Female Hormone Health, Vitality, and Longevity Program
A structured program based on the Huberman Lab podcast episode discussing female hormone health with Dr. Sarah Gotfried. Covers key areas such as hormones, fertility, vitality, longevity, gut microbiome, nutrition, exercise, and the impact of psychosocial factors. Designed to reflect the podcast's emphasis on actionable, science-backed advice.
Program Modules
Understanding Hormones and the Female Lifespan
Explore the role of hormones throughout a woman's life, from puberty to menopause, and the importance of family history. As Dr. Gotfried emphasizes, family history can provide valuable insights into potential genetic predispositions related to hormone health.
Review Family Medical History
YearlyDocument your mother's and grandmother's experiences with hormone health, pregnancy, and related conditions. Knowing this history can inform your own health choices. Consider this a yearly check-in to update information.
โIt's essential that you understand what your grandmother went through, I'd even say your great-grandmother, especially your mother.โ
Read 'The Hormone Cure' (30 mins/day)
Daily 30xGain a foundational understanding of female hormone health and treatment options. Allocate 30 minutes daily to reading, and reflect on how the information applies to your personal health journey. This action reinforces Huberman's suggestion to gain deep knowledge from trusted sources.
โI read The Hormone Cure and found it to be tremendously interesting and informative.โ
Hormone Testing and Baseline Assessment
Understand which hormone tests are relevant for different age groups and when to perform them. Testing is key for establishing a baseline, as advocated in the podcast. Remember that hormone levels fluctuate, so consider timing and individual circumstances.
Research Hormone Testing Options
MonthlyInvestigate different types of hormone tests (blood, urine, saliva) and labs that offer them. Understanding the pros and cons of each method is crucial for making informed decisions. Aim to research at least three reputable labs.
โDr. Gried also shares with you tremendous knowledge about the specific types of tests... that women can use in order to really get a clear understanding of their hormone status.โ
Schedule Baseline Hormone Test (if applicable)
YearlySchedule a hormone test based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors. This action is conditional. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if testing is right for you. Schedule annually to track changes.
โIn your 20s, that's when you want to do some base casing with estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.โ
Gut Microbiome and Hormone Health
Understand the link between the gut microbiome, estrogen levels, and overall hormone balance. The podcast emphasizes the unique needs of women in managing their gut microbiome. Focus on increasing vegetable intake to support a healthy gut.
Increase Vegetable Intake
DailyConsume at least five colors of vegetables per day to support a healthy gut microbiome. Variety is key! Track your vegetable intake daily to ensure you're meeting your goal.
โIntake of vegetables, polyphenols is such an important predictor of future risk of breast cancer.โ
Prepare a Daily Smoothie
WeeklyBlend a smoothie with vegetables and fruits to improve gut health. Schedule smoothie preparation for Monday, Wednesday and Friday to maintain regularity. Adapt the recipe to your taste preferences.
โHave a smoothie three times a week and to throw some of these vegetables in, that makes a huge difference.โ
Stress Management and Autonomic Balance
Implement tools to reduce perceived stress and improve autonomic balance. Huberman often discusses the importance of managing stress for overall health. Prioritize practices that are sustainable and enjoyable for you.
Practice Cyclic Sighing
DailyPerform five minutes of cyclic sighing daily (double inhale through the nose, followed by a long exhale). Consistent practice is key to experiencing the benefits of this simple technique. Try pairing it with another daily habit.
โThe cyclic sighing led to the greatest improvements in mood Around the Clock... as well as lowered resting heart rate, improvements in sleep, Etc.โ
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
WeeklyLimit alcohol intake to a maximum of two drinks per week. Reducing alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on hormone health and sleep quality. Reflect on your relationship with alcohol and explore alternative ways to relax.
โI would ask that people either not drink or drink two drinks per week maximum.โ
Exercise and Hormone Optimization
Optimize exercise routines for hormone health by incorporating resistance training. The podcast highlights the importance of resistance training for women. Adjust your routine to achieve a balance that suits your fitness level and goals.
Resistance Training
WeeklyEngage in resistance training at least two times per week. Focus on compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups. Consider working with a trainer to ensure proper form.
โAbout a third cardio, two-thirds resistance training is... the best combination.โ
Cardiovascular Exercise
WeeklyEngage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week. Choose activities you enjoy to make it easier to stick to the routine. Mix it up to prevent boredom.
โ150 minutes...per week.โ
Address Potential Deficiencies with Dietary Changes or Supplements
Test and address any nutritional deficiencies. Huberman often emphasizes the importance of addressing deficiencies for optimal health. This action involves a commitment to improving your diet and supplement routine.
Take 1000mg of Fish Oil per Day
DailyTake daily fish oil to support hormone health and reduce inflammation. Consistency is key. Set a reminder to take your fish oil at the same time each day.
โI think a thousand milligrams as a general recommendation is good.โ
Add 2000 IU Vitamin D3
DailyVitamin D3 supplementation may be needed if levels are too low. Consult medical professional before starting new protocols. This should be taken daily.
โA thousand to two thousand International unitโ
What You'll Accomplish
- Understand the role of hormones across the female lifespan.
- Identify relevant hormone tests and interpret results.
- Optimize gut microbiome for hormone health.
- Manage stress and improve autonomic balance.
- Tailor exercise routines for hormone optimization.
- Address nutritional deficiencies related to hormone health.
Full program access + updates