OpenTube

Ozempic, GLP-1s & Testosterone for Women: Explained with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

Dr. Stephanie Estima

15,481 views

Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen joins Dr. Stephanie to discuss a range of topics related to obesity, the obesity epidemic, and pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic). They delve into how these drugs work, their effects on the body, and hormonal influences, particularly in women undergoing perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Rocio explains the complexity behind obesity, moving beyond the simplistic 'eat less, move more' mantra to account for genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. They also explore the role of testosterone in women, potential side effects of GLP-1 treatments, and best practices for ensuring patients maintain muscle mass while losing fat. This episode underscores the need for tailored, evidence-based treatments and raises important considerations for women seeking hormone therapy.

Episode Overview:
0:00 Intro/Teaser
1:28 Ozempic and Hormone Therapy for Women
6:38 Exploring Peptide Effects on Behaviors
14:31 Weight Loss Challenges and Factors
16:32 Weight Loss Strategies and Muscle Maintenance
21:08 Misconceptions About BMI and Health
26:00 Weight Loss and Hormone Research
32:27 Benefits and Risks of Medication
40:58 Debunking the Myth of Microdosing
45:06 Off-Label Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
50:47 Embracing Menopause for Optimal Living

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode with Dr. Haver - https://drstephanieestima.com/podcast...

AMA: Use of BMI alone is an imperfect clinical measure - https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-c...

Ozempic and Menopause: Everything You Need to Know If You're Managing Both at Once, According to a Prescribing Physician - https://www.purewow.com/wellness/ozem...

Instagram: drsalaswhalen
https://www.nyendocrinology.com/dr-sa...
https://idny.org/physicians/rocio-sal...

Bio:
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen is a triple board certified physician with broad experience across all facets of endocrinology, with a particular emphasis on obesity, diabetes and thyroid disorders. She believes that every patient is different and that effective care must be customized according to individual needs. She is a strong advocate for prevention rather than treatment – especially in regard to obesity and diabetes. She performs in-office thyroid ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules. Dr. Salas-Whalen is an active participant in the continuing advancement of her field and a strong proponent of lifelong career learning. She is a clinical instructor at NYU Langone Hospital. Dr. Salas-Whalen speaks English and Spanish fluently.

20 Comments

@alliebiswas1606 2 years ago

Finally, the facts from a doctor. Super interesting. Thank you.

@kimlegaux3555 2 years ago (edited)

Literally crying. I am just mad at the lack of information doctors have regarding all of this. Just starting out on bhrt and I already see a difference in my level of body pain, energy and weight loss. This after being on a glp1 for 10 months but not consistently due to availability. So glad I took things into my own hands by doing more research and advocating for myself. Biggest thing was seeking a functional medicine clinic besides my general practitioner.

@1984_Translator 9 months ago

LOVE this conversation, especially about how hard the medical community is on WOMEN generally and POSTMENOPAUSAL women specifically. Love how supportive you are of each other too. So refreshing, thank you! 🤩

@gretchentoddyludwick9476 2 years ago

Good on you both! Keep sharing all this good info!

@geronimoflyingfree 1 year ago

thank you so much for this episode - up to now the most thorough and interesting take in this topic! 👌😊

@Ernie8148 2 years ago

With microdosing there are no side effects and indeed has tremendous benefits including weight loss. The side effects are from overdosing. Unfortunately the name brands only come in a fixed dose which is 2.5 mg., which is too much for the majority. I refer you to Dr. Tyna Moore who has done extensive research on this subject.

@katniss4670 2 years ago (edited)

I think that the good doctor may be missing the point on micro-dosing. Because the effects of these peptides are so far reaching , their therapeutic potential is not limited to diabetes and obesity . Their optimal dose in other applications is still unknown, but with medicine it’s often better to under-dose initially until the smallest does necessary to achieve the desired result , is determined.

@katniss4670 2 years ago

Many women 10-15 years post menopause are on these meds are already suffering from sarcopenia and struggle greatly to maintain muscle , how does a 65 year old women eating 1/2 as much build muscle ?

@MrHatQ 1 year ago

As a parent of a SEN child I feel there is a balance that needs to be struck… having a maximalist and unsustainable approach towards treating population level issues without a tapering plan is unrealistic, these interventions if they are not used when needed are indeed a wasted resource, but when used excessively, maybe even in a health system which is already very unequal and struggling with the fundamentals and with limited resources it will have knock on effects, I know many people who are jumping the gun with new or fashionable treatments and most of them have had severely negative outcomes because the same discipline they struggled with to try to change their life for the better also prevents them from taking a systemic and healthy approach towards medical interventions.

@KyraShalise 2 years ago (edited)

I’m on glp 1 right now and the way it’s helping me with my food noise is amazing. I’m actually scared and never want to get off it. What happens when I get off of it, (when insurance stops covering it) and the food noise comes back?

@Choose_Happy64 2 years ago

My mother was obese. My father was not. She, also, ate 4 pieces of cake in one sitting. We did not inherit her “genetic” habits. My dad’s mother was obese. 6 of 7 of her kids are athleticly built. Her 11 of 12 grandchildren are the same. One takes antidepressants and has a different personality from us but his parent, my aunt, are athletic.

@FayCreative 2 years ago

There are still contraindications with micro dosing Semaglutide. People with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos, Dysautonomia that includes motility issues, should not or be cautiously. Just an fyi.

@RC-iv4dx 2 years ago

im a man my test is 938 and i always feel tired. on mj, what can i do to feel better?

@darkydoom 2 years ago

So what is a good or bad range of body fat percentage via like a DEXA scan on a woman in her 30s? What should we be aiming for?

@kellivelez8494 2 years ago

Question - How does one fit in 120 g+ of protein if Ozempic kills hunger. I am a healthy 53 almost 54 yr old in late perimenopause. In the last 6 months I have seen an increase in the fat around my belly and around my arms. I am pretty active - tennis yoga strength training trying to fit in Sprint Interval. I also try to get 120 g of protein per day. It is difficult b/c the protein is so satisfying that I have trouble eating to get all my protein. What to do?

@darkydoom 2 years ago

I rejected an endocrinologist prescribing me last year for manjoro, like I wasn't ready for it, but I'll consider in the future. I want to try fix all my other health problems first and once all that is settled I can have a better diet/exercise routine (currently the best I can do with chronic illnesses), and have it as like a last option as needed

@audreybennati2618 2 years ago

Getting the dose is crucial. I was given testosterone that was too high,grew facial hair, and my bikini line that had been free of hair from permanent laser hair removal. Also got strange box abs, and a deeper voice. I normally have a flat stomach. I switched doctors, and now those symptoms -have subsided almost. Libido also went hay wire. So please get the dose correct. Because it will help. Great chat ladies. 🙏🏼

@cherrycola3653 11 months ago

Microdose helps prevent my hair from falling out due to Hashimoto's disease. I refuse to believe it isn't aiding my condition and its my mind.

@emmaluciaev1938 2 years ago

Testosterone made my hair thin and brittle, made me gain weight and made my skin oily. In menopause and perimenopause, estrogen decreases and testosterone is not in balance anymore, and it can be converted to DHT.
DHT has much higher binding affinity to the androgen receptors in your body and in your scalp and if you are genetically predisposed you can end with androgenic alopecia.