I did not expect to like this book.
I realize I may be a bit jaded, but I was prepared for The Hormone Cure by Dr. Sara Gottfried to be full of lofty promises, vague anecdotes, and a heavy push toward expensive, “propriety blend” supplements that the author had a financial stake in. Instead I found well-reasoned arguments with data behind it. I was pleasantly surprised, despite the salesy subtitle.
About the Author
Sara Gottfried (now Sara Szal), is a medical doctor with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Her focus is now functional medicine. In many ways, she seems to be trying to bridge the gap between traditional and functional medicine. I think we need more of this, so I was pleased to see it.
Book Structure and Approach
Dr. Gottfried starts her book with a quiz, then guides you to the chapters that most align with your results. Each chapter follows a similar pattern.
- A general overview of the hormone and its functions
- A more detailed explanation (which she invites you to skip if you’re not interested)
- A patient story from her clinical experience
- A set of recommendations, with her explanations of how and why they work
What Surprised Me
- Supplement recommendations were (mostly) evidence-based. Dr. Gottfried frequently cites studies and acknowledges when evidence is limited. I did not delve too deeply into her citations, but there was a reasonable representation of respected medical journals.
- Her approach is stepwise and cautious. She typically recommends trying one intervention at a time, allowing a few weeks to gauge response before adding another.
- She doesn’t bash conventional doctors. There’s no “your doctor doesn’t know anything” rhetoric here. She acknowledges that some practitioners may be relying on outdated information, but she speaks respectfully of physicians.
A Few Cautions
- The supplement list is long. Even though it’s evidence-backed, it can feel overwhelming. You’ll want to approach this with discernment. And please speak to your practitioner first. She mentions a few potential drug interactions with certain supplements, but I don’t think she made some of her warnings strong enough.
- Some of the rhetoric is strong. I personally would have toned down a few claims or emphasized nuance more clearly.
- Outdated references. The book refers to a web page with supporting research links, but that section seems to have been removed—possibly due to the book’s original 2014 publication date.
Why This Book Matters
The world (and the Internet) are full of self-proclaimed health experts who sell pricey protocols without accountability, so it was refreshing to read something from a licensed physician who takes research and patient care seriously. Having an MD doesn’t automatically mean someone is on the level (ask me how I know), but they do have to answer to a licensing board.
God’s people are everywhere, and that includes functional medicine. There are a lot of wonderful, thoughtful people practicing functional medicine faithfully. But the field also has its grifters. This didn’t feel like a grift.
Final Thoughts
I may not agree with every recommendation Dr. Gottfried makes, but The Hormone Cure is sensible, data-driven, and grounded in lifestyle basics like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. She didn’t promise overnight fixes or magic bullets.
If you’re a woman feeling unheard or confused about what’s happening in your body—and you want to advocate for yourself in your next doctor’s visit—this book is a valuable resource. As always, talk to your healthcare provider first. But don’t be afraid to get informed.
Disclaimer: For information purposes only, and should not replace professional medical advice.
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