About this episode
Hormones are at the center of women's health. Unfortunately, the stories we've been told (and the treatment that's provided) about are riddled with myths. Women believe that hormone replacement therapy is dangerous. They're handed birth control pills for years without being told what it might mean for their long-term health. Perimenopausal women are told they can only get hormone replacement when they are in menopause. New mothers are left believing there's little they can do about the hormonal crash that comes after pregnancy. The truth is far more nuanced. Hormones aren't villains to fear or band-aids to hand out without thought. That's where Elise Clark comes in. A nurse practitioner with deep experience in endocrinology, women's health, and functional medicine, she's made it her mission to dismantle these misconceptions and give women the clarity they deserve. Hormones are powerful tools that, when understood and used correctly, can protect long-term health and restore quality of life. Yet too often, women are left in the dark, navigating misinformation and missing out on solutions that could change everything. What are the biggest misconceptions about hormones? How do we tackle the hormone-related health challenges women face? In this episode, we dig into the most common hormone myths, from the breast cancer stigma around HRT, to the hidden downsides of birth control to postpartum hormone therapy. Things You'll Learn In This Episode -Hormones and cancer: myth vs. reality The data is clear: bioidentical hormones don't cause cancer; in fact, outcomes are often better. So why are women still told the opposite? -Birth control's hidden costs Beyond pregnancy prevention, long-term use can disrupt metabolic health, mask PCOS, and raise inflammation. What are the overlooked tradeoffs no one explains? -The overlooked phase: perimenopause Hot flashes, heavy periods, mood swings, these aren't just "part of life." How can progesterone make the transition smoother? -Postpartum recovery and progesterone From anxiety to sleep struggles, women are often given expensive infusions or antidepressants. Could a simple, affordable hormone be the safer solution? PS. If you enjoy the show, remember to leave a review on your favorite podcast app! Reviews help the podcast reach a wider audience and help more people. Guest Bio Elise Clark is a nurse practitioner, functional medicine expert, and health optimization expert. She has been in the nursing field for over 15 years, with the majority of that being as a nurse practitioner. She found her way into functional medicine after gaining experience in family practice and
