BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie

Award-winning health journalist Meghan Rabbitt discusses her groundbreaking book, "The New Rules of Women's Health.” This conversation tackles what's broken in women's healthcare—from outdated anatomical terminology named after "pale, male, and stale" doctors to the dangerous myth that women are just "small men." They explore why heart disease (not breast cancer) is women's #1 killer, the clitoris as more than just a "button," autoimmune disease surges in midlife, and why menopause deserves better PR.Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):(0:00) Cold Open: What’s Broken in Women’s Health(4:00) The Problem with “Bikini Medicine”(7:00) Why Language Matters: Renaming Our Body Parts(13:00) The Cow Clitoris Scandal & Female Anatomy(22:00) Heart Disease: Women’s Real #1 Killer(27:00) Autoimmune Disease Surge in Midlife(34:00) Normalizing Suffering(42:00) How to Use This Book with Your Doctor(47:00) The Upsides of Menopause(51:00) After Party: Dr. Stephanie’s Final ThoughtsResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep452We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:JUST THRIVE HEALTH - Take the Just Thrive FEEL BETTER challenge today, and save 20% on your first order. Go to https://justthrivehealth.com/better and use the code BETTER to see the difference for yourself or get a full product refund, no questions asked.MIMIO - You can get cellular renewal, anti-inflammatory effects, and longevity benefits while STILL eating enough protein, lifting heavy, and not tanking your hormones. Go to https://mimiohealth.com/better and use code ESTIMA at checkout to save 20% on your first order of Mimio Biomimetic Cell Care.PIQUE - Designed to deeply hydrate, enhance skin elasticity & firmness and support sustained energy—exactly what we need during this stage of life. Start your daily ritual today with 20% off for life—plus a free gift to elevate your routine. Head to https://piquelife.com/drestima.TIMELINE  - A new year means a new gym membership - but you can’t out-train low energy; it starts deeper than that. So grab 35% off your one-month subscription of Mitopure Gummies at https://Timeline.com/BETTER35 while the offer lasts. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals and developer of Kaisotrex, challenges the misconception that testosterone is solely a male hormone. He reveals how low testosterone in women during menopause can lead to brain fog, disrupted sleep, and loss of vitality. The discussion highlights the significance of testosterone for overall health and the need for effective therapies. Shalin also emphasizes the importance of personalized hormone therapy, environmental factors affecting levels, and the groundbreaking development of oral testosterone options for women.

Dr. Stephanie goes "holiday-solo" for the third and final time this week to discuss the growing claim that obesity is mainly genetic, with diet and exercise only accounting for 15% of results. She explains why this messaging is scientifically questionable and potentially harmful, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause who feel powerless. In this candid solo episode, Dr. Stephanie addresses the recent trend of medical professionals suggesting that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are more effective than lifestyle interventions, and why this approach undermines women’s agency. She acknowledges genetic predispositions but argues that resistance training and protein-forward nutrition should remain our primary tools for metabolic health.Episode overview:(0:00) Intro/Teaser(2:00) The Instagram Post(4:00) The Role of Neurochemicals in Obesity(5:00) Glucose Metabolism and Muscle Quality(6:00) Hormonal Changes in Midlife(7:00) Critique of Genetic Determinism in Obesity(12:00) The Importance of Diet and Exercise(19:00) Teaching Healthy Habits to Children(21:00) Final Thoughts and Action StepsResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep450/We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:PIQUE - Designed to deeply hydrate, enhance skin elasticity & firmness and support sustained energy—exactly what we need during this stage of life. Start your daily ritual today with 20% off for life—plus a free gift to elevate your routine. Head to https://piquelife.com/drestima.TROSCRIPTIONS - There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give it a try at https://troscriptions.com/BETTER or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order.JUST THRIVE HEALTH - Take the Just Thrive FEEL BETTER challenge today, and save 20% on your first order. Go to https://justthrivehealth.com/better and use the code BETTER to see the difference for yourself or get a full product refund, no questions asked.AGZ - If you’re ready to turn down the stress and focus on the rest, head to https://drinkag1.com/STEPHANIE to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ.LVLUP - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the year winds down, a heartfelt reflection on gratitude takes center stage. Discover what true gratitude means beyond toxic positivity. Engage in a 2025 inventory, exploring support from others and appreciating your body’s resilience. Uncover lessons learned and joyful moments while recognizing small wonders in nature. Reflect on intentions for 2026, prioritizing personal commitments even without applause. This gentle guidance encourages a thoughtful transition into the new year, fostering growth and self-care.

Dr. Stephanie dives into cycle-syncing workouts for women, emphasizing the importance of tailoring fitness to the menstrual cycle. She explains why traditional men's training programs may not be suitable. The podcast highlights the roles of mobility, metabolic activity, and menstrual factors in muscle function. Insights include specific training protocols for each week of the cycle, from strength-building to endurance. Additionally, she tackles the significance of waist-to-hip ratios and autoregulation for optimizing workouts, especially for women in perimenopause.

Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine expert, dives deep into female sexual health. She breaks down pelvic floor dysfunction and discusses the alarming prevalence of urinary incontinence among women. The conversation touches on menopause’s impact on sexual wellness, revealing the 'orgasm gap' affecting many. Dr. Malik also tackles the complexities of desire in midlife and the often misunderstood effects of pornography on expectations and sexuality. Her insights aim to empower women and destigmatize important health topics.

Dr. Aly Cohen, a triple board-certified physician specializing in environmental health, brings her expertise on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to the conversation. She discusses how common toxins like BPA can interfere with hormones and metabolism. Aly shares her 'Four A's' framework for reducing toxic load, highlighting beneficial swaps such as frozen organic veggies over fresh. With insights into water quality, cookware safety, and personal care products, she emphasizes practical, sustainable changes to enhance health without overwhelming anxiety.

Dr. Chris Rhodes, a nutritional biochemist formerly at UC Davis, explores the fascinating world of fasting. He discusses the health benefits of a 36-hour fast, highlighting its effects on metabolism and cellular health. Learn about the groundbreaking Mimio supplement, designed to provide the advantages of fasting without missing meals. Rhodes also shares insights into how women, particularly during midlife, respond differently to fasting, touching on hormonal impacts and muscle preservation strategies.

Author Michael Joseph Gross (Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives) reveals how muscle has shaped human health, confidence, and culture for centuries—and why it’s time for women to reclaim it. Learn why “brains vs. brawn” is a myth, how lifting builds empathy and resilience, and the surprising history of strong women—from Victorian Europe to the modern gym.Episode Overview:(0:00) Intro/Teaser(4:00) From Greeks to Gains: The Origins of How We See Muscle(10:00) The Myth of Brain vs. Brawn(20:00) How Lifting Weights Rewires the Brain(25:00) Why Most People Still Don’t Lift (and How to Change That)(34:00) The Doctor Who Proved Strength Has No Age Limit(46:00) How Pop Culture Shaped Our Fear of Muscle(53:00) Are We Afraid of Strong Women?(58:00) Jan Todd and the Victorian Women Who Lifted(1:09:00) The Bettys Are Reclaiming Their Strength(1:11:00) Raising Strong Daughters (and Sons)(1:16:00) Where to Begin: Strength Training for Every Woman(1:24:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. StephanieResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep444/We are grateful to our sponsors:TIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER.LVLUP   - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off.EQUIP PROTEIN - Support bones, joints, gut, and skin with Equip Collagen. Go to https://equipfoods.com/better and use code BETTER from November 24 to December 1 for 30% off sitewide or 40% off a first subscription. MASA - MASA’s chips contain just three ingredients: organic nixtamalized corn, sea salt, and 100% grass-fed beef tallow. That's it. Ready to give MASA (or Vandy) a try? Use code BETTER for 25% off your first order at https://masachips.com/BETTER P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Christine Maren, a medical doctor and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in women’s health, shares her expertise on gut health, hormones, and the complex interplay between digestion and the menopausal transition. In this episode, she explains the differences in gut diversity between men and women, explores how shifts in estrogen and progesterone affect the gut, and discusses why sensitivity to alcohol, caffeine, and certain foods often increases during perimenopause. Dr. Maren also delves into the benefits of strength training, detoxification, dietary fibre, and critically examines the use of birth control pills for perimenopausal symptoms, advocating for more holistic approaches.Episode Overview:(0:00) Intro/Teaser(4:00) Gut Health and Perimenopause Transition(14:00) Histamine, Detoxification, and Midlife Changes(19:00) Estrogen Detoxification and Gut Health(32:00) Resilience and Fibre in Midlife(40:00) Carbohydrates, Gut Health, and Thyroid(50:00) Resilience and Hormone Balance in Women(53:00) The Importance of Good Carbohydrates(57:00) Strength Training, Confidence, and Birth Control(1:04:00) Birth Control Risks in Perimenopause(1:15:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. StephanieResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep443We are grateful to our sponsors:BIOPTIMIZERS - Magnesium Breakthrough contains multiple types of magnesium plus cofactors like B6 to enhance absorption. Visit https://bioptimizers.com/better and use code BETTER to save 15%.PIQUE - Designed to deeply hydrate, enhance skin elasticity & firmness and support sustained energy—exactly what we need during this stage of life. Start your daily ritual today with 20% off for life—plus a free gift to elevate your routine. Head to https://piquelife.com/drestima.ONESKIN - Use the power of peptides for firmer, glowing skin. Save 15% at https://oneskin.co/better with code BETTER.MANUKORA - Head to https://manukora.com/BETTER to get $150 off your first order with their Black Friday Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 35 honey travel sticks, a wooden and a guidebook!AG1 - Subscribe today to get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! You’ll also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get you started. Get it now at https://drinkag1.com/stephanie. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.