Dr. Hotze's Wellness Revolution

What happens when you rely on estrogen therapy but suddenly can’t get your estradiol patch? Estrogen plays an important role far beyond reproductive health, supporting the brain, bones, cardiovascular and metabolic health, immune system, skin, fertility, and healthy aging. When estrogen levels decline, women may experience symptoms including hot flashes, brain fog, mood and sleep changes, skin changes, and changes in sexual health.

In this episode, Bryana Burken, Pharmacist and Physician Liaison with Physicians Preference Pharmacy, discusses the current estradiol patch shortage and options available for women who may be having difficulty filling their prescriptions. She explains how compounding pharmacies can provide individualized estrogen formulations and alternative delivery methods, including topical creams, vaginal options, sublingual tablets, and oral capsules. These customized options allow the dosage and delivery method to be tailored to each woman’s individual needs.

A shortage doesn’t have to mean a gap in your hormone therapy. If you are unable to obtain your estrogen patch, do not stop or change your prescribed therapy on your own. Instead, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about available options and whether compounded estrogen may be appropriate for you. Understanding the role estrogen plays in your health and knowing your options can help you continue making informed decisions about your hormone health.

For more information about Estrogen therapy, see our previous podcast, “Benefits of Estrogen
Balancing for Healthspan with Bryana Burken, PharmD, RPh” here: https://youtu.be/xe2EC7HpzVc?si=zJKQA-TUiA0wan94

Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.

To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze’s best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.

For 50 years, Foundation for Life has worked to support women facing crisis pregnancies and provide practical resources to help mothers and their children. In this episode, Dr. Steve Hotze welcomes Bill Alexander, President of Foundation for Life, to discuss the organization’s history, mission, and continued commitment to protecting life while helping women navigate difficult circumstances.

Bill shares how Foundation for Life provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, and maternal assistance, including diapers, clothing, car seats, strollers, and limited financial support. Their care can continue after a child is born, with counselors following up and providing assistance during the early years of the child’s life. The conversation also explores how the changing landscape surrounding abortion has affected the organization’s work and why education, personal support, and compassionate counseling remain central to its mission.

As Foundation for Life celebrates its 50th anniversary, Dr. Hotze and Bill encourage listeners to learn more about the organization and the many ways they can get involved, from volunteering and donating essential items to providing financial support. Their message is one of hope, compassion, and a continued commitment to helping women, supporting families, and protecting life.

Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.

To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze’s best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.

What if your blood work says your hormones are “normal,” but you still don’t feel like yourself? Hormonal imbalances can affect women at many stages of life, not just during menopause. Changes in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, testosterone, and other hormones can influence energy, sleep, mood, metabolism, cognition, weight, libido, and overall well-being. Symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, irregular cycles, hot flashes, insomnia, and painful periods may be signs that your hormones are out of balance.

In this episode, Elaina Mango talks with Gabrielle Foppe, PA, about the differences between perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms matter, and the role hormones play throughout a woman’s life. They also discuss concerns surrounding hormone replacement therapy and explain the Hotze Health & Wellness Center’s approach using bioidentical hormones that are customized to each woman’s individual needs. Rather than treating isolated symptoms, their approach considers how hormones work together and uses comprehensive blood work and clinical symptoms to help restore hormonal balance.

You don’t have to accept feeling tired, irritable, foggy, or unlike yourself as a normal part of being a woman or getting older. Understanding your hormones and recognizing the signs of imbalance can help you make more informed decisions about your health and explore options designed to help you feel your best again.

Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.

To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze’s best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.

Why might someone with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) need more than one antihistamine to manage their symptoms? In this episode, Bryana Burken, Pharmacist and Physician Liaison with Physicians Preference Pharmacy, explains how histamine functions in the body and why maintaining proper histamine balance is essential for overall health. She discusses how excess histamine can contribute to symptoms such as hives, itching, digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, respiratory issues, and heart palpitations. Bryana also explains the differences between H1 and H2 antihistamines and why targeting different histamine receptors may provide more comprehensive symptom relief.

The discussion explores how various antihistamines work, including the differences between first-generation and second-generation medications, their potential sedating effects, and how treatment can be tailored to an individual's symptoms and lifestyle. Bryana explains why compounded antihistamines may be particularly beneficial for individuals with MCAS. She also discusses how customized strengths and slow-release formulations may help patients better tolerate their medications while addressing histamine-related symptoms.

Throughout the episode, Bryana emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment. A knowledgeable physician and pharmacist can help create a treatment plan that addresses symptoms while supporting long-term wellness.

Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.

To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze’s best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.

What if GLP-1s could offer benefits beyond weight loss? In this episode, Dr. Ellsworth joins Elaina Mango to explore a different approach to GLP-1 medications by microdosing them to support overall health and longevity. Dr. Ellsworth explains how GLP-1 and GIP compounds interact with receptors throughout the body and discusses emerging research surrounding several common health issues. He also explains why using doses below standard weight-loss levels may provide potential wellness benefits while reducing common dose-related side effects.

Dr. Ellsworth also discusses promising areas of ongoing research. While research specifically examining microdosing is still developing, he explains why these compounds may become another tool for individuals who are already prioritizing healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and other healthy lifestyle habits. The conversation also covers who may not be a candidate for GLP-1s, the importance of working with a qualified healthcare provider and reputable compounding pharmacy, and why individual needs should guide treatment decisions. When used correctly with a healthy lifestyle, this is a promising tool for longevity.

Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.

To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze’s best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.