"Estrogen isn’t just a 'sex hormone'—it’s the life hormone. It’s the key to keeping your heart, brain, and body healthy and vibrant for decades beyond menopause." – Dr. Felice Gersh In this eye-opening episode of the Well Beyond 40 podcast, I sit down with Dr. Felice Gersh, a leading expert in integrative medicine and a trailblazer in hormone therapy, to tackle one of the most critical yet overlooked health risks for women—heart disease. While breast cancer often dominates the conversation, heart disease remains the number one killer of women, particularly after menopause. Dr. Gersh sheds light on the powerful role that certain hormones play in protecting our bodies and why it’s essential to rethink how we approach hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as we age. Our discussion is not just groundbreaking—it's life-changing. We explore which hormone makes the most dramatic impact on our bodies as we age, leading to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and even cognitive decline. But here's the silver lining: it's never too late to take action. Whether you’re 50, 60, or even 70, Dr. Gersh provides compelling evidence that starting hormone therapy later in life can still offer significant benefits, and what crucial steps you can take to support your hormone receptors. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to start HRT years after menopause, or if you’ve been told you’re too old to begin, this episode will give you hope and empower you with the knowledge to take control of your health. And for those who’ve battled breast cancer, Dr. Gersh also addresses the complexities of hormone therapy, discussing when it might be safe and effective, and when alternative approaches are necessary. Tune in to discover why Dr. Felice Gersh is my go-to expert on hormones and aging, and learn how to take proactive steps to protect your heart, your health, and your future. Don’t miss out—this episode is packed with pearls of wisdom that every woman needs to hear. FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/gersh Timeline Mitopure (Urolithin A): https://www.timelinenutrition.com/partners/jj-virgin Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep Dr. Felice Gersh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/ Dr. Felice Gersh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrFeliceGersh Dr. Felice Gersh on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicegershmd/ Dr. Felice Gersh on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbn9RUdGuc6Wq-FT7V4u3g Study: Estrogen and cardiovascular disease: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003306202400015X Episode Sponsors:  Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk-free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Get Dr. Gersh’s FREE ebook Menopause SOS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices