Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn

40: Unlocking Estrogen's Secrets: A Guide to Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Felice Gersh

April 01, 2024 Dr. Jenn Simmons Episode 40
40: Unlocking Estrogen's Secrets: A Guide to Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Felice Gersh
Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn
More Info
Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn
40: Unlocking Estrogen's Secrets: A Guide to Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Felice Gersh
Apr 01, 2024 Episode 40
Dr. Jenn Simmons

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Felice Gersh, a board-certified OB GYN and integrative medicine physician. In this episode we tackle the contentious and often misunderstood relationship between estrogen and breast cancer, as Dr. Gersh dispels the myths surrounding estradiol, enlightening us on its pivotal role for maintaining metabolic and immune processes. We critique the conventional medical practice of using contraceptives to treat menstrual irregularities, the discussions uncover the importance of natural hormone rhythms for preventing inflammation and cancer. We delve into the complexities of hormone-positive tumors, the nuances of different estrogen types, and the unintended consequences of hormone suppression in breast cancer treatment.

In this episode you'll:

  • Discover the distinctions between estrone and estradiol, and their impact on breast cancer.
  • Learn about the potential negative effects of common breast cancer medications.
  • Challenge the long-standing misconceptions about natural estrogen's role in our bodies.
  • Explore the benefits of phytoestrogens and a high plant-based diet to support estrogen receptors function.
  • Recognize the importance of menstrual cycles as an essential sign of women’s health and fertility.
  • Dive into the detrimental impact of hormonal contraceptives on hormone levels and endocrine health.
  • Emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches to hormone therapy and the potential of "super aging."
  • Understand the timing and considerations for perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.

00:00:35 Introduction and Welcome
00:01:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh
00:03:32 Correcting Estrogen and Breast Cancer Misconceptions
00:10:28 The Downsides of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors
00:17:11 The Critical Function of Estradiol in Women's Health
00:24:06 The Case for Phytoestrogens and Plant-Based Diets
00:30:57 The Ill-Preparedness of Medical Practitioners in Hormonal Balance
00:38:14 Menstrual Cycles and Fertility's Impact on Long-term Health
00:49:25 Hormonal Contraceptives and Their Impact on Women's Wellness
00:58:13 Strategies for Managing Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
01:05:47 Closing Advice and Where to Find Dr. Gersh

Dr. Felice Gersh is a multi-award-winning physician who is board certified in both OB GYN and integrative medicine. Dr. Gersh's extensive research and clinical experience have made her a crusader against the one-size-fits-all approach to women's health. She's an advocate for patient education, disrupting outdated medical paradigms, and providing holistic care that encompasses emotional, physical, and environmental wellbeing.


To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Show Notes

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Felice Gersh, a board-certified OB GYN and integrative medicine physician. In this episode we tackle the contentious and often misunderstood relationship between estrogen and breast cancer, as Dr. Gersh dispels the myths surrounding estradiol, enlightening us on its pivotal role for maintaining metabolic and immune processes. We critique the conventional medical practice of using contraceptives to treat menstrual irregularities, the discussions uncover the importance of natural hormone rhythms for preventing inflammation and cancer. We delve into the complexities of hormone-positive tumors, the nuances of different estrogen types, and the unintended consequences of hormone suppression in breast cancer treatment.

In this episode you'll:

  • Discover the distinctions between estrone and estradiol, and their impact on breast cancer.
  • Learn about the potential negative effects of common breast cancer medications.
  • Challenge the long-standing misconceptions about natural estrogen's role in our bodies.
  • Explore the benefits of phytoestrogens and a high plant-based diet to support estrogen receptors function.
  • Recognize the importance of menstrual cycles as an essential sign of women’s health and fertility.
  • Dive into the detrimental impact of hormonal contraceptives on hormone levels and endocrine health.
  • Emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches to hormone therapy and the potential of "super aging."
  • Understand the timing and considerations for perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.

00:00:35 Introduction and Welcome
00:01:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh
00:03:32 Correcting Estrogen and Breast Cancer Misconceptions
00:10:28 The Downsides of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors
00:17:11 The Critical Function of Estradiol in Women's Health
00:24:06 The Case for Phytoestrogens and Plant-Based Diets
00:30:57 The Ill-Preparedness of Medical Practitioners in Hormonal Balance
00:38:14 Menstrual Cycles and Fertility's Impact on Long-term Health
00:49:25 Hormonal Contraceptives and Their Impact on Women's Wellness
00:58:13 Strategies for Managing Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
01:05:47 Closing Advice and Where to Find Dr. Gersh

Dr. Felice Gersh is a multi-award-winning physician who is board certified in both OB GYN and integrative medicine. Dr. Gersh's extensive research and clinical experience have made her a crusader against the one-size-fits-all approach to women's health. She's an advocate for patient education, disrupting outdated medical paradigms, and providing holistic care that encompasses emotional, physical, and environmental wellbeing.


To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons