Podcast Summary: "Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You: The New Hormone Solution with Dr. Erika Schwartz" | Episode 305

Title: Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You: The New Hormone Solution with Dr. Erika Schwartz
Host: Nicole Kalil, This Is Woman's Work
Guest: Dr. Erica Schwartz
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In this illuminating episode of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Erica Schwartz, a trailblazer in bioidentical hormone therapy. Together, they delve into the critical yet often neglected subject of women's hormones, exploring their profound impact on overall health and well-being.

The Importance of Hormones in Women's Health

Nicole Kalil opens the discussion by highlighting the ubiquity of hormonal issues among women, emphasizing how hormonal imbalances contribute to mood swings, fatigue, weight fluctuations, and anxiety. She underscores the historical neglect of women's hormonal health in medical research, pointing out that until the 1990s, studies predominantly focused on male physiology.

Dr. Erica Schwartz (03:39) elaborates on the foundational role hormones play in women's health:

"If your hormones are out of balance, nothing else works. You can’t exercise your way through losing your hormones because you just don't have the energy anymore. Your hormones are the foundation."

She explains that hormones are not just biological molecules but the bedrock upon which other aspects of health are built. From puberty through menopause, maintaining hormonal balance is essential for physical vitality and mental resilience.

Systemic Neglect of Women's Hormonal Health

Kalil and Schwartz discuss the systemic issues within the medical community that contribute to the neglect of women's hormonal health. Dr. Schwartz criticizes the lack of comprehensive training in medical schools regarding women's hormones, leading to inadequate treatment and understanding.

Dr. Schwartz (07:03) passionately states:

"The medical community is uneducated and uninformed. When you go to medical school, you don't get any training on women's hormones. There's pretty much one page about it, if not, not less."

She highlights the dismissive attitudes women often face when seeking help for hormonal issues, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Challenges with Conventional Medical Approaches

The conversation shifts to the shortcomings of conventional medicine in addressing hormonal imbalances. Dr. Schwartz criticizes the reliance on synthetic hormones and the oversimplification of complex hormonal interactions.

Nicole Kalil (08:00) probes why hormonal health isn't a primary focus in medical consultations:

"If hormones are probably one of the best places to start. Why is it that we go visit our doctor and this doesn't even get brought up or tested or talked about?"

Dr. Schwartz responds by pointing out the gaps in medical education and the lack of proactive hormonal assessments:

"Nobody checks hormones because, as we said, nobody knows about them."

She underscores the necessity for a more holistic and informed approach to hormone health, advocating for personalized care that goes beyond conventional treatments.

Reclaiming Control Over Hormonal Health

The dialogue turns to empowering women to take control of their hormonal health. Dr. Schwartz encourages women to educate themselves and seek out knowledgeable healthcare providers who prioritize hormonal balance.

Dr. Schwartz (13:47) advises:

"You have to learn it yourself, unfortunately, because your doctors are not going to tell you because they don't know."

She emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with a healthcare provider who listens and tailors treatments to individual needs, rather than adhering strictly to generalized protocols.

Layering Care: A Comprehensive Approach

Nicole Kalil and Dr. Schwartz explore the concept of "layering care," a strategy that involves addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously to achieve hormonal balance.

Dr. Schwartz (16:47) explains:

"There is no one-size-fits-all solution for anything. Pay attention to, as you apply the advice, is it working for you? If the answer is no, that doesn't necessarily mean that the advice is bad or wrong."

This approach includes lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, stress management, and proper sleep, in addition to medical interventions like hormone therapy.

Understanding Key Hormones: Progesterone and Estrogen

In a "101" segment, Dr. Schwartz breaks down the basics of key hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, and their roles in women's health.

Dr. Schwartz (22:53) outlines:

"There are hundreds of hormones that our bodies make... Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone... these are the hormones that help our bodies become female."

She emphasizes the importance of the hormonal balance maintained by various glands, including the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid, and how disruptions can lead to significant health issues.

Hormone Testing and Personalized Treatment

The discussion moves to practical steps for women to assess and manage their hormonal health. Dr. Schwartz critiques common hormone testing methods, advocating for more accurate blood tests over saliva tests.

Dr. Schwartz (28:52) advises:

"Start learning your body. Start living inside your body. No one lives inside your body except for you."

She encourages women to listen to their bodies, prioritize self-care, and work with healthcare providers who offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans.

Mental Health and Hormonal Balance

Kalil and Dr. Schwartz explore the intricate connection between hormonal health and mental well-being. Dr. Schwartz highlights how hormonal imbalances can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Dr. Schwartz (31:22) states:

"Everything that affects us physically affects us mentally. Your head is connected to your body."

She advocates for integrated care approaches that address both physical and mental health to achieve overall well-being.

Managing Stress for Hormonal Health

The conversation concludes with strategies for managing stress to maintain hormonal balance. Dr. Schwartz distinguishes between "good stress" that can enhance performance and "bad stress" that drags on and harms health.

Dr. Schwartz (32:46) emphasizes:

"The stress that's like the ongoing grinding away at your life, at your health, at your hormones, at everything... you have to start seeing what can I do to minimize its impact."

She recommends practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and establishing alone time to rejuvenate and reduce the detrimental effects of chronic stress.

Closing Remarks

Nicole Kalil wraps up the episode by reinforcing the message that hormonal health is paramount and urging listeners to take proactive steps in managing their hormones. She underscores the need to challenge outdated medical norms and advocate for better research and treatment options.

Nicole Kalil (37:03) concludes:

"Hormones are not the enemy. They're how we create life, how our bodies communicate. And honestly, they're kind of miraculous if you really think about it."

Key Takeaways

• Hormonal Balance is Fundamental: Hormones are the cornerstone of women's health, affecting everything from physical vitality to mental well-being.
• Systemic Neglect: The medical community has historically neglected women's hormonal health, leading to inadequate treatment and understanding.
• Empowerment through Education: Women must educate themselves about their hormones and seek out knowledgeable healthcare providers.
• Layered Care Approach: A comprehensive strategy addressing lifestyle, diet, exercise, and medical interventions is essential for hormonal balance.
• Mental and Physical Connection: Hormonal imbalances significantly impact mental health, necessitating integrated care approaches.
• Stress Management: Effective stress management is crucial for maintaining hormonal health and overall well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Erica Schwartz (03:39):
  "If your hormones are out of balance, nothing else works. You can’t exercise your way through losing your hormones because you just don't have the energy anymore."

• Dr. Erica Schwartz (07:03):
  "The medical community is uneducated and uninformed. When you go to medical school, you don't get any training on women's hormones."

• Dr. Erica Schwartz (13:47):
  "You have to learn it yourself, unfortunately, because your doctors are not going to tell you because they don't know."

• Dr. Erica Schwartz (22:53):
  "There are hundreds of hormones that our bodies make... Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone... these are the hormones that help our bodies become female."

• Nicole Kalil (37:03):
  "Hormones are not the enemy. They're how we create life, how our bodies communicate. And honestly, they're kind of miraculous if you really think about it."

Conclusion

This episode of This Is Woman's Work serves as a clarion call to women everywhere to prioritize their hormonal health. Through the expert insights of Dr. Erica Schwartz, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role hormones play in their lives and are empowered to take actionable steps towards achieving hormonal balance. Nicole Kalil's engaging hosting ensures that this crucial conversation resonates, inspiring women to demand better healthcare and embrace their inherent strength.