Perimenopause, PCOS & Progesterone: Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

Show NotesIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tara Scott, a trailblazer in integrative hormone medicine with 23 years of experience, to reveal why birth control pills are NOT hormone replacement therapy and how bioidentical hormones transform women's health from teens to post-menopause.Dr. Scott explains when to test hormones (even on birth control or IUDs), why progesterone drops first in late 30s causing insomnia and anxiety, and how estrogen is anti-inflammatory for autoimmune patients.We discuss the groundbreaking 7 million women study showing 26% mortality reduction and 19% breast cancer reduction with transdermal hormone therapy.Key TakeawaysBirth control prevents pregnancy, NOT replaces hormonesProgesterone drops first (late 30s) = insomnia, anxiety, water retentionTest hormones during pill-free week if on birth controlEstrogen is anti-inflammatory—autoimmune flares increase in menopauseLow DHEA common in autoimmune patients—check both DHEA & DHEA-STestosterone for women requires compounding—no FDA female doseMicronized progesterone is FDA-approved bioidentical hormone7M women study: 26% mortality reduction, 19% breast cancer reduction (transdermal HRT)Vaginal DHEA safer for breast cancer survivors than estradiolLuteal phase defect = ovulation to period <14 days = low progesteroneChapters & Timestamps02:00 When Do Hormones Become Abnormal?04:00 Testing Hormones: Timing & Birth Control07:00 Can You Test on Birth Control or IUD?12:00 Low DHEA in Autoimmune Patients14:00 Progesterone Drops First: Insomnia & Anxiety18:00 Birth Control Is NOT Hormone Replacement22:00 Bioidentical Hormones: FDA-Approved Options26:00 Luteal Phase Defect & Micronized Progesterone29:00 Testosterone for Women: Compounding Solutions46:00 DHEA vs DHEA-S: Why Test Both50:00 Breast Cancer & Hormone Therapy Myths56:00 7M Women Study: 26% Mortality Reduction01:01:00 Where to Find Dr. Tara ScottGuest DetailsDr. Tara Scott, MD, FACOG — OB-GYN & Hormone SpecialistCredentials: Board-certified OB-GYN. Certified Menopause Practitioner (2006). Fellowship Functional Medicine (A4M). Board-certified Integrative Medicine (2015). 23+ years hormone specialization.Specializations: Bioidentical HRT, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, testosterone for women, breast cancer survivors, autoimmune-hormone connection. Connect:YouTube: Your Hormone Guru / Dr. Tara ScottInstagram: @hormonegurumdWebsite:drtarascott.comAbout Your Hosts:Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – NewInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!For more information, please visit MyautoimmunemdMyAutoImmuneMD | Autoimmunity Redefined . This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.