In this insightful episode, Dr. Spencer Zimmerman sits down with Dr. Lorraine Maita, an expert in integrative and anti-aging medicine, to discuss the profound impact of hormones on brain health. They dive deep into how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are not just about sex and reproduction but play essential roles in cognitive function, mood regulation, memory, and overall neurological health.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Hormones Are Brain Regulators – Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA function as neurosteroids, directly influencing mood, cognition, memory, and mental sharpness.
✅ Menopause & Brain Fog – Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause can lead to memory lapses, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
✅ The Testosterone Factor – Women actually have more testosterone than estrogen, and low testosterone in both men and women is linked to anxiety, depression, and reduced confidence.
✅ Testing Matters – Many healthcare providers prescribe hormones without proper testing. Blood, saliva, and urine tests are necessary to accurately assess and adjust hormone levels.
✅ Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones – Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), including estradiol patches and micronized progesterone, is safer and more effective than synthetic alternatives.
✅ Your Lifestyle Impacts Your Hormones – Diet, stress, exercise, and environmental toxins all play a role in hormone balance and brain health.

Dr. Maita also debunks common hormone myths, including the misconception that estrogen causes breast cancer and shares how proper hormone management can reduce risks of dementia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.