The Lowest Dose of Estradiol Is NOT Best: Rethinking Menopause Hormone Therapy | Felice Gersh, MD

Video Description

In this talk, I explain why the long-standing recommendation to use the “lowest dose of estrogen for the shortest time” is outdated—and potentially harmful. As an integrative OB/GYN, I’ve treated menopausal women for decades and witnessed the fallout from the Women's Health Initiative. In this video, I unpack the flawed legacy of that study and explain why transdermal estradiol, when used in optimal—not minimal—doses, can support bone health, brain function, cardiovascular health, immune balance, and more. Dose matters. Low doses may reduce hot flashes, but they are not enough to truly protect and restore your body during menopause. It’s time to move beyond survival and focus on optimization. Watch for my latest Instagram lives at https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh I am a full time practicing doctor. I see patients in my office in Irvine, CA and worldwide via telemedicine. If you need more healthcare assistance than I can provide in a video series, please contact my office: https://integrativemgi.com/​​ ----- Contents of this video --------------------------- 00:00 Menopause Is Trending—Finally 03:30 What “Lowest Dose for Shortest Time” Really Means 06:00 The Problem with Premarin and Progestins 09:00 How Low-Dose Estradiol Became the Standard 12:30 Why Symptom Relief Is NOT the Same as Optimization 15:00 Understanding the Optimal Dose of Estradiol 20:00 The Menstrual Cycle: A Map for Hormone Dosing 25:00 Why Daily Progesterone May Undermine HRT Benefits 28:00 Vaginal Symptoms as a Clue Your Dose Is Too Low 30:00 Final Message: Let’s Talk About the Optimal Dose