Estrogen 101: What I Learned From the World’s Top Menopause Doctors

Estrogen 101: What I Learned From the World’s Top Menopause Doctors

If you’ve ever wondered what estrogen actually does, or whether hormone therapy (HRT) is right for you, this episode is for you. During perimenopause and menopause, falling estrogen levels can contribute to brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, sleep problems, mood changes, and even long-term bone health. Yet most women are never told how one hormone can affect nearly every system in the body. This episode is part of Tamsen’s series breaking down the biggest topics from her New York Times bestselling book, How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week, it’s estrogen. In just 20 minutes, Tamsen takes everything she’s learned from interviewing the world’s leading menopause doctors and hormone experts and breaks it down into simple, easy-to-understand language. No confusing medical jargon. No overwhelm. Just the information you need to understand your options and make the best decisions for your own health. Inside the episode: - What estrogen actually does in your body - Why estradiol changes during perimenopause and menopause - How hormone therapy (HRT) can help relieve menopause symptoms - The truth about the Women’s Health Initiative study - Who is a candidate for hormone therapy and who shouldn’t take it - The differences between estrogen patches, gels, sprays, pills, and vaginal estrogen - What to do if you’re affected by the estrogen patch shortage - How long you can safely stay on hormone therapy - The questions every woman should ask before starting HRT Whether you’re considering hormone therapy for the first time or simply trying to understand what’s happening to your body, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Download my FREE symptom tracker here [https://www.tamsenfadal.com/menopause-education-hub/get-the-free-menopause-symptom-tracker⁠ ] Download my FREE Hormone Therapy 101 guide here [https://www.tamsenfadal.com/menopause-education-hub/hormone-therapy-101⁠] If you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series: ⁠⁠Estrogen Down There 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-estrogen-101%E2%81%A0] ⁠Testosterone 101: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes⁠⁠ ⁠Relationships 101: Is It Him or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell⁠ ⁠Perimenopause 101: The Symptoms, Tests & Fixes No One Tells You About⁠ Alcohol 101: Belly Fat, Bad Sleep and the Long-Term Cost of Drinking [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-alcohol101] Anxiety 101: What I Wish I Knew Before I Hit Perimenopause + How I Got My Life Back [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-anxiety101] Progesterone 101: The Hormone Behind Your 3am Wake-Ups, Your Anxiety & Your Worst PMS [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-progesterone101] Belly Fat 101: The 5 Simple Habits That Changed Everything [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-bellyfat101] Coming up: Mental Health and more! Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-newsletter] filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-htm] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-hub] from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-yt] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig1]  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig2] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-tt]  Sponsors: Head over to Bombas.com/TAMSEN [http://bombas.com/TAMSEN] and use code TAMSEN for 20% off your first purchase! Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code TAMSEN at irestore.com/TAMSEN [http://irestore.com/TAMSEN]! #irestorepod Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Fertility Expert: Egg Freezing, Perimenopause & GLP-1s Explained

If you're thinking about egg freezing, IVF, fertility decline, perimenopause, or reproductive health, this is the conversation you need to hear before meeting with your doctor. In this episode of The Tamsen Show, Tamsen Fadal sits down with Dr. Jamie Grifo, Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at NYU Langone. Dr. Grifo helped modernize IVF as we know it, launched NYU's egg freezing program in 1999, and has spent 40 years giving women the science they were never taught. Today, he's sharing everything you need to know about your fertility timeline, your hormone shifts, and how to make decisions that are right for you. You'll learn: - Why your chance of getting pregnant at 40 is 2-3% a month, not 20% - The age fertility actually starts to decline (it's earlier than you think) - The 3 fertility tests every woman should know: FSH, estradiol, and AMH - What a low AMH really means (and what it doesn't) - Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing: Which is right for you? - Why 40% of infertility is male factor, yet women still blame themselves - What endometriosis and PCOS mean for your fertility - Why postpartum and perimenopause symptoms are so often confused - How GLP-1 medications may improve fertility and why they're leading to "Ozempic babies" - The biggest emotional difference between freezing your eggs early and going through IVF later If you or someone you love has been carrying questions about fertility, this is the conversation that finally answers them. If you like this episode, then you will love: The Fertility Expert: Egg Freezing, IVF, and Supplements Explained [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-lucky-jamie] Follow Dr. Grifo on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fertility_ny/] Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-newsletter] filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-htm] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-hub] from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-yt] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig1]  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig2] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-tt]  Sponsors: Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/TAMSEN [https://zocdoc.com/TAMSEN] #sponsored Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/tamsen [https://square.com/go/tamsen]! #squarepod Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Belly Fat 101: The 5 Simple Habits That Changed Everything

If you've been struggling with menopause belly fat or perimenopause weight gain, despite eating well and exercising, you're not alone. Hormone changes affect your metabolism, muscle mass, stress hormones, and even your gut health, making it much harder to lose weight the way you used to. The good news is there are science-backed ways to work with your body instead of against it. This episode is part of Tamsen's series breaking down the biggest topics from her New York Times bestselling book, How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week, it's belly fat. Tamsen shares what finally worked after interviewing leading experts in menopause, nutrition, endocrinology, and longevity, and why the answer isn't eating less or doing more cardio. Inside the episode: - Why estrogen changes where your body stores fat - The protein and fiber goals that support muscle and metabolism - Why strength training beats more cardio in midlife - How cortisol, sleep, and chronic stress keep belly fat hanging around - The connection between gut health, inflammation, and weight gain - Why drinking less alcohol made such a noticeable difference - The five habits that helped Tamsen feel stronger, healthier, and more confident If you're tired of doing everything "right" and still not seeing results, this episode will help you understand why your body changed and what to do next. If you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series: ⁠⁠Estrogen Down There 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-estrogen-101%E2%81%A0] ⁠Testosterone 101: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes⁠⁠ ⁠Relationships 101: Is It Him or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell⁠ ⁠Perimenopause 101: The Symptoms, Tests & Fixes No One Tells You About⁠ Alcohol 101: Belly Fat, Bad Sleep and the Long-Term Cost of Drinking [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-alcohol101] Anxiety 101: What I Wish I Knew Before I Hit Perimenopause + How I Got My Life Back [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-anxiety101] Progesterone 101: The Hormone Behind Your 3am Wake-Ups, Your Anxiety & Your Worst PMS [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-progesterone101] Coming up: Mental Health, Estrogen 101 and more! Get Tamsen’s recipe for her Hot Girl Menopause Smoothie here [https://tamsenfadal.substack.com/] Get Tamsen’s free hormone therapy guide [https://www.tamsenfadal.com/menopause-education-hub/hormone-therapy-101] If you liked this episode, listen to Exhausted, Gaining Weight, and Feeling Off? THIS Is What’s Happening [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-rocio-bellyfat101] Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-newsletter] filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-htm] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-hub] from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-yt] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig1]  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig2] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-tt]  Sponsors: Head over to Bombas.com/TAMSEN [http://bombas.com/TAMSEN] and use code TAMSEN for 20% off your first purchase! Use code TAMSEN at jonesroadbeauty.com [http://jonesroadbeauty.com] to get a Free Gift with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #a Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/tamsen [https://square.com/go/tamsen]! #squarepod Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/TAMSEN [http://warbyparker.com/TAMSEN] — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [http://podcastchoices.com/adchoices] Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Longevity Doctor: The 5 Simple Tests That Predict How You'll Age

