113: Why Cholesterol Isn’t the Villain and Estrogen Isn’t the Enemy with Dr. Terri DeNeui
Hormones, Metabolism & You!Show Notes
For years, cholesterol numbers have been treated as one of the primary indicators of heart health, but are we focusing on the right markers? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Terri DeNeui to discuss the bigger picture behind cardiovascular risk. We talk through the limitations of looking at LDL cholesterol in isolation, the importance of factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, ApoB, lipoprotein(a), calcium scores, and lifestyle habits, and why a more comprehensive assessment may be necessary before deciding on treatment options. We also discuss the role statins can play, who may benefit from them, and why individualized care matters when evaluating cardiovascular health.
We also explore the connection between hormones and metabolic health. Dr. DeNeui explains how changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can influence cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, and overall wellbeing.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Why cholesterol numbers rarely tell the whole story
The cardiovascular markers many people have never heard of
What calcium scores can and cannot tell you
How insulin resistance often shows up long before diabetes
The relationship between menopause, hormones, and changing cholesterol levels
Why gut health keeps showing up in conversations about chronic disease
The role estrogen plays in men's health and performance
Questions worth asking when evaluating your long-term cardiovascular risk
Whether you're trying to better understand your own lab work, navigate conversations about statins, or learn more about the connection between hormones and overall health, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion on some of today's most debated topics in preventive medicine. Join us as we explore the factors that may matter most when it comes to supporting long-term health and making informed decisions about your care.
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