Menopause changes more than hormones. It reshapes how the whole body works. In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz talks with gynecologist and certified menopause specialist Dr. Polly Watson about the deep links between hormone wellness and cardiovascular health. What really happens to the heart when estrogen levels start to shift? How early do those changes begin, and what can women do to protect themselves long before symptoms appear?
Dr. Druz and Dr. Watson unpack the science behind estrogen dominance and perimenopause through the lens of functional medicine, showing how hormonal fluctuations can influence everything from metabolism to muscle tone to mood. They share what the latest research tells us about hormone replacement therapy and why many long-held fears deserve to be reconsidered.
You’ll hear how small lifestyle changes (better nutrition, strength training, sleep, and toxin reduction) can restore balance and build resilience through midlife and beyond. Above all, this episode celebrates women’s empowerment in medicine and self-care, encouraging every listener to take an active role in understanding their hormones, advocating for informed treatment, and supporting long-term heart health with clarity and confidence.
Get Dr. Watson’s Estrogen Dominance handout by commenting “hormones” on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Hormone Wellness and the Heart–Body Connection
06:58 How Menopause Impacts Cardiovascular Health
13:31 Understanding Perimenopause and Estrogen Dominance
25:44 Functional Medicine Foundations and Lifestyle Changes
39:39 The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy
55:15 Women’s Empowerment Through Menopause Awareness
Links
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