Everyday Wellness

I'm delighted to reconnect with my dear friend Ben Azadi today, in honor of his newly revised book, Keto Flex. Ben is a leading authority on metabolic health, an international Keystone speaker, and the New York Times best-selling author of Metabolic Freedom. In today's conversation, we discuss why women fail on keto. We examine how women's menstrual cycles and various life stages influence both the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, and the importance of coming out of ketosis and incorporating feast days. We explain what the Randall cycle is, why we need to be finely tuned to it, how to support healthy cortisol regulation, particularly the HPA axis, and tools to determine whether we are balanced within the autonomic nervous system, including heart rate variability, sleep, and whether our glucose and ketones are within range. We also explore the effects of anti-nutrients and elimination diets, and Ben shares his approach for women who feel keto hasn't worked for them, explaining why keto should be viewed as a process rather than a diet. This is, as always, a truly invaluable conversation with my dear friend Ben Azadi. Stay tuned, as we will also be offering giveaways to listeners of Ben's new book, Keto Flex. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Various factors that could influence how women respond to a ketogenic diet How women need to adjust keto and fasting according to their menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and postmenopausal years, rather than continuously following the same approach Why Ben encourages women to have intentional feast days instead of remaining in ketosis indefinitely  What a feast day looks like,  and how it differs from a cheat day Why fasting should be adapted to how well your body tolerates stress Factors that can help to determine whether fasting is working for you Why you should adjust your training intensity and focus more on recovery as you get older How a temporary carnivore elimination diet can help identify foods your body doesn't tolerate Why Ben views keto as a metabolic process rather than a diet, and why he prioritizes lifestyle before medication Bio: Ben Azadi Ben Azadi, FDN-P, is a leading authority on metabolic health, an international keynote speaker, and the New York Times bestselling author of Metabolic Freedom. After facing his own health challenges, Ben transformed his life in 2008—losing 80 pounds and stepping into metabolic freedom. That turning point sparked a global mission: to help 1 billion people break free from physical and mental obesity through education, not medication. With 18+ years in the health and wellness space, Ben is now leading a bold 10-year initiative to naturally reverse type 2 diabetes in 1 million people. Through his work, Ben has reached millions worldwide and personally coached thousands to reclaim their health. His audience includes nearly 3M+ on digital platforms, more than 1M YouTube subscribers with over 100M views, and his top-ranked podcast, The Ben Azadi Show, which has surpassed 100 million downloads. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Ben Azadi On his website Pre-order a revised-version copy of Keto Flex and claim your bonuses

I am thrilled to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Anthony Youn today.  Dr. Youn is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon and the author of many best-selling books. He has a massive social media presence and hosts the widely acclaimed podcast The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show. In our conversation today, we dive into Dr. Youn's new book, Younger for Life, and he offers valuable insights on skin health and overall well-being. We explore the aging process and address oxidative-free radical damage, chronic inflammation, autophagy, and the impact of processed foods. We also get into helpful supplements for skin support, examine the concept of greenwashing, and discuss sunscreen, exfoliation, in-office treatments, breast implant illness, and the power of lifestyle choices. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How to avoid aging too quickly through nutrition and lifestyle changes How sugar and seed oils impact skin aging The benefits of collagen supplements for healthier skin  Hormonal changes that affect the metabolism and skin health after menopause The importance of screening the ingredients in skincare products How chemical sunscreens differ from physical sunblocks Using Retinol for anti-aging and skin health Non-invasive fat reduction treatments and their potential risks Dr. Youn discusses breast implant illness What you need to look out for when using Botox Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Anthony Youn On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠Youn Beauty⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠TikTok

I am honored to connect with Dr. Sharon Stills today. She is a graduate of naturopathic medical school with extensive training in European biological medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement, and anti-aging therapies. In our conversation today, we explore terrain-based medicine and strategies to support women in perimenopause and beyond. We talk extensively about gut health, the estroblome, the microbiome, how European biological medicine views these as terrain, disruptive factors, and why they matter for women in midlife. We also examine the influence of the lymphatic system and how castor oil packs support it, bioidentical hormones as a lifelong tool rather than a temporary fix, and why menopause is a sacred second act in women's lives. Dr. Stills is thoughtful, insightful, and grounded, and I know you will enjoy this conversation with her as much as I did recording it. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How European biological medicine emphasizes the extracellular matrix (terrain) rather than focusing only on individual cells or mitochondria How declining hormones during menopause often expose longstanding yet previously hidden aspects of women's health Dr. Stills shares what she did to prepare herself for menopause in the preceding years  Dr. Stills encourages women to create meaningful challenges or experiences to mark their major life transitions How limiting beliefs about aging can influence how you experience midlife and beyond Factors that could influence the health of your terrain How supplements can play an important role, but work best alongside lifestyle habits, mindfulness, and supporting your body's natural healing processes Why Dr. Stills considers the lymphatic system an overlooked contributor to hormone balance, and some practical ways to support healthy lymphatic flow How simple daily habits often have a greater impact on your health than wellness gadgets The value of bioidentical hormones, and why hormone therapy should be individualized rather than one-size-fits-all Bio: Dr. Sharon Stills Dr. Sharon Stills, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and graduate of The Sonoran University (2001), has spent over two decades transforming women's health, with a special focus on guiding women through perimenopause and menopause. Creator of the pioneering RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program and host of the annual Mastering Your Meno(pause) Transition summit, she combines her expertise in European Biological Medicine, pro-aging therapies, and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement to help women rediscover vitality with natural methods. A respected voice in her field, Dr. Stills has lectured internationally at the Paracelsus Academy in Switzerland, contributed to Women's Health Network, and served on the boards of the Bio-Regulatory Medicine Institute and UCLA's Archive of Healing. She recently opened the Lasting Wellness Center in Scottsdale, AZ—alongside her son, Dr. Ben Stills—offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care for chronic illness and women's health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Sharon Stills On her website

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute episode. Today, we're talking about elimination diets, iron, and ferritin. I share my personal experience with prolonged antibiotic and antifungal use, clarify what the research actually says about restrictive diets, nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and brain fog, and highlight why it's essential to understand your iron status during the menopausal transition. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why elimination diets can be helpful in specific situations, but may not be appropriate for the long term How removing major food groups without a replacement strategy can cause unintended nutrient deficiencies Why some women become more reactive to certain foods during the menopausal transition How women's protein requirements increase during perimenopause and menopause How low ferritin is often overlooked in women, even when they are experiencing fatigue and brain fog Why women's iron status fluctuates during the perimenopause to menopause transition How some women experience significant symptoms long before anemia appears in their standard lab work Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Links: 1. The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause—A Review 2. Weight gain during the menopause transition: Evidence for a mechanism dependent on protein leverage 3. The gut microbiota in menopause: Is there a role for prebiotic and probiotic solutions? 4. Cognitive Performance in Relation to Systemic and Brain Iron at Perimenopause 5. Accelerated Increase in Ferritin Levels During Menopausal Transition as a Marker of Metabolic Health 6. Iron and Menopause: Does Increased Iron Affect the Health of Postmenopausal Women? 7. Iron deficiency in peri-menopausal women: Clinical considerations from an expert consensus 8. Cognitive Function in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: Implications for Considering Iron Supplementation

I'm delighted to reconnect with Dr. Philip Ovadia today. He is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the operating room and the founder of Ovadia Heart Health, a telemedicine practice focused on preventing and treating metabolic and cardiovascular disease through dietary and lifestyle intervention. He has co-authored two books, including, most recently, Stay Off My Kitchen Table. Today we discuss key statistics on metabolic health, metabolic health challenges, and lifestyle interventions, including Dr. Ovadia's three I's (insulin resistance, inflammation, and imaging), optimal lab values, vulnerable populations, and why prevention is key, especially for women and heart disease. We discuss the influence of gut and metabolic health, elimination diets, the reintroduction of food, and the positive influence of AI on medicine. We also cover the impact of GLP-1s and so much more. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Dr. Phil Ovadia on why improving metabolic health is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent cardiovascular disease. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why clinicians often fail to recognize the five metabolic syndrome criteria as signs of metabolic disease Dr. Ovadia introduces his "three I's”, and explains why they deserve far more attention when evaluating cardiovascular disease risk. How dietary and lifestyle interventions can improve metabolic health, reduce medication use, and help people feel more empowered Why blood work should always be interpreted as part of the bigger picture rather than focusing on a single value How metabolic changes during perimenopause and menopause can increase cardiovascular disease risk, and why prevention is particularly important How gut dysfunction can interfere with nutrient absorption and contribute to ongoing metabolic health challenges The value of using the carnivore diet as an elimination diet Dr. Ovadia explains why he is optimistic about AI in medicine How Dr. Ovadia's perspective on GLP-1 medications has evolved, and how he now uses low-dose GLP-1s alongside dietary and lifestyle interventions for certain patients Some simple measures to help you better understand your current metabolic health Bio: Dr. Philip Ovadia Conducting over 3,000 heart surgeries taught Dr. Philip Ovadia that good health comes from lifestyle and nutrition, not surgery. Sadly, many of his patients considered their heart attacks “inevitable.” Having lost 100lbs to overcome lifelong obesity, Dr Ovadia is on a mission to help people stay off his operating table by teaching them how to never need a heart surgeon through his Telehealth practice, Ovadia Heart Health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Philip Ovadia On his website On social media: @ifixhearts Pre-order a copy of Stay Off My Kitchen Table

Today, we have a sponsored episode featuring One Skin, a super high-value company I've worked with over the past two years. I'm joined today by Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira, one of the CEOs and co-founders of One Skin. Dr. Oliveira holds a PhD in stem cell biology and tissue engineering. She has co-invented five patents and co-authored numerous scientific publications. She and her team are disrupting the outdated anti-aging skincare industry with their cutting-edge research on skin and longevity. In our conversation, Dr. Reis Oliveira shares her journey from receiving her PhD to co-founding One Skin. We explore the impact of cellular senescence and immunosenescence and how estrogen receptors in the skin change during perimenopause and menopause, increasing the rate of senescent cell accumulation. We discuss skin as a longevity organ and the research behind the OS-01 peptide, including how it supports the microbiome and blood flow, its exceptional results for increasing hair thickness, and how to use this peptide in skin, body, or hair care. We also cover the effects of sun and environmental exposures on skin aging, and Dr. Reis Oliveira discusses her current research on the influence of GLP-1s on stem cells and skin health. Stay tuned for a truly interesting and insightful conversation on the science of skin, longevity, and the latest research behind One Skin. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What led Dr. Reis Oliveira and her team to focus on cellular senescence and skin as a longevity organ? What cellular senescence is, and why it becomes increasingly important during perimenopause and menopause How maintaining a healthy skin barrier and good hydration helps the skin recover from various stressors One Skin's research and product development process How Dr. Reis Oliveira's team measures the epigenetic signature of the skin to determine biological skin age The importance of supporting the barrier function across the entire body, and not just the face How stress, hormonal changes, and aging increase senescent cells within hair follicles, and how to support hair density and thickness Why protecting your skin from UV exposure remains an important part of healthy aging Investigating whether the OS-01 peptide could help support skin quality in people using GLP-1 medications How long does it typically take to see results with One Skin face, body, eye, and hair products Bio: Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira is the CEO and co-founder of One Skin. She holds a Ph.D. in stem cell biology and tissue engineering, is a co-inventor of 5 patents, and a co-author of numerous scientific publications. She relocated from Brazil to Silicon Valley in 2016 to found One Skin, a fast-growing longevity company developing products to promote skin age reversal by targeting a central driver of aging, the accumulation of senescent cells. Carolina and her team are disrupting the outdated anti-aging skincare industry with their groundbreaking research around skin and longevity. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira One Skin On TikTok Instagram

I am honored to have Dr. Carrie Jones back on the podcast today. She's a naturopathic physician and hormone expert with over 20 years of clinical experience in women's health and endocrinology. In today's conversation, we unpack common social media myths about midlife, the influence of lifestyle choices in perimenopause, the role of cortisol and hormones, and current research on the parasympathetic nervous system. Dr. Jones explains vagal freeze, how our stress response can exacerbate it, and why stress has become so normalized. We also explore the influence of synthetic hormones, thyroid propaganda, immune system function, autoimmunity, lab reference values and ranges, and the timing hypothesis of hormone replacement therapy, and Dr. Jones shares her favorite new supplements. Stay tuned for another insightful conversation with one of my favorite voices in the hormone space. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of being thoughtful about information shared on social media regarding perimenopause and menopause How chronic stress becomes harder to tolerate and can cause an increase in inflammation during perimenopause Some simple strategies to help you feel safe, connected, and supported, and improve your vagal tone How actual stress, anticipated stress, and perceived stress all activate the same stress response How chronic stress affects every system within the body How certain women can tolerate synthetic hormones very well, while others develop various symptoms Why basic blood tests and reference ranges are not always optimal for everyone Factors that could influence thyroid function, and the benefits of a broader thyroid assessment than TSH alone Dr. Jones explains why she prefers to start hormone therapy early in perimenopause if appropriate The new supplements Dr. Jones uses to support mood, stress, and sleep Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On her website Instagram YouTube Hello Hormones Podcast

I'm excited to welcome Dr. Dave Rabin today. Dr. Rabin is a translational neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treatment-resistant PTSD, addiction, vagus nerve activation, and HRV as a biomarker. He is also the author of A Simple Guide to Being Alive, a thoughtful and helpful guide to supporting our health, and one of my favorite books in the last several years. In this episode, we explore the habitat crisis and why we cannot bully our nervous system into safety. Dr. Rabin explains trauma and support, healing from within, the role of anhedonia, and why the absence of pleasure is a physiologic issue rather than a moral one. We also discuss wonder, awe, and play; the importance of touch, intimacy, eye contact, oxytocin, and co-regulation; the role of psychedelics, medication, and psychotherapy in trauma healing, and how kindness toward ourselves and others can help activate the vagus nerve. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on supporting your nervous system, healing from within, and rethinking what it means to be truly alive. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why Dr. Rabin believes we are facing a habitat crisis rather than simply a mental health crisis What happens when you try to bully your nervous system into safety How the vagus nerve helps shift the body from chronic stress into recovery Being blamed or unsupported after hardship can reinforce a victim mindset. Why medicine, technology, practitioners, and other tools should help activate your own healing rather than become something you depend on Wonder, awe, play, and pleasure may support the body's natural healing response. How human connection, oxytocin, co-regulation, and shared experiences support nervous system regulation and recovery How psychedelic-assisted therapy fits into trauma healing How medication can help stabilize people while healing begins Why being kind to yourself is an essential part of healing Bio: Dr. Davis Rabin Dr. David M. L. Rabin, MD, PhD, is a translational neuroscientist, psychiatrist, entrepreneur & inventor on a mission to cure mental illness. He has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for over 20 years, focusing on trauma, addiction, and human performance. Dr. Rabin is a Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder at Apollo Neuroscience, the Executive Director of The Board of Medicine Nonprofit Medical Board, and the Medical Director of The Apollo Clinic. In addition to hosting The Psychedelic Report and Your Brain Explained podcasts, Dr. Rabin regularly serves as an expert for news outlets such as The New York Times, Vogue, CBS News, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, dancing, playing volleyball, sailing, and hiking with his wife, Kathryn, and their son, Sammy. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. David Rabin On his website On social media: @DrDaveRabin The Psychedelic Report and Your Brain Explained Podcasts Dr. Rabin's book: A Simple Guide to Being Alive

I am happy to connect with Coach Bronson Dant today. He has spent over a decade guiding and training people in health and fitness. He discovered the benefits of a whole-food, animal-based ketogenic diet for optimizing metabolic health and performance, and wrote The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Book. In our discussion today, we dive into the powerful story of Coach Bronson's pain-to-purpose journey. We explore the value of mindset and look at how age-related changes affect muscle, inflammation, and metabolic flexibility. He shares his three pillars of muscle health related to nutrient density, bioavailability, and satiety, and we examine the importance of sleep, the impact of extremes in exercise, and the value of stress management. We also unravel the complexities of weight-loss resistance, and Coach Bronson discusses his research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health Science, sharing his perspective on macros and functional movement in menopausal women. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Coach Bronson shares his three pillars for nutrition The limitations of basing nutrition on calories alone How the hormone piece impacts effective weight management How to avoid physical deterioration through fitness and nutrition Why Coach Bronson advocates for living life to the fullest and dying quickly How does muscle mass impact metabolic health? The importance of taking a balanced approach to weight loss How sleep aids muscle recovery and growth  Stress management, nutrition, and fitness for overall well-being How alcohol affects our health and fitness The benefits of combining functional movement training and proper nutrition for older adults  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Bronson Dant On his ⁠website⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Bundle⁠

Today, I'm delighted to share a compilation of adrenal-centric discussions with experts Drs. Sonya Jensen, Carrie Jones, Scott Sherr, and Will Bulsiewicz, and geneticist Dr. Yael Joffe, Nurse Practitioner Heather Quaile, and Physician's Assistant McCall McPherson. In this masterclass, we explore the effects of generational silence and how the thrifty genotype impacts the likelihood of poor metabolic health outcomes over time. We define the GABAergic system and the effects of decreased progesterone in perimenopause, and examine how our immune and nervous systems are impacted in midlife. We discuss the impact of GABA cofactors, the connection between adrenal and thyroid health, how stress affects ovarian aging, and the impact of genetics on our lifestyle choices and responses. We also unpack shift work and circadian rhythm disruption, and their influence on the gut microbiome. Join us for today's action - and information-packed, adrenal-centric podcast. I know you will enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it all together. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The impact of generational trauma on stress resilience and metabolic health across generations How famine exposure, family history, and cultural background could contribute to our metabolic and hormonal health How estrogen metabolism pathways can influence hormone balance and long-term health The importance of B vitamins, magnesium, amino acids, protein, and overall nutritional status for healthy liver function and detoxification How ongoing fight-or-flight activation can impair energy production and contribute to a cycle of worsening stress and fatigue How hormones, sleep, toxins, infections, and insulin resistance can influence mitochondrial performance The importance of optimizing thyroid and adrenal dysfunction together  How chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can influence ovarian aging  How gut barrier dysfunction can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation How genetics and epigenetics can affect our appetite, hormone metabolism, mood, and treatment responses Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Sonya Jensen On her book website: Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself Instagram Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On Instagram Estrogen Detox Made Easy Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones - Podcast Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr On his ⁠website⁠ Troscriptions ⁠Health Optimization Medicine   One Base Health⁠⁠ Connect with McCall McPherson On Modern Thyroid Clinic Instagram and TikTok Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast Thyroid Lab Guide Connect with Heather Quaile On her website  Instagram Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz On his website Connect with Yael Joffe On 3X4 Genetics Instagram Facebook Podcast Links: Ep. 559 Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself: Women's Health in Midlife with Dr. Sonya Jensen | Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormones Ep. 567 “Timing Is Everything” – The Best Way to Test Hormones, Cortisol & Thyroid for Real Answers with Dr. Carrie Jones BONUS: "The Sympathetic Spiral of Doom!” – The Fastest Way To Reset Your Nervous System & End Burnout with Dr. Scott Sherr Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson Ep. 498 Chronic Stress Is Aging Your Ovaries – The Shocking Link Between Trauma, Hormones & Menopause with Heather Quaile Ep. 537 The #1 Longevity Nutrient You're Missing – How Fiber Supercharges Your Gut, Immunity & Sleep with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn't Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe

Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute. In this episode, we're focusing on progesterone, exploring the differences between progesterone and progestins, how progesterone is used in clinical practice, and how individual responses can vary significantly. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins are not interchangeable How early synthetic progestin studies continue to shape how progesterone is viewed How different routes of progesterone administration produce different effects  Why do some women experience stronger neurological or physical effects than others on the same progesterone dose How cyclical versus continuous use can affect how progesterone is used in the body  Why some women experience sleep or mood changes on oral progesterone The importance of personalized decision-making Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources:  The pharmacodynamics and safety of progesterone doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.002 Profiles of plasma estrogens, progesterone and their metabolites after oral or vaginal administration of estradiol or progesterone doi:10.1016/0378-5122(93)90064-O Pharmacokinetics of progesterone and its metabolites allopregnanolone and pregnanolone after oral administration of low-dose progesterone doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.11.005 Allopregnanolone and mood in the peripartum: a longitudinal assessment in healthy women doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104465 Behavior of Male Gamete Fusogen GCS1/HAP2 and the Regulation in Arabidopsis Double Fertilization doi:10.3390/biom13020208 Tolerance to allopregnanolone with focus on the GABA receptor doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01059.x Effects of exercise training on the cardiovascular system: pharmacological approaches doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.03.010 Sex steroid induced negative mood may be explained by the paradoxical effect mediated by GABA modulators doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.02.003 Paradoxical effects of GABA modulators may explain sex steroid induced negative mood symptoms in some persons doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.061 Progesterone selectively increases amygdala reactivity in women doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4002030 Progesterone and allopregnanolone neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02366-5 Allopregnanolone and mood disorders doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.005 GABA receptor plasticity and neurosteroid cell withdrawal during the estrous cycle doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2800-09.2009 Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study doi:10.1007/s10549-007-9523-x Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review doi:10.1001/jama.2022.24140 Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467611 Progesterone prevents sleep disturbances and modulates GH, TSH, and melatonin secretion in postmenopausal women doi:10.1210/jc.2010-2558

Today, I am thrilled to connect with a friend and colleague, Nat Niddam. Nat is a certified holistic nutritionist and epigenetic coach, and host of the Longevity with Nat Niddam podcast. She has one of the most engaged professional and public communities focused on peptide education and longevity protocols. In today's discussion, we explain what peptides are and how they differ from HRT. We explore the differences between bioregulators and signaling peptides, clarify how peptides affect neurological and gut health, discuss beneficial peptides for muscle health and longevity, and examine the challenges surrounding peptide hype. We also explain why discernment is essential if you are considering peptides as part of a treatment plan with a licensed medical provider, and highlight specific topical peptides that can be helpful for aging skin. I look forward to having Nat back to continue our conversation about peptide therapies.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What are peptides? How signaling peptides differ from bioregulators Why it's essential to work with a knowledgeable practitioner when considering peptides Why sleep, hormones, stress levels, and gut health must be optimized before utilizing peptides How peptides can support recovery, muscle maintenance, and heavy training periods The importance of finding trustworthy practitioners and being skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true Peptide compounds that can help people recover faster between workouts Peptides and bioregulators that can support the immune system as we age Topical peptides that can support collagen, elastin, wound healing, and skin repair Bio:  Nathalie Niddam Nathalie Niddam, a holistic nutritionist and longevity educator, is dedicated to helping us all live joyful, vibrant lives well into our 50s, 60s, and beyond. She shares strategies—from health tech to ancestral health, to peptides and more on her podcast, Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam. She speaks internationally, sharing her deep expertise on bioregulators—leading-edge compounds with the power to awaken the body's innate rejuvenation systems. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Nathalie Niddam On her website Longevity with Nathalie Niddam (Podcast) On Instagram

