This episode reveals the hidden risks of hormonal birth control, how it alters your gut, mood, and long-term health, and why most OB/GYNs are missing the mark on hormone therapy. Learn how estrogen and progesterone rhythms affect everything from your brain to your bones — and what you need to know about bioidentical HRT, perimenopause symptoms, fertility decline, and why synthetic hormones can derail your metabolism. If you’ve ever been dismissed by a doctor or handed a pill without options, this episode is a must-listen.

KEY TOPICS

• How birth control affects mood, gut health, and nutrient absorption
• Why rhythmic estrogen and progesterone cycles are vital for healthspan
• The difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRT
• Perimenopause symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or ignored
• How thyroid, adrenal, and insulin imbalances intersect with female hormones

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00 ] Birth control, mood changes, and neurotransmitter disruption

[01:38 ] Meet Dr. Salome Masghati and her shift from surgery to root-cause care

[04:02 ] Gaps in OB/GYN training around menopause and hormone prevention

[06:52 ] Why birth control is overprescribed and how functional care differs

[09:26 ] The critical role of estrogen-progesterone rhythm in women's health

[15:08 ] Long-term effects of oral contraceptives and synthetic progestins

[21:10 ] Risks and misconceptions around IUDs and systemic effects

[26:18 ] When to consider bioidentical hormones and signs of perimenopause

[34:26 ] How to prepare the body for pregnancy and optimize egg quality

[40:30 ] Hormones and weight gain, insulin resistance, and gut health

[42:19 ] Adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormone interplay in perimenopause

[43:53 ] Why skipping HRT may accelerate aging and long-term health decline

[48:02 ] What are optimal hormone levels for estradiol, progesterone, testosterone

[51:10 ] Should you bleed postmenopause? Pros and cons of cyclical HRT

[55:15 ] Testosterone therapy myths, administration routes, and risks

[59:46 ] Estrogen detox, gut flora, and hormone metabolism explained

[61:08 ] Mental health, ADHD, and red flags for hormonal imbalance

🎙️ GUEST 🎙️ Dr. Salome Masghati

Website: https://www.drsalomemasghati.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.salomemasghati/

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐 

Host: Orshi McNaughton 

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

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