267. Esther Blum Demystifies Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Perimenopause and Menopause Relief

Insatiable with Ali Shapiro, MSOD, CHHC

In this 7th (and final!) episode of season 14, I interview integrated dietitian and menopause expert Esther Blum on all things hormone replacement therapy for women. In the past 27 years, Esther has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones, and self-advocacy. In addition to her incredible expertise, I always love having on guests who have walked their talk. Known for being Gwyneth Paltrow's menopause mentor, Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator, among several other books.
Disclaimer: While this conversation leaned heavily torwards the benefits of HRT, it's critical for you to do your own research and, of course, to always check with your doctor. This episode—along with every other Insatiable episode—is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Among the Topics Covered:

• Why are so many women afraid of using horomone replacement therapy (HRT)?
• What symptoms would someone be experiencing that would make them want to even consider HRT?
• What does HRT do exactly?
• What are some of the first signs that HRT is working?
• What are the different types of HRT?
• What are some of the risks associated with HRT?
• What are some considerations when researching HRT and discussing with your doctor?
• How is HRT part of a larger midlife puzzle, but not a silver bullet?

Guest: Esther Blum is an integrative dietician, menopause expert and bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator. Esther has been featured on the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY and is frequently quoted in goop, Well + Good, Forbes, Fitness, and Time Magazine.

Mentioned in this episode:

• My once-a-year group program Truce with Food is open for registration through January 31st.
• Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong with Journalist Angela Saini (Insatiable Season 2, Episode 5)
• Dr. Pamela W. Smith's research

Transcript & Show Notes: alishapiro.com/esther-blum-interview-hrt/

Connect with Insatiable & Ali:
Join our free Insatiable community gathering on the first Tuesday of each month from 2-3:00 pm ET to meet other Insatiable listeners. Bring your burning questions about the show or whatever you are struggling with for some free coaching from Ali. Visit alishapiro.com/gathering to sign-up and learn more.
Call or text our new Insatiable hotline: [phone].
Have a question you'd like Ali to address on a future episode or a comment on the show? Ali would love to hear from you. Be sure to leave us a way to reach you in the event we'd like to play your message on a future episode.
Please rate and review Insatiable on your favorite podcast platform—it means more to us than you know—and helps others find the show!