. Barrier method of some form is the best for our health

[@Deelitee]

Hope you’re feeling better. Copper in the body just sounds like a potential problem! Armchair, MD over here.

[@dana102083]

​@@Deeliteeit's the type of copper.. check out morelly Robbins about copper/iron balance in mitochondrial health.

[@mariee.5912]

I had mirena and I was ok.

[@MysteryExodus]

I think it’s insane that she’s recommending this IUD

[@alcyone-rising]

That was your personal experience. Dr gotlieb keeps insisting that she treats her patient as an individual.

[@plantsandmotion7168]

I don’t want this podcast to end. What a powerhouse of information.

[@aliabbaswadia3974]

:)

[@annaheer2844]

Haha! 😘 " Plants and Motion " -- You are clearly ( brightly! ) of the FEMALE persuasion! And I concur whole+heartedly/ heart-brokenly... Dearest "A.H.A" ? ~~Andrew Huberman

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

Agreed!!! I kept wishing we could hear more on each little rabbit trail of thought and how they all connect! 🙌🏻

[@sandra-oc7ye]

I cannot express the relief that menopause research is FINALLY happening. Thank you so much for broadcasting this topic. Please keep women’s health information coming on your podcast. Thank you for your consistent women inclusive dialogue in all your podcasts. ❤

[@markella78]

I am very glad that finally a medicine doctor, who isn’t a psychiatrist, thinks that trauma is related with so many diseases. I as a doctor for internal medicine have the same beliefs and make almost every day the same observations!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you for this great podcast!

[@ERRNCAM1]

Please view Nadine Burke Harris' work on Adverse Childhood Experiences and health outcomes.

[@kristinandreae2184]

As a physical therapist I see this daily as well. The two cannot be separated

[@KatzeMelli]

well you will LOVE Dr Gabor Mate then

[@markella78]

@@KatzeMelli love him already!

[@Viva_la_natura]

Gabor Mate

[@terri6115]

I was in perimenopause in my early 30's and was basically told: No, I was not. Thank you and I am excited to pass this information on to my sisters and children.

[@Mrsmerry1]

I never add comments to podcast episodes, but this one blew it out of the water so I had to. Thank you for this extremely needed information by such an incredible doctor. This needs to be out to the masses as it is so crucial for both men and women to hear this information. We need to teach this to our kids-- they and we deserve better from the medical community and it's time. I hope you have her back really soon because I really wanted to hear more about what she has to say about menopause. You guys almost got to it at the end, but never circled back. Please don't make us wait too long for that discussion! Thank you for all you do, but damn--this one hit home.

[@NittyByGritty-7]

🙏❤️🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@kimberlygonsalves8632]

Agreed! need info NOW. M50% of the population is living in the dark ages on primary issues if health and wellness across our life spans. We can’t teach our daughters what we don’t know!

[@shiftwithmaryv]

Agree 100% on hearing more about women over 60 and menopause! It’s time for us to shine in this decade and beyond 🎉

[@lukuma79]

I just have the need to say how I admire Andrew for his intelligent way of carrying a conversation, his academic knowledge, intellect and humility shows in each interview. Thank you very much Andrew and Sara for sharing your knowledge with us. ❤️🙏

[@LauraAmanda8888]

Been binging the podcast for a few months now and it has helped me through grief, trauma, depression and anxiety, made me sleep better, recover from nightshifts better, have better self-esteem and gave me so much motivation and drive to be more healthy and do good things for me. Seeing this episode feels like a sign that life will only keep getting better and I am so grateful ❤Thank you Andrew xx

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I self-ordered my coronary calcium score test and my Agatston score is 0. I’m 63 and my familial cardiac disease history is horrific. The cardiologist at the hospital and I did a happy dance together. $49! Results immediately after test. Doesn’t get much better than this. Thank you both for an amazing discussion.

[@Jdub1005]

I was on oral estrogen only birth control pills for almost 30 years. I was progesterone deficient for so many years. I'm learning now that oral estrogen is very hard on our livers, and we start losing progesterone as early as our 20s. So many women suffer because of the lack of hormonal balance. I'm so glad this subject is being talked about on this podcast. I hope women's health is taken more seriously soon.

[@OfTheMountains]

This is super helpful!! My wife just gave birth to our second baby, and this is great insight on how to care for my wife.

[@aimee9478]

Congrats and best of luck in navigating parenthood. :3

[@littlelam3691]

What a sweet and caring husband ❤

[@lw3808]

The world needs more men like you - seeking ways to care for your wife!!

[@emilyb5557]

❤ love that you listened to this for your wife! So sweet.

[@Baharak1978]

One in million man that clearly was surrounded by smart women growing up

[@elenkp5253]

I m suffering with PCOs and endometriosis. I d really appreciate an episode going on detail about endometriosis and supplements or tests we need to do and take, and how we can treat these conditions as naturally as possible! I enjoy listening to you for the past couple years!! Thank you

[@MarieHenderson-bs4of]

I’d love to hear more about endometriosis as I’m stage 4 and I’ve been looking for more information on this I’m nearly 41 and know my ovaries are ready pre menopausal.

[@insertnamehereplease4975]

Taking inositol. Changed my life and ended decades of pain. Am under care of a naturopath.

[@saffronsl]

I went Leto got my inflammation down and took oregano oil, wipes out the bad bacteria that causes endometriosis, my endo is way better now but when I eat bad foods the pain does come back a tiny bit but nothing like it used to be

[@nadjadavidson411]

Listened to a medical podcast the other day where OCOS was described as “diabetes of the reproductive organs” and people find relief following a carnivore diet. Check out Dr. Chaffee and Dr. Berry on YT.

[@PlayshotKalo]

Can we just appreciate Huberman for his health curiosities and presenting that accumulation of knowledge he has to us? Thank you Huberman for helping us try to be our best selves. I wish you a long, healthy, happy, fulfilled life.

[@Celeste-.-marie]

The majority of doctors don't understand anything about women's health, and most brush off women's health complaints. I'd be willing to bet this is why women have more health complications. This is an important conversation. Thank you for having this guest! Loving this episode.

[@stormfourstrings1735]

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that women are far more likely to be obese, and far less likely to change it than men.

[@Celeste-.-marie]

@StormFourStrings that's just not true. According to NIH, "The percentage of men who are overweight (34.1%) is higher than the percentage of women who are overweight (27.5%)." You're the perfect example of how women continue to get gaslit in the medical community.

[@zefrum3]

Gender of patient has nothing todo with it

[@zulubritchic5943]

Really enjoyed this podcast. What a woman! As an african woman, raised in England, I grew up watching a lot of my female relatives battling chronic diseases but living fairly healthy lifestyles. I have come across so many studies that show a correlation to cortisol disruption among black and hispanic women as the underlying cause. I’ve sent them this video and they absolutely loved it. Thanks Huberman 😊

[@eugeniebreida]

Yes, cortisol. I am white, but well aware my father handed down to me an excess of all the stimulating hormones - and reactivity. And how he raised me only increased these stressors. I can only imagine that women who are minorities or poor or disempowered would struggle with the negative effects of over stimulated cortisol. By age 60 I'd 'caught' a serious autoimmune arthities/cardiovascular (all immune activity, or most, is supplied by the blood (or lympth) ) . . . Meditation is something I still don't practice :(

[@travisn346]

Try releasing some of the generational traumas with a Body Code practitioner. I make no claims, but many people have had positive results.

[@SirenASMR_]

@@travisn346 please recommend a practitioner

[@annalisa14]

@@travisn346 in what city/ country, please

[@AliciaM5555]

Yes! Cortisol is such a massive killer! I am mixed race person and I see that my physical health seems to be more aligned with my Central American heritage and body shape as well. I've had to completely relearn how and what to eat as a woman in her 50's and have had to get honest about how the current modern American diet is killing us and is not real food. Healthy options are extremely expensive!

[@TalysaV]

I really appreciate this conversation. I am 33 and for the last 4 years my health has been absolutely wrecked. I had a 15 cm fibroid that went undiagnosed, even though I sought help when I was in pain. I have had severe health issues following complications from my myomectomy.. it’s been really tough. I’m just glad to hear conversations around women’s health.

[@RK-su4hs]

Book “Tissue cleansing through bowel management “ by Dr Bernard Jensen Jensen wrote it after 60 years of clinical work mostly treating the chronically ill successfully

[@violetterose8637]

I was JUST complaining that he's not doing anything on this awful menopause thing.... what the hell!!! It's a crazy time! And dear lawd, trauma threw me right into menopause early. And, I was on the pill for 20 years!!! Oh boy. I'm fascinated with this info. Thank you Andrew!!!! I appreciate you acknowledging 50% of the population. ❤❤

[@samanthavalles-thurman44]

This was the best episode I have ever listened to. Please have her back on the show. I started listening to it casually, but found myself sitting down, taking notes, rewinding certain parts to soak in the information…absolutely brilliant. A huge thank you to you both!

[@jackierose5182]

Me too! Just listened to the podcast, now at my computer watching the KZbin version! Sara is smart and beautiful!

[@elivshin]

Me three:). Thank you!!!!!

[@deannabrown2708]

Txr

[@summerjoy_086]

Same

[@gardentherapyireland6924]

Im a psychologist and tramua therapist. This has certainly been my favourite interview so far. Very informative and wonderful to see medicine starting to merge with psychological knowledge. I wish we could do those tests here in Ireland. Thank you for sharing. Tatiana

[@Sunnyfield323]

Surely there is options for the functional tests ! In Australia if we go through a functional medicine doctor ( or zoom if not close by ) also there is private pathology ( doctor supervised) and the individual can order their own test and pay online ( request anything from the menu) the pathology form gets emailed to the individual then they go to their local pathology collection centre or it’s a collection kit in the mail . I did that a few times for a urine test and salivia hormones .

[@prawnetto]

Mindovermetal in the UK, Kurt Odger, does a great range including The Works, an exceptionally useful genes test.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

She is loaded with hands on and with her patients she is a universe of knowledge in the woman's menapause 👍👍👍😎

[@Fatbum11]

I’ve spoken to quite a few people with borderline personality disorders, and or with addiction, who have thyroid disorders, or have parents with thyroid disorders. Trouble is when you go to a mental hospital and they check your thyroid, it doesn’t always give a true reading because the ranges are from a data analysis machine which give different results at different times and symptoms ignored, even if the y show abnormal. I think that’s why I’m a bit hesitant about treatment from any kind of therapists, who don’t do full endocrine and vitamin checks, on their clients or patients, because most of these have affects on our hormones, from starting periods through to menopause.

[@rabiacollection2475]

I am suffering with unwanted sex desires and I was on cipralex I quite that for above 6 months and suffering with abdominal pain someone suggested strat again ciprlaex or psychtrist medicine .... I feel like these feelings what should I do now ?

