Podcast Summary: The School of Greatness Episode: Has The Medical System Betrayed Women? How To Take Back Control of Your Health
Host: Lewis Howes
Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The School of Greatness, host Lewis Howes engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Anna Cabeca, a leading expert in women's health and menopause. The discussion delves into the shortcomings of the medical system in addressing women's health needs, especially concerning menopause, and explores strategies for women to reclaim control over their health.

Menopause and the Medical System

Systemic Bias in Medical Research

Dr. Cabeca starts by highlighting a significant issue: the medical system's historical bias towards male-centric research. She states, “All of the studies, you know, women were not even required legally to be in studies until 1993” (02:32). This exclusion has resulted in a lack of understanding of gender differences in disease presentation and treatment efficacy.

Case Study: Statins and Cardiovascular Health

A prime example Dr. Cabeca provides is the use of statins. “Statins have never been shown in women to decrease the risk of a heart attack or decrease death from cardiovascular disease” (03:51). Despite this, statins are widely prescribed to women based on their effectiveness in men, without adequate evidence supporting similar benefits for women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Alternatives

Benefits and Challenges of HRT

Dr. Cabeca emphasizes the protective role of estrogen, particularly regarding cardiovascular health. “[…] estrogen is incredibly protective for the lining of those vessels in the heart where those plaques start building up” (05:44). Initiating HRT early in menopause can potentially reduce cardiovascular disease risk by up to 50% per year (06:24).

However, acceptance and use of HRT are low. “Only 10% right now is in 2023 be offered treatment and it's usually an antidepressant” (07:08). Dr. Cabeca critiques the current medical approach, noting that most women are offered SSRIs instead of HRT, which may alleviate some menopausal symptoms but come with their own set of side effects.

Non-Hormonal Strategies for Managing Menopause

For women hesitant about HRT, Dr. Cabeca suggests focusing on other health pillars: diet, exercise, and stress reduction. “You’re going to have to double down on the other pillars of health” (06:35).

Impact on Relationships and Emotional Well-being

Navigating Changes in Relationships

Menopause doesn't just affect physical health; it significantly impacts emotional and relational dynamics. Dr. Cabeca discusses how menopause can strain relationships, especially when male partners lack the emotional tools to support their partners. “[…] The best office visits I have are when their partners come and they're there to help understand” (11:00).

Advice for Men Supporting Their Partners

Dr. Cabeca advises men to educate themselves about menopause to provide better support. “Pick up a book and educate yourself, you know, read the book together, get it on audio” (11:20). This proactive approach fosters compassion and understanding, strengthening the relationship during this transitional period.

Personal Stories and Coping with Loss

Dr. Cabeca’s Personal Journey

Dr. Cabeca shares her personal experiences with grief, having lost three brothers and her father. These losses have profoundly influenced her approach to grief and mental health. “[…] I just openly talk to my kids about my feelings about that and like what I'm doing in my life to try to prevent” (21:43).

Implementing the Neurocycle for Grief Management

When confronted with acute trauma, Dr. Cabeca employs a method she developed called the "Neurocycle," which involves five steps to manage and process grief effectively. This process includes gathering awareness, reflecting, writing, sorting out chaos, and taking actionable steps to regain control and mental clarity.

Health and Longevity Strategies

Optimizing Daily Health Practices

Dr. Cabeca outlines her perfect day protocol focused on longevity and optimal health. Key components include:

• Morning Routine: Natural wake-up around 7 AM, light protein intake, and outdoor workouts for circadian rhythm alignment.
• Exercise: Incorporates both resistance training and HIIT to maximize physical health benefits.
• Nutrition: Emphasizes high protein intake, inclusion of superfoods like blueberries and sulforaphane, and balanced meals rich in vegetables.
• Supplements: Highlights the importance of Omega-3, Vitamin D, magnesium, and other key supplements for overall health (63:07).

Future of Anti-Aging Research

The conversation touches on cutting-edge research in anti-aging, such as epigenetic reprogramming and the potential to extend the lifespan of ovarian function. Dr. Cabeca expresses optimism about ongoing studies that aim to make menopause optional through technological and pharmacological advancements (15:27).

Addressing Grief and Mental Health

Challenging the Chemical Imbalance Narrative

Dr. Cabeca critiques the prevailing narrative that mental health issues like depression are solely due to chemical imbalances. She argues that trauma and life experiences are the root causes, stating, “The cause of your despair is what you've gone through and what you're going through” (70:55). This perspective shifts the focus from labeling individuals to understanding and addressing their experiences.

Holistic Approaches to Mental Health

Emphasizing the importance of support systems, cognitive stimulation, and lifestyle factors, Dr. Cabeca advocates for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health that goes beyond medication. “Embrace, process and reconceptualize” (80:23) her method for achieving mental peace and resilience.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Empowerment Through Education and Support

The episode concludes with actionable advice for both women and their partners. Dr. Cabeca encourages women to share information with their male partners to foster understanding and support. “This is an inevitable process, but suffering through it is not” (30:29) she affirms, highlighting the importance of education and proactive health management.

Key Takeaways:

1. Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Medical Research: Women should push for more inclusive studies that address gender-specific health needs.
2. Explore HRT and Alternative Therapies: Understanding the benefits and risks of HRT can help women make informed decisions about managing menopause.
3. Strengthen Relationships Through Education: Educating male partners can enhance support systems and improve relational dynamics during menopause.
4. Implement Holistic Health Routines: Incorporating balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and essential supplements can optimize health and longevity.
5. Adopt Compassionate Mental Health Practices: Moving beyond the chemical imbalance narrative to address underlying trauma and support emotional well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Anna Cabeca: “We are not little men. We're more than just a man running, a short man running around with a breast and a uterus…” (04:45)
• Dr. Anna Cabeca: “85% of women will go and talk to their doctor and mention, mention the cliche symptoms of menopause. Right. Only 10% right now is in 2023 be offered treatment…” (07:08)
• Dr. Anna Cabeca: “This is an inevitable process, but suffering through it is not.” (30:29)
• Dr. Anna Cabeca: “Chemical imbalance isn't the cause of your despair. The cause of your despair is what you've gone through and what you're going through.” (71:34)

This episode serves as a crucial call to action for both women and their support systems to seek better medical understanding, embrace holistic health practices, and foster emotional resilience during menopause and beyond.