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

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Jeff Krasno, the Co-founder and CEO of the Commune well-being master class platform and the author of Good Stress, as my guest. Jeff also hosts the Commune podcast, where he has interviewed various luminaries, and writes a weekly personal essay called Commusings to explore spirituality, wellness, and culture. In today’s discussion, we discuss the marginal decades, contrasting the allopathic and integrative medicine approaches, looking at the advantages of hormesis and intentional stress, the idea of balance, and the Goldilocks zone. We also dive into the effects of cold and heat therapies on emotional and thermal regulation, the role of heat shock proteins, the impact of distraction and dopamine foraging, the importance of relationships, and the benefits of xenohormetics, polyphenols, and more. This conversation with Jeff Krasno is incredibly insightful, and his book is well-written and beautiful to read.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the high prevalence of chronic diseases in the U.S. impacts individual and societal health The astronomical cost of chronic disease treatments in the U.S. How the chronic disease epidemic connects to political, invective, and societal issues How medical treatment has evolved from acute injuries to chronic diseases Why addressing chronic diseases in your 30s and 40s leads to better health outcomes How modern conveniences can affect people’s health What are the benefits of hormesis? How dopamine foraging impacts concentration Why it’s essential to be present and pay attention in all social interactions The role of polyphenols in stressed plants and their benefits for human health The importance of nutrition for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases Bio: Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “Commusings” that explores spirituality, wellness, and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the author of Good Stress, a collection of protocols he created to counteract the "chronic ease" that created our modern epidemic of dis-ease. Good Stress is available March 25, 2025, wherever books are sold.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jeff Krasno On his website Instagram The Commune platform Jeff’s book, Good Stress

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon today! She is a dear friend and a physician whose work has profoundly impacted my own work, particularly during the past few years. She previously appeared on the podcast in episode 95 about three years ago.  Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a highly respected functional medicine provider, the founder of the Institute for Muscle-centric Medicine, a nationally recognized speaker and media contributor, and the author of the book Forever Strong. In our conversation, we dive into areas where confusion often clouds our understanding of protein intake. We explore the distinctions between commodities and consumer packaged goods and the impact of sarcopenia and other muscle-related changes that affect women during perimenopause and menopause. Our discussion also goes into the hallmarks of aging, uncovers the critical importance of a specific protein threshold to initiate muscle protein synthesis, and examines the role of food matrices and Leucine thresholds, misconceptions surrounding carbohydrates, and the most effective methods for tracking muscle mass. Additionally, we explore the connections between poor metabolic health and cognitive decline, making this conversation exceptionally relevant and informative. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lyon's forthcoming book coming out in early October. Her work has played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional life and had a profound impact on many of my female patients and clients. I am confident that you will find today’s show with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon as enlightening and valuable as I do.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Where did the confusion around the proper intake of protein originate? Physiological changes that occur in women as they age How hormonal changes during midlife lead to muscle loss and insulin resistance, which can contribute to aging What is insulin resistance? How unhealthy skeletal muscle leads to low energy efficiency and metabolic implications. The importance of protein for women's health How carbohydrates impact our metabolic health The impact of intermittent fasting on muscle health What is skeletal muscle and how does it affect our health?   The interconnectedness between skeletal muscle, obesity, and cognitive decline The benefits of D3 Creatine supplementation  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect With Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Check out her website  Connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Her podcast, the Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show Order her book, Forever Strong, on Amazon or her website Previous Episode Mentioned:Episode 95 – Why Muscle Is The Organ Of Longevity – with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and the Co-director of Research at Chicago Cosmetics Surgery and Dermatology. Dr. Ibrahim completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. In our discussion today, we dive into the concept of hair loss in women, exploring how our hair follicles change during perimenopause and menopause, the prevalence of hair loss and hair thinning, and the many factors that contribute to it, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, heat damage, weight loss (especially with GLP-1 medications), alcohol, and smoking. We discuss the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, essential supplements, red light therapy, PRP, exosomes, and topical and oral medications, and we also cover specific lab tests to request, the impact of endocrine-mimicking chemicals, and how to find qualified hair specialists or dermatologists in your area. You will not want to miss this conversation with Dr. Omer Inrahim, and I look forward to having him back on the podcast in the future.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The two most common reasons for hair thinning and hair loss How pattern hair loss, or TE, is linked to hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause How hair loss patterns are not inherited directly, and how they can vary, even within the same family Why early treatment for hair loss is essential How weight loss and GLP-1 agonists can impact hair loss Vitamin deficiencies that could contribute to hair loss Why it’s important to avoid harsh hair care practices to prevent hair damage How stress could lead to hair loss and thinning How alcohol and smoking impact hair loss Various prescription medications available for hair loss Bio: Dr. Omer IbrahimOmer Ibrahim, MD FAAD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and co-director of research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. He completed his residency at Cleveland Clinic, followed by an ASDS-accredited fellowship in cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston. Dr. Ibrahim serves as adjunct faculty at Cleveland Clinic and Rush University, where he teaches residents the fundamentals of cosmetic and surgical dermatology.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Omer Ibrahim Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology On Instagram

