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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Health & Fitness, Wellness ·

Estrogen MATTERS


Happy WELLNESS WEDNESDAY, friends!

Okay, I am totally editing today’s post to make sure we emphasize the book that I LOVED and hope you all read PLUS, I’m also sharing a podcast that I really enjoyed with the physician who wrote it.  I absolutely want to make sure the emphasis today is on estrogen.  Only on estrogen.  I apologize for being ignorant to the scope and magnitude of what was put out in the news.  Clearly, I had no idea and by the time I did my research on the recent news regarding Peter Attia, my post had been up for hours (and I had left to take Ashby to get her cast off and returned).  Again, it was terrible timing to reference his podcast episode from 2019.  Terrible.  I hope you all accept my apology on the matter.  I certainly, certainly hope you look into this book and listen to one of the other podcast episodes I listened to on the topic.  Estrogen matters and YOU matter to me, and I apologize.  

I am just genuinely genuinely motivated/hopeful/giddy to share this this little post on Estrogen MATTERS.

Because it MATTERS, friends.  It matters.

Okay, don’t tune out on me if you’re not one of my wellness friends.  I have both A PODCAST EPISODE and a BOOK REC for you so no matter how you like to consume things, hopefully, one of these will be a fit.

Over the last few years as I’ve really dived deep into my own health and wellness journey, I have heard…

…this book referenced and/or this author interviewed more than maybe any other medial professional.  I bought myself a copy of his book in August and devoured it.  I didn’t add it to my book review line up at the time because I kept waiting to do an entire blog post on it (thus today!).  Since finishing the book, I have spent the last few months slowly and meticulously working my way through it again along with listening to as many podcast episodes as I could with the authors.

In a nutshell, ESTROGEN MATTERS is a book I think ALL OF YOU should read OR….

…please at least listen to this podcast episode with Dr. Kelly Casperson (OR DO BOTH!).

PLEASE HEAR ME SAY THIS: This podcast episode (and book!) will hopefully EMPOWER you.  I found it so motivating, so encouraging, so educational, so easy for me, the layperson, to feel more in control of my own health.  This is not an episode saying that all women MUST be on HRT.  It’s an episode that informs so that you can have an empowering conversation with your provider about what’s best for YOU.

Here’s the deal, as you know, I’m not over here giving medical advice, but what I am over here doing is (hopefully!) encouraging YOU to have some really good conversations with your own prescribers about hormone replacement therapy.

You know this is like my favorite topic in the world, but what I loved most about Estrogen Matters (and the podcast episode!) is that it so clearly articulates how much estrogen matters to WAY MORE than just night sweats and sex drive and fatigue and weight gain and other “normal” perimenopause/menopausal symptoms.  It matters to brain health.  And the reduction of dementia and Alzheimers.  And osteoporosis.  And metabolic diseases.  And cancers.  AND HEART DISEASE.  They address estrogen with all of these very real conditions that are killing the women we know and love.  

Read, listen and learn so that you are at least armed with facts and information to make the best decision for YOU.

I talk to so many women who are “dealing with” symptoms because “that’s what women do” OR they are overwhelmed by the options OR they’re denied these conversations with their providers who are too busy to really stop and have conversations.  This book and podcast episode speaks to women from 25 all the way up through their 80s.  They share real data and real facts about causes of death in the US and quite frankly, I just love all of you too much not to say: please just listen/read and at least make an informed decision for you even if that decision is to not ever consider HRT.  Just make an informed decision.

Whew, okay, I’m also sharing A VALENTINE’S RECIPE today too.  A little estrogen and a little Valentine’s.  Variety is the spice of life, y’all.

Happy WEDNESDAY!  I’ll see you tomorrow! xx

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Comments

  1. Amber says

    I look forward to listening! I love these posts that give me an opportunity to learn something new.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have realized now how many uninformed decisions I have made in my life regarding my health…it’s scary.

      • Amber says

        I think about the breast/mammogram podcast you recommended so often! I’m so thankful to be more informed. As I get older, I will refer back to that blog post to read the book recommendation too.

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          I think about that book and podcast too. I have blindly done a lot for myself and my family over the years. I can’t change the past, but I want to do better about the future.

  3. Renee says

    Maybe you really do not listen to the news. I was wondering if you would comment on Attia and his emails with the biggest sex trafficker. 60 minutes is taking this very seriously and pulled his segment.

  4. Shayla says

    Love and appreciate you, but no to Peter Attia. If you aren’t aware please look more into him.

  6. Maria says

    I just went to look for the podcast and weirdly it looked empty to follow. I scrolled down a little more and people had left reviews about his ties with Epstein. Just fyi for you because I know you recommend a lot of his stuff. I had no idea. Thanks for the rec on HRT. I really appreciate the info.

