Erika Schwartz, MD is the founder of Evolved Science, a world renowned medical practice based in New York City, built on the recognition that bio-identical hormones are the foundation for better health. Dr. Erika is a pioneer in the use of bio-identical hormones for preventing illness and recognizing their direct link to overall wellness and their interconnection with diet, sleep and stress management. Her focus on treating patients as a whole person began more than 30 years ago with her understanding that bio-identical hormone replacement is the safest, most effective path to increased health span and to achieve the highest quality of life. (https://www.eshealth.com/about-dr-erika) Hormone balance and replacement therapy is of the utmost importance to a lot of my listeners, and I've got no doubt that you'll learn a ton from this episode.
What we discussed:
Dr. Erika's background and her shift from waiting for patients to get sick to focusing on prevention and wellness (1:49)
Her experience with hormone replacement therapy (5:32)
The Women's Health Initiative study, which was funded by big pharma (12:56)
Flaws in the study, including the use of synthetic hormones and the inclusion of women with significant health issues (16:08)
The problem conventional practitioners have with bioidentical hormone replacement (21:27)
Regulatory control over hormonal health (24:57)
Benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (29:10)
A case for allowing nature to take its course in regard to aging and hormones (32:53)
Continuing HRT in the years after menopause (36:32)
Challenges in the conventional medical system (43:29)
The role of bioidentical hormones and lifestyle factors (43:47)
The impact of hormonal imbalances and lifestyle choices (44:12)
Birth control and its long-term effects (46:12)
The future of hormone therapy and peptides (51:31)
The importance of taking responsibility for your health and making informed decisions (1:04:59)