Episode Overview:
In this episode of VNEW Health, Dr. Barry Jarnagin, a leading urogynecologist based in Franklin, Tennessee, unpacks the complexities of menopause and its impact on pelvic health. He shares expert insights on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), common misconceptions about menopause, and the importance of early treatment to prevent long-term complications.
Learn how bioidentical hormone therapies, personalized treatment plans, and proactive care can transform the menopause experience for women.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why menopause is a chronic endocrinopathy, not just a phase
- The role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in women’s health
- How hormone replacement therapy can improve quality of life and prevent complications
- The connection between menopause, bone health, heart health, and pelvic function
- Common misconceptions about hormone therapy and breast cancer risks
Resources From Today’s Episode:
- Learn More About Dr. Barry Jarnagin
- Learn More About ARMS Medical
Sponsors:
- Zive 7 Digestive Health — Optimize your gut health naturally. Use code VNEW10 for 10% off.
- ARMS Medical — Delivering innovation and trust for women’s pelvic health solutions.
- SuperPatch — Wearable technology designed to improve sleep, balance, and overall well-being.
Episode Transcript:
Robert Greer (00:34.594):
Welcome to VNEW Voices, where we explore transformative solutions in women’s health with leading experts. Today’s episode is brought to you by Zive 7, a digestive health supplement dedicated to advancing wellness from within. I’m Robert Greer, and I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Barry Jarnagin, a urogynecologist specializing in pelvic health and hormone therapy.
In this episode, we’ll discuss how hormone imbalances impact menopause, the latest treatment advancements, and why proactive care is essential for long-term well-being.
Click here to read the full transcript →
Dr. Barry Jarnagin (02:32.994):
Thanks for having me, Robert. Menopause is an endocrinopathy, just like thyroid disease or diabetes. Women often think menopause is just about hot flashes, mood swings, and poor sleep that eventually go away. But the reality is, menopause is a chronic condition that affects bone density, heart health, pelvic function, and overall well-being for years.
Robert Greer (04:54.178):
What makes hormone therapy essential, and why do some women hesitate to seek treatment?
Dr. Barry Jarnagin:
Many women fear hormone therapy due to outdated studies on breast cancer risks. The truth is, modern bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is safer, more precise, and offers benefits beyond just relieving menopause symptoms. Women need estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to maintain bone health, libido, energy levels, and pelvic function.
Robert Greer (07:19.969):
What are some key advancements in hormone therapy and menopause treatment?
Dr. Barry Jarnagin:
We now use customized bioidentical hormone therapies, tailored based on individual absorption levels and blood work. Treatment options include:
- Topical hormone creams and patches
- Pellet therapy for sustained hormone release
- Oral and sublingual hormone drops
We also emphasize early treatment to prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and severe vaginal atrophy, which can lead to chronic discomfort and recurrent UTIs.
Robert Greer (14:22.903):
Testosterone isn’t usually mentioned in women’s hormone therapy—why is it important?
Dr. Barry Jarnagin:
Testosterone plays a vital role in muscle mass, energy levels, brain function, libido, and vaginal health. There are no commercially available testosterone products for women, which is why we rely on custom-compounded bioidentical formulas to restore proper levels.
Robert Greer (19:14.093):
Many women don’t seek care due to embarrassment or misinformation. What advice would you give them?
Dr. Barry Jarnagin:
Menopause is not something to suffer through alone. There are real, effective solutions that can restore quality of life. We offer judgment-free consultations to assess symptoms, run lab tests, and create personalized treatment plans. The earlier women start managing menopause, the better their long-term health outcomes will be.
