I'm thrilled to welcome the incredible Dr. Tabatha Barber, known as the Gutsy Gynecologist, to Well Beyond 40. Dr. Tabatha’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she became a mother at 17, dropped out of high school, and overcame immense challenges to become a renowned medical doctor and functional gynecologist. Her story is a testament to perseverance and faith, offering a powerful message to women in their 40s and beyond who are navigating their own life transitions. Dr. Tabatha shares her personal experience with menopause and how it has informed her compassionate approach to patient care. She emphasizes the importance of understanding hormone balance and addresses common myths and misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As someone who has treated thousands of patients and gone through menopause herself, Dr. Tabatha brings a wealth of real-world experience and practical advice. Her unique combination of conventional and functional medicine allows her to provide holistic care that truly meets the needs of women in midlife. One key takeaway from our conversation is Dr. Tabatha’s emphasis on the critical role of estrogen in women's health. She debunks the long-standing fear surrounding HRT and highlights the significant benefits of hormone therapy, such as improved heart health, bone density, and overall vitality. Dr. Tabatha's insights are backed by her thorough understanding of medical research and her firsthand experience, making her advice both credible and relatable. A particularly powerful moment in our discussion is when Dr. Tabatha recounts her own sudden drop in estrogen levels and the profound impact it had on her mood and well-being. This personal story underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing hormonal changes with appropriate medical support, rather than resorting to antidepressants which can exacerbate symptoms. For actionable advice and a deeper understanding of how to navigate hormonal changes during menopause, be sure to listen to the full episode. FULL show notes: https://jjvirgin.com/drtabatha Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming: https://amzn.to/3wVcmTK  YourLabwork: https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/  ACOG: Postmenopausal Estrogen Therapy Route of Administration and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/04/postmenopausal-estrogen-therapy-route-of-administration-and-risk-of-venous-thromboembolism  Get Dr. Barber’s FREE Guide: The Gutsy Gynecologist’s Guide to Balancing Your Hormones Naturally 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 now to try Qualia Senolytic backed by a 100 day money back guarantee, and use promo code VIRGINWELLNESS to get 15% off!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices