In this insightful episode, Dr. Elena Zinkov takes listeners on her personal journey through early perimenopause, hormone imbalance, and postpartum autoimmune challenges. She shares how these experiences motivated her to explore holistic solutions for women's health beyond traditional approaches. Dr. Zinkov dives deep into the long-term impact of birth control on women's health, shedding light on the often overlooked metabolic and cardiovascular risks. She empowers listeners to distinguish between stress-induced symptoms and the onset of perimenopause, while emphasizing the profound influence of stress and cortisol levels on hormone production. The episode offers a wealth of practical wisdom, from addressing hormone imbalance naturally and through bioidentical hormone therapy, to diet and lifestyle recommendations that support using the minimum effective dose of hormones. Dr. Zinkov also highlights the importance of nutrient testing for women who have used birth control, introduces gentle remedies like wild yam, and explores the role of peptides and DEXA scans in managing menopausal symptoms and monitoring bone mass. FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/drelena Learn more about Dr. Elena Zinkov: https://proactivehealthnd.com/ 7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst Order your own labs at YourLabWork: https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/  Reignite Wellness™ Vitamin D Plus: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/all/products/vitamin-d-plus  Reignite Wellness™ Magnesium Body Calm: https://reignitewellness.com/products/magnesium-body-calm Reignite Wellness™ Omega Plus: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/all/products/omega-plus  The Institute of Functional Medicine - Find a Practitioner: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/  American Association of Naturopathic Physicians - Find a Doctor: https://naturopathic.org/search/custom.asp?id=5613  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! Get Dr. Zinkov’s FREE Hormone Potential Foundations Guide   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices