You know that feeling of "something's off, but my labs are 'normal' and everyone keeps telling me it's just aging"? We're not doing that here. In this episode, I'm joined by menopause specialist Dr. Ashley Alexis to answer the HRT questions women are actually asking: from breast cancer fears and clot risk to migraines, vaginal dryness, sex drive, and starting hormones "late" in your 60s and 70s. We break down the difference between oral vs transdermal estrogen, why estradiol is "that girl", how to think about progesterone (Prometrium vs compounded, oral vs vaginal), and when it makes sense to bring in testosterone and DHEA for energy, libido, and muscle. If you've ever been told you "can't" take estrogen because of blood pressure, migraines, family history of breast cancer, or because you're "too old" to start, this conversation is going to give you language, context, and confidence to go back to your provider and ask better questions. Dr. Ashley Alexis is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor specializing in menopause care. Trained at Bastyr University San Diego, she helps women navigate perimenopause and menopause using evidence-based, root-cause approaches that support their long-term health, clarity, and wellbeing. 🎧 Episode 31: Dr. Ashley Alexis, ND: The Myths, the Science, and the Real Story of HRT Tune in. What's Discussed: (00:58) The truth about estrogen, breast cancer myths, and what the science actually shows (07:06) How to evaluate symptoms in perimenopause and why labs are not the full story (09:15) When to start estrogen and progesterone and when testosterone should be added (14:24) Why oral estrogen increases clot risk and why transdermal forms are safer (18:16) Why vaginal estrogen is essential for dryness, UTIs, and bladder support (25:30) The real contraindications for HRT and what fears are outdated (38:15) Whether women can safely start HRT in their 60s and 70s Thank You To Our Sponsor: Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off. LVLUP Health: If you're in perimenopause, menopause, or just feel like your digestion and hormones are ganging up on you, try Ultimate GI Repair from LVLUP Health. You can grab it at lvluphealth.com and use my code DRJONES for 15% off your first order. ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause LETS CONNECT: Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: www.drcarriejones.com Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: @dr.carriejones TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones Dr. Ashley Alexis, ND: IG: @the_menopausedoctor Youtube: @dr.ashleyalexis7777 TikTok: @menopausedoctor

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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