[@michellelangley9854]

Thank you for doing an episode on this topic! I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 32 which led to a hysterectomy. I was assured my hormones would not be affected since I still have my ovaries. That was a big lie and life has been absolute HELL post-surgery, physically and mentally. Some good take-aways... Unfortunately most cannot afford all the personalized care & comprehensive testing that's discussed. I'm glad she touches on brain changes. Have definitely experienced those severe symptoms and can attest to the medical gaslighting, being told I'm "normal", dismissed by doctors, being thrown anti-depressants, referred to "specialists". Left with no relief and a mountain of medical debt. May the future require more education and care around female hormone health and trauma. ♥

[@madsss777]

Hear hear. Bless you on your journey and healing.

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

A hysterectomy was a nightmare for me. A nurse recommended 1 mg. Of Estradiol. Changed everything.

[@MoniqueElwell]

This was an amazing podcast! As a 52yo woman who has been in perimenopause for 20 years, I'm constantly told to go on hormones. I have no symptoms, great bone density, no cardiovascular concern, and absolutely no concern for diabetes, I can now say to them that the diet that I'm eating works! Just ask Dr. Gottfried. Please have her back on! There's so much more to learn!!

[@dmariecaebrown1199]

Please share?

[@MoniqueElwell]

The microbiome diet. I think by Dr. Kellman

[@annfletcher6249]

Awesome discussion. For a 57 year old woman, the information in this episode was essential. It laid to rest so many concerns and questions and Andrew was the perfect host raising relevant and complimentary issues. Thank you.

[@lizshoemaker8713]

On your next episode about female hormone optimization, PCOS and menopause, I’d love to hear you cover hormonal migraines. I suffer from migraines every month either right before my period or while on my period, knowing some tools to help alleviate or even prevent them without birth control would be extremely helpful. I’m currently prescribed sumatriptan for when I have an attack, but the rare side effects of that drug are terrifying, and yet when I have a migraine all I want to do is get rid of it so I take as many of those pills as I need. Thank you for all your wonderful work, you are such a gift ❤

[@hubermanlab]

Episode on headache that covers hormonal migraines and tools to address them out this coming Monday!

[@lizshoemaker8713]

@@hubermanlab yes! Love that! Thank you 🙌

[@kin8031]

I could’ve written this comment word by word! The headaches are so debilitating and after years of excessive paracetamols I now take sumatriptan but feel so weak afterwards.

[@gaellelebray]

@@hubermanlab amazing. it's in my queue to listen - once i have finished this one!

[@Iamjessicakouassi]

@@hubermanlab yes!

[@ViagensGringa]

From a physical therapy standpoint, constipation creates pelvic floor stress, which can then affect hip and lumbar mobility, so it's one of the first things I screen for when women present w chronic and insidious lumbar, hip, or pelvic pain. Also this is the 20th episode Ive seen where Im wondering why PTs, (we have clinical doctorates as well) are never referenced or included in these conversations bc so much of this is indeed in our wheelhouse. Food for thought.

[@Sunnyfield323]

Great point !!!

[@dhishkyun]

This explains so much for me!

[@pebbleskillasheep]

Thank you for sharing! This is such an interesting information .

[@SoberBobs]

There are PT's included, but they haven't discussed your point (yet) Good mentioning it though!

[@Antonia-Hollain]

As a woman in her 50's, this has been the absolute most informative, enlightening and essential podcast I've listened to. Thank you for remembering woman, especially woman menopause. We need help as well as good information to help us through this time in our lives.

[@aprilleman5499]

Obsessed with this pod and sharing with all the women in my life. Dr Gottfried is absolutely brilliant and so helpful. I hate that so much female focused content trends toward aesthetics and not actual health. It’s hard to cut through the noise and land somewhere based in data and science. This episode bridges the gap in so many ways. Thank you for having her on and I hope you choose to bring her back for more.

[@AzucenaPerez]

Dr Huberman, a heart-felt THANK YOU for brining in Dr. Gottfried to your podcast and shining light on women's health, especially around perimenoupause, digestive issues, nutrition. Loved her book 'Younger.' Both speakers have such chemistry and respect for each other's work, it was beautiful to watch the dance between 2 great minds!! After this episode, I now whole heartedly believe that when I was young and growing up in another country I experienced trauma that showed up as ongoing constipation. It went away as soon as I moved away! My therapist at the time told me "the best thing you could have done for yourself is to leave that toxic family environment." She was right.

[@247freedom]

This makes me so glad that I listened to my body and quit oral contraceptive early on. I was extremely sensitive, felt like I was going insane, would snap at the slightest thing--which I felt like I was outside of myself observing my reactions to things and not understanding why because it was not me but also uncontrollable, libido disappeared which was depressing as a young wife, it was the worst few months of my life. My obgyns solution? To put me on an antidepressant! I was very young and didn't know much about anything, but it made sense to me that if I need other meds to cope with bc pills, then the obvious solution was to quit the bc pills and voila, no antidepressants needed! And yes I fired that obgyn too, lol. Now knowing how harmful they could be, I am so thankful. Appreciate this talk so much, for so long I thought I was abnormal and alone.

[@cait_r.e._art]

😭 just finding out that the extended side effects of some birth controls can shrink your clit is so frustrating but also explains so much about how I feel after being off birth control for over 2 years and still having issues with hormones and libido. Thank you so much for making this available for people! Wish more people knew

[@nowhappyyoga]

THANK YOU for breaking the boys club streak. I a huge fan of your podcasts and find them to be of tremendous benefit and have incorporated many of your recommendations both personally and in my capacity as a Yoga Therapist. However, I was becoming a bit cross with you for seemingly and overwhelmingly favoring male guests. I look forward to you and Sara continuing the talk in addition to hopefully being introduced to more amazing female guest speakers. With gratitude.

