Why are women told their hormones are essential at 45 — that losing them is a health crisis, that we must replace them to protect our brains and bones and hearts — while those same hormones are routinely shut down in women in their 20s with barely a second thought?

That contradiction is at the center of today's conversation. And once you see it, you can't unsee it.

On Today’s Episode, Dr. Sarah Hill welcomes Lara Briden, ND, internationally recognized naturopathic doctor and bestselling author specializing in women's hormonal health. Together they explore why menopause deserves to be viewed through an evolutionary lens rather than as a hormone deficiency, and how misconceptions about estrogen, progesterone, HRT, and menstrual cycles continue to shape women's healthcare.

The discussion covers the surprising biology behind why humans experience menopause, what differentiates bioidentical progesterone from synthetic progestins, and why many women receive incomplete or misleading information about hormonal treatments. Lara also explains how cycle literacy can transform the way women understand their own bodies and make informed health decisions.

Can evolutionary biology improve women's healthcare?

Drawing from research and decades of clinical experience, Lara and Sarah unpack common misconceptions surrounding PCOS, endometriosis, ovulation, hormonal birth control, and the menstrual cycle itself. They discuss why symptoms shouldn't automatically be viewed as malfunctions, the importance of preserving ovulation when possible, and how clinicians can better support women through every reproductive stage.

Whether you're approaching perimenopause, navigating menopause, working in healthcare, or simply trying to understand your hormones, this episode offers practical insights grounded in science instead of fear.

●      Menopause is a normal biological transition that may offer evolutionary advantages rather than representing hormone failure.

●      Understanding bioidentical progesterone vs. synthetic progestins can improve conversations about hormone replacement therapy.

●      Learning to recognize signs of healthy ovulation provides valuable information about overall hormonal health.

●      Viewing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign can improve long-term women's health awareness.

●      Many symptoms attributed solely to aging may have multiple biological explanations worth exploring.

●      Evolutionary biology provides useful context for understanding why menopause exists in humans.

●      Better education about PCOS management helps women pursue individualized treatment strategies.

●      Improved awareness of endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis can shorten delays in receiving care.

●      Evidence-based discussions around hormonal birth control help women make informed personal decisions.

●      Increasing hormone literacy empowers women to advocate for themselves throughout every life stage.