Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

Ep. 492 Everything You Know About Aging Is Wrong – The Shocking Science That Reverses Decline with Dr. Vonda Wright

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Aug 16, 2025

Join Dr. Vonda Wright, an esteemed expert in Aging and Longevity, as she challenges common misconceptions about aging. She reveals how hormonal changes during menopause affect muscle quality and the crucial role of exercise in maintaining vitality. Discover the science behind Klotho, the longevity protein, and how active living can improve health outcomes. Dr. Wright also highlights the impact of gut health on musculoskeletal wellness and shares innovative strategies for thriving in midlife. Her insights are a game changer for anyone navigating this life stage!

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INSIGHT

Sedentary Science Skews Aging Data

Population aging studies often reflect sedentary lifestyles rather than biological limits.
Dr. Vonda Wright argues we must study active older adults to see true aging potential.

ADVICE

Mobilize Your Mindset

Shift your mindset from inevitable decline to proactive mobility and strength.
Treat aging as modifiable by adopting daily movement and purposeful exercise habits.

INSIGHT

Estrogen Drives Muscle And Mitochondria Health

Estrogen influences mitochondria, antioxidant defense, and anabolic signaling in muscle and bone.
Menopausal estrogen loss causes sharper declines than chronological aging alone.

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Today, I have the honor of reconnecting with Dr. Vonda Wright, a renowned expert in Aging and Longevity with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. She is also the host of the Hot for Your Health podcast.

In our discussion, we examine how mainstream news relies on sedentary science, highlighting the hallmarks of aging and the value of shifting mindsets around aging. We explore the foundational role of mitochondria in cellular health changes as we navigate the aging process, looking at satellite cells and the communication between muscle, bone, and adipose tissue. We also discuss the musculoskeletal syndrome in menopause, VO2 Max, and the science and lab testing that can help predict longevity and peak performance.

This conversation with Dr. Vonda Wright is truly invaluable, and I highly recommend her book, Unbroken, as a powerful resource for understanding the transition from perimenopause to menopause.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Vonda explains how mainstream news is based on sedentary science
How hormonal changes impact muscle quality during the perimenopause to menopause transition
Why exercise is essential for rejuvenating muscle stem cells and maintaining muscle mass as we age
How satellite cells can lose their regenerative capacity through inactivity
Why exercise is necessary for producing Klotho (the longevity protein)
How your muscles, bones, and fat are in constant communication
The benefit of VO2 Max for understanding how your current level of fitness will project into the future
The importance of knowing your longevity goals for creating a balanced fitness plan
Knowing the difference between being lean and being healthy
Why muscle mass is crucial for your health and mobility
The specialty labs Dr. Vonda uses in her practice

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Connect with Dr. Vonda Wright

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Instagram and YouTube
Dr. Wright’s book, Unbreakable, will come out on the 26th of August. You can pre-order a copy and get your Unbreakable Data Assessment App here.