The Cholesterol Controversy: Menopausal and statins | Felice Gersh, MD and Leah Vachani
Felice Gersh
17,754 views
In this Women Aging Powerfully Summit interview, Dr. Felice Gersh breaks down why cholesterol often spikes during perimenopause and menopause by highlighting estradiol’s central role in regulating cholesterol synthesis, transport, and clearance. She also compares the mechanisms of statins versus hormone replacement therapy, discusses natural and lifestyle-based alternatives, outlines key blood tests to monitor, and explains gender-specific cardiovascular risks and prevention strategies.
Watch for my latest Instagram lives at
Instagram: dr.felicegersh
I am a full time practicing doctor. I see patients in my office in Irvine, CA and worldwide via telemedicine. If you need more healthcare assistance than I can provide in a video series, please contact my office:
https://integrativemgi.com/---- Contents of this video --------------------------
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Why cholesterol rises in perimenopause & menopause
03:00 Estradiol’s role in systemic metabolism
06:00 Statins vs. estradiol regulation of HMG-CoA reductase
08:00 Lipoproteins, receptors & cholesterol transport
12:00 Oxidation of cholesterol & plaque formation
16:00 Hormone replacement therapy for cholesterol health
19:00 Uncoupling reproduction from hormones
23:00 Diet, fiber & natural alternatives (e.g., bergamot)
28:00 Essential lipid & inflammation blood markers to request
33:00 When to consider statins for women
38:00 Male vs. female cardiovascular disease differences
44:00 Key takeaways for holistic health management
54:00 Closing remarks & Dr. Gersh’s resources
20 Comments
PS) I had my Lp(a) tested and it was 156! 😞😞 … my LDL and total are high too but everything else is good- inflammatory markers like CRP, triglycerides, blood sugars, etc….. I am trying to get estradiol right, as I have had issues with it making my moods worse. Not to mention the patch shortage throwing my onto a roller coaster. I’m going to talk to my dr about compounded cream or something more reliable
I love bergamot green tea, but I also take berberine. Working on increasing my Estradiol levels.
The Cholesterol Controversy: Menopausal and statins | Felice Gersh, MD and Leah Vachani
Felice Gersh
17,754 views
In this Women Aging Powerfully Summit interview, Dr. Felice Gersh breaks down why cholesterol often spikes during perimenopause and menopause by highlighting estradiol’s central role in regulating cholesterol synthesis, transport, and clearance. She also compares the mechanisms of statins versus hormone replacement therapy, discusses natural and lifestyle-based alternatives, outlines key blood tests to monitor, and explains gender-specific cardiovascular risks and prevention strategies.
Watch for my latest Instagram lives at
Instagram: dr.felicegersh
I am a full time practicing doctor. I see patients in my office in Irvine, CA and worldwide via telemedicine. If you need more healthcare assistance than I can provide in a video series, please contact my office:
https://integrativemgi.com/---- Contents of this video --------------------------
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Why cholesterol rises in perimenopause & menopause
03:00 Estradiol’s role in systemic metabolism
06:00 Statins vs. estradiol regulation of HMG-CoA reductase
08:00 Lipoproteins, receptors & cholesterol transport
12:00 Oxidation of cholesterol & plaque formation
16:00 Hormone replacement therapy for cholesterol health
19:00 Uncoupling reproduction from hormones
23:00 Diet, fiber & natural alternatives (e.g., bergamot)
28:00 Essential lipid & inflammation blood markers to request
33:00 When to consider statins for women
38:00 Male vs. female cardiovascular disease differences
44:00 Key takeaways for holistic health management
54:00 Closing remarks & Dr. Gersh’s resources