If you're in perimenopause or menopause, you've probably noticed your body changing in ways no one prepared you for. Maybe you're losing muscle despite working out. Maybe your bone density is declining. Maybe you're wondering if hormone therapy is right for you, or why your workouts aren't giving you the same results they used to. The truth is, women don't age like men, and understanding that changes everything. That's why Tamsen Fadal invited renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright to The Tamsen Show. Dr. Wright explains the science behind healthy aging, strength training, muscle mass, osteoporosis, mobility, protein, and longevity, and why building strength today is one of the most important things you can do to protect your future. We cover: - Why menopause is more like a second adolescence than a slow decline - The truth about estrogen, progesterone, and hormone therapy (HRT) - Why muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of longevity - How to improve bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis - Why women should prioritize strength training instead of endless cardio - How much protein women actually need to build muscle - Why walking after your biggest meal can improve metabolism and blood sugar - The simple tests, including grip strength and VO₂ max, that predict how well you'll age - Why frozen shoulder, brain fog, and joint pain become so common during menopause - The biggest fitness mistakes women over 40 are still making Whether you're in your 30s preparing for perimenopause or already navigating menopause, this conversation will change the way you think about longevity, mobility, strength, and what it really means to age with power instead of frailty. For everything mentioned in this episode, click this link [https://shopmy.us/collections/6107637] Get Vonda's book, Unbreakable: Grow Strong. Live Long. Age with Power: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Womans-Guide-Aging-Power/dp/0593736583 Follow Vonda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright More from The Tamsen Show: If you liked this conversation, check this out: The Foot Doctor: What Your Feet Reveal About How Long You'll Live [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-courtney-vonda] Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-newsletter] filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-htm] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-hub] from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-yt] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig1]  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig2] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-tt]  Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code TAMSEN at https://www.irestorelaser.com/TAMSEN [https://www.irestorelaser.com/TAMSEN]! #irestorepod #ad Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Progesterone 101: The Hormone Behind Your 3am Wake-Ups, Your Anxiety & Your Worst PMS

You wake up at 3 a.m. with your heart racing, and you cannot figure out why. The anxiety out of nowhere, the PMS that got worse. It may trace back to one hormone that started leaving your body years before your first hot flash. This episode is part of Tamsen Fadal’s series breaking down the topics from her New York Times bestselling book How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week it's progesterone. Tamsen starts with a confession: her doctor prescribed it, and it sat in her medicine cabinet so long the pills congealed into a brick. She never took one, because nobody ever told her what progesterone was or why she needed it. So she spent a year struggling with the exact symptoms it would have helped. She's not a doctor. She's a journalist who has lived this, breaking down what the leading menopause doctors she's interviewed have taught her, so you can take it to your own doctor. Inside the episode: - Why progesterone is one of the first hormones to drop, often years before anything else feels off - The brain receptor that explains your 3 a.m. wake-ups - Why it's non-negotiable if you still have your uterus and you're taking estrogen - The straight answer on progesterone and breast cancer, and why the study that scared everyone doesn't tell the whole story - Body identical vs. synthetic, plus the exact words to use with your doctor - The one side effect that means you call your doctor instead of quitting You deserve to understand what's going into your body and why. FREE RESOURCE: Get the free Hormone Therapy 101 guide [https://www.tamsenfadal.com/menopause-education-hub/hormone-therapy-101] If you liked this conversation, check this out: The #1 Sleep Expert Reveals What’s Ruining Your Sleep [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-shelby-progesterone101] And, if you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series: ⁠⁠Estrogen Down There 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-estrogen-101%E2%81%A0] ⁠Testosterone 101: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes⁠⁠ ⁠Relationships 101: Is It Him or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell⁠ ⁠Perimenopause 101: The Symptoms, Tests & Fixes No One Tells You About⁠ Alcohol 101: Belly Fat, Bad Sleep and the Long-Term Cost of Drinking [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-alcohol101] Anxiety 101: What I Wish I Knew Before I Hit Perimenopause + How I Got My Life Back [https://bit.ly/tts-tf-htm-anxiety101] Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-newsletter] filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-htm] ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-hub] from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-yt] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig1]  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-ig2] Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/tts-audio-tt]  Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]