[@amylynne1817]

She’s absolutely right about having to fight for a hormone panel to be done unless you’re trying to get pregnant. I’m 36, never pregnant and not planning but have HPA axis dysfunction with obvious side effects and I needed to lie about about wanting to conceive eventually, so I could get the lab work ordered

[@dianepereira1860]

I asked for hormone testing because I've battled with unwanted hair since puberty and was told since I am in menopause it probably wouldn't be helpful and a waste of time. So I agree as a woman we need to fight for the basic of tests.

[@emilyb5557]

Same, I'm a medic and had to claim I was starting to try soon. Still then couldn't get testosterone check.

[@nayoungmathiesen829]

I currently live in Scandinavia running a company in Asia related to aged care. Most of Dr. Huberman’s podcasts are related to ageing, brain health and longevity so I turned into a big fan ever since my son recommended this channel a couple of months ago. Personally as a 67-year-old Asian female I try to do everything correct to manage my health properly, yet I struggle with sleep. I have been using hormone replacement therapy as a sleeping remedy starting shortly after my menopause in my early 50’s, and Dr. Gottfried’s comments on HRT caught my attention. I understand that Alzheimer’s (or dementia in general) occurrence is higher for female population, and Dr. Gottfried’s comments on AD also caught my attention. Both topics are very important, but were covered very briefly at the end, so I would love to learn more. Finally, as an entrepreneur working in the aged care field, I find it extremely exciting that there are so many research ongoing which sort of turned upside down a lot of traditional ways of thinking - in AD, dementia, nutrition, gut health, etc. and so much of such information is now available for us thanks to brave scientists such as Dr. Huberman and many of his guests. I suspect many of earlier ways of thinking have been sown by big pharmas and other commercial interests. I am hoping that my company can reflect some of the latest and relevant knowledge for the future generations in Asia.

[@sunmoonstars3879]

Go look up all the studies/papers on niacin (nicotinic acid only not niacinamide) and AD, its incredible but as no money for big pharma in it no one looks seriously into it. I take 4gms a day, I’m in my early 50’s, and never felt better (no perimenopausal symptoms) and full bloods recent;y all perfect. Niacin is THE no 1 anti ageing vitamin.

[@shirintobie-paul3501]

Thank you Dr. Huberman, team, sponsors and supporters.☀️ THANK YOU DR. SARA GOTTFRIED.

[@moonstruck1115]

I just finished watching this episode and loved it! I am disappointed you weren't able to get to the 40s and 50's because that's where I am! I am in my 2nd year of hormone replacement therapy and am thrilled with the results. I am trying to learn as much about HRT in women as possible in order to be my own advocate. I am DEFINITELY going to be on the lookout for the 2nd installment of Dr Sara Gottfried!

[@Melanizing]

Loved this! Dr. Gottfried is amazing and wonderful to listen to. Please have her back again for more topics. I'd love a dedicated video on perimenopause and menopause. It's a topic that rarely gets airtime and unfortunately many primary care doctors and even gynecologists just aren't up to date on current findings and best treatments.

[@catherineemerson99]

Yes, please do! I appreciated what she covered (and have read one of her books previously) but would also appreciate more in-depth information on the later decades.

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

I second this! 🙌🏻

[@gedets.s.2827]

She said some things that I agree with, and some that I definitely don't. That aside, can we acknowledge Huberman's constant effort to get "simple" information for those that dont have the resources or the scientific knowledge Or trying to ask the same question in different ways until she answers. This man is absolutely selfless. So greatful. 🙏🏽❤

[@lavenderskies2094]

Well said. 👍🏻😊

[@travisn346]

I tuned out at 'patriarchy'. That horse has been kicked too many times.

[@staceystrukel1917]

@@travisn346 oh what a shock, a man thinking this way.

[@emkay4960]

@@travisn346 I understand why you were put off. Men are rightly tired of being blamed for everything. But...there are legitimate ways that women's health is affected by the "patriarchy." It's a proven fact that women are treated like children by doctors, who couldn't possibly know what they experience. We're dismissed and condescended to. I've experienced it myself. It needs to end. Of course, society is unfair to men in certain respects, and that needs to end too. But in this particular discussion, treating women as incompetent is very relevant. It can take many years for a woman to get diagnosed with a condition she actually has, due to the dismissiveness. It's harmful both physically and psychologically.

[@lasercat538]

@@staceystrukel1917 I wanted medical advice so I can help my mom that's going through menopause, not political commentary. I still plan on finishing the episode, but I agree with him that it's a bit annoying

[@Jayccitrus]

I'm at least 10-20 years away from menopause & I want to know everything! Please do more of these!

[@danijeladraskovic8705]

You were both incredible. The shortest 2 and a half hours ever. I waste my time and money with physicians who refuse to “entertain” my wild ideas such as testing hormone levels throughout a cycle or getting data on cortisol. So thank you for empowering us to take matters into our own hands. Isn’t it sad that GPs are becoming almost useless and that we have to think of ways to convince them to order these tests for us.

[@camellia8625]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@karlayoungblood4355]

This was such an inspiring episode, not just because of the important information she provided, but because of her delivery. What an incredibly insightful, intelligent, and composed woman. It was also inspiring to witness your humility, Andrew Huberman. To hear you spark each other's curiosity and open up to other perspectives about the topics was/is a beautiful thing. Thank you both for your great work.

[@hunglikeaslave6793]

It was amazing hearing Rollo Tomassi speak on these issues after his transition

[@shanelleraven]

So grateful for this episode! Would love to see more women as guests and more content about women's health in the future. Never discussed enough but so important and impactful when these discussions do happen.

[@sarahblair7632]

Just listened to this for the third time, taking notes. As a 44 year old who’s starting to see the early signs of peri-menopause, I’m grateful for this resource. Still anxiously awaiting your podcast on EMF and it’s effect on our health. Trying to keep the wireless earbuds out of my kids ears in the meantime!

[@polohorse315]

I’m 49 and been on HRT for 2 months now and it’s changing my life …

[@lidijatancic2913]

Andrew, I have no words left to express my gratitude for all that you have been working on from the day one up until now for global community! Thank you ever so much. You have changed and made an impact on many lives and mine as well. Hugs from Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸

[@jeannebecker4660]

I have just discovered your podcasts. This is the third one I’ve watched in two days. I honestly sat here in tears as I’m covered in sweat from yet another horrible hot flash. I will be contacting my gynecologist to ask about HRT. I am more concerned with vitality at what should be one of the most fulfilling times of my life. On a side note, your podcasts offer me a realization of my dream to have dinner with the brightest minds, and have the pleasure of overhearing their conversations. I heard you talk about your relationship with your older sister and it helped me recognize your commitment to sharing knowledge in women’s health as well. Your work is so appreciated.

[@karafogertey1764]

This has been the most enlightening podcast in my life. I’m 63 so it’s too late to know my natural levels but it is so positive for the future. This info creates a basis for holistic , personalized preventative medicine, which the system and insurance companies should embrace.

[@deel2435]

We are not taught, not even about our cycles. We bleed, either have kids or don't and then have menopause. Even the menopause - I was NEVER taught about this. Even my Mum didn't know anything about it and only learned about it when she was already through menopause. Just looking at YT, everything is about men, the male perspective and for how men can optimise their health, hormones. Where are we? We suffer more from autoimmune disease, even ADHD worsens as we age - it doesn't generally with men.

[@rema439]

@@deel2435but that’s not men problem. You should look yourself and learn not wait for someone teach you. Also yt is open media and any women can open channel and talk about women’s health which there are if you look for them. I’m women and while I agree there are many problem we face based on our gender such as discremenation, this not one of them. If man open channel, he is going to talk about their problem not women. This playing the vicitm attitude does not help anyone and certainly not womem!

[@deel2435]

@@rema439 Thanks so much for your reply, I appreciate it. You may be a woman but you're speaking the language of misogyny. Presumably you've never attended an educational institution at any point in your life, from childhood through to adulthood. YT didn't exist when I was growing up. No one is playing victim, stating facts isn't playing victim. I'm so sorry you feel that way. But you're entitled to feel however you like.

[@hebaaldeek4470]

@@rema439 When it comes time for you to actually get HRT, you'll find male doctors telling you its all in your head. Defending ignorant men on topics like this only puts you at a disadvantage because you realize everything is run by patriarchy. The research that goes into HRT for women is funded by those corporations and politicians interested in your money and with no spotlight on it women's health will never get as much advancement as it needs except in profitable areas like comestics and surgery (nothing to do with functional health) so next time you think women play the victim you're only digging a deeper grave for you and the women after you. Always advocate for yourself. Research is not enough. People need to talk about it.

[@serious7179]

​@@rema439you ARE a victim if you live in a world where your sex puts you at a disadvantage because most resources and energies are focused on the male sex. This is not an exaggeration. Our society has spent an inordinate amount of time focused on the male reproductive system and hasn't even touched the surface on the female reproductive system. How do you find information when it hasn't existed until recently because indepth studies around female physiology took a backset to anything male?

[@RobinKHood]

As a woman who has struggled with acne, high stress, painful periods, I WISH my doctors had talked to me about the risks of birth control. Not a single one of them sat down and talked me through the risks. They helped BUT they also harmed - I have migraine with aura and NEVER should've been on certain BC's. Plus, BC never helped with pain and PMS like they promised.

[@bec1681]

You were on BC with migraines!? That's very scary.

[@emilyb5557]

That is bad, it's basic knowledge taught in med school that combined hormone pill is not allowed.

[@ccccc7848]

Thank you so much for doing this. Medical care anxiety goes nuts at age 50 for a lot of females and it’s precisely the time that we get talked at and never listened to.

[@heather5254]

Because of this comment, I shall listen and learn.

[@64kimmyjo]

So very true. Menopause has been a nightmare and the medical community in my area is missing the mark. Piss poor treatment

[@xiebabe01]

Thank you Heather. I'm only 32 but I appreciate you.

[@scota73]

Yes my female doctor thought my issues were all in my head when it was bone cancer!!! Thankfully the tumor was in my armpit and could be felt. She still downplayed it and thought it was a slipped rib! All because I was 65 I believe

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

You must be in my area palm Desert Palm sprigs rancho mirage

[@miriamcombe3033]

Watched the whole episode in one day. (That’s rare for me) PLEASE have a sequel with her. A pregnancy centered episode as well would be so helpful!

[@emilyb5557]

Fertility and pregnancy episode would be really good!

[@TheBiimimon1]

I would love to see an episode on PMS and PMDD. I know it's common, yet no one talks about it and it's really hard to have just a few nice, normal days in a month. Great episode!

[@Octoberstorm333]

Yes!! I struggle horribly with pmdd even with changing my diet/mood stabilizers

[@Jaychra]

Yes, and the interactions with ADHD symptoms and trauma history are really hard to find information about. It increases the struggle to be functional when your baseline is effectively depression, with your own "normal" being out of reach 75% of the time

[@TheBiimimon1]

@@Jaychra Yes!!!

[@monicahmuhoya5232]

The stigma around menstruation hinders open conversation on such disorders.

