Hormone Replacement Therapy, What Every Woman Needs to Know in 2026 | Dr. Heather Hirsch | GLS #195

I’m joined by Dr. Heather Hirsch to debunk the persistent myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy and explain why the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative data was so widely misinterpreted. We discuss how optimized estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels can protect your heart, bones, and brain health, helping you move past "normalized suffering" and into a proactive state of longevity. Whether you are in perimenopause or well past the ten-year window, you'll learn how to navigate personalized dosing and clinical data to reclaim your vitality and extend your health span. Want ad-free episodes? Subscribe to Forever Strong Insider: https://bit.ly/4u5VSRe Listen to “Women’s Health by Heather Hirsch, MD” on all your favorite platforms! Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4l86Mlw Spotify: https://bit.ly/4cpmiHu Get Dr. Heather Hirsch’s book, “The Perimenopause Survival Guide” here: https://bit.ly/4r2yXUd 📱Connect with Dr. Heather Hirsch: Website: https://bit.ly/4smy4qJ YouTube: https://bit.ly/3NdevSH Instagram: https://bit.ly/4sfj11P TikTok: https://bit.ly/46v6Y8s Facebook: https://bit.ly/3OLI4LA X.com: https://bit.ly/3MY4Cbm LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4u6rjeb 🙌Thank you to our sponsors: 💪Bodyhealth - Use the code “LYON20” to get 20% off your first order! https://bit.ly/4r2ImeF 🍳Our Place - Use code “DRLYON” for 10% of sitewide. https://bit.ly/4r77SiU 😁Manukora - save 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts. https://bit.ly/4sglER1 📺Watch the “Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4boCFC3 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4cWTbLG 📱Connect with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon: Instagram: https://bit.ly/4uk9adc TikTok: https://bit.ly/3OFK3kJ X.com: https://bit.ly/4l3YlaX Facebook: https://bit.ly/3MBrJso LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3N1nrdL Website: https://bit.ly/3NdV2kT Books: https://bit.ly/4r6ugZK Newsletter: https://bit.ly/402QCAj ⏰Timestamps: 00:00 Intro of Show 06:02 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Where Are We Now? 11:02 What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy? 13:55 How Safe is Hormone Replacement Therapy? 19:39 Access on the Studies on HRT 22:58 Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy 27:12 Estrogen Does Not Cause Breast Cancer 31:16 Estrogen and Accelerated Bone Loss 34:38 Preventative Benefits of Estrogen 38:33 Lifespan vs. Health Span 39:10 When to Start Hormone Replacement Therapy? 43:34 Blood Markers 45:49 Progesterone: Effects, Timing, Dosage 51:09 Testosterone: Effects, FDA Approval, Benefits, Risks 58:35 Analysing the Numbers 1:00:59 Link of HRT and Cognitive Function 1:06:15 What Are Women Doing Wrong? ‼️Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions. This episode includes paid sponsorships.