67: Are We Getting Hormones Wrong? – The Shocking Legacy of the Women’s Health Initiative with Dr. Christian Jenski
Are you confused about the difference between hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapy—and what’s actually safe for your health?In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Dr. Christian Jenski for a clarifying conversation on hormone health. Together, they unpack the often-confused concepts of hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—and why individualized care is essential.The discussion begins with the misconceptions rooted in the landmark Women’s Health Initiative study, which shaped public and medical opinion on hormone therapy for decades. Dr. Jenski and Dr. Hartman address why those conclusions were misleading, what newer research reveals, and how functional medicine provides a safer, more effective framework for hormone care.Listeners also gain insight into the role of gut health, stress, and nutrition in hormone metabolism, as well as the pros and cons of different testing methods (blood, saliva, urine) and delivery systems (pills, patches, creams, pellets). The episode emphasizes the importance of safe, personalized balancing rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.✅ Show Highlights:Key differences between hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapyThe lingering misconceptions from the Women’s Health Initiative studyHow gut health, nutrition, and stress affect hormone balanceAn overview of blood, saliva, and urine testing for hormonesPros and cons of hormone delivery systems like pills, patches, creams, and pelletsWhy individualized, root-cause care ensures safety and better outcomesPractical insights for patients considering hormone therapy💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why hormone therapy should always be tailored to the individualHow addressing gut and lifestyle factors improves hormone metabolismThe limitations of conventional hormone testing and how to interpret resultsWhat delivery systems may work best in different contextsWhy safe hormone balancing is about more than replacing what’s “low”🌐 Resources & Links:Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.comYouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMDLinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect HereMentioned in this episode:Get the FREE Real Food Sourcing GuideWe've put together this free resource to help you find real, nutrient dense food in your local area. Healing starts in the gut and eating real food is the fastest way to heal!
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