Why Hormone Therapy Isn't Working: The Stress Connection No One Talks About
About My Guest
Dr. Betsy A.B. Greenleaf, DO, FACOOG (Distinguished), FACOG, FPMRS, FAAOPM, MBA
Renowned as a premier expert in menopause/andropause, bestselling author, entrepreneur, spokesperson, and innovative specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery for over two decades, Dr. Greenleaf is a true trailblazer. She made history as the first female to achieve board certification in Urogynecology. She is also the founder of the International Pause Institute, giving those in perimenopause, menopause, and andropause their life, energy, and sanity back—and the CEO of the Pelvic Floor Store, your online resource for pelvic health, and the founder of Femversity, a women's empowerment through education website. Dr. Greenleaf's approach is holistic, focusing on body, mind, and spirit, guiding countless busy women to discover pelvic peace, inner strength, and reclaim their confidence. A captivating speaker and respected educator, she infuses humor and warmth into conversations about sensitive health topics, aiming to normalize discussions around women's health and well-being. And most recently the producer of a Menopause Rock Album, Menopause Memo, by drbetsygreenleafbeats.
Summary
Why Your Hormones Won't Balance Until You Address This One Thing
If you've been doing all the "right" things for your hormones—taking supplements, trying hormone replacement therapy, cleaning up your diet—but still feel stuck, this episode might explain why.
In this conversation with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, we dig into one of the most overlooked roadblocks to hormonal balance: chronic stress. And I'm not just talking about feeling frazzled. Dr. Greenleaf breaks down exactly what happens inside your body when stress becomes your constant companion—including how your body will literally steal from your sex hormones to make more stress hormones.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: hormone therapy isn't a magic pill. If you're not addressing the underlying stressors driving your hormonal chaos, you're essentially pouring water into a leaky bucket.
Dr. Greenleaf explains how stress hormones were designed to be temporary guests—showing up for emergencies, then leaving. But when they overstay their welcome? Your digestion suffers. Your libido disappears. Your body's ability to heal and repair gets put on hold.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that true hormonal health requires a whole-body approach. We can't out-supplement, out-medicate, or out-willpower chronic stress. We have to actually deal with it.
Key Takeaways:
Hormone replacement therapy alone won't fix hormonal imbalance if chronic stress remains unaddressed
Your body prioritizes survival over reproduction—meaning stress hormones get made at the expense of sex hormones
Chronic stress disrupts digestion, libido, and your body's natural healing processes
A holistic approach addressing both mental and physical stressors is essential for lasting results
Where to Listen/Watch:
The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
00:50 The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health
35:44 Introduction to Metabolic Health
36:13 Building a Supportive Community for Women
🔥 Resources/Links Mentioned:
🌟 Four Days Menopause Docuseries (featuring Dr. Betsy Greenleaf): https://ravoke.com/charles-mattocks-menopause-awareness/
🔗 Connect with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf: https://pauseinstitute.com
💌 Leah's Mailing List: https://leahvachani.com
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The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.
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