The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now

If you’re struggling through menopause, or know that it’s happening soon for you, this episode is a must-listen.
To healthily move through menopause, rather than suffer through it, you should start having the hormone conversation with your doctor. In today’s episode of the Habits & Hustle podcast, I talk with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, about menopause, hormone therapy, and talking with your doctor.
Listen as we discuss the importance of estrogen for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, why women should take testosterone, and how strength training can improve the menopause experience.
We also discuss the benefits of using weight loss peptides paired with HRT for more effective fat loss as well as how to improve your chances of keeping the weight off.
Dr. Mary Claire is leading the conversation about changing menopause healthcare. She founded The ‘Pause Life, a comprehensive approach to menopause education and support, using techniques that focus on overall lifestyle, helping women reach their best-feeling selves. Additionally, she just released her second book, The New Menopause.
What we discuss…
(6:00) Using social media for education
(8:15) The difference between peri and post menopause
(20:00) The importance of estrogen
(26:00) Using HRT to reduce disease risk
(36:00) Have the HRT conversation
(43:00) Testosterone for women
(48:45) Strength training can drastically improve the menopause experience
(55:00) Belly fat and semaglutide peptides
…and more!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Find more from Jen:
Website: www.jenniferco...
Instagram: @therealjencohen
Books: www.jenniferco...
Speaking: www.jenniferco...
Find more from Dr. Mary Claire Haver:
Website: maryclairewell... www.thepauselife.com
Book: The New Menopause
Instagram: @drmaryclaire

[@dawnellemartin6129]

I have to tell you I just left my annual OB-GYN appointment. I was ready to advocate for myself with T replacement. My GYN shocked me by bringing it up!!!!! I almost cried. He drew labs and we talked symptoms and concerns! He gave me a book to read; Testosterone Matters. He will call me in one week. Sooooo supportive! He has been in practice for 40 plus years in Omaha Nebraska. I’m so happy and hopeful 😊 thank you for what you do for women (and men who love them). You are the best!

[@jennifermoffitt7294]

wow.. i have to go to special urogyns to even try to get T replacement. i'm in phila pa

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

@@jennifermoffitt7294I found my hormone doc by asking my pharmacist for names of doctors that prescribe HRT 🩵

[@ccmobates001]

WHO? In the Omaha area!!!?? I’ve been looking 👀

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

@@jennifermoffitt7294 I suggest you go to your pharmacist and ask them if they can give you a list of doctors that prescribe HRT/testosterone for females. That’s how I found my doc.

[@dawnellemartin6129]

@@ccmobates001 Kent Seimers at Midcity ObGyn

[@Leo-mr1qz]

I can't get enough of Dr. Mary Claire Haver!! She is an awesome advocate for us aging women❣️

[@JulsWellnessWarrior]

Phenomenal interview Jen. Dr Mary Claire Haver is a wealth of information and every woman over 40 needs to hear this. At 53 I’ve been on BHRT for 20 years and I’m fortunate to have an amazing Dr. I’m sharing this interview with all my friends and my community as we need to get this message out to women so they don’t feel so alone and gaslit by their doctors! Big fan of your work and keep up the great work with these fabulous guests Jen👏

[@lizduran4390]

I love Dr Haver! What a pioneer for women’s hormonal health! Wish her the best always!

[@kathylewandoski1863]

No matter what I did Muscle would not respond without HRT I am the example of being great on HRT Did not realize how well -till I Came off Of them for 3 yrs Went straight to Hell Pain Injury no sleep frail depression Just coming back My body shape changed without doing anything Now I want to work out and my muscles are coming back Thank God and you Mary Clare

[@lindajones4849]

Functional medicine docs or alternative medicine docs are not ," back alley" practitioners. An integrative medicine doc ordered a stool test that diagnosed my PEI ,( pancreatic exocrine in sufficiency) . This means I need digestive enzymes. The conventional gastroenterologist just rolled his eyes at my bloating and gas as " oh Linda, your just swallowing air". Functional medicine goes after the CAUSE of your illness instead of just controlling symptoms. They are usually very educated about nutrition, unlike conventional docs. As far as going to " back ally " practitioners, thats because traditional medicine has grossly neglected womens health.

