HRT, Hormones, Bones, and Cholesterol: Everything No One Explained About Midlife & Menopause | EP232
Your cholesterol climbs. Your bone density drops. And you may not hear how much changing hormones can affect both. Jennifer Gularson, a board-certified physician assistant and functional medicine practitioner, joins Amy Sherman on Wellness Junkies to break down HRT and clear up some of the questions women have about hormones in midlife.
Jennifer breaks down the difference between bioidentical and synthetic HRT and explains why she tells patients that birth control pills can involve about ten times the estrogen dose she uses for HRT. She tackles common concerns about HRT and breast cancer and shares her perspective on what newer research says about risk.
The conversation turns to perimenopause and why symptoms can start up to a decade before menopause. Jennifer explains how she uses testosterone in her practice, where peptides may fit for concerns such as gut health, inflammation, and weight management, and where bone health and heart health fit into the bigger picture of women's longevity.
There's a lot packed into this hour. Press play to hear Jennifer's practical guidance and figure out what your next conversation with your doctor should sound like.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Meet Jennifer Gularson And Her Approach to Women's Midlife Health
01:21 Why Perimenopause Symptoms Get Dismissed As Normal Aging
08:23 When Estrogen Decline Actually Begins And Why Timing Varies
09:40 Breaking Down HRT, Bioidentical Hormones, And Dosing Options
15:41 Testing Methods And Debunking Common Hormone Myths
22:56 Exploring Peptides For Gut Health And Weight Loss
30:52 Cholesterol, LDL, And Heart Health In Midlife
39:43 Bone Health, DEXA Scans, And Preventing Osteoporosis
49:33 Working With Doctors Plus Jennifer's Wellness And Beauty Hacks
About Jennifer Gularson:
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a leading expert in women’s midlife health, functional medicine, longevity, and natural aesthetic enhancement. A Board-Certified Physician Assistant and one of fewer than 2,000 IFM Certified Practitioners worldwide, she brings over 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training in BHRT, peptide therapy, metabolic optimization, and evidence-based longevity care.
At the Osteopathic Center for Healing, Jennifer is known for her clear, science-based approach to perimenopause, menopause, and complex chronic concerns. She is a trusted clinician for high-achieving women seeking personalized hormone therapy, integrative wellness strategies, and natural, identity-preserving aesthetic results.
A longtime advocate for elevating women’s health, Jennifer speaks nationally for medical groups, women’s leadership organizations, and corporate wellness programs. Her mission is to redefine midlife for women through innovative, compassionate, and deeply personalized care.
Connect with Jennifer Gularson:
Visit Jennifer's website
Listen To Episode 232:
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About Wellness Junkies:
Wellness Junkies is a relatable wellbeing, beauty, and lifestyle brand founded by sisters-in-law Amy Sherman and Katie Chandler. They explore and explain beauty, skincare, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and more with an approachable style aimed at helping everyone achieve a lifestyle to help you feel your best.
For more on wellness and beauty tips, listen to the Wellness Junkies wellbeing podcast, and browse their blog for helpful advice on wellbeing, approachable tips for mindfulness, realistic ideas for body movement, and honest reviews on beauty and skincare products they love.
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