In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I’m joined by certified nurse midwife and menopause specialist Sarah Shealy, CNM, MSCP, for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in women’s health: hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

If you've ever wondered whether your anxiety, poor sleep, body aches, brain fog, gut issues, or lack of confidence could be related to perimenopause, this episode is for you. Sarah explains what’s really happening to our hormones during midlife, why symptoms can start years before menopause, and how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact nearly every system in the body.

We also discuss the lifestyle foundations that matter just as much as hormone therapy, including nutrition, strength training, sleep, stress management, and maintaining long-term vitality and independence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why estrogen affects far more than reproduction
• Early signs of perimenopause many women miss
• The surprising connection between hormones, gut health, and inflammation
• Why sleep and digestion can dramatically impact how you feel
• How hormone therapy works and who may benefit
• The role of progesterone in sleep, anxiety, and brain health
• Why testosterone matters for women too
• Common misconceptions about HRT and breast cancer
• The importance of muscle, bone density, and preventing frailty as we age
• How to advocate for yourself when seeking menopause care

If this episode helped you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and follow the show so more women can access this information!

Topics Discussed: hormone replacement therapy, HRT for women, perimenopause symptoms, menopause symptoms, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone for women, women's hormones, menopause health, midlife women's health

About Sarah

Connect with Sarah:

@sarahthemidlifemidwife on TikTok and IG

https://sarahshealy.substack.com/

Meno Learning Lab: https://www.menolearninglab.com

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

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