Hormone Replacement Therapy and Migraines: Insights and Benefits

Dr. Jennifer Roelands explores the relationship between menopause, migraines, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The episode revisits the history of HRT, comparing synthetic and bioidentical hormones and their risks. It examines transdermal estrogen's impact on migraines and the benefits of HRT for bone and skin health. The role of functional medicine in addressing estrogen toxicity is discussed, utilizing the Dutch Test to evaluate hormone metabolites. Insights into testosterone in women's health, HRT as a migraine management tool, and considerations for starting HRT later in life are also covered. (0:00) Introduction to Menopause and Migraines (1:19) Hormone Replacement Therapy: History and Re-evaluation (6:46) Comparing Synthetic and Bioidentical Hormones (9:19) Assessing Risk Factors for Hormone Replacement Therapy (11:40) Transdermal Estrogen and its Implications for Migraines (13:24) Understanding Different Types of Estrogen (16:27) Exploring the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (20:13) Estrogen's Multifaceted Role in Health and Research (23:01) Estrogen and Bone Health (24:21) Estrogen's Benefits for Skin Health (25:27) Addressing Estrogen Toxicity with Functional Medicine (27:22) Hormone Metabolites: The Dutch Test (29:39) Hormone Replacement Therapy and Longevity (31:18) Testosterone's Role in Women's Health (33:36) Hormone Replacement Therapy as a Strategy for Managing Migraines (34:45) The Implications of Starting HRT Later in Life (38:16) Understanding High Estrogen Levels During Menopause (39:38) Stroke Risk and Migraine with Aura: HRT Considerations (40:30) Effectiveness of Compounded Estrogen Mimics (41:46) Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements