Menopause, Hormones, and Women’s Health with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz

In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer and Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz explore the evolving field of women’s health, focusing on menopause, hormone therapy, and the integration of holistic practices into modern medicine. Their discussion highlights how curiosity, science, and tradition can reshape how we understand and support women’s health across the lifespan.

Dr. Gilberg-Lenz reflects on her career journey and the creation of the Menopause Bootcamp, designed to fill critical gaps in menopause education. She explains the role of estrogen beyond reproduction, and how the Women’s Health Initiative influenced, and in some ways limited, perceptions of hormone therapy. The conversation also highlights the historical gaps in women’s health research, the urgent need for updated guidelines, and the potential role of psychedelics in women’s health care.

Beyond clinical frameworks, Dr. Gilberg-Lenz emphasizes the importance of community, education, and integrating holistic practices into everyday life to empower women and foster long-term wellbeing.

Key Topics Covered:

• The cultural shift in menopause awareness and why it matters
• Estrogen’s impact on women’s overall health
• How the Women’s Health Initiative reshaped hormone therapy use
• Gender bias in medicine and its impact on research and care
• The promise and potential risks of psychedelics in women’s health
• Practical holistic practices that support resilience and wellbeing

This episode is both an invitation and a roadmap for change: by combining science, education, and holistic care, we can empower women, reduce stigma around menopause, and create healthier futures across generations.