Episode 122

Published September 16, 2025

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of hormone therapy, highlighting cultural shifts in awareness and the impact of the Women's Health Initiative. 

Dr. Deb Matthew and Dr. Smeaton also discuss:

• The importance of understanding bioidentical hormones
• A multifaceted approach to hormonal health, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors, lab testing, and personalized hormone therapy 
• How understanding cortisol, the HPA axis, and adrenal health plays a crucial role in managing stress and overall well-being 
• The need for practitioners to offer choices and personalization in hormone therapy 
• The transformative power of hormones in restoring balance and joy in women's lives

Key Moments

0:00 Introduction to Hormones and Wellness

1:57 The Evolution of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

7:24 Dr. Deb Matthew's Personal Journey

11:48 The Impact of Hormone Therapy on Patients

20:12 Understanding Hormone Therapy: Bioidentical vs. Synthetic

22:12 The Controversy of Hormone Therapy

30:49 Personalization in Hormone Therapy

37:37 Lab Testing for Hormone Levels

49:17 Options for Hormone Administration

1:00:01 The Transformative Power of Hormones

About our speaker

Dr. Deb Matthew, also known as America’s Happy Hormones Doctor, is a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Signature Wellness in Charlotte, NC. Board-certified in Functional, Anti-Aging, and Integrative Medicine, she helps men and women restore energy, mood, and vitality through personalized hormone care. After overcoming her struggles with hormonal imbalance, Dr. Matthew became passionate about root-cause medicine and now educates others through national media, podcasts, and more. She is the author of This Is Not Normal! and Why Can’t I Keep Up Anymore? and is a trusted voice in the world of hormone health. 

Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Deb Matthew and follow her on Instagram @drdebmatthew!

Check out Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers and the estradiol study mentioned in this episode.

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