The complex design of the female body is a scientific wonder that not everyone, even medical practitioners, fully understands. Hence, only a few doctors are truly qualified to provide comprehensive healthcare for women.   Today, I have someone who recognizes the unique needs of women, and she's here to answer many of your health questions, specifically about bioidentical hormones and Osteoporosis. She also leaves us with the hope that we can all live longer and healthier lives if we commit to doing what we can for our health.   Dr. Felice L. Gersh is a board-certified OB/GYN and Integrative Medicine healer. As such, she can utilize the most cutting-edge and high-tech diagnostic testing while incorporating science-based therapies, from herbal to surgical, to assist in the healing process.    She is the founder and Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine. Adept in all areas of women’s health, Dr. Gersh is especially renowned for her expertise in female hormones, with a unique specialization in PCOS, the most common endocrine problem faced by women.    If you’re looking for information about bioidentical hormones and women's health, listening to the wisdom of Dr. Gersh is a good starting point.   Thank you for listening to another fabulous episode of the Happy Bones, Happy Life podcast!    “I want everybody to feel optimistic, right? There is so much you can do, and there's a whole long lifespan ahead of you if you just make the commitment and then every day, try to do healthy things to support every organ system and, of course, that vital musculoskeletal system.” - Dr. Felice Gersh   In this episode: - [02:46] - Can bioidentical hormones help a 78-year-old female with Osteoporosis who, for medical reasons, cannot take anabolic and antiresorptive medication? - [07:30] - Is the bioidentical estrogen safe if you have estrogen+ or progesterone+ breast cancer? - [13:56] - Is there any age that's too young to go into hormones? - [21:40] - Practical tips to prevent falls and fractures - [25:47] - If you start bioidentical hormones due to Osteoporosis, are they contraindicated if you have a history of polyps that cause bleeding? - [28:30] - If you have uterine fibroids and Osteopenia, are you not a good candidate for bioidentical hormones? - [33:03] - What test can you take to measure estrogen levels? - [35:20] - How would you know if your doctor is qualified to lead you down the path of bioidentical hormone therapy? - [38:30] - What is the ideal estradiol level? - [42:04] - If you can't find a doctor who understands how thyroid hormones interact with bioidentical sex hormones, what can you do? Would taking herbal teas help? - [46:47] - Are there any issues with taking estrogen when you have fibrous breasts? - [52:18] - After increasing my estrogen dose from one pump to two, I've developed migraines almost every other day. What could be the cause? What are some strategies to manage severe migraines? - [56:26] - Does using estradiol cream help? - [56:40] - When you say take progesterone for 14 days to mimic a menstrual cycle, would that apply to someone who's had a hysterectomy?   Resources mentioned - Free 50-page e-book on Menopause - https://integrativemgi.com/lp/menopause-sos/ - Dr. Felice Gersh's website - https://integrativemgi.com/ - Happy Bones Roadmap - Use coupon code MY STRONGERBONES for $100 OFF: https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/the-happy-bones-roadmap-optin-page-1-14099a29-3a00-4c5c-911c-b82f8f459834   More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/  - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/  - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en    DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of M