  7. Jeanie H says

    After his absolutely lame explanation of this alliance with Jeffrey Epstein, I don’t think I would ever be able to listen to anything Attia said again even if he told me he had the secret to a long long life. He needs to be cancelled. It’s a real wake up call in who and what to spend precious time listening to. I liked the guy and thought he had good ideas. I would never be able to trust him and wouldn’t want to do anything to fund his perverted lifestyle. Good gut punch on being discerning.

  8. Sharon says

    Shay, you may not know but Dr Peter Attia is in the Epstein files and emailed some pretty crude things. This creep doesn’t need our attention!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The timing is unfortunate, but the book is AMAZING and the information in both the podcast episode and the book can absolutely save lives/make lives better. I cannot encourage women enough to speak to their providers about their options.

  9. Amy Adams says

    Great timing, as my PCP just upped my estrogen and we had a long talk yesterday about WHY and everything estrogen affects. I must ask how you are able to promote Peter Attia though, as he was shown to be associated w Jeffrey Epstein. This man has done horrendous things and it looks like Attia was involved as well.

      • Liz says

        Shay, maybe I know you don’t follow the news, but there are some pretty sick details in his emails (such as his comment about gluten-free). He is not denying any of it. Please take a moment and read the specifics about what he said as imagine you might have a different response to everyone’s comments. I know you are such a good person and if you read the horrific facts, would be horrified to promote him.

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          I removed him from the post and emphasized another podcast episode on this book. Happy to do it!

  11. Nora Leary says

    Hi-I read and enjoy your blog every day. I’m surprised that you highlighted Peter Attias podcast after his connection to Epstein is now known.

  12. Brooke Griffith says

    I recently read Estrogen Matters too. Wow, so informative and another validation to me that I’ve made the correct choice to be on HRT and to continue forever! Unfortunately, I was one who allowed the media and misinformation to scare me for a few years. Thankfully I did the research and learned the truths of how beneficial hormones are for my overall health. I am going to make time to listen to this podcast this week too. Thank you, Shay!

  13. Emily says

    My ob-gyn had me read this book before I started on estrogen last year. I am a nurse and still learned a lot by reading this book

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love how each section is about specific health concerns. It really makes it digestible to me, the layperson.

  14. Kristy says

    Yes I’ve really dove into HRT. I didn’t even know women could get testosterone, it’s been life changing. Can’t wait to read this book!

  15. Lisa D says

    Shay, thank you for encouraging women to advocate for their health. Physical and mental health.
    And please don’t push aside the Peter Attila elephant in the middle of the room.

  16. Heather says

    Thank you for the book recommendation regarding estrogen.
    I unfollowed Peter Attia and threw his book in the trash (along with letting everyone I gifted that book to know he was involved with Epstein -disgusting!). I find it horrendous that he claims to be in healthcare (an advocate), yet kept awful things he knew that was happening in the dark.

  18. Lee Ann says

    Thank you for the book rec. Peter is such a brilliant man. His book changed everything for me. And his podcasts. But right now I’m going to pause anything from him. It’s sad for me to not gain more information from him but I also can’t financially support him.

  19. Betsy says

    As someone whose hematologist does not allow to do HRT due to a blood clotting disorder, would this still be a beneficial read?

  20. Sue says

    Sorry I have zero respect for Peter Attia.
    I measure a person’s character by what they do when no one is watching. Or at least they think no one is watching. I’m sure there has to be another doctor that is knowledgeable of this subject matter.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The book is EXCELLENT, so yes, let’s focus on that! I swapped out the podcast with one of the others I enjoyed, but there are several, so you can certainly find other physicians who speak to them on the subject. I really think this book is the most mentioned book out all of the wellness podcasts I’ve listened to.

  21. Jan says

    Hi Shay! I am specifically curious about the book, “Estrogen Matters”, and am considering placing a digital hold on it at my library. I had endometrial cancer, and had a radical hysterectomy which put me into surgical menopause. My oncologist advised me never to use any estrogen based products.

    My question is, do you think the authors spent enough time on discussing uterine cancers to make reading the book worth my while?

    As an aside, let me tell you how much I appreciate all the time, care, and love you put into each posting. Spending time with you is akin to visiting a dear family member. : )

    Sending you love, and hugs from the Twin Cities!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Obviously speaking to your healthcare professionals about your specific health is of the utmost importance, but YES, I think you would really gain some insight from the book. I highly recommend reading it!

  22. Jen says

    Mary Clare Haver’s podcast, Unpaused, featured the authors of Estrogen Matters as her first episode. It was a great episode. I read the book years ago; it was so informative.

    • Libby says

      This is one of her best episodes. It made me really angry that the invalididty of the study was known well over 10 yrs ago, and nothing was done. I could’ve really benefitted from this information as I was in perimenopause at that time.

