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

Dr. Robyn Roth, an associate professor of radiology and creator of the Boobie Docs platform, joins the conversation to demystify breast health. She tackles the flood of misinformation on social media regarding breast imaging and explains crucial risk factors for early detection. Dr. Roth emphasizes the importance of 3D mammography over 2D, discusses why dense breast tissue complicates screenings, and clarifies the roles of ultrasound and MRIs. With a focus on personalized care, she encourages regular self-exams and critical awareness about breast health.

Dr. Mariza Snyder, a practitioner and author focused on women's hormonal health, sheds light on the pressing challenges women face in midlife. She argues that the menstrual cycle should be regarded as a fifth vital sign and highlights cultural myths that induce shame around aging. Dr. Mariza discusses the importance of body composition over scale weight and explains how tracking metabolic health markers can empower women. With insights on strength training, hormonal shifts, and non-negotiables for wellness, she encourages taking charge of health during the perimenopause-to-menopause transition.

Join Dr. Felice Gersh, a dual board-certified OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine expert, as she unravels the mysteries of perimenopause and menopause. Discover how the Women's Health Initiative misled women's health perceptions and learn the nuances between synthetic and bioidentical hormones. Dr. Gersh shares insights on the impacts of hormonal shifts on mental health, metabolism, and even body odor. She also highlights the role of diet and lifestyle in mitigating menopause symptoms, revealing how crucial pre-menopausal health is for future well-being.

Dr. Heather Hirsch, a board-certified internist and founder of Health by Heather Hirsch, dives deep into perimenopause. They discuss the hormonal chaos behind heavy periods, the correlation between weight loss resistance and midlife, and the importance of strength training and protein. Dr. Hirsch sheds light on estrogen's role in metabolic health and how it impacts multiple organ systems. She emphasizes the need for better clinician education on perimenopause and explores unique symptoms that often go unnoticed, proving it's an eye-opening conversation for women navigating this phase.

In this engaging conversation, Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and complex PTSD. She explains the haunting sense of disconnection many experience as a result of early trauma, diving into the nuances between complex PTSD and standard PTSD. Anna illustrates how emotional dysregulation manifests in daily life, and she offers practical tools like writing and meditation to help individuals reconnect with themselves and others, especially during challenging transitions like menopause.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB/GYN and founder of Mary Claire Wellness, shares her expertise in managing perimenopause and menopause. She discusses chaos from hormone fluctuations and the factors hastening ovarian aging. Dr. Haver explains the critical distinctions between hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, alongside the role of vaginal estrogen. She highlights the need for better research funding on women's health and introduces practical wellness tips, including the 30-plant challenge for nutrition.

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, a double board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience, dives into fascinating insights about immunosenescence and its impact on aging. She discusses groundbreaking off-label medications like low-dose naltrexone and rapamycin for immune modulation. Dr. Yurth highlights the importance of thymic peptides in supporting immune health and recovery, and shares her expertise on using growth hormone secretagogues to maintain muscle and brain function. With practical tips on foundational supplements, she emphasizes the vital role of lifestyle alongside advanced treatments.

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Stephen Hussey today. He is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner who guides his clients back to health using the latest research and health-attaining strategies.  In our conversation, we explore the challenge of chronic pain, discussing how it is assessed, experienced, and managed. We unpack the concepts of coherence and heart rate variability, highlighting the value of optimizing circadian rhythm for managing hormonal changes and pain in perimenopause. Dr. Hussey also shares his perspective on chiropractic care, the nervous system, fascia, and the role of trauma, metabolic health, and environmental factors in healing. Join us as we explore how to navigate chronic pain, support natural healing, and restore balance from the inside out. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why is pain so difficult to treat? How the Flexner Report influenced medical education and contributed to pharmaceutical-based care The breadth and scope of the opioid crisis, and why people become addicted How our bodies perceive pain  Why the fascia is so important, and its role in our physiological processes What is structured water? The link between cellular hydration, metabolic health, and the pain response How obesity and diabetes are directly associated with artificial light exposure How trauma rewires the brain and contributes to chronic pain Dr. Hussey explains the concept of coherence and its importance How pain changes during perimenopause and menopause  Bio: Stephen Hussey Dr. Stephen Hussey, MS, DC, is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner. His story of personally healing heart disease using light and environmental health strategies has become an inspiration to many and a calling for change in healthcare. In addition to Chiropractic clinical practice, Dr. Hussey is a health consultant, speaker, and the author of three books on health: The Health Evolution, Understanding the Heart, and Pain Sense. Dr. Hussey guides clients from around the world back to health by using the latest research and health-attaining strategies. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephen Hussey On his website Social media:@drstephenhussey

I am delighted to have Jessie Inchauspé, the Glucose Goddess, joining me on the podcast today! Metabolic health is my passion! It is a huge area of focus in my work, and Jessie is truly a gift in the space! She is a rising star author and biochemist with a clear and accessible way of explaining the science behind glucose metabolism.  Jessie joins me today to discuss the impact of glucose metabolism and spikes. We dive into her background and how an accident created her pain-to-purpose story. We discuss the role of continuous glucose monitors and how glucose spikes impact our mitochondria, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We get into glycation and aging, how weight gain is a protective aspect of glucose spikes- or hyperglycemia, and the role of vinegar, movement, and fiber. We also talk about Jessie’s new book, her opinions on fasting, and so much more.  I loved interviewing Jessie! Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it is easy to understand why she is such a beloved author in the health and wellness space! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Jessie shares how an accident led her to where she is today. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) changed everything for Jessie How Jessie developed her simple principles to stabilize glucose levels What is the purpose of glucose in the body? Glucose spikes and our mitochondria Vinegar hack for reducing side effects and symptoms of glucose spikes Being metabolically unhealthy impacts the aging process Benefits of having savory breakfasts and eating vegetables first with every meal Jessie’s book, The Glucose Goddess Method How gaining weight protects our bodies from the impact of glucose spikes Walking or moving after meals to balance blood sugar levels Why blood sugar so important Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Jessie Inchauspé On her website   Instagram Link for Jessie’s new book: Buy a copy of Jessie’s book, The Glucose Goddess Method.

Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sarah Hill, an award-winning researcher, professor, and leading voice in the field of women’s hormones and brain health. She wrote This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and has also authored The Period Brain, which is due to be released this fall. In our conversation, Dr. Hill dispels the myths surrounding bioidentical hormones and shares her view on how women are not biologically disordered, but just ignored by science. We dive into research on how oral contraceptives affect the brain and how the pill creates a dysregulated stress response, particularly in women with histories of adverse childhood experiences. We also explore progesterone through the lens of an evolutionary biologist and neuro-endocrinologist, highlighting its role in supporting GABAergic tone, the key differences between synthetic progestins and natural progesterone, and research on PMS and PMDD, including practical ways to manage those issues. This helpful discussion with Dr. Sarah Hill is a must-listen for women at every stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why has science ignored women? How oral contraceptives affect the way women perceive the world How early-life trauma impacts the ability to manage stress in adulthood Often-overlooked benefits of progesterone The different ways estrogen and progesterone impact women’s ability to build muscle mass from resistance training The positive effects of the GABAergic system in the brain The problem with combined hormone therapy How progesterone gets ignored and villainized, even though it can help women experience better lives How the protective and anti-inflammatory properties of progesterone support brain health and enhance neuroplasticity What the research suggests for women experiencing severe PMS or PMDD Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sarah Hill On her website Instagram Pre-order a copy of Dr. Hill’s new book, The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It, which will be on sale at the end of September.