The Role of Bioidentical Hormones in Alzheimer’s Prevention With Dr. Sharon Stills

In this Episode

01:15 – Introduction to Dr. Sharon Stills

03:45 – Dr. Stills’ approach to hormones for brain fog and Alzheimer’s

10:05 – Hormone replacement approach in Europe vs. in the United States

13:24 – Why some doctors do not prescribe HRT

15:07 – Bioidentical hormones vs. synthetic hormones

22:05 – The right time to start HRT

31:49 – The importance of testing for endocrine disruptors 

35:21 – How Dr. Stills integrates alternative approaches with traditional medicine

37:51 – The future of hormone therapy and brain health

42:06 – Top 3 takeaways from today’s episode

Resources:

– Top Supplements for Alzheimer’s Guide 

Connect with Dr. Sharon Stills, NMD:

– Website 

– Instagram 

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

– Instagram 

– Facebook 

– LinkedIn 

– TikTok 

– YouTube 

– Others 

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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The Role of Bioidentical Hormones in Alzheimer’s Prevention

Struggling with brain fog, memory issues, or feeling like you’re “just not yourself”? You’re not alone—and it might not just be aging. Hormonal imbalance, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can seriously impact brain function and increase your risk of cognitive decline.

In this episode of Alzheimer’s Breakthrough with Dr. Josh Helman, MD, renowned naturopathic physician Dr. Sharon Stills unpacks how bioidentical hormones can support brain health, improve memory, and even help prevent Alzheimer’s. With over 20 years of experience transforming women’s health, Dr. Stills dives into the science behind hormones, busts myths about hormone replacement therapy, and shares practical strategies that could change the way we age—especially for women.

🎯 Key Takeaways From the Episode:

• Hormone balance impacts brain health far beyond sex drive—think memory, mood, and cognition (06:00).

   

• Bioidentical hormones are not the same as synthetic ones—and that difference matters (14:00).

   

• Sleep issues and brain fog often trace back to low estrogen and progesterone (29:00).

   

• There’s no “too late” for hormone therapy—Dr. Stills has seen success with patients in their 70s and beyond (25:00).

Why Bioidentical Hormones Matter for Brain Health

Hormones and the Brain: More Than Just Mood Swings

We often associate hormones with reproductive health—but that’s just scratching the surface. Estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone play key roles in brain function. They modulate memory, regulate mood, and support the nervous system.

“We think of hormones as sex hormones, but they’re brain hormones, bone hormones, gut hormones—they’re everywhere,” Dr. Stills explains (06:30).

When estrogen and progesterone decline during perimenopause, it’s not just about hot flashes—it’s about losing mental clarity, sleep, and emotional stability. Left unaddressed, this can open the door to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The Bioidentical Hormone Advantage

Dr. Stills is clear: not all hormone therapies are created equal.

Unlike synthetic hormones (like progestin), bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. This makes them safer, more effective, and better tolerated by the body.

She also warns that many “bioidentical” products still contain toxic fillers like rancid peanut oil or parabens, especially in mass-market formulations.

“Just because it’s bioidentical doesn’t mean it’s clean. I go the extra mile to compound with things like acidophilus instead,” she says (16:10).

Start Early—But It’s Never Too Late

When is the right time to start? Ideally, hormone support begins in perimenopause, around age 40. But Dr. Stills makes it clear: even in your 70s or 80s, you can still see benefits.

She recalls a 78-year-old patient who was finally able to sleep without pharmaceuticals for the first time in decades—after just weeks on a tailored hormone protocol (09:00).

“It’s never too late. The sooner, the better—but you can always start,” she says (24:50).

Sleep, Detox & Hormone Optimization Go Hand in Hand

Estrogen and progesterone don’t just help you feel better—they’re essential for deep, healing sleep. Dr. Stills explains how:

• Estrogen helps convert tryptophan into serotonin.

   

• Progesterone (taken orally) acts like a natural Xanax, calming the nervous system.

   

If you’re not sleeping, you’re not detoxing. And if you’re not detoxing, you’re not clearing brain toxins like beta-amyloid plaques—key drivers of Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Stills also tests for endocrine disruptors—things like plastics, PCBs, and mold toxins that interfere with hormone receptors and brain health. Her approach involves detox protocols, nervous system regulation, and advanced therapies like ozone, red light, and neuro-visors to restore neuroplasticity.

How to Get Started: Dr. Stills’ Hormone Health Blueprint

If you’re considering bioidentical hormones, do it right:

1. Get a full hormone panel (not just estrogen).

    

2. Work with a practitioner who understands clean compounding.

    

3. Track symptoms, not just lab numbers.

    

4. Start with low doses and titrate up.

    

5. Address the terrain—that’s your body’s internal environment, including sleep, detox pathways, nutrition, and emotional health.

    

“The terrain is everything. If your cells are swimming in a toxic soup, no supplement will save you,” says Dr. Stills (27:00).

Conclusion: Rethinking Aging with Bioidentical Hormones

Hormonal shifts are a natural part of life—but they don’t have to lead to brain fog, insomnia, or Alzheimer’s. With the right testing, clean formulations, and an integrative approach, bioidentical hormones can be a powerful tool to protect your brain and reclaim your vitality.

If you found this helpful, check out Episode 14: How Glutathione Can Detox Your Brain and Protect Against Alzheimer’s with Dr. Nayan Patel or subscribe for more cutting-edge brain health strategies.

What’s your experience with hormone replacement? Have you tried bioidentical therapy? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.