In this episode of the Vibrant Wellness Podcast, Dr. Emmie Brown and Melissa Gentile welcome functional medicine nurse practitioner Deidre Arms to explore the evolving science behind bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and its critical link to cardiovascular health in women.
Deidre shares her personal experience with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), how it transformed her clinical approach, and why more providers need to rethink hormone therapy in light of updated evidence. If you've ever questioned the safety of hormones for women at cardiovascular risk, this conversation breaks down the science, clinical protocols, and patient advocacy strategies you need to know.
๐ Key Topics Covered:
๐ซ Deidreโs personal story with SCAD and early surgical menopause
๐ How outdated WHI findings still impact HRT decisions
๐ฌ Clinical distinctions between bioidentical and synthetic hormones
๐ Cardiovascular benefits of estrogen and micronized progesterone
๐งช Best practices for testing hormone metabolites
๐ Environmental factors contributing to estrogen dominance
๐ Clinical guidelines for timing and route of BHRT
๐โโ๏ธ The role of lifestyle interventions in hormone therapy
๐ฟ Natural hormone support tools: herbs, nutrients, and detox strategies
๐ฃ๏ธ Empowering patients to advocate for individualized care
Timestamps
0:00 โ Introduction and PCOS trends
0:48 โ Meet Deidre Arms, NP
1:31 โ Deidreโs story: SCAD, hormone loss, and recovery
6:10 โ Exploring BHRT as a protective therapy
7:26 โ Debunking the WHI study
10:11 โ Estrogenโs impact on vascular health
12:44 โ Bioidentical vs synthetic progesterone
15:00 โ Progesterone deficiency epidemic
16:34 โ Ideal timing for HRT initiation
19:03 โ Preferred BHRT delivery methods
20:05 โ Lab testing protocols: serum vs urine
21:01 โ Lifestyle, diet, and hormone optimization
23:03 โ Hormonal birth control & menopausal transitions
28:07 โ Addressing xenoestrogens and environmental exposures
30:59 โ Favorite holistic patient case
33:01 โ Natural ways to support hormones
35:01 โ Advice for providers new to BHRT
38:00 โ Provider training recommendations
39:01 โ How patients can advocate for BHRT
Resources Mentioned
๐ Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten
๐งฌ Vibrant Hormones Test: https://vibrant-wellness.com/tests/hormones/hormone-zoomer
๐ Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire
๐งด EWGโs Skin Deep Database: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
๐ BHRT Academy, A4M, IFM training programs
๐ Deidreโs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NPDeidre
๐ Deidreโs clinic: https://www.aspirewih.com/
๐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedra-arms-np/
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