228: How to heal the worst menopausal symptoms naturally – with Esther Blum

May 4, 2023/

In this episode, we talk to Esther Blum, who is the bestselling author of Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat, Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous. She currently maintains a busy virtual practice where she helps women balance hormones, lose stubborn body fat, and treat the root cause of health struggles.

Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.

She says the best way to heal the worst menopausal symptoms naturally is by using a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and natural hormone therapy. Dietary changes should focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats, such as butter, beef, fish, eggs, cold-water fatty fish, and coconut oil.

Additionally, adding liver and organ meats, as well as brain, heart, and kidney, can help nourish the eggs and support fertility.

Lifestyle modifications, such as spending time outside in nature, can help reduce stress and improve hormone balance. Finally, natural hormone therapy can help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, brain fog, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and vaginal dryness.

This can include the use of bio-identical hormones such as progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone, as well as vaginal estrogen and DHEA. It is important to work with a functional medicine practitioner to monitor hormone levels and ensure proper dosage.

Benefits of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can be beneficial for women throughout the different stages of their reproductive years. It can help to regulate hormones, reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve libido, and improve mood.

It can also be used to offset the decline of progesterone and estrogen, balance out hormone levels, and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Additionally, hormone therapy can be used to improve fertility and egg quality.

What are some things that can help optimize hormone levels

As women enter menopause, hormone levels can become unbalanced and can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. To help optimize hormone levels, Esther Blum, a best selling author and clinical nutritionist, suggests a few simple strategies.

First, Blum recommends using vaginal estrogen. This helps to prevent the thinning of the vaginal walls and can maintain collagen and elastin, as well as lubrication which can prevent pain during sex. Blum also suggests utilizing progesterone in the second half of the cycle to help balance hormones and reduce symptoms like heavy periods, fatigue, and brain fog.

Blum also notes that DHEA and testosterone can help to balance hormones. To get the most benefit, it’s important to monitor hormone levels to determine when to bring in these hormones. She suggests working with a practitioner to determine an individualized hormone plan. Blum also recommends a high fat diet with animal fats, beef, fish, eggs, and cold-water fatty fish. This can help to nourish the eggs, liver, and other organs, promoting fertility.

In addition to these strategies, Blum stresses the importance of reducing stress levels and taking time for self-care. This can help to support hormonal balance and overall health. By utilizing these strategies, women can take steps towards optimizing their hormone levels, reducing menopausal symptoms, and promoting overall health and well-being.

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