  23. Gail says

    I am in that age group that was told years ago to probably not do HRT. So now here I am in my early 70’s and wondering if the book addresses older women or just those in your earlier years and newly post menopausal? I mentioned this to my new GP last summer and just got a blank look. Do you have thoughts on this?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      YES!!! It certainly does! Listen to the podcast and/or read the book and talk to your doctor as your age demographic is CERTAINLY discussed.

  24. Ellen says

    You can promote this book, but please “unpromote” Peter Attia. He doesn’t deserve a word of your support.

  25. Cara says

    Funny you posted this today as I had my appt with my doctor to follow up on my bloodwork I just had done. I am on Bio-Estrogen and Progesterone, which has been LIFE CHANGING for me!
    I will absolutely be reading that book, and I am SO bummed about Peter Attia, so disappointing.
    Thank you for all of these recommendations. 🙂

  26. Brooke says

    I have been extra interested in learning about estrogen and talking about it with other women since my full hysteroscopy, which happens to have been one year ago today! (I could not be happier that I had it done.) I am going to buy and read the book to commemorate the occasion. 🙂

  28. Kimberly M says

    Shay, thank you for being so real with us always!! I appreciate your care about women’s health AND your understanding that while perhaps brilliant, Peter Attia does not deserve our support. (I know I will not be able to support him again ever.) This is unfortunate because, like you, I gained so much knowledge from Outlive but the source of that knowledge has been so compromised now that I will have to look elsewhere for health advice. Thank you for being ready to speak to the moment while at the same time keeping women’s wellness at the forefront of your blog! You are a bright spot in a dark world!

  29. Heidi Dinkins says

    Thank you for always sharing the best health books with us. I read Outlive based on your recommendation and then had my husband and several friends read it as well. The book was absolutely life-changing for us! I had to Google what was going on in the news with Peter Attia because I had no idea. It’s very disappointing, but the book is still incredible. I can’t wait to read this one.

  30. Kathy says

    When I moved to an active adult community at 56, at our block ladies monthly lunch, much discussion was on women’s issues. Well our community had a health fair, and one of the ladies spoke with a PA there about women’s health. The PA came to a neighbors house and we discussed our issues. She was adamant about HRT. I have gone to her for over 15 years. She supports HRT; my female PCP does not. I listen to my PA!

  31. Heather says

    Hey Shay! Don’t let everyone beat you up about posting and referencing Peter Attia. While what he did is absolutely gross, it won’t detract me from finishing his book and learning from what he wrote. If the rest of the files ever get released, I think we will all be shocked to see who all is actually in them and visited Epstein Island. I tend to be the person that separates the sin from the person and while I’m certainly not condoning what he did, he is a brilliant man on all things wellness and I’m looking forward to finishing his book.

    Keep sharing all things wellness with us!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I really think you’ll enjoy it. The sections on heart disease and dementia really spoke to me.

  33. Norita says

    Shay, everybody makes mistakes. One shows their true colors by attempting to right them as you did here. You are keeping it real and that says a lot about your character. Thank you.

  34. WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

    Does the book discuss endometriosis (or have you come across a podcast that does)? I had a full hysterectomy two years ago for severe endometriosis (so extensive that it damaged my kidney), and I’ve been told that since estrogen fuels endometriosis, I should avoid that. I’ve listened to so many podcasts about the important of estrogen and HRT, but they never seem to speak to Endo and if hormones can ever safely be used in that case. I’m concerned about losing hormones from age 39 on, but I also had serious affects from endometriosis too. 😔

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I might be misreading this question, but if you’ve had a full hysterectomy then endometriosis isn’t a concern for you right now, correct? I don’t think I can recall anything I’ve read/heard that’s specifically connected estrogen through HRT to endo.

      • WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

        Thank you! I think it’s rare to have endo issues after a full hysterectomy, but HRT can increase the risk. Especially since it’s more likely to migrate to other organs (since you no longer have a uterus).

        It’s so hard to find much information, or doctors who have wisdom about HRT after severe endo. I keep thinking that I should reach out to your doctor. I imagine if he has some experience treating patients similar to me.

        Thanks, Shay! 🩷

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Really? I had no idea about the situation when I sat down at my desk early Tuesday morning until I started reading comments. I did a quick google search and learned a bit and then left to take my kiddo to the hospital to get her cast off and stitches removed at her scheduled appointment and while I waited, I read more on the topic. I came home way more informed and immediately updated my post.

      • Maddie says

        Your responses of “unfortunate timing” said all I needed to know. There are many unfortunate things in this story, you playing ignorant to world events is not one of them.

    • WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

      Honestly, I was unaware until I saw the comments on here.

      I appreciate Shay taking the time to research it, then amending her post later that day. What more could she have done? She addressed it as soon as she was aware and thoroughly understood the recent news. ❤️

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