Menopause is about far more than hot flashes. In this episode, Dr. Felice Gersh joins Dr. Lorne Brown to explore how changing levels of estradiol and progesterone affect the entire body—from metabolism, mitochondria, inflammation, and brain health to cardiovascular function, bones, sleep, and healthy aging. Dr. Gersh explains why she calls these “life hormones” and challenges conventional approaches to menopause hormone therapy. She also explores the often-overlooked role of progesterone and why hormone balance matters throughout the body. Together, they discuss how nutrition, movement, gut health, stress management, and hormone optimization can work together to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Key Takeaways: Menopause is a whole-body transition. Estradiol and progesterone influence far more than reproduction, with receptors and effects throughout multiple organ systems.Hormones and lifestyle work together. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, gut health, and environmental exposures remain essential alongside hormonal health.Progesterone deserves more attention. Dr. Gersh describes it as an often-overlooked hormone with important roles beyond the uterus, including the brain, immune system, bones, vasculature, and mitochondria.Hormone therapy is not just about stopping hot flashes. The conversation examines the history and lingering fears surrounding hormone therapy.Healthy aging starts before menopause. Menstrual health, metabolic health, inflammation, gut health, movement, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors can help shape how women experience the transition. Where to find Dr. Felice Gersh: Medical Practice Website: https://integrativemgi.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FeliceGershMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicegershmd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicegershmd/ Dr. Gersh’s Free eBooksMenopause SOS “Your guide to surviving and thriving during your menopause years!” PCOS SOS by Doctor and Author Dr. Felice Gersh Irvine, California - https://integrativemgi.com/lp/menopause-sos/ Thyroid SOS “Your guide to optimizing thyroid health in women!” Thyroid SOS - Integrative Medical Group of Irvine - https://integrativemgi.com/thyroid-sos/ Dr. Felice Gersh’s Bio: Felice Gersh, M.D. is a multi-award winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, a practice that provides comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine. For 12 years, she taught obstetrics and gynecology at Keck USC School of Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor, and she now serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member at the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Felice is a prolific writer and lecturer who speaks globally on women’s health and regularly publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals. She is the bestselling author of the PCOS SOS series and Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know. Her research focuses on women's hormones, metabolism, aging, and menopause. Whether she’s mentoring medical students, writing groundbreaking books and medical articles, or guiding her patients, Dr. Gersh’s mission remains constant: Empower women to thrive in harmony with their bodies and their health. 📧 For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: info@lornebrown.com How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC) Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown Lornebrown.com Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown: https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/ Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram: @coherence_code_podcast @acubalancewellnesscentre @lorne_brown_official DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.