I am honored to connect with Dr. Stacy Sims today. She is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist on a mission to revolutionize exercise and nutrition performance- particularly for women. In our conversation, we discussed the exclusion of women from research in the modern science era and how gender differences begin in utero. We look into the importance of tracking our menstrual cycles, the differences between follicular and luteal phases, and problematic ovulatory cycles, exploring the current research on oral contraceptives, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative, and the kind of training that is essential for women in perimenopause and menopause. We also cover the physiologic changes that occur in perimenopause and menopause, and Dr. Sims shares her thoughts on weight loss resistance, SECO, undereating, the importance of protein, and essential supplements for middle-aged women. I know you will love this invaluable conversation with Dr. Stacy Sims. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why are women still excluded from many studies? How the physiological differences between men and women begin in utero and continue through adulthood How stress during pregnancy affects the developing fetus How the muscle morphology of women differs from that of men  Why girls need to learn new ways to move and build strength during puberty How tracking menstrual cycle phases helps women optimize their training The potential long-term effects of using oral contraceptives Why a diverse diet is essential for supporting gut health Common misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy Why Dr. Sims recommends creatine for women in perimenopause and menopause Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims  On her⁠ website⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠TikTok

Today, I am delighted to welcome Emily Sadri, a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife, also trained in functional medicine. Emily is the founder of Aurelia Health, a private women's health practice in the Van Aken district of Shaker Heights, Ohio, offering telehealth services specializing in hormone therapy and weight-loss support for women ages 35 to 55. As a leading hormone expert, she has built her practice around a hormones-first approach. In today's conversation, Emily explains the differences between being a nurse practitioner and a midwife, and we discuss nurse practitioner training, scope of practice, professional support, anticipatory guidance, and the limitations of conventional midlife care. Emily also shares why she prioritizes precision-oriented, personalized care, the value of Mira monitoring for precision hormone replacement therapy management in perimenopause, key hormonal changes she sees in early perimenopause, the impact of cyclic, static, and physiologic dosing of HRT, the influence of progestin IUDs, trends in healthcare, and less common reasons why women in midlife tend to become weight loss resistant. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on hormones, precision care, and supporting women through perimenopause and midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How women's health nurse practitioner training differs from midwifery, and how midwifery shaped Emily's professional philosophy and ethics Why women need to take ownership of their health throughout every life stage  The importance of moving beyond treating symptoms by using comprehensive lab work to identify broader hormonal and metabolic patterns The value of using Mira, an at-home hormone monitoring system, to follow hormone patterns throughout an entire menstrual cycle, rather than relying on isolated laboratory measurements Why Emily believes in looking at hormone patterns rather than progesterone decline or isolated estrogen levels when making hormone replacement therapy decisions How static, cyclic, and physiologic HRT differ, and why Emily believes physiologic dosing deserves greater consideration. Why treating hormones in isolation often fails to address the bigger picture, particularly during perimenopause The importance of women being fully informed when considering hormonal birth control and intrauterine devices Factors beyond sarcopenia, nutrition, sleep, and stress that could contribute to weight loss resistance  Bio: Emily Sadri Emily Sadri is a Board Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and hormone expert who founded Aurelia Health, a modern concierge telehealth company that serves women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Emily's areas of expertise include metabolic health, precision hormone care, and longevity medicine. Her mission is to advance comprehensive care in midlife, create a model that fills in the gaps where primary care is failing women, and to recenter care around the relationship AS the medicine. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, four children, and two dogs. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Emily Sadri On her website Instagram Aurelia Health

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, we're discussing how oral contraceptives and Depo Provera can impact women's bone health over time.Stay tuned as I walk you through the research, prescribing trends, and ways women can support their bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How peak bone mass in adolescence affects bone health later in life How oral contraceptives can interfere with the bone development of young women The lack of informed conversations about the bone health risks associated with long-term contraceptive use Why Depo Provera may have a stronger impact on bone density than oral contraceptives The importance of nutrition and strength training for supporting bone health How hormonal contraceptives can affect the gut microbiome and immune system What you need to consider regarding your bone density and long-term health if you've been using oral contraceptives or Depo for many years Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.07.005 Oral Contraceptive Use and Bone Density Change in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Prospective Study of Age, Hormone Dose, and Discontinuation doi:10.1210/jc.2010-3027 Adolescent use of combined hormonal contraception and peak bone mineral density accrual: A meta-analysis of international prospective controlled studies doi:10.1111/cen.13932 No need to specialize: reproductive health is for all adolescents doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2006.01.055 Injectable Hormone Contraception and Bone Density: Results from a Prospective Study doi:10.1097/00001648-200209000-00015 Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065 Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus doi:10.1002/art.24398 Oral Contraceptives and Multiple Sclerosis/Clinically Isolated Syndrome Susceptibility doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149094 The Experience of Surviving a High-Risk Pregnancy doi:10.1080/23293691.2016.1166104 Effects of 0.9 mg Recombinant Human Thyrotropin on Thyroid Size and Function in Normal Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial doi:10.1210/jc.2004-0914  

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Craig Emmerich as my guest. He's an electrical engineer and bestselling author who works closely with his wonderful wife, Maria. Craig has been following a keto diet for over 17 years and a carnivore diet for over six years to help him overcome chronic Lyme disease and inflammatory response syndrome. Focusing on the science of human nutrition, he has helped thousands of clients regain their health and vitality. In today's discussion, we explore the principles of metabolic health, the role of ultra-processed foods, the bliss point, and the loss of nutrient density. We examine midlife changes in metabolic health and body composition, and highlight the critical importance of metabolic flexibility and adequate protein intake. Craig clarifies why body composition should be considered rather than the scale and explains how he determines carbohydrate tolerance. We also examine the research on the gut microbiome, the insulin-fat cell relationship, insulin resistance, fasting, and the protein-sparing modified fast as strategies for weight loss, and discuss leptin resistance, alcohol, the effects of cortisol and sleep on the hormone cascade, and troubleshooting women's midlife challenges around HRT, hydration, electrolytes, and body composition shifts. Stay tuned for today's informative discussion with Craig Emmerich, who has recently launched a new book, The Art of Metabolic Health, that he and his wife co-authored. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of consuming whole foods and prioritizing your protein intake How companies engineer foods to encourage overeating Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale How building and maintaining muscle helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health Why adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining and improving bone density How your carbohydrate intake should be tailored to suit your personal goals, health status, and your response to different foods How insulin resistance develops Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss efforts How inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance Bio:  Craig Emmerich Craig Emmerich, who graduated in Electrical Engineering, has spent the last 16-plus years researching nutrition and working with thousands of clients alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich. He is an international bestselling author of “Keto: The Complete Guide” and “The Carnivore Cookbook”. He uses his knowledge of how our bodies work to help clients heal and lose weight, leveraging their biology to make it easier. Craig has helped hundreds of thousands of people regain their health and vitality with a strong focus on the science of human nutrition. Craig has been keto for over 17 years and carnivore for over 6 years to help treat his chronic Lyme disease and CIRS pain. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Craig Emmerich On his website

I am delighted to have Dr. Ken Berry returning to the podcast for his fourth appearance today. He is a physician, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for health, known for his no-nonsense approach to wellness. Dr. Berry has practiced at the Berry Clinic since 2003 and is an active community member. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for patients.  In our discussion today, we explore a recent Time news article and the growing concerns around the declining trustworthiness of media sources. We dive into the limitations of observational research, the problem with celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed foods, rising obesity rates in children and teens, and whether genetic factors are actually behind obesity, as highlighted recently in a 60 Minutes segment. We also discuss the impact of sugar, grains, and seed oils, as well as the significance of visceral fat. You will not want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Ken Berry. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Berry breaks down some deeper issues surrounding the recent Time article, where a lone registered dietitian claimed that ultra-processed foods are acceptable. How media sources are losing their credibility The vital part social media plays in changing the narrative and holding media sources accountable Why consumers must stay informed and be proactive in their health choices  The health implications of eating ultra-processed foods Dr. Berry shares his concerns about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending drugs like Ozempic for children.  The benefits of eating whole foods  Dr. Berry shares his three rules for a healthy diet. Why we need to avoid sugar and seed oils How following a low-carb diet can help reduce visceral fat. Dr. Berry introduces the American Diabetes Society and explains its mission. Bio:  Dr. Ken D. Berry, MD, is a licensed family physician, best-selling author, and leading advocate for the Proper Human Diet (PHD). With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Berry specializes in helping patients improve their health through low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense eating. His best-selling book, "Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health," and his popular YouTube channel, which has over 3 million subscribers, provide accessible, evidence-based guidance on nutrition and wellness. Dr. Berry's mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their health by debunking common medical myths and promoting sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. He is also a member of the Diet Doctor low-carb expert panel and an active participant in the keto and low-carb communities. Dr. Berry lives with his wife Neisha and their children on a farm in Holladay, Tennessee. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Ken Berry On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Dr. Berry's Books ⁠The American Diabetes Society ⁠

I'm delighted to connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton today. She's a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body's intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment. In today's conversation, Dr. Clinton explains what quantum biology is and how light shapes circadian rhythms and hormone balance. We discuss the emerging science of structured water, grounding, fascia, mitochondrial health, and the gut's energetic environment, also exploring practical ways to support your health by paying attention to your body's relationship with its surroundings. Join us for a truly fascinating discussion on how light, water, energy, and environment can influence our health in ways we have never even considered. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How quantum biology differs from conventional biology Why is natural morning light so important for our bodies? The disruptive effects of LED lighting Dr. Clinton explains what structured water is and the important role it may play in cellular function. How healthy mitochondria support cellular energy production, hydration, overall health, and longevity In addition to producing ATP, how the mitochondria can contribute to cellular hydration How the minerals in drinking water can help the water move into and around cells The value of grounding to support the electrical systems within the body Why fascia is increasingly viewed as an active communication network within the body Bio:  Dr. Catherine Clinton Dr. Catherine Clinton, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With more than 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens. While in naturopathic medical school, her diagnosis of two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease reshaped her understanding of healing and led her beyond conventional models. Dr. Clinton has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, teaches internationally, and maintains a small clinical practice in Eugene, Oregon. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body's intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton On her website Order a copy of Dr. Clinton's book, Optimize, and get free bonuses

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, we're exploring the benefits of creatine monohydrate, essential aminos, grass-fed beef liver, and Yolked (fortotropin). I explain how these products work together, the importance of resistance training and hormone optimization as foundational factors in midlife, and how supplements fit in. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of using creatine monohydrate when training The value of essential aminos for muscle protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown The nutrients provided by grass-fed beef liver What research suggests about how Yolked may relate to myostatin modulation, muscle hypertrophy pathways, and growth factor signaling Why I recommend using creatine, essential aminos, beef liver, and Yolked together as a stacked approach Why resistance exercise remains the primary signal for muscle growth The importance of hormone optimization for energy, muscle building, executive function, motivation, and recovery Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources:  Kion Aminos: Use the code CYNTHIA for 20% off Yolked: Use the code CYNTHIA for 20% off Ancestral Supplements: Use the affiliate code CYNTHIA 

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein, a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician specializing in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, including POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. In our discussion, we discuss the invisible illness problem and complex medical illnesses, and Dr. Bluestein shares how being diagnosed with EDS in her 40s prompted her to pivot her career to focus on what is missing in medicine regarding those complex illnesses. We explore different types of hypermobility conditions and why women are disproportionately more affected by those conditions than men. We clarify what hypermobility means, the cluster of EDS, POTS, and MCAS, what to do when you have unexplained multi-system symptoms, and how AI can be beneficial. We also examine pain science, hypermobility, sympathetic overdrive, kinesiophobia, anesthesia considerations in connective tissue disorders, and the impact of midlife transitions, HRT, medical gaslighting, nervous system regulation, movement, nutrition, and validation and hope for patients with complex medical illnesses. I am delighted to share this informative conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein with the Everyday Wellness community, and look forward to having Dr. Bluestein back to explore this topic further. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How patients with complex symptoms often go from specialist to specialist, yet none of them connect the dots. How patients tend to be blamed when treatments fail How POTS diagnosis is often based on heart rate changes, even though it's not primarily a heart rate condition How dysautonomia affects multiple body systems How, apart from joint flexibility, hypermobility can also involve skin, tissues, organs, and multiple body systems. How EDS, POTS, and MCAS can overlap The value of AI tools for helping patients organize complex symptom histories How sympathetic overdrive and kinesiophobia can worsen chronic pain The impact of medical gaslighting Bio:  Dr. Linda Bluestein Dr. Linda Bluestein is a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician who specializes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, such as POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. She is the founder of Hypermobility MD and the host of the internationally recognized Bendy Bodies Podcast, where she bridges the gap between patients and clinicians by unpacking complex medicine through a pattern-based, whole-person lens. Dr. Bluestein is also an EDS patient herself, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to conversations about diagnostic delays, medical gaslighting, and compassionate, effective care. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein Bendy Bodies Podcast Dysautonomia Support Network

I am delighted to have the privilege of reconnecting with Dr. Deb Matthew today. She joined me once before on Episode 259. She is a distinguished best-selling author, international speaker, and dedicated educator known as the Happy Hormone Doctor.  Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, causing one of every 3.2 deaths among women annually. In our conversation today, Dr. Matthew and I delve into the realm of cardiovascular disease, exploring the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, essential laboratory testing, medications, and the neurocognitive changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. We also focus on lifestyle, gut testing, and the all-time favorite topic: weight-loss resistance.  Stay tuned for today's engaging, enriching, and enlightening discussion with Dr. Deb Matthew. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How HRT reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease  How long-term use of estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease over time Why you should do a hormone panel before starting HRT How cortisol levels impact cardiovascular health How the coronary calcium score helps to predict heart attack risk Cholesterol markers and their significance in cardiovascular risk assessment Managing cholesterol levels in perimenopausal women The importance of addressing underlying hormonal imbalances in women to mitigate cognitive decline and lipid disorders The connection between gut health and brain fog How women's testosterone levels impact their cognition and motivation Hormone imbalance and weight loss resistance in women  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Deb Matthew On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Dr. Deb Matthew's book This is Not Normal on Amazon⁠  Previous Episode featuring Dr. Matthew ⁠Ep. 295: HRT's Impact on Women's Health Through Time with Dr. Deb Matthew⁠

I am honored to connect with Dr. Navaz Habib today. He is the Vagus Nerve Doc, a bestselling author, and host of the Health Upgrade podcast. In our discussion today, we look at what it takes to upgrade the vagus nerve, exploring how it is regulated, the role of vagal tone, and how it can be damaged with chronic stress. We examine the impact of allostatic load and dysregulation, and how midlife physiology compels us to proactively address our vagal tone. We cover the impact of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters, and why key nutrients like choline and omega-3s are necessary for proper vagal tone, and we dive into hormetic stressors and safety, how HRV and vagal tone are assessed, and targeted strategies to enhance vagus nerve performance. Dr. Habib also discusses his Vagus Program, which provides tools to improve vagal tone. Stay tuned for this informative conversation with Dr. Habib. I look forward to inviting him back to continue the discussion. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Habib describes the vagus nerve as the brake system of the autonomic nervous system, and explains how it connects to most major organs, working as a central communication highway What vagal tone is  Dr. Habib frames allostatic load in the context of a combined stress burden How “little t” trauma influences vagus nerve function and creates stress response patterns later in life Why midlife can be a period of increased stress sensitivity and autonomic dysregulation The key biochemical drivers of vagus nerve signaling and immune regulation How diaphragmatic breathing can directly influence vagus nerve activity What HRV actually measures, and how to interpret it correctly A practical framework of small interventions to build long-term autonomic flexibility Bio:  Dr. Navaz Habib Dr. Navaz Habib, aka "The Vagus Nerve Doc," is a best-selling author of 2 books - “Activate Your Vagus Nerve” and “Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve” and host of The Health Upgrade Podcast. After using functional medicine to overcome his own health challenges, Dr. Habib built Health Upgraded, an online health program implementing his VAGUS protocol, to guide parents and professionals to enhance their health by unlocking the healing power of the Vagus nerve to reduce the effects of stress and inflammation. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Navaz Habib On Instagram The Vagus Nerve Doc on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Habib's Vagus Protocol and become part of the online community. Dr. Habib's books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, I'm taking a closer look at oral contraceptive use in perimenopause and menopause, exploring how oral contraceptives work, how they suppress or blunt perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, alter hormone signaling and testing, what women may experience when they stop taking them, and why the gut microbiome is an essential part of the conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How oral contraceptives suppress certain key signaling hormones, making it difficult to assess women's menopausal status accurately What women may experience when transitioning off oral contraceptives How long-term oral contraceptive use can alter gut microbial function and inflammatory pathways The association between long-term oral contraceptive use and nutrient depletion Why the standard reproductive hormone markers used to assess menopause (especially FSH/LH) are unreliable while on the pill How the microbiome changes that occur as women age may compound the effects of previous oral contraceptive use Helpful dietary, microbiome, and lifestyle strategies to support women navigating the post-pill transition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources:  Sitruk-Ware R, Nath A. Characteristics and metabolic effects of estrogen and progestins contained in oral contraceptive pills. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;27(1):13–24. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.09.004 Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL. Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2016;21(5):347–355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327 Panzer C, Wise S, Fantini G, Kang D, Munarriz R, Guay A, Goldstein I. Impact of oral contraceptives on sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels: a retrospective study in women with sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2006;3(1):104–113. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00198.x Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2013;17(13):1804–1813. PMID:23852908 Khalili H, Higuchi LM, Ananthakrishnan AN, Richter JM, Feskanich D, Fuchs CS, Chan AT. Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 2013;62(8):1153–1159. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Flores R, Shi J, Fuhrman B, Xu X, Veenstra TD, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Fecal microbial determinants of fecal and systemic estrogens and estrogen metabolites: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2012;10:253. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-10-253 Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017;103:45–53. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025 Hua X, Cao Y, Morgan DM, Miller K, Chin SM, Bellavance D, Khalili H. Longitudinal analysis of the impact of oral contraceptive use on the gut microbiome. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022;71(4):001512. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.001512 Mihajlovic J, Leutner M, Hausmann B, Kohl G, Schwarz J, et al. Combined hormonal contraceptives are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women. Environmental Microbiology. 2021;23(6):3037–3047. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.15461 Seelig MS. Increased magnesium need with use of combined oestrogen and calcium supplementation. Magnesium Research. 1990;3(3):197–215. PMID:2133742 Donders GGG, Bellen G, Mendling W. Management of recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis as a chronic illness. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010;70(4):306–321. doi:10.1159/000314022 Krog MC, Hugerth LW, Fransson E, et al. The healthy female microbiome across body sites: effect of hormonal contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. Human Reproduction. 2022;37(7):1525–1543. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac094

Today, I'm thrilled to connect with Rowan Jacobsen. Rowan writes about science, nature, and the world's lesser-explored corners for publications including Harper's, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, and The New York Times, among others. He is the author of nine books, has lectured at Harvard and Yale, and has appeared on CBS, NBC, and NPR. In today's conversation, we discuss his unique and fascinating new book, In Defense of Sunlight, which explores the nuances surrounding light exposure. We look at the value of sun exposure and vitamin D, and Rowan explains why light acts as a master regulator in the body and how our modern lifestyles may be disrupting our natural biology more than we realize. We examine the effects of shift work, cortisol rhythm dysregulation, and the minimum effective dose of sunlight intensity and exposure, and Rowan breaks down how UVA and UVB wavelengths impact our physiology. We also cover the importance of nitric oxide production, and Rowan shares recommendations from his work. Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation on why sunlight may be one of the most overlooked foundations of human health. For those who enjoy reading about science, I highly recommend Rowan's book! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people fear any sun exposure rather than aiming for sensible, moderate exposure How light acts as a master regulator for circadian biology Why does spending most of the day indoors with artificial lighting make it harder to maintain healthy circadian rhythms? How shift work disrupts the body's normal repair processes How cortisol and melatonin work together as part of a coordinated daily rhythm What research shows about cloudy outdoor environments providing higher light levels than most indoor spaces  The differences between how UVA and UVB exposure impact the body How ultraviolet light can trigger nitric oxide release Practical ways to support your circadian health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Rowan Jacobsen On his website Rowan's book, In Defense of Sunlight, will be available online and in bookstores on June 16th 

I had the honor of reconnecting with Chris Irvin today! (He was with me once before, on ⁠Episode 175⁠.) Chris is a nutrition researcher, writer, and educator specializing in low-carb dieting for metabolic health and human performance. He is the author of Keto Answers, The Carnivore Diet for Beginners, and Mommy, Do I Have to Eat This? He is also the Chief Marketing Officer at BioCoach, a company dedicated to taking down prediabetes and diabetes. Chris is an incredible resource on the value of keto and low-carb diets! His book, Keto Answers, is one of my favorite keto resources to recommend to clients! In this episode, Chris and I discuss the differences between micro- and macronutrients. We talk about the therapeutic uses of keto, low-carb, hormesis, and carnivore diets; the role of metabolic health; the value of protein; balancing longevity and sarcopenia; and the results of over-fasting, over-restricting, and creating too much stress on the body. We also dive into questions from listeners about the impact of low-carb and ketogenic diets on cholesterol panels and endurance, how to troubleshoot digestive distress, protein excess, and Chris's favorite gadgets and supplements.  I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The therapeutic benefits of keto, carnivore, low-carb diets, and fasting. The value of protein. How much protein should you eat? The importance of having muscle. The benefits of eating grass-fed red meat. The problem with over-restricting, over-exercising, and over-fasting. Changing things up occasionally and using reverse dieting for optimum health. Adding more protein to your diet will make you feel better, and you won't gain weight. How will a low-carb or keto diet impact your overall cholesterol? Chris explains how a low-carb or keto diet affects the performance of endurance athletes. Products you can use to optimize endurance performance. Chris explains why digestive distress could occur with keto and shares his recommendations for overcoming it.  The impact of a low-carb diet on thyroid function. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line  Connect with Chris Irvin On his ⁠website⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/TheKetologist⁠  ⁠Thinking Health Newsletter⁠  ⁠The Keto Answers Podcast

