Beyond "Normal" Labs: Decoding Your Hormonal Health with Dr. Julie Taylor
It is a scenario far too many women know by heart: you feel exhausted, your mood is erratic, and your libido has vanished, yet your primary care physician points to a "normal" blood panel and tells you you’re just getting older. On a recent episode of the Doctor Mom Podcast, hosts Steph Grinke and Dr. Ilana Romell sat down with Dr. Julie Taylor to dismantle this dismissive narrative.
Dr. Taylor, a functional medicine physician and author of The Hormone Manual, highlights a systemic gap in medical education. Most conventional doctors receive little to no training in hormone replacement therapy or the nuances of perimenopause. The result is a medical system that treats symptoms with antidepressants rather than addressing the root hormonal shifts that begin as early as our late 30s.
The Testosterone Revelation
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway from the conversation is the role of testosterone in the female body. While often branded as a "male" hormone, women actually produce more testosterone than estrogen by volume. It is the first hormone to decline during our late 30s, often leading to subtle but life-altering changes.
When testosterone drops, the effects are systemic:
- Loss of Lean Muscle: Even with consistent exercise, you might notice a shift in weight distribution.
- Brain Fog and Low Drive: This isn't just about sex drive; it’s about the general "get-up-and-go" required for a busy career and family life.
- Bone Density: Testosterone plays a critical role in maintaining skeletal strength as we age.
Dr. Taylor advocates for bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to the individual. She notes that if a patient’s labs are technically in the "normal" range but their quality of life is suffering, a trial of testosterone can be a game-changer.
Progesterone: The Mood Stabilizer
If testosterone is the hormone of vitality, progesterone is the hormone of peace. Dr. Taylor refers to it as her favorite hormone because of its profound impact on anxiety, sleep, and the nervous system. This is particularly relevant for those struggling with postpartum depletion.
During pregnancy, the body is flooded with progesterone. The sharp drop-off after delivery—compounded by the demands of nursing and sleep deprivation—can trigger intense postpartum anxiety or depression. Dr. Taylor argues that instead of jumping straight to SSRIs, we should be looking at stabilizing these hormonal levels to help mothers feel like themselves again.
The Golden Nugget: "We actually make more testosterone as women than we do estrogen. We exist based on our testosterone levels... it is a very, very important part of our bones, muscle mass, weight distribution, and energy."
The "Cortisol Steal" and Gut Health
One of the most insightful parts of the discussion centered on how our lifestyle choices hijack our biology. Dr. Taylor explained the concept of the "cortisol steal." When we are in a state of chronic stress, our bodies prioritize the production of cortisol over sex hormones.
Essentially, your body steals the raw materials intended for estrogen and progesterone to manufacture more stress hormones. You cannot supplement your way out of a lifestyle that constantly triggers a fight-or-flight response. This is why Dr. Taylor emphasizes a "Phase 2" approach that includes:
- Gut Health Optimization: Addressing issues like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and leaky gut, which can cause systemic inflammation.
- The Cortisol Connection: Using breathwork, nature, and boundaries to signal safety to the nervous system.
- Strategic Testing: Utilizing stool tests and advanced cardiac panels to see the full picture of health beyond basic blood work.
Reviewing this episode of the Doctor Mom Podcast serves as a reminder that being a "proactive parent" starts with being a proactive advocate for your own health. Dr. Julie Taylor’s approach isn't about chasing youth; it’s about maintaining the biological foundation necessary to show up fully for your life.