Following her matriarchal footsteps, Dr. Judith Rubin is a third-generation female physician with a medical degree from State University of New York. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Her specialty is customized care from bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and customized vitamins to laser treatments, injectable fillers, and Dysport and Botox injections. Her unique combination of training has given her experienced knowledge in both aesthetic and anti-aging medicine. With the safety of hormone replacement therapy at the forefront of conversation in women’s health, we asked Dr. Rubin more about developments with HRT and bio-identical hormones.

Q: You’ve recently moved from California to Gig Harbor, Washington, to work with MultiCare. California’s loss is Gig Harbor’s gain! Tell us a little bit about what you are doing to expand your passionate efforts on behalf of women’s wellness.

A: I have been prescribing bio-identical hormones for women and men for 20 years and I have seen how it positively impacts peoples lives. In order to bring bio-identical hormones into mainstream medicine someone has to publish statistically significant data and establish safety and efficacy. I left my private practice and joined an integrated health system to do exactly that. We now have the opportunity to create and publish a randomized prospective placebo-controlled trial on bio-identical hormones and that is exactly what we are working on right now.

Q: HRT is all over the news lately now that the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) convened a panel of clinicians and researchers in women’s health to assess new evidence and come to a consensus on recommendations regarding hormone therapy. What are your thoughts on the latest statement from NAMS?

A: The change in their position statement is in line with recent evidence that reveals that estrogen therapy alone does not increase the risk of breast cancer. It seems that the medication that increases the incidence of breast cancer is the unnatural progestogen. The change in their position statement is in line with what healthy aging physicians have been saying for years. Treatments should be customized for each individual patient. Estrogen should be delivered across the skin and progesterone should be natural.

Q: How do bio-identical hormones differ from synthetic hormones? Many women are under the impression that all hormones made in a lab are the same.

A: Bio-identical hormones are customized for each individual patient and are identical to the human hormones that the patient’s ovaries produce.

Q: Individual customization is so important. Like I always say, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with perimenopause and menopause! Everyone has a different experience. What was your most significant ‘aha’ menopause moment?

A: When I started taking bio-identical hormones and started feeling normal again.

That makes two of us! I know I’m not alone when I say that bio-identical hormones changed my life, and once I found that bio-identical hormones were the right path for me, I could finally sigh a huge breath of relief. For all those dealing with perimenopause, actively seek the help you need. Once you start feeling symptoms, track them with the Menopause Symptoms Chart and take it to a perimenopause and menopause specialist like Dr. Judith Rubin to effectively communicate your experience. Read the latest, most pertinent information that has permeated the news and don’t be scared to reach out and grab the help you deserve! Thank you to Dr. Judith Rubin for her passion in ensuring that women everywhere lead happy, healthy lives! Be sure to look for her in our Doctor Directory if you’re in the Gig Harbor area! For more information, visit www.multicare.org. MultiCare now has a telemedicine program so  any patient in the United States can be a patient of Dr. Rubin by calling 253-303-0563!