In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Dr. Betty Murray, a leading expert in functional medicine and hormone health. We discuss the science behind menopause, the role of hormones in aging, and how environmental toxins may be contributing to long-term health issues.

Dr. Murray explains that hormones don’t simply decline with age—they continue to interact with environmental factors like plastics, pesticides, and other endocrine disruptors. She also challenges the common belief that hormones cause breast cancer, pointing to research that suggests toxicity, rather than hormones themselves, may play a significant role.

So, what can be done? Dr. Murray highlights key strategies for maintaining hormonal balance, including prioritizing sleep, strength training, adequate protein intake, and increasing fiber consumption. She emphasizes that while there is no quick fix, these foundational lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on long-term health.

We also explore the connection between gut health and hormones. Dr. Murray explains how the microbiome influences the way the body processes and eliminates hormones, and how imbalances in gut bacteria could contribute to increased risks of cancer, autoimmune conditions, and other health concerns.

Dr. Murray’s work focuses on empowering women to take control of their health through science-based strategies. Her podcast, The Menopause Mastery Show, and her functional medicine clinic, Living Well Dallas, provide resources for women looking to optimize their well-being. She also offers nationwide hormone replacement therapy through Get Minerva.

For more insights, check out Dr. Murray’s free guide, The Fierce Female Method (linked below), which covers biohacking, nutrition, and hormone health. You can connect with her at LivingWellDallas.com or through her nationwide services at Get Minerva.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Melissa B PhD, for more insights on dementia care and aging. You can also join my private community on Facebook for live podcast recordings and additional resources.

• The FIERCE FEMALE METHOD – Biohacking Longevity e-book hormoneshelp.com
• Mastering the Pause: A Women’s Guide to Thriving Through Menopause https://guide.hormoneshelp.com
• Freebie – A Woman’s Guide to Estrogen Dominance https://ed.hormoneshelp.com/
• Freebie: E-Book – Women’s Guide to Kick A$$! Sleep https://sleep.hormoneshelp.com
• Quiz: What’s My Hormone Imbalance Type https://quiz.metabolicblueprint.com