[@katinamarkham3519]

Very true

[@natalieramsey4091]

Sometimes! Others just make a ton of Money off women and never help them.

[@lindajones4849]

@@natalieramsey4091 Hi , sorry if you had a bad experience with alternative medicine. As far as women's health and menopause a Yale doc named Phillip Sarrell looked at thousands of medical records and found that the majority( 80 per cent) of the women who went to their docs for help with menopausal symptoms got no help whatsoever ever. The way to really make money off of women is to withhold estrogen/ progsterone from women who need them and offer them NSAIDS for joint pain, benzos for anxiety, antidepressants for low mood, beta blockers for palpitations and clonidine for hot flashes, antihypertensives, statins for cholesterol. Why not make money giving women 5-6 pharmaceuticals when hormone replacement could cover the job?

[@Mellovesdeep25]

Same. My naturopath saved my life twice and people talk so much crap because they say she isn’t a “real doctor” which pisses me off. She is an MD and she specializes in hormone therapy

[@aminah761]

This is awful I’m only 44 and feel horrible I’m gaining so much weight can’t handle barley no stress dealing with teenagers kids single parent 😢😢. Depression n anxiety 😓

[@meganbaldwin1699]

Same…… worst year of my life. Thank God for Dr. Mary. You have to find a Dr that will not go by bloodwork. I FINALLY did at a high cost 💲 unfortunately. The healthcare system wants us sick…. Antidepressants etc… not happening for me. Just started estrogen patch and progesterone and I am starting to feel a little better. Praying for ALL OF US!🩷

[@lauraadamowski9186]

Progesterone has a diuretic effect. When women feel bloated around their period it is due to the dramatic drop in progesterone. It is the drop in both estradiol and progesterone that cause the symptoms of PMS, irritability, poor sleep, and cramping, etc. Breast tenderness is low progesterone compared with estradiol. Progesterone is not the evil twin. It is so important and beneficial. Synthetic progestins found in OCPs, Mirena coil, progesterone only pill, etc., are not the same as natural or bioidentical progesterone and THEY cause a ton of side effects including weight gain and water retention. Not micronized progesterone/bioidentical progesterone or progesterone your body makes.

[@susanne1756]

I'm a 72 yo woman...I get my info on KZbin. Facebook isn't that popular anymore.

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

😂❤

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

Love love love Dr MCH and have her new book 💕💜 so helpful especially the last third which goes through many symptoms and what we can do about these with lifestyle, supplements and pharmaceuticals.

[@paigejamison8265]

Im an NP i rent a room with a chiropractic group. Im certified in HRT. And i also do IV therapy. Obesity management. AND asthetics on the side. Nothing wrong with someone that does it all. I dont over book. I take my time. Dont throw shade at someonethat does HRT and other things. Also, I do pellets and offer injections, too. The cost of pellets in my practice is the same as at the pharmacy (i dont use biote). I do low dose pellets every 3 months it on average the cheaper option. I get pts at healthy levels.

[@jodybloom2852]

Wow my head is exploding. I better check a few things out. Thx Jx

[@cathyjennings5580]

Side effects? Very interesting information. What foods are full nutrients to support our little hormones our LIVER ???

[@TheMcDonalds-wi6qu]

Thanks so much for this one, your guest is amazing but I found a lot of podcasts she shared same info and this had new data I hadn’t heard ❤️

[@kimdavis1091]

Great interview.. but did I miss mention of surgical menopause? I had a full hysterectomy at 42…

[@2tzus]

Me too, no one ever addresses that.

[@karendobson5900]

My self also I had Surgical menopause and was on estrogen pills from 34yr to 60 yrs now on nothing should we be doing anything

[@breezyveezy1]

“Functional Medicine yahoos”?? Are you kidding me?! My functional medicine doctor was the ONLY one who would listen to me and help put me on hormones.

[@doctoralisonjohnson]

Wow I didn't know that about Texas and FDA approved testosterone gel! I live in New Mexico and just started on generic Testim. Grateful!

[@user-yc8ss7dv2c]

Good night am Melrose am living in Jamaica how can I get one your books to buy

[@ΡούλαΛουκάκη]

I tell all my friends and colleagues about you Dr. Mary Claire Haver!!!! and they all have learned so much , so thankful for all you do !!!! I have a question regarding progestin IUD like Mirena, do they have more benefits than just inserting my progesterone pill vaginaly ? My doc said it can be an option if I want as I am going in to remove a polyps I have on my cervix .I don't hear much about these things and Im sceptical as to whether I do it or not?Thank you so so much , I follow your words to the t , 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@paulahoude7128]

How do you get help in Canada even after uterine and ovarian cancer. I don’t have a doctor and I can’t get on hormone replacement. I’ve had genetic testing done the uterine cancer and the ovarian cancer or two separate cancer. They weren’t related I was put on a five year course of hormone replacement therapy after I left the oncologist my doctor retired, and now I’m stuck without any help here in Canada, it’s a great place to live

[@capellihairextsny]

It’s so strange I’m healthier now off the hrt go figure? I had so many issues on it. I was on a high amount of e and 200 p. For 17 yrs. Ruined my gut tried to go back on 5 diffent times w it’s diff doses same thing started happening , my body can’t take it. The only thing I can’t sleep great not sure if there anything I can do

[@silverlagomorpha3177]

I was successful in changing my doctors mind on a combination E+P patch using the new 10 million Medicare study, but my pharmacy has to order it after pre aproval from my insurance company. If they don’t pre approve, it’s going to be $300/month. That’s AFTER the 25K/yr for the insurance.

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

NOW make a magnesium L-Threonate which I get through iHerb 👌🏼

[@Louielucy]

Me too 😊

[@peggyolivo8241]

Dr Mary. I'm 50 hysterectomy at 46. My testosterone level is 19 is that low? Am I a candidate for topical testosterone.?

[@doctoralisonjohnson]

Yes, according to the interview. She wants patients at 25 at lowest...

[@kristinvc349]

My regular doctor in Canada wouldn't consider testosterone and begrudgingly gave me estradiol and progesterone. I went through an online doctor service to get the testosterone cream - very inexpensive ($20 for 3 months for me).

[@amycardiff4436]

Where did you get this online?

[@lesliefritz9854]

What company did you use!?

[@kristinvc349]

Science and Humans​@@amycardiff4436

[@kristinvc349]

​@@lesliefritz9854Science and humans

[@ccmobates001]

Also looking for a testosterone cream

[@amycardiff4436]

What is you have issues with the oral progesterone but need the estrogen? Would it be ok then to use the progesterone cream?

[@paigejamison8265]

Progesterone cream is not enough to protect the uterus if taking estrogen. Have your tried prometrium? Plant based type Progesterone

[@sunnysal3889]

Progesterone intolerance is real. I switched to 0.35 mg Norethindrone. It’s a low-dose progestin-only-pill that is also approved for endometrial protection. Many women love the Mirena coil. And there is still provera (medroxyprogesterone). The combipatch uses estradiol plus levonorgestrel. So there are several options.

[@ireneguzman2879]

I have just been prescribed by NP 200mg of progestrone and 0.5 estrodial just this week. My levels were low, and I was told that HRT can run a risk of cancer. I just want to feel a sense of normalcy, I feel like I have lost myself going through this process. Hoping it will get better.

[@susanlisak9018]

It should get better! Just curious how long you have gone without estradiol? Hang in there because the body really does have to adjust to the therapy

[@ireneguzman2879]

@susanlisak9018 sorry I just saw this at that time when I commented it had only been two weeks of taking the medicines.

[@CristinaTorress_]

Hi, how long have you been taking HRT for and how have you been feeling so far?

[@shineortega6202]

I'm distracted with the host's inappropriate sitting position. Also, the resource person seemingly is not a good listener. She kept on interrupting. She doesn't wait for the host to finish speaking or ask a question.

[@rg1869]

Exactly, and the way she asks questions is so unprofessional.

[@lesliefritz9854]

Dr. Mary Clair was the only reason I stayed with it. The interrupting was rough!!

[@seanaames6855]

Mag-Threonate is stimulating for the brain.

[@jbplastic9023]

I’m in IL I have insurance and pay $20.00 for a 3 month supply of estradiol

[@sherellwaskiewicz639]

What was the comment Dr Haver was going to say about take estrogen with progesterone cream?? That’s what I just started. Am I on the wrong path?

[@cathyjennings5580]

Thanks for your knowledge and time 😊😊😊

[@irmabrizuela1293]

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT

[@ladylavie3067]

Dr Haver, why don't more practitioners prescribe DHEA instead of testosterone? It has a cascading effect and it converts into estrogen and testosterone. I take it and have never felt better. My testosterone was low down to 10 last year. My obgyn practitioner put me on wild based testosterone cream and it never really helped me with my energy levels and libido much. Since being on DHEA derived from wild yam, I take 5 mg daily and have not felt better

[@Nini-tj6se]

Went thru menopause at 45, breast cancer at 36…my issue is sleep, get about 4-5 hrs a night. Whats your take on BHRT with my history

[@Nini-tj6se]

Forgot to mention my dr’s are all against hormone therapy

[@lindajones4849]

You might want to listen to podcasts by Dr. Avrum Bluming on this subject . He also wrote a book with Carol Tavries called " Estrogen Matters". I am so n a similar boat as you, sleeping 2-4 hours per night, exhausted . I have had breast cancer also and I have one doc who will do low dose if I sign a release. I think I'm going to do it .if you can't find a sympathetic doc sometimes ( not always ) an experienced acupuncturist can help.

[@AngelaDoherty-b8e]

@@Nini-tj6se Get a new doctor! Read the book "Estrogen Matters".

[@Sky10811]

testosterone you can get for menopause in eastern european countries as they add a small dose if a particular woman needs it

[@hannacherokee333]

Lady please let the doctor speak.

[@collcolls8638]

What is a pellet? Is it a tablet?

[@cinful65]

its inserted in your butt just under the skin

[@blondie1850]

I don’t have a uterus. Told I don’t need progesterone. I can’t lose weight. I use estriol cream and progesterone cream but I can’t lose weight!

[@cathyjennings5580]

TSA ?😮

[@TheJosefinaGG]

DR Harver is great at interviews, not this interviewer, check the book. Do not self medicate, check with a real professional

[@rg1869]

Agree! Worst interviewer.

[@Ms__Divine]

Thank you for having Dr Mary Claire Haver on your channel. I’m new here and I absolutely love her, She’s the best! I’m forever watching her on every channel/ podcast she’s a guest in and every other platform she’s on. She always talks about so much exciting things and I think I learn something new every time I listen to her. 🫶🏼

[@evertthielen6991]

🎉🎉🎉

[@sandralodato1548]

Crap, scoliosis, what else other than weighted vest?

[@AnnWilson-pi6te]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robinham2796]

She says “you look great though” after she says her age… Does she have any idea what she SAID?!?! Is she expecting a 55 year old woman to have her face Fall Off?!?😡

[@LorenRyburn-hx8gi]

How to use your sex driver to keep you alive.

[@cathyjennings5580]

Low level QUALITY MEDICAL DOCTORS, PRIMARY PROVIDERS ??? LOCAL PHARMACY can provide citizens hormones we need??? WALGREENS Drug ??? Hormones Therapy. Expensive ??? Pellets are a NO NO NO???

[@DarjaTruth]

Ok. Let's start talking about male menopause. Your lies and cover ups are getting boring, without any real solutions. The only solution for any lie is the truth.

[@cathyjennings5580]

Constipation issues in SENIORS WHOM EAT VERY WELL. ALL FOODS ARE MADE from Scratch. To. Cook steam a variety of foods.r eaten daily. ????? Magnesium gluconate, Glycinate ??? Brand name "NutriDyn" is not cheap, but good quality. Moderate prices. Example $39. for 160 capsules. Magnesium Glycinate. Most Chiropractors carry it !!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@claudiamarkets9126]

You shouldn’t assure that if you are Black or American you loose 2 years, why ? Because it could be stress related NOT GENETIC…BE CAREFUL with ETHNICITY Specially because I’m Mexican, 52 years old and I’m still menstruating 🩸 therefore that statement is already WRONG and therefore I could interprétate that all what you are saying is WRONG for expressing 1 wrong statement 🩸 NOTE that you reached menopause at 50 thus if you do not have scientific reports on Latin American women in her NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (no stress added) note you do not have that kind of studies DO NOT BE IRRESPONSIBLE making such a racist statement 🤯