Hormones play a huge role in women’s health. In today’s episode, Dr. Deb Matthews breaks down the differences between Bioidentical hormones and Progestins. She also explains the different protocols for women of all ages; There is no “one size fits all” approach to hormones. This is something each woman should discuss with their doctor.    Dr. Matthews walks us through the prescriptive history of hormone replacement therapy and why many doctors are afraid of liability issues when prescribing to their patients. Breast Cancer is the biggest concern for women. However, there are so many benefits to hormone replacement therapy that may be overlooked out of fear; which is why Dr. Matthews is dedicated to educating both doctors and patients on the possibilities and risks of these treatments.   Takeaways: [0.25] Are Bioidentical hormones safe? [4:21] Estrogen Dominance: Estrogen can help feed cancer cell growth while progesterone can hinder it. [6:15] Different forms of Progesterone [7:40] Progestins for birth control but not for breast health [14:45] Dispelling Myths: 1. short term hormone use. 2. Avoiding hormone replacement because of hereditary breast cancer concerns [17:30] All hormones are NOT created equally:Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer [21:00] Considering lifestyle before prescribing Hormones.  [22:30] Menopause: is it too late for Bioidentical hormones? [27:36] Testosterone: Women have 10x more testosterone than estrogen because it is what produces estrogen. [29:19] Hormones can help deal with vaginal skin changes throughout aging.    Mentioned in Episode: https://signaturewellness.org   Twitter: “ When I started on progesterone,I just felt like  it was like nature's version of a glass of red wine, it is just so calming and you can feel more in control and back to yourself again.”  [3:11]    “Toxins in the environment is the most common trigger for breast cancer, but it’s also the environment in the breast, if you have healthy breasts,then  it is harder for cancer cells to flourish.”  [4:00]    “The natural form of progesterone has not been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer the way that the synthetic progestins has. There really is a difference between what form of progesterone we’re giving to women when we think about their risks for breast cancer.”  [11:36]   “The hormones are just a piece of it, we need a healthy gut We need proper detox pathways, we need the good lifestyle habits and the hormones are the icing on the cake.” [21:54]