[@emilyb5557]

There's a group for women with ADHD and pmdd on meetup in the UK if you are UK or Europe. Lots of us have made huge progress supporting each other & exploring ways to manage it. I found Lara Briden book period repair manual and the supplements she recommends (depends on your issues but B6 magnesium and potentially anti histamines) REALLY made a massive difference!

[@marcimw4356]

I agree that this is the single BEST episode for women age 20-60 and beyond. Please, please, please do more episodes about perimenopause and menopause. Cerebral hypometabolism in particular is compelling. We need more help figuring out where and how to gain access to hormone replacement in systems like Kaiser and others that won't cover labs or hormone replacement meds. Maybe a script for those of us wanting to talk directly with our doctors who aren't open or educated in this way. Thank you

[@whoatethechocolate]

Watch Dr Barbara Taylor's videos please!! She's a menopause Dr

[@nicolecollie3156]

What an incredibly important episode! As a woman going through perimenopause I can’t thank you enough. Also, having been involved in two very emotionally abusive relationships, this episode has helped me become even more resolute to not invite emotionally destructive and dangerous people into my life ever again.

[@emh8861]

🙏

[@skerplatd]

I am 71 and watching for the 2nd time and still learning. This is a terrific episode. 💕

[@Elje41]

The struggle of all of the things discussed here and how difficult getting the info from our bodies needed to heal is ridiculously unattainable and expensive. Wishing for myself and all the other women out there that more women’s doctors were like Dr Gottfried. Those markers are what we need to know to understand what’s going on. Why is it so difficult to get this info. Thank you for all of this info. Very helpful. 🙏🕊️

[@emily2k111]

It makes me sad that this information just isn’t getting taught a lot to doctors and the medical industry. The medical industry doesn’t want to help us though, they want profit. 😟

[@annamartino5681]

@@emily2k111 This type of medicine is being taught to rare Doctors who practice Prevention including Weight Management and Integrative Concierge Medicine available for Wealthy and Smart and Educated people with focus on being healthy with optimal test markers and resulting in optimal health. This is because Health Insurance industry is preventing people to be treated proactively and prevent desease. They want you to develop desease and have proof of desease before they spend a dime on your health from the insurance premiums they collect, so they can be profitable while treating 40% of really sick people who are typically older and on Medicare which is designed to not cover Dental, Eyes, Hearing and of course not vitamins and minerals supplements and even deny care for Pre-Diabetes and Weight Management to those who are about become permanently Diabetic. So all of us can't benefit from any of these advanced Biomarkers Tests which are definitely not covered by Insurance. Few years ago I tried to ask for some of these advanced Biomarkers Tests (including testing now for Zinc and Vit MK7 or K2 and other Micronutrients deficiency due to my eyes issues - all in a top University Neurology Hospital Clinic and a young neurology resident refered me ASAP to see a clinic Psychiatrist for being overzealous about these prevention care and treatments (and sadly her educated in 3rd world country Indian professor was just nodded and they only ordered MRI instead of checking Vitamins deficiency found by other good doctor. In notes to the visit they twisted what happened during the appointment and my relative who came to accompany me was surprised). I ran to another good neurology doctor with 20 years in practice who was recommended to me by my children good doctor and who explained that Doctors are not allowed to order these Prevention and Diagnostics Tests and have to prove with numerous visits the underlying specific desease to Insurance or it's going to cost me $700 for Testing each of these micronutrients and the Lab Bill I would receive wouldn't be affordable as none of these Test were covered by Health Insurance (try to do this by Googling Zinc or Vitamin MK7 K2 (not part of a standard Blood Test) or Vitamin D3 or Iron deficiency which may show on the Test for years and yet your Doctor wouldn't prescribe it to me for over 20+ years and that obviously didn't help my health). So this good Neurology Doctor with 20 years in practice diagnosed my back aches and did recommend I tried to get some of these Vitamins on my own (and I confirmed safe dosages and reviewed few symptoms and Vitamins and Microelements I Googled in desperate quest to help my eyes. He said to try taking them on my own or try to get an Rx by my Primary Care for some of the most common ones to see if maybe my eye symptoms would improve (and they did), and he confirmed which Brands are known by being seemingly better as far as Supplements quality. Some of these Tests were given to me by stellar Gastroenterologist to whom one has about 8-9 months of waiting for an appointment. Some of these tests were also given to me by Endocrinologist to whom I was also referred by my good Dentist. Run to see good Doctors by referrals from healed patients and other Doctors you trust and don't attempt to navigate this on your own, as we are fortunate to at least read Books and listen to these wonderful Prevention and Integrative Concierge Medicine Doctors who we might be able to quote to our Doctors while documenting our symptoms in a daily diary so we could come prepared for each appointment and possibly gradually Test these Biomarkers. Ideally Doctors like Dr Sara Gottfried should have their Own Custom Blood and Microbiome Tests available in the Labs like LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics or their Own Private Lab of choice, so all apeople can self order these Prevention Tests and pay for what is not covered by their Health Insurance but at least have a Price Sticker for these Tests. Also ideally Dr. Sara Gottfried and other doctors should teach MDs advanced Prevention Methods so more doctors could heal patients before Desease takes over and starts killing us slowly while finally Health Insurance is paying for an undeniable proven for years Desease Diagnosis Code. 😢

[@chelseakathrynlewis]

I started listening to this podcast to take care of my own health. As a nurse practitioner who has worked in FQHCs for 8 years, I have been shocked by the thoughtlessness with which this vulnerable population is treated. The pervasive and not so subtle pressure to throw hormones and birth control at women and ignore addressing PCOS and fertility concerns at a younger age as well as not informing women of the thrombotic risk associated with synthetic oral estrogen is very upsetting. The conversation around the ways that women’s health continues to be ignored and the affordability of highly specific lab work and CAC testing is much needed. THANK YOU Dr. Gottfried. Your book is next in my audible queue!!! This podcast and the whole movement toward the democratization of knowledge, for me, is needed for everyone, but especially for those of us on the front lines dealing with trauma both personally and among our patients, which has increased significantly since COVID. Thank you so so so very much for the work you do to help me stay inspired, to take the best care possible, of myself and others.

