Podcast Title: The Journey On Podcast
Episode: Dr. Heidi Hook: Menopause
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Warwick Schiller
Guest: Dr. Heidi Hook

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of "The Journey On Podcast," host Warwick Schiller welcomes Dr. Heidi Hook to discuss a profoundly impactful topic: menopause. Although Warwick briefly introduces the podcast's focus on personal growth and mindful conversations, it is Robin Schiller who steers the conversation toward menopause, recognizing its significance among the predominantly female audience. This episode delves deeply into the intricacies of menopause, offering insights into its mechanisms, symptoms, and holistic approaches to management.

Guest Introduction

Robin Schiller begins by sharing her personal journey through menopause, highlighting her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks that went initially misdiagnosed as heart issues. She credits two individuals, Ann Marie and Martha Springer, for prompting her to seek hormonal evaluations, leading her to Dr. Renee Young at Young Naturopathic. This foundational support set the stage for her subsequent collaboration with Dr. Heidi Hook, whose comprehensive approach to hormonal health deeply resonated with Robin.

Understanding Menopause: Definitions and Mechanisms

Dr. Heidi Hook opens the discussion by defining key terms:

• Perimenopause: The transitional phase leading up to menopause, often lasting up to a decade, typically starting in a woman's 40s. During this period, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms.

• Menopause: Officially reached after a full year without a menstrual period, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.

• Postmenopause: The phase following menopause, characterized by lower and steadier levels of hormones.

At [11:11], Dr. Hook emphasizes the complexity of hormonal interactions:
"We are divine beings, and everything is interconnected and interdependent on everything."

She explains that menopause is not simply a cessation of hormone production but involves intricate changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, often leading to estrogen dominance when progesterone drops first.

Hormonal Balance and Testing

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the importance of comprehensive hormone testing. Dr. Hook advocates for the Dutch Test—a dried urine test that assesses a broad spectrum of hormones, including various estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and their metabolites. At [16:59], she states:
"It's an amazing test because it's not just looking at estrogen, progesterone or FSH, but it's looking at your testosterone. It's looking at your cortisol because that's from your adrenal glands."

This holistic testing approach allows for tailored treatment plans, addressing individual hormonal pathways and imbalances.

Importance of Adrenals and Thyroid

Dr. Hook underscores the interconnectedness of the endocrine system, particularly the roles of the adrenal glands and the thyroid:

• Adrenal Health: Chronic stress depletes adrenal function, affecting cortisol production and, consequently, hormone balance. Elevated stress can lead to progesterone being diverted to produce cortisol, resulting in estrogen dominance.

• Thyroid Function: The thyroid gland regulates metabolism through hormones like T4 and T3. Dr. Hook criticizes the limited focus on TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) by many medical professionals, advocating for a more comprehensive evaluation including free T4, free T3, and reverse T3 levels. At [30:00], she explains:
  "Thyroid absolutely regulates your detoxification and it regulates your hormones."

Neurotransmitters and Mental Health

The discussion extends to the impact of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine on mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Dr. Hook highlights how hormonal imbalances can disrupt these neurotransmitters, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. For instance, estrogen plays a crucial role in serotonin production, linking hormonal health directly to emotional stability.

Hormone Therapy: Bioidentical vs. Synthetic

A critical segment addresses hormone replacement therapy (HRT), distinguishing between bioidentical hormones and synthetic alternatives. Dr. Hook clarifies that past negative perceptions of HRT stemmed from studies using synthetic hormones like Premarin and progestins, which are not bioidentical and can be harmful. She advocates for bioidentical hormones, such as estradiol and estriol, which are structurally identical to the body’s natural hormones and pose fewer risks. At [59:22], she notes:
"They were using synthetic estrogens and synthetic progesterone... Estrone is very inflammatory."

Lifestyle and Other Factors Affecting Menopause

Dr. Hook elaborates on various lifestyle factors that influence menopausal symptoms:

• Diet and Toxins: High blood sugar, processed foods, and toxins impair hormone balance and thyroid function.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can strain the liver, hindering hormone metabolism and exacerbating menopausal symptoms.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress disrupts adrenal function, contributing to hormonal imbalances.
• Sleep Quality: Proper sleep is essential for hormone regulation, with neurotransmitters like melatonin and serotonin playing vital roles.

At [24:18], she explains the impact of alcohol:
"Alcohol is hard on the liver... it can definitely disrupt your hormones and it's stressful."

Addressing Common Symptoms

The podcast covers various menopausal symptoms and their underlying causes:

• Hot Flashes: Daytime hot flashes often indicate low estrogen, while nighttime flushes may signal low progesterone.

• Vaginal Dryness: Addressed through topical estriol creams to restore vaginal tissue health.

• Hair Loss and Skin Changes: Linked to hormonal imbalances affecting collagen and elastin production.

• Thyroid-Related Issues: Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and depression may stem from thyroid dysfunction rather than just hormonal changes.

Dr. Hook provides targeted solutions for these symptoms, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.

Taboo and Awareness

The conversation touches on why menopause remains a taboo subject. Dr. Hook attributes this to historical misinformation, societal roles positioning women as caregivers who neglect their own health, and the pharmaceutical industry's focus on profit over holistic health solutions. At [87:26], she states:
"Women tend to be caregivers... we don't put ourselves first on the list."

Resources and Recommendations

Dr. Hook highlights several resources for those navigating menopause:

• The Dutch Test: For comprehensive hormonal assessment.
• Bioidentical Hormones: Available through compounding pharmacies and specific brands like Bezwecken.
• Educational Programs: Such as her "Path to Sacred Ground," a four-month detox program focusing on hormonal health and detoxification.
• Books and Authors: Recommendations include Dr. Christiane Northrup’s work on menopause.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Robin emphasizes the transformative insights gained from this collaboration, drawing parallels between hormone balance and horse training—both requiring a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach rather than quick fixes. Dr. Heidi Hook reiterates the importance of holistic health practices, continuous learning, and self-advocacy in managing menopause effectively.

At [93:00], Robin summarizes her appreciation:
"When we meet after a test, you explain things and you explain... I have a deeper understanding of what's going on inside of me and I don't feel so alone and I don't feel so misunderstood."

This episode serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of menopause through a holistic and informed lens.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Heidi Hook [11:11]:
  "We are divine beings, and everything is interconnected and interdependent on everything."

• Dr. Heidi Hook [16:59]:
  "The Dutch Test... it's looking at your testosterone. It's looking at your cortisol because that's from your adrenal glands."

• Dr. Heidi Hook [24:18]:
  "Alcohol is hard on the liver... it can definitely disrupt your hormones and it's stressful."

• Dr. Heidi Hook [59:22]:
  "They were using synthetic estrogens and synthetic progesterone... Estrone is very inflammatory."

• Dr. Heidi Hook [87:25]:
  "Women tend to be caregivers... we don't put ourselves first on the list."

Resources Mentioned:

• The Dutch Test: Comprehensive hormone testing available at DutchTest.org
• Bezwecken Bioidentical Hormones: Available through Dr. Heidi Hook’s website
• Path to Sacred Ground Program: Detailed at courses.warwickshiller.com
• Books by Dr. Christiane Northrup: Explore her insights on menopause and women's health.

Connect with Warwick Schiller:

• Website: videos.warwickshiller.com
• YouTube, Facebook, Instagram: Follow Warwick for the latest training advice and insights.

This episode of "The Journey On Podcast" provides a comprehensive exploration of menopause, blending personal anecdotes with expert knowledge to offer listeners valuable strategies for navigating this pivotal life stage.