Women’s health expert Cynthia Thurlow returns to Treated to unpack one of the most misunderstood wellness trends: intermittent fasting. Together, Dr. Sara and Cynthia explore why fasting can stop working—or even backfire—for women over 35. From blood sugar crashes and burnout to the loss of lean muscle, they reveal how stress, hormones, and timing shape a woman’s fasting success. Cynthia shares how her own approach evolved through perimenopause, why she swapped strict fasting for “digestive rest,” and how she rebuilt strength and energy by eating more protein, lifting heavy, and embracing carbohydrates.

The conversation goes into the science of metabolic health, hormones, and sensitivity—connecting fasting, cortisol, estrogen, and emotional resilience in midlife. Dr. Sara and Cynthia discuss how highly sensitive women and those navigating perimenopause need tailored approaches to stress and nutrition, not one-size-fits-all biohacks. They also touch on the promise and pitfalls of peptides and GLP-1 medications, the importance of sleep and social connection, and why strength is the ultimate marker of longevity. It’s a grounded, science-backed guide to thriving—not just surviving—through hormonal change.

// LEARN MORE FROM CYNTHIA THURLOW //

Visit Cynthia Thurlow’s website, cynthiathurlow.com

Follow her on Instagram, @cynthia_thurlow_

Listen to her podcast, Everyday Medicine.

// KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA //

If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated

Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara

Watch Treated on YouTube

Produced by Dear Media.

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