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. William Davis. He's a cardiologist, New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly book series, and author of Super Gut. He is also the founder and Medical Director of the Infinite Health Program and the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Realize Therapeutics Corp, which is developing innovative solutions to restore and support the human microbiome. In our conversation, we explore the microbiome and how it is influenced by key changes in a woman's life, including pregnancy and premature delivery, as well as how modern lifestyle factors disrupt our microbiome. Dr. Davis discusses endotoxemia and dysbiosis in fertility, uterine health, and cardiovascular disease, as well as antibiotic use, statins, atrial fibrillation, the role of blood glycocalyx, TMAO, and the dietary approach he considers important. He also discusses appropriate prescribed antibiotic use in the context of microbiome disruption. Stay tuned for another fascinating discussion with Dr William Davis on the far-reaching impact of the microbiome on women's health, heart health, and longevity. I look forward to having Dr. Davis back on the show! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and microbiome health may affect pregnancy outcomes. How microbial health extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract and can influence multiple organ systems The disruptive effects of antibiotics, glyphosate, food preservatives, and emulsifiers on the microbiome Dr. Davis describes how endotoxemia can affect the brain, skin, joints, metabolism, and cardiovascular system. How endotoxemia influences multiple cardiovascular risk markers How endotoxemia and glycation can contribute to atrial fibrillation The role of the glycocalyx, and how damage to the integrity of the glycocalyx could influence arterial function and cardiovascular risk Why fermented foods remain a key strategy for microbiome diversity Dr. Davis shares his dietary choices and his approach to microbiome support  Bio: William Davis, MD  William Davis, MD, is a cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books, as well as Undoctored and Super Gut. Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose fat weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition, findings that inspired the writing of Bulge. Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp., which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. William Davis On his website Join Dr Davis's Inner Circle Dr. Davis's books

Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute. Today, I'm focusing on all the questions I received about gallbladder health, including HRT-provoking symptoms, supplements that improve gallbladder health, and evidence-based food interventions. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why the risk of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation increases during the menopause transition How estrogen and progesterone HRT have different effects on gallbladder functioning The differences in risk between transdermal and oral HRT How the progesterone in HRT can cause gallbladder issues in some women What TUDCA is, and how it supports gallbladder health The value of TUDCA for women who have had their gallbladders removed How various nutrients and supplements support bile flow and gallbladder health What can contribute to gallstone formation Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Gallbladder Research: Cabrera D, Arab JP, Arrese M. UDCA, NorUDCA, and TUDCA in liver diseases: a review of their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Seminars in Liver Disease. 2019;39(4):397–404. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1696799  Vang S, Longley K, Steer CJ, Low WC. The unexpected uses of urso- and tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of non-liver diseases. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2014;3(3):58–69. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.017  Bai M, Yang L, Liao H, et al. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2024;72(41):22655–22668. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04630  Simon JA, Hudes ES. Relation of serum ascorbic acid to serum vitamin B12, serum ferritin, and kidney stones in US adults. *Archives of Internal Medicine.*1999;159(6):619–624. doi:10.1001/archinte.159.6.619  Walcher T, Haenle MM, Kron M, et al. Vitamin C supplement use may protect against gallstones: an observational study on a randomly selected population. BMC Gastroenterology. 2009;9:74. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-74  Tsai CJ, Leitzmann MF, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Long-term intake of dietary fiber and decreased risk of cholecystectomy in women. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004;99(7):1364–1370. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.30281.x  Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Spiegelman D, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Coffee intake is associated with lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease in women. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(6):1823–1830. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.37085  Moerman CJ, Smeets FW, Kromhout D. Dietary risk factors for clinically diagnosed gallstones in middle-aged men — a 25-year follow-up study. Annals of Epidemiology. 1994;4(3):248–254. doi:10.1016/1047-2797(94)90099-x Association between dietary magnesium intake and gallstones: the mediating role of atherogenic index of plasma. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2024;23(1):82. doi:10.1186/s12944-024-02074-4  Pitt HA, Doty JE, Murphy MM, Schwarz MB. Progesterone alters biliary flow dynamics. Annals of Surgery. 1999;229(2):205–209. doi:10.1097/00000658-199902000-00008

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Nicole LePera today. Trained in clinical psychology, she is a holistic psychologist whose work explores the interconnections among the mind, body, and soul, incorporating holistic lifestyle and psychological wellness practices. She has written multiple New York Times bestselling books, most recently Reparenting the Inner Child. In today's conversation, we unpack what the inner child really means from a clinical perspective. We explore how understanding your childhood wounds intellectually differs from truly re-parenting yourself at the nervous system level, and how perimenopause and menopause influence the way we view the world. We look at ACE scores and the biology of childhood adversity, how ACE scores measure what happened to us, but fail to measure resilience, protective factors, or the capacity for healing. We examine how reactive parents shape our nervous system, and how that shows up as hypervigilance, emotional scanning, and self-erasure, and how the fawn response can lead to chronic people-pleasing, relentless accommodation, and an inability to say no. We also cover how epigenetics and lifestyles influence behavioral patterns, critical parenting, stress addiction, gut-brain dysregulation, and the disruptive effects of vagal tone gadgets. This is truly one of those must-listen conversations! I love Dr. LePera's grounded and practical approach to helping people work through their childhood experiences and advocate for themselves. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How childhood wounds become stored in the nervous system rather than just the mind Why understanding your dysfunctional habits intellectually will not change the emotional patterns that drive them How perimenopause and menopause can magnify unresolved emotional patterns What ACE scores measure and what they fail to capture How reactive parenting can lead to hypervigilance and emotional scanning, even in safe environments Dr. LePera describes the fawn response and explains how children learn to over-accommodate others, suppress their own needs, and avoid conflict. How chronic stress becomes a learned response, and how stress responses can be passed across generations   How chronic stress and a dysregulated nervous system can influence gut function and microbiome balance Why it's essential to return your attention to your body in the present moment to begin healing Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Nicole LePera Website Social media platforms: @The Holistic Psychologist  Self Healers Circle (Membership community) Purchase a copy of Dr. Pera's latest book, Reparenting the Inner Child.

Today, I am excited to welcome you to the eagerly awaited third installment of Ask Me Anything!  In this episode, I shine a spotlight on a universal challenge that affects the lives of countless women over 35 as I delve into the heart of the problems of weight-loss resistance, plateaus, and the notorious belly fat that seems to cling for dear life.  The flood of questions that keep pouring in speaks volumes and is a testament to the exasperation we all feel! Join me on a journey to navigate that landscape, unravel the mysteries, confront misconceptions, and uncover strategies to overcome, decode, and dismantle the common issue of shedding those unwanted, stubborn pounds! I urge all of you, particularly those older than 35, to know you are not alone in your struggle! Stay tuned for the treasure trove of insights that awaits! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why should you know what your fasting insulin is?  The importance of stress management Helpful supplements for those who have had their gallbladders removed How to deal with cravings and weight gain during the week before your period The first thing to work on if you are struggling with plateaus or weight loss resistance The importance of mitigating stress Managing your macronutrients The loss of muscle as we get older Physical activity and weight loss How important is body set weight?  How trauma impacts weight loss resistance Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

I'm delighted to connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish today. She is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, specializing in complex chronic illness with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold exposure, gut dysfunction, and women's midlife health. In our conversation, we explore how perimenopause and menopause affect the brain, as well as the roles of genetics and epigenetics. Dr. Cornish explains limbic lock, SPECT imaging, the impact of tick-borne illnesses, and co-infections, and how brain health issues can influence mental health. We also dive into the role of mold in testing, the gut-brain-immune-hormone axis, vagal tone, the estrobolome, leptin, the MTHFR mutation, and how Dr. Cornish prefers to have it tested and treated in her patients. Stay tuned for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation on brain health and women's midlife wellness. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why women may experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and cognitive slowing as estrogen declines How declining estrogen could make the brain more vulnerable to toxins, infections, and leaky brain How disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of oxygen (from issues like sleep apnea) can negatively affect cognition and brain health The value of continuing to learn and staying socially connected to support your cognitive health as you age How genetics can help to identify women who may be at higher risk for cognitive decline later in life. What limbic lock means How toxin overload, mold, Lyme disease, and co-infections, and unresolved stress can create a state of limbic lock  How SPECT imaging helps to explain why some people fail to improve despite multiple treatments The benefits of progesterone for supporting relaxation and improving sleep during perimenopause How declining estrogen and gut dysbiosis during perimenopause can affect the gut-brain axis Bio: Dr. Eboni Cornish Dr. Eboni Cornish is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. She specializes in complex chronic illness, with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold toxicity, gut dysfunction, and women's midlife health. Known for her NeuroLongevity framework, Dr. Cornish takes a root-cause, brain-first approach to helping patients optimize cognitive resilience, hormone balance, and long-term wellness. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book. The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish Amen Clinics On her website Instagram

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. I've been getting many questions about viruses, bacterial vaginosis, and recurrent infections. So, today, I'm stepping a little outside our usual topics to explore how changes in the gut microbiome can directly influence the vaginal microbiome. Join me as I clarify what actually happens in the body during perimenopause and menopause, and explain why those shifts matter more than most women realize. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Three changes that occur simultaneously during perimenopause and menopause, and how those changes increase our susceptibility to viruses like herpes. Why declining estrogen weakens the vaginal microbiome How gut microbiome changes in midlife affect the ability to recycle estrogen via the estrobolome Why the gut barrier becomes less stable and more permeable during perimenopause and menopause, and how that can trigger immune responses and low-grade inflammation How hormonal fluctuations can trigger viral outbreaks and increase the likelihood of shingles What research shows about hormone replacement therapy and lower rates and recurrence of severe herpes simplex infections Why bacterial vaginosis is becoming more common in midlife How to balance and support the gut and vaginal microbiome in midlife Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Links: 1. Menopausal shift on women's health and microbial niches 2. The Effect of Menopause on the Innate Anti-Viral Activity of Cervicovaginal Lavage https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4519412/  3. Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights 4. Shingles and Menopause: Is There a Connection? 5. The Impact of Hormonal Replacement Therapy on Herpes Simplex Infection and Gingival Health in Post-Menopausal Women  6. The Menopause Transition, Vaginal Health, and Your Vaginal Microbiome 7. Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article 8. G. vaginalis increases HSV-2 infection by decreasing vaginal barrier integrity and increasing inflammation in vivo 9. Association between Acquisition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Women and Bacterial Vaginosis  10. Recalcitrance of bacterial vaginosis among HSV-2 seropositive women   

I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Julia Haffner today. She's a European-trained medical doctor who has worked in internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, esthetics, and hair transplant surgery, where she continuously saw patients struggling with symptoms their bodies were desperately trying to communicate, yet testing failed to provide answers. Today, we explore where stress lives in the body and why midlife can feel so different for women. We discuss the connection between postpartum experiences and perimenopausal symptoms, the nervous system's relationship with fascia as a sensory organ, and how fascia responds to our personal experiences. We also examine trauma as highly bio-individual, lifestyle changes to support the nervous system during midlife, and how perimenopause impacts our adrenals. Dr. Haffner shares how she prefers to advocate for patients within the medical system, and talks about her app, which is free and available for listeners. We also cover how social media and technology influence our stress levels, Dr. Haffner's meridian-related energetic facelift, and how our emotions connect to our bodies.  Stay tuned for today's fascinating and insightful conversation with the delightful Dr. Julia Haffner, who also has a book coming out late this year. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The similarity between postpartum low-estrogen and perimenopausal symptoms How doctors often focus only on measurable lab data while overlooking nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress Dr. Haffner describes fascia as a sensory organ How Dr. Haffner learned to recognize patterns of tension, stress, emotional overwhelm, and physical trauma within the fascia Why trauma is not limited only to major events like war or abuse  Why women tend to become more sensitive to stress, relationships, and environmental pressures as their estrogen declines The value of gentler workouts in midlife to support stress reduction and nervous system regulation without increasing cortisol Why years of chronic stress can leave women feeling depleted during perimenopause  How constant scrolling can contribute to low-grade stress within the body Dr. Haffner introduces her menopause symptom tracking app Bio: Dr. Julia Haffner Dr. Julia Haffner is a European-trained medical doctor who worked across internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, aesthetic medicine, and hair transplant surgery — and kept seeing the same thing: bodies crying out for help that no test could hear. Life took her to Italy with her second daughter, where she discovered the ability to feel into any part of the body and sense what's stored there — a memory, a grief, a fear still frozen in the fascia decades later. What most people call limiting beliefs or self-doubt isn't a mind problem. It's stored in the body. In the tissue. In the fascia. And it stays there until someone helps it release. Over 1,000 remote sessions later: cancer in remission, chronic pain dissolved, self-doubt cleared from the body, the spark returning. She is the creator of the Energetic Facelift. Her message: You are your own best doctor. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book. The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Julia Haffner On her website Dr. Haffner's book, The State Before the Bite: Secrets of the Secret, will be released in late 2026

I am happy to connect with Dr. William Li today! He is a world-renowned physician, scientist, speaker, and author. He is known for leading the Angiogenesis Foundation, and his groundbreaking work has impacted more than 70 diseases. He is also a Ted-X speaker and the author of Eat to Beat Your Diet, one of my favorite books thus far this year.  Dr. Li's latest book is about what happens in the body, how it should operate, and the steps we can take to restore it to its hard-wired state. We dive into how body fat impacts our health, the role of metabolism throughout our lifetime, the differences between the three fat-impacting hormones, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, and gender differences. We speak about new drugs like Ozempic and Semaglutide, the role of brown fat, the impact of the microbiome and specific bacteria, and nutrition and lifestyle. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why Dr. Li chose this time to write his latest book  Is 60 the new 20? The four stages of metabolism hardwired into each of us  How excess body fat derails metabolism, and how can we unleash our inner metabolism Why is it better to eat slowly? Why should we learn to respect and tame our fat instead of hating or fearing it? Dr. Li shares his views on new prescription drugs like Ozempic and Semaglutide. Interesting facts about body fat Changes that occur in our body fat distribution as we get older How can we help our bodies fight excess body fat, bring our inner metabolism to the surface, and reduce inflammation by being aware and mindful? Modern-day lifestyle choices and metabolic disease Dr. Li discusses the interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolism, as well as the role of Akkermansia.  Some everyday foods contain natural chemicals that can activate our body's defenses, tame metabolism, and fight body fat. BIO William W. Li, MD, is an internationally renowned physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author of the forthcoming book “Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, Live Longer”. His groundbreaking work has led to the development of more than 30 new medical treatments and impacts care for more than 70 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart disease, and obesity. His TED Talk, “Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?” has garnered more than 11 million views. Dr. Li has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and the Rachael Ray Show, and he has been featured in USA Today, Time Magazine, The Atlantic, and O Magazine. He is the president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. William Li On his⁠ website⁠ Social media: @DrWilliamLi Dr. William Li's latest book, ⁠Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, and Live Longer⁠ is available from most bookstores.

Today, I'm thrilled to connect with Dr. Jordan Emont. He is a board-certified OB-GYN with specialty training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care, and sexual health, and is one of fewer than 5,000 physicians worldwide who hold the Menopause Society-certified practitioner designation. In this conversation, we unpack the fear narrative surrounding HRT and clarify the distinctions between estrogen, progesterone, and cancer risk. We explore the impact of the Women's Health Initiative and discuss why rigid dogmatism has no place in women's health, the risks associated with early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency, individual risk stratification, and contraindications to HRT. We also examine the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer, metabolic health as a modifiable cancer risk, and the emotional side of middle age and hormone replacement therapy. Stay tuned for one of the most important and thought-provoking conversations we've ever had on the podcast. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How fears about hormone therapy are often based on outdated or misinterpreted data The difference between physiologic hormones and synthetic hormone formulations How the Women's Health Initiative's messaging that HRT causes breast cancer comes from an oversimplification of data How the fear-driven WHI headlines continue to impact women's and clinicians' thoughts about hormone replacement therapy  How women's concerns about menopause, sexual health, and menstrual symptoms are often dismissed The health risks associated with early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency How declining estrogen levels affect multiple body systems, including gut-related and immune-related pathways Why is insulin resistance a major concern?  True contraindications for avoiding HRT Bio: Dr. Jordan Emont Dr. Jordan Emont is a board-certified OB/GYN and Menopause Certified Practitioner who specializes in menopause care for women who've been dismissed, undertreated, or told their symptoms are just part of aging. He's here to change that conversation. He trained at Yale, Brown, and Columbia, and is now an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford. He works at a community health center in the Bay Area, providing care to underserved populations, and runs his own private telehealth practice focused on complex menopause care. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book. The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Jordan Emont On his website Instagram and Substack

Welcome to today's Midlife Minute. Today, we're exploring bloating, constipation, and various other midlife gut woes.  Stay tuned as I clarify how midlife changes the gut narrative and review the evidence about how to get things moving again. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why your gut motility changes in midlife How menopause influences the gut-brain connection Why various types of constipation require different interventions How changes in your gut bacteria affect the way your gut functions in menopause How different types of fiber can either help or worsen constipation symptoms, depending on the type of constipation  The main types of constipation, and how they differ  How estrogen therapy may influence bowel regularity, and why the route of administration matters Lifestyle habits that can stimulate bowel movements Why bloating tends to occur in midlife Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Links: 1. Menopause Is Associated with an Altered Gut Microbiome and Estrobolome, with Implications for Adverse Cardiometabolic Risk in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos 2. The Intestinal Microbiome and Estrogen Receptor–Positive Female Breast Cancer  3. Estrogen–gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications 4. Menopausal shift on women's health and microbial niches 5. Gut microbiota has the potential to improve health of menopausal women by regulating estrogen 6. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status 7. Effect of female sex hormone supplementation and withdrawal on gastrointestinal and colonic transit in postmenopausal women 8. Constipation and diarrhea during the menopause transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study 9. Estrogen Rather Than Progesterone Cause Constipation in Both Female and Male Mice 10. Rome IV Criteria 11. Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PubMed) 12. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome 13. Gut-directed hypnosis and hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: a mini-review 14. Review article: gut-directed hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease

I am delighted to connect with Sachin Patel today. Sachin is a father, husband, philanthropist, functional medicine practice success coach, speaker, author, breathwork facilitator, and plant medicine advocate. He is passionate about helping people activate their “inner doctor” through lifestyle medicine, breathwork, and greater self-awareness. Having had the privilege of knowing Sachin both personally and professionally, what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to helping people better understand their physiology so they can heal more effectively and live more intentionally. In today's conversation, we explore the connection between the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve, and overall health. Sachin shares insights on breath dynamics, diaphragm function, coherent breathing, CO₂ tolerance, the Bohr effect, the physiologic sigh, and the often-overlooked role of repressed emotions in physical well-being. We also discuss the importance of nature, circadian rhythms, sunlight, temperature regulation, and Sachin offers his recommendations for women in midlife and beyond. I also highly recommend his new book, Breath, Balance, and Burn, which was recently released. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation on breath, healing, and the daily habits that shape how we feel, function, and age. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How spending too much time in fight-or-flight mode prevents the body from entering a healing state How women's multiple roles and chronic stress, combined with midlife hormonal transitions, can create a “perfect storm” of sympathetic dominance and nervous system dysregulation How your breath reflects your emotional state  Why healing becomes difficult when the body remains in a fight-or-flight state The benefits of coherent breathing for oxygen delivery and nervous system regulation How the diaphragm serves as an access point to emotional regulation and nervous system control How our breathing patterns and nervous system state can influence the emotional state of others Sachin outlines practical techniques to help regulate stress, improve focus, increase energy, and prepare for sleep How modern indoor living disconnects people from their natural rhythms Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Sachin Patel On Facebook On Instagram On YouTube – The Living Light Reset Get instant access to The Breathe, Balance, Burn Training Program and Breathwork Bundle Purchase a copy of Sachin's Book, Breathe, Balance, Burn: How Fixing the Way You Breathe Resets Your Stress Hormones, Shrinks Your Belly, and Gives You Back the Energy and Calm You Thought Were Gone for Good, on Amazon.

Today, I am honored to connect with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OBGYN who has dedicated her entire adult life to championing women's health.  Dr. Haver is the visionary creator of the Galveston Diet, the first and only nutrition program ever designed by a female OBGYN for menopausal women.  In our conversation today, Dr. Haver shares her background, and we discuss her new book, The Galveston Diet. We examine the glaring systemic gap where the health of middle-aged women remains undervalued and underfunded in research, and our discussion touches on various facets of women's health, including perimenopausal symptoms, the distinction between chronological and endocrine aging, the scientific misconceptions surrounding weight gain and hormones, the advantages of intermittent fasting, inflammation, and macros. We also get into the supplements Dr. Haver finds beneficial for women in middle age, as well as the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners and the role of continuous glucose monitors. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Haver highlights various symptoms of perimenopause How menopause can increase health risks How muscle loss with aging can make women more insulin resistant and lead to cardiovascular changes How the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can impact weight management What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for perimenopausal women? How a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors can help women prepare for menopause and manage its symptoms How sugar, alcohol, and gluten impact inflammation, insulin levels, and blood sugar How a lack of protein and the wrong types of fats can lead to hunger and satiety issues and lead to muscle breakdown and weight gain in menopausal women Dr. Haver talks about her book, The Galveston Diet How do non-nutritive sweeteners impact the gut microbiome and blood sugar levels? The benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor to track blood sugar levels Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Mary Claire Haver ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Order a copy of The Galveston Diet.⁠

Today, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic and longevity dermatology. She is also a clinical professor of dermatology at NYU, recognized for her dedication and excellence in teaching, and is widely regarded as a leader in the aesthetic dermatology field. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Day is a medical journalist and a prominent media figure. In our discussion, we examine the basics of perimenopause and menopause from a pathophysiology perspective, including the 30% decline in collagen synthesis that occurs during the first five years of menopause. We explore the skin microbiome, inflammation, and inflammaging, and why hydration, electrolytes, reducing processed sugars, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can have such a visible impact on skin health. Dr. Day also explains her approach to facial balancing and how our bones, fascia, muscles, and fat pads age. We discuss topical agents, advanced interventions including lasers, microneedling, PRF, PRP, stem cells, and growth factors, and even touch on emerging research suggesting that certain laser treatments may help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Throughout the conversation, I also openly shared what I have done to support my skin. Stay tuned for today's fascinating conversation about menopause, skin health, collagen loss, and the evolving science behind modern aesthetic dermatology. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The sudden skin changes many women experience during early perimenopause Dr. Day explains how she personalizes skincare routines for each patient How collagen synthesis rapidly declines during the menopause transition How hydration, sleep, and nutrition can visibly improve skin tone and puffiness How inflammation, blood sugar issues, and poor metabolic health contribute to inflammaging and visible skin aging Why facial balance is more important than trying to erase every wrinkle or line Dr. Day shares how she combines lasers, topicals, and recovery protocols to support skin healing and collagen production How fillers and other cosmetic procedures can create an unnatural appearance when used incorrectly Bio: Dr. Doris Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and longevity dermatology. She is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, where she has been recognized with the Award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. Her leadership in aesthetic dermatology has earned her the AAD Presidential Citation and the American Skin Association Award for leadership in dermatology. Ranked #3 in the United States and #1 in New York by Newsweek as a Top Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Day is a recognized authority in her field. Her work has been cited in leading publications, including The New York Times and Castle Connolly's NY Magazine Top Doctors listings, for over 20 consecutive years. Dr. Day is also a medical journalist and a prominent media figure, providing expert commentary on major television programs and podcasts. Her insights are regularly featured in top magazines, and she is a sought-after speaker, delivering numerous lectures every year on cutting-edge aesthetic techniques at both national and international conferences. Dr. Day has over 100 publications in the medical literature, and she has written four best-selling books: "Rebooting the Biome" (2023), "Beyond Beautiful" (2018), "Forget the Facelift," and "100 Questions and Answers about Acne." She also hosts a popular dermatology show on SiriusXM's Doctor Radio, a platform where she has been educating the public for over 15 years, earning the AAD's Golden Triangle Award for Media Excellence. Her professional affiliations include the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she has served on the board of directors; the American Academy of Dermatology, where she was recently elected to the nominating committee; the New York State Dermatology Society; and the American Honors Society of Dental and Facial Aesthetics. Dr. Day earned her BA in English from Columbia University, an MA in Journalism and Science Writing/Medical Reporting from New York University, and her MD from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Cornell University College of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Doris Day On her website Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. This week, we have a data-rich, sleep-focused masterclass episode for middle-aged women. Drawing on research, physiology, and my own perspective, I connect the dots between hormones, circadian rhythm, and lifestyle habits, highlighting the areas you need to pay attention to. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How sleep actively supports growth, immune function, and skeletal and muscular performance Why people who don't sleep well tend to be more emotionally charged How, second to hot flashes, insomnia is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of perimenopause and menopause How REM sleep differs from non-REM sleep Why sleep is essential for brain detoxification How the suprachiasmatic nucleus controls circadian rhythm Why sleep quality tends to decline in midlife How poor sleep disrupts metabolic health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Today, I'm delighted to reconnect with nutritionist, Andrea Donsky. Andrea is a well-respected media personality, speaker, author, researcher, and host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast, on which I have been a guest twice. In our conversation, we discuss her new book and speak at length about her motivation for writing about nourishment for mind, body, and spirit. We explore why food suddenly feels like it's working against you, and why our nutrition truly needs to change in midlife. We cover symptom-specific nutrition, including a detailed discussion of hot flashes, the importance of fiber, and navigating weight-loss resistance as a Gen X-er. We also talk about the weight and shame imprinting that many of our generation experienced, followed by a rapid-fire conversation around magnesium, protein, alcohol, and more. Join us for today's transparent, honest, and real conversation with Andrea Donsky.  Andrea's book, Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best, will be published in May. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why Andrea took a mind, body, and spirit approach to nourishment in her book Andrea shares her experience of gaining and losing weight in midlife, despite making no changes to her diet or exercise routine How perimenopause can go unrecognized for years—even for a nutritionist Why what worked before may no longer work in midlife, and how Andrea had to relearn how to eat, exercise, and think  The lack of education and stigma that shaped the Gen X menopause experience Why balancing blood sugar becomes foundational in midlife The link between insulin resistance and factors like stress, poor sleep, diet, visceral fat, and hormonal changes  How undereating can worsen weight-loss resistance Andrea shares her “balance blueprint” for blood sugar in midlife Bio: Andrea Donsky Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist, 7X Published Menopause Researcher & Entrepreneur with 26 years of experience in health and wellness. She is a respected multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author. Andrea hosts the podcast “Menopause Reimagined,” and she is the co-founder of www.wearemorphus.com, a company that empowers women to feel heard and supported as they go through perimenopause and menopause. Her book, Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best, published by Simon and Schuster, is out now. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Andrea Donsky On her website Order Andrea's new book, Nourishing Menopause. On TikTok and Instagram We Are Morphus on Instagram

I am honored and delighted to have Vanessa Spina join me on the podcast today!  Vanessa is the best-selling author of Keto Essentials and a sports nutrition specialist whose expertise on the ketogenic diet has left a lasting impact on countless lives! With a background in biomedical science and a multifaceted career as an international stockbroker, she has pioneered a journey in the health and wellness industry that is nothing short of remarkable!  In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of nutrition, from unraveling the mysteries of protein-recommended daily allowances and the leucine threshold to exploring the pivotal role of strength training in metabolic health. We dispel common misconceptions about the ketogenic diet, debunk the deceptive nature of the scale, and unveil the significance of DEXA scans in understanding changes in body composition. Vanessa also sheds light on the crucial importance of mitochondrial health and shares invaluable insights on various methods, including red light therapy, cold thermogenesis, micronutrients, and structured supplementation, to support our cellular powerhouses.  Join Vanessa and me on a knowledge-rich journey to uncover the keys to optimal health and well-being! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Common misconceptions about ketogenic diets Why a traditional ketogenic diet is not for everyone Why macronutrients are essential Misinformation regarding the recommended daily allowance for protein How to build muscle The relationship between metabolic health and muscle health The importance of DEXA scans for understanding body composition Why resistance training is a priority How to support the mitochondria The benefits of red light therapy and cold therapy Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Vanessa Spina On her ⁠website⁠ (ketogenicgirl.com) ⁠The Optimal Protein Podcast⁠ Vanessa's Book ⁠Keto Essentials: 150 Ketogenic Recipes to Revitalize, Heal, and Shed Weight ⁠ Resource: Use Code CYNTHIA for $20 OFF any of the Tone ⁠LUX devices⁠.

Today, I'm delighted to connect with Dr. Paul Reynolds, whom I was honored to meet at an event last year. He is a professor of cell biology and physiology at Brigham Young University. In our discussion, we explore inflammation, how it changes with aging, and how muscle serves as both an endocrine and a metabolic organ. We unpack glucose physiology, how it drives inflammation in the body, and examine the effects of glycation and the changes it causes in our eyes, immune systems, nerves, skin, and bones. Dr. Reynolds explains his “rules” for glucose balancing and the benefits of micro-dosing with GLP-1s, or starting with a minimal dose and increasing it slowly. We also discuss cravings and gender differences in men and women, and share practical strategies that everyone can use. I am looking forward to recording another podcast episode with Dr. Reynolds later this year, when his new book comes out. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Chronic inflammation as the root of many modern health issues Muscle loss with aging and its link to inflammation and glycation How excess glucose fuels free radicals, glycation, and inflammation What glycation is and why it damages the body Lifestyle habits that disrupt glucose balance and drive inflammation Supporting natural GLP-1 through diet and lifestyle Fasting and smart carb intake for insulin sensitivity Menopause, autoimmunity, and chronic disease risk Long-term consequences of glycation for the eyes, skin, bones, immune system, and nerves Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Paul Reynolds On X, Instagram, and YouTube

Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute, where we're taking a closer look at sleep—one of the most frequently asked-about topics. Stay tuned as I walk through the science, the hormones, and the everyday habits that can make or break your sleep quality, especially in midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Various risk factors for poor sleep How consistently getting less than 5 hours of sleep increases the risk of obesity What actually happens in each stage of sleep How circadian receptors throughout the body influence sleep and metabolism How eating late at night disrupts melatonin, cortisol, and digestive circadian rhythms Why melatonin is far more than just a sleep hormone Reasons why sleep becomes more challenging for women in perimenopause and menopause Lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement strategies that can improve sleep quality Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Amie Hornaman, also known as the Thyroid Fixer. She is the founder and CEO of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic, host of the Thyroid Fixer podcast, and a sought-after speaker and author. In today's conversation, we discuss her brand-new book, The Thyroid Fix, and explore the current thyroid-related silent epidemic. We dive into mitochondrial dysfunction, thyroid optimization, and the significance of reverse T3, also unpacking the symptoms that impact your digestion and hypothyroidism, environmental triggers, oral contraceptive use, and how it increases your susceptibility and risk for developing hypothyroidism. We also examine natural desiccated thyroid, the effects of iodine supplementation, and Dr. Hornaman shares her top three lifestyle strategies for a healthy thyroid. This is a truly insightful and helpful conversation, especially for those in my community who are struggling with an underactive thyroid- myself included. Stay tuned for more. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How women with hypothyroidism are often misdiagnosed or medically gaslit Why Dr. Hornaman believes that the actual number of Americans with hypothyroidism may be far higher than current statistics suggest What reverse T3 is and why it increases when we are stressed How thyroid function impacts the way that cells produce energy How a low-functioning thyroid can slow digestion and cause constipation Why do some women require more personalized thyroid treatment than standard T4 therapy? How environmental toxins can disrupt thyroid health Why long-term oral contraceptive use could increase the risk of hypothyroidism Some simple lifestyle habits and biohacks to improve stress resilience in women with thyroid dysfunction Bio: Dr. Amie Hornaman Dr. Amie Hornaman, known as The Thyroid Fixer, is the founder of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic and host of the top-rated podcast The Thyroid Fixer. She is the author of the thyroid bible, The Thyroid Fix, the last thyroid book you'll ever need to understand fatigue, fogginess, and stubborn weight. Driven by her own experience with misdiagnosis, Dr. Amie helps people optimize their thyroid, reclaim their health, and step fully into the badass humans they were meant to be. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman On her website Pre-order a copy of The Thyroid Fix  

I am delighted to reconnect with Esther Blum today. She joined me once before for Episode 264, one of the most popular podcast episodes for 2023.  Esther is the bestselling author of many books, including See You Later Ovulator. She is a registered dietitian with a thriving virtual practice specializing in helping women balance their hormones, shed stubborn body fat, and address the root causes of their health issues. Today, Esther and I discuss the state of hormones in 2024. Our conversation covers lazy medicine advocacy, meno-washing, and meno-care, and we explore uncommon symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, as well as methods for obtaining testing. Esther also shares her recommended supplements.  You will love this engaging and insightful conversation with Esther Blum! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How safe is hormone replacement therapy? Why hormone testing and monitoring is essential  The importance of prioritizing romance and connection in a marriage The benefits of pelvic floor therapy How working with compounding pharmacies can reduce the cost of hormone replacement therapy How to work with doctors to address hormone imbalances Some uncommon symptoms of perimenopause and menopause How dietary changes and probiotics can improve focus and brain clarity  Hormone testing and menopause management  Esther recommends supplements for adrenal support during menopause Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Esther Blum On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Get Esther's ⁠14-Day Metabolic Menopausal Meal Plan⁠  Esther's Books ⁠Esther's book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!⁠, by Esther Blum ⁠Cavewomen Don't Get Fat⁠, by Esther Blum ⁠Eat, Drink, and Be Happy⁠, by Esther Blum Previous Episode featuring Esther Blum ⁠Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause are a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator!⁠

