26: Let’s Talk HRT - The Risks & Benefits

🫠 If you’ve ever wondered whether hormone replacement therapy is dangerous, risky, life-changing, or something you should avoid, today’s episode brings clarity, truth, and evidence.

👩🏻‍🏫 In this episode of The Carly Bayless Podcast, I explore HRT through the lens of the WorldLink Medical / Neal Rouzier framework — one of the most evidence-based, data-driven approaches to hormone optimization.

I break down:

• The origins of HRT fear (Hello Women’s Health Initiative)

• The difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones

• Why the form of estrogen matters (transdermal vs oral)

• Why progesterone is protective, not dangerous

• Which hormones reduce disease risk

• Who is a good candidate for HRT

• Why timing is crucial

• And how I monitor hormones for long-term safety and efficacy

You’ll also learn exactly how I approach HRT in clinical practice:

• 🔬 Bloodwork 3–4 times per year

• 🧪 Annual DUTCH testing (once stable)

• 📊 Tracking symptom changes over time

• ⚖️ Staying in physiologic ranges (never supraphysiologic)

• 🧍🏻‍♀️ Personalized dosing based on your body’s response

• 👩‍⚕️ Collaboration with existing medical providers

• 📈 Long-term monitoring of metabolic and inflammatory markers

This episode will leave you feeling informed, reassured, and empowered - not afraid of HRT, but confident in navigating it with intention and support.

✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bioidentical hormones are not the same as synthetic

• Estradiol, when used transdermally, is protective

• Progesterone supports sleep, mood, and breast health

• HRT reduces all-cause mortality and supports longevity

• The risks are primarily tied to the wrong forms of hormones

• Ongoing monitoring is KEY to safe, effective HRT

• You don’t have to “age quietly” or “suffer through menopause”

• You’re allowed to feel like yourself again (no need to engage in the “Struggle Olympics” as @thewallertribe)

💛 RESOURCES & LINKS

• Learn more about Nurture Functional Medicine

• Follow NFM (@nurturefunctionalmedicine) and Carly on Instagram (@carlybaylesswellness)

• HRT series episodes (upcoming)- stay tuned!

  • Progesterone

  • Estradiol

  • Thyroid

  • Testosterone

  • DHEA

🙋‍♀️ WANT HELP?

If you’re curious about HRT, or want to explore a monitored and individualized approach, we’d love to support you. Schedule a free discovery call with us at Nurture Functional Medicine.