In this episode of the Wellness Collective, we reconnect with Dr. Lara Briden, a renowned naturopathic doctor and author. Lara shares her insights on menopause, hormone therapy, and the critical role of metabolic health. We dive deep into the misconceptions about estrogen, the benefits of a whole food diet, and how our modern lifestyle impacts women's health. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Dr. Lara Briden 00:00:19 - Reconnecting after five years and discussing Lara's new books 00:01:21 - The therapeutic nature of writing and its connection to health 00:03:13 - Genetic and epigenetic factors in menopause transition 00:05:16 - Lara's books: Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual 00:06:12 - The controversy and debates surrounding hormone therapy 00:10:27 - Evolutionary perspectives on menopause and hormone needs 00:14:20 - Real-life examples of successful hormone management 00:16:50 - Observations on synthetic hormones and their effects 00:20:57 - The role of progesterone in managing perimenopause symptoms 00:24:51 - Lifestyle factors influencing estrogen levels and menopause experience 00:28:00 - Addressing insulin resistance and maintaining metabolic health 00:34:37 - Gut health and its critical role in overall wellness 00:40:17 - Nutrient-dense diets and the importance of variety 00:45:30 - Cooking, nutrition, and making healthy choices easier 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content! Connect with Your Host: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudis Connect with Dr. Lara Briden: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larabriden