Welcome to today's masterclass episode featuring metabolic health and GLP-1 experts Dr. Nick Norwitz, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Dr. Alexandra Sowa, PA-C, McCall McPherson, and registered dietitian, Ashley Koff, sharing their expert perspectives. In today's masterclass, our experts share insights into appetite regulation and satiety, the importance of digestion, the impact of statins on insulin sensitivity, and key limitations in the research. We take a closer look at GLP-1 medications, proper prescribing practices, personalized dosing, and the value of targeted, individualized nutrition strategies. We also separate fact from fiction when complications arise. Join our experts as they break down how to safely and effectively maximize the benefits of GLP-1 therapy. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The value of combining GLP-1s with other medications and lifestyle tools for optimal results How taking time to pause helps women reconnect with their bodies and shift from mindless eating to mindful nourishment  Dr. Nick Norwitz highlights that patients are often not given the information needed for proper informed consent around statins. How statins can reduce natural GLP-1 levels and negatively impact metabolic health  How GLP-1 medications work to reduce hunger and prevent snacking between meals Common side-effects of GLP-1 medications, and how they can be mitigated How hair loss can occur with weight loss, and how that can be managed The importance of clinical guidance for monitoring the side effects of GLP-1 use  The benefits of microdosing with GLP-1s Why it's essential for hunger not to be entirely suppressed when taking GLP-1s  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Alexandra Sowa On her website On all social media: @dralexandrasowa Purchase a copy of Dr. Sowa's book, The Ozempic Revolution Connect with McCall McPherson Modern Thyroid Clinic On Instagram and TikTok Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast Thyroid Lab Guide Connect with Dr. Nick Norwitz On YouTube, X, and Instagram Substack Connect with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen On her website On social media: @drsalaswhalen Dr. Rocio's Book, Weightless Connect with Ashley Koff The Better Nutrition Program On Instagram and Substack Social media: @Ashley Koff Podcast Links: Ep. 438 The Rise of GLP-1s: Key to Weight Loss & Metabolic Health with Dr. Alexandra Sowa Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson Ep. 525 We've Been Misled About Metabolic Health – The Shocking Truth About Cholesterol, GLP-1 & Aging with Dr. Nick Norwitz Ep. 534 The Hidden Forces Making Women Gain Weight – The Shocking Truth About Hormones, Trauma & GLP-1s with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen Ep. 562 “It's Not a Willpower Problem” – Why Women's Bodies Resist Weight Loss in Midlife with Ashley Koff, RD

Welcome to another episode in our Midlife Minute Series. Today, I'll be exploring weight loss resistance and how you may be unknowingly disrupting your hormones during perimenopause and menopause. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why  the concept of calories in, calories out is outdated How sleep, stress, and sarcopenia drive weight loss resistance in midlife Why under-eating protein and over-consuming processed carbohydrates become more problematic in middle age Why increasing your protein intake without consuming enough fiber can cause gut issues Why constant snacking and poor food quality compound metabolic dysfunction How dysbiosis adds to weight loss resistance, poor metabolic health, and sleep disruption How everyday exposure to toxins contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, and disrupts hormone signaling Why perimenopause becomes a “litmus test” for how well we take care of ourselves Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

We have an estrogen masterclass mashup episode today, featuring Dr. Carrie Jones, Dr. Stephanie Estima, Dr. Sarah Berry, Dr. Thomas Dayspring, and Dr. Kellyann Niotis, who share their insights on estrogen and women's health in midlife. In this mashup masterclass, we're bringing together a powerful compilation of conversations centered on the impact of hormones on brain health and cognition. We explore the nuanced risk factors for neurocognitive changes and how shifts in insulin sensitivity during perimenopause and menopause influence various aspects, including lipid patterns, hair changes, laboratory markers, and lifestyle inputs. We examine how the gut microbiome changes dynamically, targeted nutritional interventions, the role of advanced testing, including the DUTCH test, and how genetics, detoxification pathways, methylation, and the estrobolome. This is an exciting, dynamic mashup of some of my favorite podcast conversations dedicated to estrogen and midlife physiology. It's one you'll likely want to revisit more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The critical role estrogen plays neurologically, and how estrogen receptors in the brain increase as estrogen declines How declining estradiol during menopause impacts women's lipid metabolism Why insulin resistance tends to increase during the menopause transition The gut microbiome shifts that occur in postmenopausal women The link between the gut microbiome and menopausal symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, and sleep issues How impaired estrogen detoxification pathways may increase long-term risk of hormone-sensitive cancers How the DUTCH test provides insight into hormone patterns and metabolism beyond standard bloodwork How declining estrogen disrupts the hair growth cycle and increases shedding Why personalized approaches to supplements, diet, and HRT are essential for women in midlife Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On Instagram Estrogen Detox Made Easy Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones (Podcast) Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima On Instagram Better! With Dr. Stephanie (Podcast) Connect with Dr. Sarah Berry On Instagram The Zoe Science and Nutrition Podcast Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring On LinkedIn On X (@DrLipid) Connect with Dr. Kellyann Niotis On her website On Instagram Podcast Links: EP. 513 Fasting Doesn't Work the Same After 35 – The Shocking Truth About Hormones, Hunger & Aging with Dr. Stephanie Estima Ep. 522 Menopause Is Wrecking Your Gut – The Best Nutrition Fixes for Midlife Women with Dr. Sarah Berry Ep. 523 This Is Why Your Cholesterol Shifts in Midlife – The Best Strategies to Reduce Risk & Improve Vascular Health with Dr. Thomas Dayspring | Women's Heart Health & Menopause Ep. 540 “Your Brain Needs Estrogen” – The Most Powerful Way to Protect Memory, Cognition & Longevity in Midlife with Dr. Kellyann Niotis | Menopause & Brain Health Ep. 542 Why Your Hair Is Thinning After 40” – The Shocking Truth About Menopause Hair Loss – Cynthia Thurlow Ep. 567 “Timing Is Everything” – The Best Way to Test Hormones, Cortisol & Thyroid for Real Answers with Dr. Carrie Jones

I am delighted to connect with Shawn Stevenson today! Shawn is the host of the prolific Model Health Show. He is also a Nutritional Scientist, an author, and a father. Shawn was a top-tier athlete in high school. At fifteen, his hip broke while running a 200-meter time trial. He had some standard of care, but nobody ever asked how an apparently healthy kid broke his hip while running. Two years later, he went to college. Soon after that, he got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.    In this episode, we get into how his background influenced his career path. We discuss fast-food economies, ultra-processed foods, the impact of subsidized foods on our health, the gut microbiome, and the dangers of seed oils. We dive into metabolic switching, the vagus nerve, and how it impacts food absorption and leaky gut. We talk about brain health, how the brain is influenced by the food we eat, the interrelationship between the brain and metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and the impact of inflammation on the brain. We also discuss the importance of hydration, electrolytes, and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Shawn developed his passion for discussing nutrition and synthesizing research, and got to where he is today. How changing his thinking changed his life. What are ultra-processed foods? How ultra-processed foods impact the health of the average American citizen. Why so many Americans are obese today The need to understand the connection between the brain and the gut. What is the relationship between our immune system and our gut microbiome? An unusual benefit of extra-virgin olive oil. What can you do to have a healthier brain? The critical importance of high-quality sodium for cognitive function. Why Omega-3s are vital for our brains. Bio: Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He's also the creator of The Model Health Show, which is featured as the #1 health podcast in the U.S., with millions of downloads each year. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Shawn Stevenson On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠The Model Health Show⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠ Shawn's books are available on ⁠Amazon⁠.

Today, I am honored to welcome Dr. Karen Corbin, an Associate Investigator and Obesity Program Lead at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute, and the Founder and Chief Geek of Geeks That Speak. Her scientific career centers on human nutrition and metabolism, with a focus on uncovering the mechanisms behind individual susceptibility to metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. A gifted scientific storyteller, Dr. Corbin founded Geeks That Speak to help scientists and fellow geeks communicate complex information in ways that are clear, compelling, and actionable. She joins us today to share her perspective on the gut microbiome and its role in women's aging. She discusses her background as a registered dietitian and research scientist, and we explore the fundamentals of the gut microbiome, metabolic health, fermentation, and metabolism, including specific metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and postbiotics. We examine fiber as a critical fuel substrate, the research on its utilization, and the unique metabolic vulnerabilities women in midlife face. We also explore whether the microbiome drives insulin resistance, whether late-night eating becomes more disruptive after the age of 40, what's overhyped versus underappreciated in the wellness space, and the latest thinking on GLP-1s, fecal transplants, dysbiosis, and more. Today's conversation with Dr. Corbin is truly insightful and informative. Be sure to stay tuned all the way to the end, where she talks about upcoming research regarding a fiber-devoid diet and how protein can ferment in the colon. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Corbin describes the colon as a dynamic ecosystem where microbes function like a community rather than the passive waste container it was once thought to be How the gut microbiome influences metabolism, immunity, and brain signaling How microbes directly influence calorie absorption and energy access What true fiber intolerance may signal Why gut health becomes increasingly important with hormonal shifts and aging How microbes and the body influence each other, impacting insulin sensitivity, metabolism, and energy use Why late-night eating becomes more metabolically disruptive as circadian rhythms and hormones shift with age How differences in metabolic pathways can cause the same foods or supplements to affect people in different ways Bio: Dr. Karen Corbin Karen Corbin, PhD, RD, is an Associate Investigator and Obesity Program Lead at the Advent Health Translational Research Institute and the Founder and Chief Geek of Geeks That Speak. Dr. Corbin's scientific career focuses on human nutrition and metabolism. She explores the mechanisms, including the gut microbiome, that drive individual susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. Her overall goal is to advance clinically relevant research poised to transform patient care. Dr. Corbin is also an expert in scientific storytelling. She founded Geeks That Speak to help scientists and other “geeks” deliver complex scientific information in a way that is impactful, relevant, and inspires action. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Karen Corbin On her website LinkedIn

Welcome to today's Midlife Minute. In this episode, I answer listeners' questions about GLP-1 medications and midlife weight changes. I explore how hormonal shifts, insulin sensitivity, muscle mass, and the gut microbiome influence the effectiveness of these drugs, and explain why they should be regarded as part of a broader metabolic and lifestyle framework. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why GLP-1 medications don't necessarily fix the root cause of midlife weight gain  How declining estrogen can disrupt your appetite and satiety hormones The value of checking your fasting insulin to understand your insulin sensitivity level How inadequate protein can cause cravings for processed carbohydrates and fats Why preserving muscle mass is critical to prevent sarcopenic obesity   How GLP-1 medications affect digestion and gut motility The clinical factors that are considered when prescribing GLP-1 medications  Some simple daily habits to support your metabolic and microbiome health when using GLP-1 medications  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line