119. Safe HRT & Hormone Balance - Expert Tips with Dr. Betty Murray

​​If your energy is constantly drained, the scale won't budge no matter what you try, or your gut feels like it's staging a daily rebellion—your hormones could be the hidden culprit. In this episode, I sit down with functional medicine expert Dr. Betty Murray to unpack how perimenopause, hormone metabolism, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) play a much bigger role in our health than most of us are told. We get into the real reasons behind chronic fatigue, weight loss resistance, bloating, brain fog, and IBS—and why typical lab tests are missing the mark. This conversation is your backstage pass into what's really going on with your metabolism, your mood, and your midsection—and what to do when "normal" labs still leave you feeling off. What You'll Hear in This Episode: • Why perimenopause symptoms can start up to a decade before menopause—and the subtle hormone shift that might explain your energy crashes • The shocking truth about estrogen and breast cancer risk (spoiler: the data may surprise you) • The real reason your hormones might not be working—even if you're on HRT • How hormone metabolism and detoxification are key to healing gut health and resolving symptoms like bloating and IBS Here's Why You'll Want to Hit Play: Most women are only testing their estradiol levels—and missing the bigger picture. In this conversation, Dr. Murray shares why hormone replacement isn't just about putting hormones in… it's about how your body clears them. She also reveals how factors like gut health, inflammation, and adrenal fatigue influence your entire hormone pathway. We talk about the HPATG axis, how cortisol and stress impact your cycle, and why symptoms like constipation, leaky gut, and low progesterone are often overlooked. Plus, we break down the Dutch test, estrogen dominance, and how the right hormone therapy could transform your energy, cognitive health, and even protect your bones. If you're dealing with: Daily fatigue that coffee can't fix Unexplained weight gain and belly fat Bloating, gas, or IBS symptoms that won't go away Brain fog and memory issues that scare you Mood swings, sleep struggles, or crashing energy... ...this episode will give you the "why" behind it all—so you can finally take the right next step. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill . Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com How to reach Dr. Betty: Website: https://www.bettymurray.com/ This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza Snyder