HRT, Estrogen and Menopause with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su

Much of what is thought about hormone replacement therapy is outdated and untrue. We do a deep dive into: what is HRT, what are the benefits, and who should and should not be taking it. What happens during a woman’s hormone journey from childhood to post-menopausal? How are hormones and a woman’s brain connected? What happens in a woman’s body during menopause? What is hormone replacement therapy? Does HRT increase the risk of breast cancer? What is the relation between hormones and the cardiovascular system? How does menopause impact sleep? 

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su is the Medical Director of Menopause services at the Women’s Wellness and Gyn Specialties Clinic at Swedish Medical Center. She is also the Chief Medical Officer at Gennev. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su joins us on the SuperAge podcast for an information-dense episode all about menopause. She explains what happens leading up to and during menopause, some of the symptoms like weight gain, trouble sleeping, brain fog, and how they are addressed, how we can use hormone replacement therapy to improve symptoms and longevity for women post-menopause, and much more. 

What you will learn in this episode:

– What a woman’s body goes through in terms of hormones from childhood all the way through post-menopause
– The impact of menopause on the brain
– Everything we need to know about hormone replacement therapy and some of the myths around it
– How menopause impacts sleep and what can help
– How menopause impacts brain health and the cardiovascular system 

“Estrogen replacement does not cause breast cancer. And I like to shout that from the rooftops. We have many studies that tell us that estrogen replacement does not cause breast cancer.” 

“Women who start hormone replacement therapy within 5 years of their last period actually reduce their cardiovascular risk. They also slightly reduce their risk of colon cancer and they reduce their all-cause mortality over time.” 

“When women are transitioning through menopause, we’re talking about 5-10 years of disrupted sleep. That’s a lot of impact to the brain.” 

“Menopause is fine and functional if you’re going to live to be 65. You’ve got 10 years to survive menopause, you’re going to be okay. We live to 95, 100, 105! That’s a long time; that’s almost half your life without the hormones that sort of keep things going. So I think that we need to adjust.” 

Listen to the SuperAge podcast wherever you get your pods. 

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:
https://swedishfoundation.org/frontline-Dunsmoor-Su
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-dunsmoor-su-92a4997b/
Gennev: https://gennev.com

Check out the app, CBT-i Coach, that Dr. Dunsmoor-Su recommends for at home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cbt-i-coach/id655918660

Episode Writeup

We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, an expert in women’s health and menopause. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su brings a wealth of knowledge on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the latest scientific findings related to estrogen and menopause. Her insights provide a clearer understanding of these critical issues affecting many women.

Understanding HRT and Estrogen

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su explained the fundamental aspects of hormone replacement therapy, focusing on its role in managing menopausal symptoms. She emphasized that HRT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it requires a personalized approach, tailored to the individual needs and health profiles of each woman. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su highlighted that estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions, and its decline during menopause can lead to significant health challenges.

Latest Scientific Findings

During our conversation, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su shared some of the latest scientific findings related to HRT and menopause. She discussed recent studies that have shed new light on the benefits and risks associated with hormone therapy. According to Dr. Dunsmoor-Su, recent research indicates that HRT, when appropriately administered, can significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve the quality of life for many women. She also pointed out that understanding the timing and duration of HRT is essential for maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su addressed several common misconceptions surrounding HRT and menopause. One prevalent myth is that HRT is universally harmful and should be avoided. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su clarified that while there are risks, they are often outweighed by the benefits when therapy is correctly managed. She stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on the latest evidence and individual health needs.

Practical Advice for Women

In addition to discussing scientific findings, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su provided practical advice for women navigating menopause. She encouraged women to seek comprehensive evaluations and open dialogues with their healthcare providers. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su also suggested lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that can complement HRT and contribute to overall well-being during menopause.

Conclusion

Our interview with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su offered invaluable insights into hormone replacement therapy and the latest scientific findings on estrogen and menopause. Her expertise underscores the importance of personalized care and informed decision-making in managing menopausal symptoms. As research continues to evolve, Dr. Dunsmoor-Su’s work remains crucial in guiding women through this significant life transition.

For more expert insights and strategies, tune in to the SuperAge podcast and explore the latest developments in wellness and women’s health.