[@maryoswaldskincare9578]

Thanks for this podcast, I'm a 60 year old woman and was hanging on every word. Would have loved to hear more about low DHEA and what to do about it as well as best health practices for women who are over 10 years post menopausal and never prescribed hormone treatment. Also, wanted to pass along, I signed up for a CAC test that Sara mentioned at the end of the podcast. I googled it and found Lifeline Screening that will do the test for $159. I plugged in my zip code and was able to find at least 5 places nearby. I'm actually scheduled to go to a fire company in Allentown, PA for the test which sounds weird but , what the hell, should be interesting. Must be some kind of mobile unit. Who knew that even existed?

[@yoseidman4166]

Thanks for your idea!

[@rebeccakinsella1466]

Thank you sooo much for this podcast. Literally in tears listening to this. Have during my whole fertile life gone through “tricky” cycles and finding it’s not getting easier at 43 years of age. Have always been directed to the conventional birth control and pills etc, but has rejected them all the time and just keep battling on. An enormous thank you for all you have done so far Sara. And a huge thank you Andrew (and crew) for all your fantastic podcasts.

[@Karolina-fk1dw]

If you are already on the subject of hormones, could you do an episode about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (also autoimmune diseases related to them)? I mean diet, supplementation, circadian rhythm and various health hacks. Your videos are always very helpful and I have thyroid problems and I would love to take care of it this year. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us

[@spaceorbust]

me too! i would love to hear more about this ^

[@Mel-oe3jn]

Yes!!

[@eugeniebreida]

Yes, pls, life after menopause AND low thyroid issues (thyroid issues).

[@kristenrange6825]

I’d love this too!!

[@Cynthia-yt1nd]

Yes! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at age 25 (great PCP) now 31 just found out it is an autoimmune disease from a colleague! I admit my lack of research, greatly in part due to entrusting my Endocrinologist. Now I’ve been taking the deep dive. I knew better than to not research, I felt so silly!!

[@survivingartist]

i was diagnosed 8 weeks ago with breast cancer and am told i will need to take hormone blockers after surgery and that surgery itself will destroy my gut microbiome. my surgeon was unresponsive to questions regarding fecal transplant or preservation and adamant that hormone blocking drugs are key to preventing the cancer from returning. but i am more than 1 year past my last period at almost 57 and concerned about hormone blocking drugs. i am opting for a double mastectomy, rather than a lumpectomy, because of the 90-95% reduction in recurring breast cancer. i am learning a lot and trying to make the best possible decisions. by the way, Huberman Lab is the best! i have been forwarding videos to my peoples left and right. thank you. i appreciate your mission.

[@bhh965]

Thank you for this episode. Please have her back for more questions. Would love to see you interview more female health experts. I am female, early 40's, started menopause symptoms and gastrointestinal problems at 36. Spent years being ignored and gaslight by doctors (most of them female doctors) who told me I was perfectly healthy, they weren't going to waste money testing me, there was no reason to see if I had fibroids. They did tell me I could have birth control, an anti-depressant and that I needed to see a therapist. From my perspective, it's difficult to see why anyone would turn to western medicine for help, they don't offer medicine or help.

[@shodack5124]

I am new to your podcast. As a middle aged woman going through some hormone related changes and struggling to find good information (including from my own doctor), I can not express how much I appreciate this conversation.

[@philipk3803]

Topic request: A deeper dive into the pros and drawbacks of combined oral contraceptives, hormonal IUDs, and copper IUDs. My wife has experienced many of the drawbacks associated with oral contraceptives. And then 8 months after stopping the combined oral contraceptive (due to a broad range of health issues such as fatigue, worsening depression, and horrific IBS) she got a comprehensive blood panel test that had to pay for. The test showed that her testosterone was 7ng/dl, with the reference range being 13-70. She’s in her mid 20s.. now she’s taking DHEA, boron, etc to elevate those levels, and it’s helping, but come on. She tried to talk to her obgyn, and the obgyn recommended going back on oral contraceptives lol But this podcast was so enlightening and refreshing! Keep it up!!

[@cevanille1104]

It's horrible, it also makes women magnesium deficient, personally it annihilated my libido for 7 years, and it still has effect on me, and I stopped it 2 years ago. In my experience, gynecologists are almost religous about the pill, any problem you have they throw the pill, you tell them it does not work for you, and they gaslight you to the ground. I came to think they're just making money with the labs off castrating women chemically. I can't help but think it's also partly responsible for the sexless men in their 20s, I was not looking for a partner when I was on the pill... and most women in their 20s are on it. So doctors randomly decided it's "progress" to put half of the human population on artificial hormones, when really we have no idea about the long term consequence (I think the pill was only developped in the 80s ?) and you guys get to drink/eat the remnants on it as apparently it's in the water.

[@nicolestephenson1983]

Or you could just wear condoms

[@iAfnano]

Salutes for being a good husband 🙏

[@victoriagrace2850]

Good Husbands ❤

[@izzymae731]

Yeah... Contraceptives is the main, and maybe only, tool of GYN docs...🤦🏻‍♀️

[@josiebatres4848]

At 52, I now know more about my body and feel a sense of agency to protect it and share this information with other women and most definitely my teen daughter. Thank you Dr. H❤

[@saralockwood2128]

Thank you so much!!! Literally was at the doctor today about my peri menopause and got recommendations for a BP med or SSRI, no hrt, 46 year old well educated health professional who was disgusted that hrt was not offered or discussed by my doctor. So thank you again for reassuring me of my thoughts that HRT was what I need!!

