Hormone optimization is about more than testosterone levels. In this episode, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Devaki Lindsey Berkson, a pioneer in functional medicine and hormone research, to explain why true longevity depends on hormone signaling, receptor sensitivity, gut health, and environmental resilience.
Dr. Berkson shares why hormones function as the body’s “software,” coordinating metabolism, cognition, immune balance, and cellular repair. She explains why normal lab values don’t always reflect optimal function—and why many patients feel fatigued, inflamed, or hormonally imbalanced despite being told everything looks “fine.”
Environmental toxins, mineral deficiencies, vitamin D status, and microbiome imbalances are all discussed as modern disruptors of hormonal communication. If you’re interested in bioidentical hormone therapy, functional endocrinology, gut-driven inflammation, or precision longevity strategies, this episode delivers a research-informed, systems-based framework for sustainable health optimization.
📌 About Dr. Lindsey Berkson
Dr. Devaki Lindsey Berkson is a distinguished scholar, clinical researcher, and pioneer in functional medicine with more than four decades of experience. She has authored 22 books, including Healthy Digestion the Natural Way and Hormone Deception.
Dr. Berkson served as a hormone scholar at Tulane University’s Center for Bioenvironmental Research, collaborating with scientists involved in the discovery of the first estrogen receptors. She holds patents in bioidentical hormone therapy and has developed nutritional programs for renal health and cancer survivors. Her work bridges advanced hormone science with practical, patient-centered longevity strategies.
Dr. Berkson is a featured speaker at the EPIC Functional Medicine Conference 2026, proudly sponsored by Biotics Research®. Join industry-leading speakers for a three-day event focused on the latest research and clinical innovations in patient care.
- Date: November 6th – 8th, 2026
- Location: Marriott Sugar Land Town Square, TX
- Topic: Turning Back the Aging Clock: Evidence-Based Strategies to Measure and Influence Biological Age
🔗 Register for EPIC 2026: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/epic2026
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Lindsey Berkson
Website: https://drlindseyberkson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlberkson
🔗 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones
Book Dr. Jones to speak at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/
Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GregJonesNMD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK
🔗 Authoritative Resources & Further Reading (Live + Relevant)
- Endocrine Society – Hormone Health Overview:
https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Gut & Digestive Health: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information
🔬 Timestamps
Why oral health and hygiene are the first steps to longevity (00:00 – 04:40)
Dr. Berkson’s journey (04:40 – 13:17)
Understanding how hormones actually communicate (13:17 – 15:27)
Complex Cases: Using nutrition and hormones to avoid major surgeries (15:27 – 16:44)
Why the “Big Three” (Testosterone, Estrogen, Thyroid) rule your health (16:44 – 18:00)
Staying sharp: Dr. Berkson’s tips for brain health as we age (18:00 – 19:22)
Why your labs might look “normal” while you feel terrible (19:22 – 29:45)
The truth about Vitamin D and its role as a pro-hormone (29:45 – 36:54)
Why “one size fits all” medicine fails high-risk patients (36:54 – 43:42)
How your microbiome controls your endocrine system (43:42 – 53:00)
The importance of working with a personalized healthcare team (53:00 – 56:06)
Environmental Toxins: How modern life is “clogging” our hormonal signals (56:06 – 1:02:29)
Zinc, minerals, and the hidden keys to hormone transport (1:02:29 – 1:16:38)
Closing thoughts and where to find Dr. Berkson’s research (1:16:38 – 1:23:53)
Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations
