Summary

In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, Angela Belford speaks with Dr. Alora Pollard, a women's functional health coach, about understanding women's health, particularly focusing on the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. They discuss the importance of hormones as messengers in the body, the different phases of the menstrual cycle, and the significance of hormone testing. Dr. Pollard emphasizes the need for women to understand their bodies and the changes they experience as they age, providing insights into how to navigate these transitions effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding your menstrual cycle is crucial for health.
• Perimenopause can begin as early as age 35.
• Menopause is defined as one year after the last period.
• Hormones act as messengers between organs.
• Follicle stimulating hormone indicates the transition to menopause.
• Estrogen influences multiple bodily functions.
• Testing hormone levels can provide insights into health.
• Cortisol and insulin levels affect hormone health.
• The Dutch test offers comprehensive hormone analysis.
• Women should be proactive in understanding their health.

Quotes

• "Your ovaries are retiring."
• "Estrogen helps things grow."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Health and Hormones

02:42 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

04:50 The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

05:41 Defining Menopause and Perimenopause

07:56 The Role of Hormones as Messengers

09:07 Testing Hormone Levels

12:48 Understanding Estrogen and Its Impact

16:46 Connecting with Dr. Alora Pollard