[@practicaltherapyforlife3363]

I am lucky to have a great GYN. She told me that even low dose BCPs were 40x stronger than recommended HRT for a 50 year woman. That opened my eyes. As well as using a patch (transdermal) helps you take a much lower dose because it does not have to process through the liver!

[@amandakocsis9063]

Thank you doing this episode on women’s health. This was such an incredible and enlightening podcast. As a female, mid 40’s, told by doctors that “everything’s normal” when internally I feel anything but that, this shed a lot of light in areas that should be explored further. I hope to see more! Love what you do here! ❤

[@jennywren2696]

Go on hormone therapy and listen to Dr Haver

[@bluecurlygirl]

Thoroughly enjoying this podcast with Dr. Gottfried. What has really struck a chord with me so far is the fact that I was diagnosed with hirsutism in my mid 20's. I have hair growth on my chin and neck. Very embarrassing for a woman and really did a job on my self confidence. My menstrual cycle was never regular. However, even though I was diagnosed with hirsutism in my mid 20's and was immediately put on the contraceptive pill to treat it - I took it for over 3 years, it didn't work by the way and just resulted in giving me migraines so I stopped taking it as 3 years of migraines was just too much with no visible benefits apart from the fact that I could time my menstrual cycle to the minute almost - I wasn't even tested for PCOS for another 20 years! Women's health is just not taken seriously in Ireland. I have spoken to GP's who "couldn't be bothered with all that female hormone stuff. I leave it to others to deal with that nonsense" (that is an actual quote from a male gp a few weeks ago). The fact that he referred to female hormones and in particular HRT which is what we were discussing as a NONSENSE speaks volumes to the patriarchy over here. Just abysmal. Although hardly surprising when you look at the cervical check scandal that resulted in the death of over 200 women in Ireland in the last few years. And all because someone gave the order that these women should NOT be told that there was a mistake in their smear test results. They were all given a false negative result and despite the fact that some of these women could have been successfully treated if they had been alerted to the fact at the time, almost all of those women are now dead. 200+ women dead and buried because someone decided they didn't have a right to know what was going on in their own bodies.

[@WaterTigerLeoHealer]

Thank you so much, Dr Huberman and Dr. Gottfried! I am a 61 year old woman who had my period until I was 55 with horrendous perimenopause. I went on bio-identical hormone therapy after I my last period which occurred in all places, Cuba. Very hard to find a tampon. ;) I was on it for about a year or so with a pellet implant and was going through a lot of stress with a high tech job and taking care of my Mum who had Alzheimers disease. It helped tremendously. I went off it due to cost and I felt better. The night sweats came back at 58 and went back on it at a "pop up" sort of HRT place that also offered IV vitamins. Bad decision. I believe I was poisoned by too much progesterone. When Dr. Gottfried mentioned doing HRT earlier rather than later, I fully agree with that from my experience. Diet is crucial! Along with meditation, yoga, weight training and zone 2 cardio. Yes please, more on post menopause and neuroscience!

[@didikennedy9079]

I recently started listening to and watching your podcasts related to fat loss/fasting etc. I’m officially hooked to all of your content. However, as a 37 year old woman, this episode BLEW my mind. By far some of the most valuable information I’ve ever heard and will continue to use (I will need to listen a couple more times and make notes for both myself and my mum). THANK YOU and PLEASE bring Dr. Gottfried back! 🙌

[@maliakoppin]

One thing that often gets overlooked in the menopausal female is adhesive capsulitis. The Chinese actually call it the 50 year old women’s shoulder. As a PT I see this way too often and at the expense of women’s function and severe pain. We are beginning to see the links between hormones (thyroid) but so little is known. I’d love to know her thoughts on this orthopedic issue.

[@LuanaOnMaui]

I had this!! Finally, after 2.5 years, I have have 75% movement back in my right shoulder. What a nightmare. Doctors and physical therapists were no help.

[@maliakoppin]

@@LuanaOnMaui I'm sorry you had this. I understand it can be very painful. As a PT, I'm sorry that we aren't able to help it. It usually resolves on its own, but it can, unfortunately, take 2-4 yrs! I feel like we understand so little about it to treat it properly and it does appear related to hormones.

[@debbrennan9302]

@Malia Koppin: Agreed! In the midst of it now. Any sources to read that you can recommend?

[@alina5390]

Most acupuncturists/Chinese herbalists know how to treat the "50 year old shoulder". It is much more than a musculoskeletal issue and Chinese medicine knows best how to deal with it.

[@ericarice4588]

@@maliakoppinlmt here! What’s your thoughts as a pt about fascia? I have seen many older women with extreme lack of ROM, especially in the upper arms, and I can feel all the fascia is sticking. One lady had not snapped her own bra in two years, but after an 90 minute session where we focused on getting it broken up, she was able to again.

[@caseybalon]

What we can feel through this episode is just as significant as the information that was presented. Thank you for bringing Dr. Gottfried on the show. Listening to you both delicately weave the psychosomatic, generational, and energetic components with the more granular physiological & neuro data is so refreshing. This is the intersection of true, whole-body health. Seeing care spoken of in this way (on a platform of this magnitude) is incredible. Thank you for your work.

[@shanrshan1]

So great. I’m turning 41 in a few weeks and this episode feels so relatable to me where I’m at in my mind, emotions, and interests in learning about my body.