??'|'Past Presentations'| Whole Person Health |'Women's and Cardiovascular Health

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• Event: IPM Congress 2024
• Date: 6th June'2024
• By: Dr. Felice Gersh
• Estimated Read: Time 5'6'minutes

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Introduction

At the IPM Congress 2024, Dr. Felice Gersh delivered a thought-provoking session that delved into the intricacies of women's health, particularly focusing on cardiovascular health and the pivotal role hormones play as women age. With a career spanning decades and insights gleaned from delivering thousands of babies, Dr. Gersh brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion.

She highlighted menopause's profound impact on women's cardiovascular health and emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the hormonal processes that underpin health throughout a woman's life. This session stands as a beacon for advancing approaches to women's health, including menopause and cardiovascular health, and echoes the call for healthier longevity.

The Inevitable Transition Menopause and Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Gersh began by addressing a fact many women will face ' the inevitability of menopause. "By age 65," she stated, "75% of women will experience hypertension," highlighting how menopause exacerbates the risk of significant cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks. The decline in protective hormones, particularly estradiol, has far-reaching impacts on women's health, yet societal understanding remains limited.

Estradiol, known as the "life hormone," extends its influence beyond reproductive functions to maintain cardiovascular and metabolic stability, emphasizing the true estradiol benefits.

Understanding the Rhythms Hormonal Effects on the Body

The discussion unfolded around the intricate dance of hormones and their systemic effects. Dr. Gersh dismantled the simplistic view of the menstrual cycle as just a reproductive tool, emphasizing its role in enhancing overall health. She elucidated how the menstrual cycle benefits the body through hormonal surges like the estradiol and progesterone peaks, which have protective effects such as tumor suppression and inflammation control.

These hormones orchestrate bodily functions, ensuring balance and promoting health, with estradiol acting as the master regulator'a testament to the profound estradiol benefits.

Post-Menopause Health Strategies

Facing the decline of estradiol post-menopause, Dr. Gersh advocates for the thoughtful replacement of hormones. She illuminated the concept of cyclical hormone replacement therapy, mirroring youthful hormonal rhythms to sustain health. Importantly, the session highlighted the systemic nature of menopause, framing it as a significant metabolic shift impacting everything from heart health to psychological well-being through effective hormone replacement therapy.

Estradiol The Hormonal Glue

Reflecting on the discussion of hormones, Dr. Gersh identified estradiol as crucial beyond fertility. It works as a "hormonal glue," linking and synchronizing organ systems for optimal function. Its roles in modulating receptors across all major bodily systems underscore its systemic integrative function. For cardiovascular health, estradiol aids in maintaining energy efficiency in heart tissue and modulating lipid metabolism, contributing to reduced heart disease risk.

Beyond the Heart Estradiol's Role in Overall Well-being

Estradiol's influence extends to areas like the immune system, where it helps maintain balance and prevent autoimmune disorders. The session underscored estradiol's non-pro-inflammatory properties, emphasizing how proper hormone levels inhibit inappropriate inflammation and related conditions. The hormone also modulates the gut microbiome, highlighting an often-overlooked but critical aspect of overall health'yet another layer to estradiol benefits.

The Yin-Yang of Hormones Balance is Key

A recurring theme was the importance of hormonal balance. Dr. Gersh spoke about the delicate interaction between different types of estrogens, particularly estradiol and estrone. She emphasized estradiol's balanced actions in maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health, downplaying fears associated with hormone replacement by focusing on the natural balance it can restore'central to effective hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion Paving the Path to Healthy Longevity

In concluding the session, Dr. Gersh urged for a paradigm shift in women's health. She advocated for informed hormone therapy as part of a holistic approach to health post-menopause, emphasizing lifestyle interventions and personalized care. Her call to action resonates "When you put it all together, your women patients don't have to suffer from all of the cardiovascular ills that beset the vast majority of aging women."

This session not only challenged existing perceptions but also laid a groundwork for a healthier future for women through understanding and supporting their unique hormonal needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Dr. Gersh's session at IPM Congress 2024 served as an eye-opener on the interconnected roles of hormones in health. Her insights urge a re-evaluation of current practices and encourage the adoption of strategies promoting longevity and well-being, marking a significant step forward in women's health advocacy.

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Further Reading

For those interested in exploring Dr. Felice Gersh's extensive work on women's health and cardiovascular well-being, here are some recommended articles and resources:

• Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy in the 21st Century: Co-authored by Dr. Gersh, this article examines the benefits and controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy during menopause.

• Oestrogen, Your Heart, and the Menopause: In this discussion, Dr. Gersh delves into the critical role of oestrogen in maintaining cardiovascular health during menopause.

• The Great Estrogen Debate: Dr. Gersh joins other experts to discuss the nuances of different estrogen types and their roles in the body.

• Hormones and Heart Disease: A Vital Conversation with Dr. Felice Gersh": This podcast episode features Dr. Gersh discussing the overlooked health risks for women, particularly heart disease, and the role of hormones.

For more resources and transcribed sessions from the Whole-Person Health Conference, visit our Whole-Person Health Conference page.

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