Podcast Summary: "Am I Going Through Perimenopause?!" - Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari

Title: Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari
Host: Kristin Cavallari
Guest: Dr. Lee Howard
Episode: Am I Going Through Perimenopause?!
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Overview

In this insightful episode of "Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari," Kristin engages in a candid conversation with Dr. Lee Howard, a board-certified general surgeon who transitioned from traditional medicine to a holistic health approach. The discussion delves deep into perimenopause, exploring its symptoms, impact on daily life, and effective strategies to manage this significant life transition. Additionally, the episode touches upon the crucial role of gut health in overall wellness and offers practical advice for young mothers navigating their health amidst busy lifestyles.

1. Introduction to Dr. Lee Howard’s Practice

Kristin Cavallari:
"[03:35] I got board certified on November 14, 2010… I wasn't helping my patients… reflexively went to surgery for everything."

Dr. Lee Howard:
"[03:22] Thank you for being here… It was perfect."

Dr. Lee Howard introduces himself as a general surgeon who chose to leave traditional surgery-based practice to focus on holistic health solutions, emphasizing the importance of diet and gut health in patient care.

2. Allergies and Gut Health

Kristin Cavallari:
"[01:10] Allergies at the core are an immune response… prioritize some gut health. Get rid of gluten."

Dr. Howard discusses the link between gut health and allergies, highlighting gluten as a significant trigger for gut imbalance. Kristin advocates for a Paleo diet, probiotics, and bone broth to restore gut health and boost immunity.

Notable Quote:
"Gluten is a major trigger of gut imbalance just because of the effect that gluten and some of the other proteins and wheat has directly on the lining of our intestines." — Kristin Cavallari [01:22]

3. Transition from Traditional Medicine to Holistic Approaches

Kristin Cavallari:
"[03:35] After practicing for three months… I wasn't helping my patients… started to have questions about my health."

Kristin shares her personal journey of transitioning from a traditional surgical practice to a holistic approach, driven by her own health challenges and the realization that dietary interventions could significantly impact patient well-being.

Notable Quote:
"When you stop treating your body like a garbage dump, you can start to see real improvements." — Kristin Cavallari [06:56]

4. Perimenopause Discussion

Kristin Cavallari:
"[39:13] Perimenopause shows up in mid-30s to early 40s… up to 90% of women have symptoms of perimenopause."

The core of the episode focuses on perimenopause, its onset, symptoms, and the lack of adequate support from traditional medical practices. Kristin emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate hormonal treatments.

Notable Quote:
"Up to 90% of women have symptoms of perimenopause." — Kristin Cavallari [39:13]

5. Symptoms and Effects of Perimenopause

Kristin Cavallari:
"[44:53] Symptoms like hot flashes, dryness, mood disturbances, weight gain… affect relationships and daily life."

Dr. Howard and Kristin explore the various symptoms of perimenopause, including mood swings, weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and their broader impact on personal relationships and family dynamics.

Notable Quote:
"Perimenopause is the beginning of your body winding down from being reproductive." — Kristin Cavallari [44:53]

6. Supplements and Dietary Recommendations

Kristin Cavallari:
"[20:29] Vitamin D levels in the upper 20% can reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than 80%."

The discussion highlights essential supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, and creatine, emphasizing their pivotal roles in hormonal balance, muscle maintenance, and overall health during perimenopause. Kristin also touches upon genetic factors like the MTHFR gene mutations affecting detoxification processes.

Notable Quote:
"Vitamin D… can reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than 80%." — Kristin Cavallari [20:29]

7. Exercise and Sleep Importance

Kristin Cavallari:
"[29:00] Incorporate short, consistent exercises… prioritize sleep to maintain muscle mass and overall health."

Kristin advocates for regular, moderate exercise and prioritizing sleep as critical components in managing perimenopause and aging. She suggests integrating small, consistent physical activities into daily routines and emphasizes the significant benefits of resistance training and adequate protein intake.

Notable Quote:
"Resistance training, creatine, and protein become very, very big." — Kristin Cavallari [51:36]

8. Advice for Young Moms

Kristin Cavallari:
"[29:00] Integrate small, consistent exercises and prioritize your own sleep and nutrition amidst busy parenting schedules."

Addressing young mothers, Kristin offers practical advice on maintaining personal health while managing the demands of motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of integrating physical activity into daily routines and ensuring sufficient rest and proper nutrition.

9. Aging and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Kristin Cavallari:
"[53:02] Advocates for hormone replacement therapy… maintain muscle mass with resistance training, creatine, and high protein diet."

Kristin discusses the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) post-menopause, highlighting its role in mitigating muscle loss, maintaining bone density, and preventing cognitive decline. She underscores the importance of a high-protein diet and regular exercise in conjunction with HRT.

Notable Quote:
"Hormone replacement therapy, exercise, creatine being the big cornerstones of that, and a high protein diet." — Kristin Cavallari [53:36]

10. Practical Tips and Final Advice

Kristin Cavallari:
"[52:54] Eat plenty of protein, supplement with creatine, do some type of movement, exercise daily, and sleep as much as you can."

In her concluding remarks, Kristin distills the conversation into actionable steps for listeners, particularly women navigating perimenopause. She reiterates the importance of nutrition, supplementation, physical activity, and adequate rest in managing the symptoms and maintaining overall health.

Notable Quote:
"Sleep more, manage stress, and get your hormones checked." — Kristin Cavallari [53:02]

Conclusion

This episode of "Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari" offers a comprehensive exploration of perimenopause, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights from Dr. Lee Howard. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on recognizing perimenopause symptoms, the interplay between gut health and immunity, and effective strategies to manage hormonal changes. Kristin’s holistic approach underscores the importance of proactive health management, empowering women to navigate this life stage with confidence and well-informed strategies.

For More Information:

• Dr. Lee Howard’s Website: compasshp.com
• Social Media: Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube (@rlehoward)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Gluten is a major trigger of gut imbalance just because of the effect that gluten and some of the other proteins and wheat has directly on the lining of our intestines." — Kristin Cavallari [01:22]
• "Up to 90% of women have symptoms of perimenopause." — Kristin Cavallari [39:13]
• "Perimenopause is the beginning of your body winding down from being reproductive." — Kristin Cavallari [44:53]
• "Vitamin D… can reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than 80%." — Kristin Cavallari [20:29]
• "Resistance training, creatine, and protein become very, very big." — Kristin Cavallari [51:36]
• "Hormone replacement therapy, exercise, creatine being the big cornerstones of that, and a high protein diet." — Kristin Cavallari [53:36]

This summary encapsulates the essential discussions, insights, and advice shared during the episode, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.