Gut Health, Hormones & HRT: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Is your gut health silently sabotaging your hormones? In this must-listen episode of Vitality Made Simple, Dr. Debbie Ozment, DDS, sits down with Dr. Lorraine Maita, a holistic longevity doctor with over 40 years of experience, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, bone strength, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. Dr. Maita dives into the often-overlooked topic of constipation and its impact on detoxification and nutrient absorption—likening a sluggish digestive system to a “backed-up toilet.” She introduces her practical "choose, chew, and chill" method to optimize digestion and explains why bile is a key player in hormone detoxification. Dr. Maita also highlights the importance of supplements like Tudca for bile flow—especially for those without a gallbladder—and magnesium citrate to support regularity. The conversation then shifts to stress and sleep—two lifestyle factors deeply affecting hormone health. Dr. Maita shares the science behind HeartMath, a heart-focused breathing technique that helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system and improve stress resilience. She also breaks down her top sleep hygiene tips, including maintaining a cool, dark room and avoiding late-night snacking to protect melatonin production and your circadian rhythm. When it comes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Maita clears the confusion. She explains the difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, emphasizing that transdermal bioidentical estrogen doesn't carry the clotting risks associated with oral synthetic versions. She also shares recent research that shows estrogen alone doesn’t increase breast cancer risk—while synthetic progestin does—making bioidentical progesterone a safer choice. For women navigating midlife hormone shifts, Dr. Maita emphasizes that personalized, bioidentical HRT—combined with good gut health and lifestyle changes—can dramatically improve quality of life. She invites listeners to take a hormone quiz and check out her course, which is filled with the latest studies and expert guidance on HRT.