We have the second part of our mashup on heart health today, featuring insights from Dr. Stephen Hussey and Dr. Thomas Dayspring on the real drivers of cardiac disease. In this episode, Dr. Hussey challenges conventional views on heart disease. Dr. Dayspring dives into the key markers for cardiovascular risk and the essential role of lifestyle changes for heart health. Join us for a fresh perspective on heart health.Ep. 254 Understanding and Optimizing Heart Health with Dr. Stephen Hussey[8:52] After experiencing a massive myocardial infarction, Dr. Hussey came to realize that chronic stress, metabolic health, and environmental factors play a far more prominent role in heart disease than is commonly acknowledged. Yet the medical system remains fixated on cholesterol as the primary cause of cardiac issues, ignoring evidence that both acute and prolonged stress can directly trigger cardiac events.[22:11] Due to liability concerns and lack of approval, Western medicine operates within a rigid system that prioritizes standard treatments over potentially effective alternatives like intravenous magnesium sulfate for clot prevention. That limits physicians in exploring innovative approaches despite promising research.[29:13] Dr. Hussey explains that metabolic heart attacks can occur without arterial blockages due to oxidative stress forcing the heart into an inefficient glucose-dependent state, leading to tissue death instead of cancerous growth. His insight challenges conventional views on heart disease that tie into the historical shift driven by the flawed research of Ancel Keys that vilified saturated fats while promoting processed vegetable oils.[53:35] Heart attacks are often triggered by stress rather than just cholesterol buildup. Managing stress, along with metabolic health, inflammation, and nervous system balance, is the key to heart disease prevention, with fasting being beneficial across all three areas.Ep. 352 Lipid Masterclass: Apo-B, Labs and Women's Heart Health with Thomas Dayspring[00:02:33] APO(b) Levels are essential for assessing cardiovascular risk. Dr. Thomas Dayspring recommends an APO(b) below 80 mg/dL for general health and below 60 mg/dL for optimal longevity. He highlights the benefits of lifestyle interventions before considering pharmacological treatments, especially for those genetically predisposed to high APO(b).[00:24:00] The loss of estrogen during menopause increases APO(a) protein production, leading to higher LP(a) levels. That can elevate cardiovascular risk, and factors like pregnancy complications, PCOS, and lipid issues can indicate future heart disease risk, making early monitoring and appropriate hormone therapy crucial for women's long-term health.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephen Hussey On his website On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring On Twitter (@DrLipid) On LinkedIn

I am happy to connect with Kristin Rowell today! Kristin is an attorney, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and the CEO and Founder of Energetically Efficient. After spending 16 years building a successful business trial practice, she left to create Energetically Efficient so that she could speak to and coach other high-performers on navigating food, exercise, and other lifestyle practices efficiently.Kristin fell and broke her leg in ten places in 2013. She started meditating and received several nudges from the universe that prompted her to leave her job to pivot and transition into nutritional therapy and coaching.In this episode, she shares her pain-to-purpose story, and we dive into the role of the ego in soul work, common limiting beliefs, energy work, and why weight gain is not a normal function of aging. We also discuss how chronic stress impacts our hormones, lifestyle choices, nutritional detoxification, why muscle is the organ of longevity, and Kristin’s favorite foods to take with her when she travels.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The story behind Kristin’s career transition. Kristin discusses her process of letting go of the ego. What is energy work? Some common limiting beliefs that may prevent people from reaching their full potential. How Kristin helps people recalibrate themselves. Does gaining weight have to go along with aging? Some of the common errors Kristen sees women making.  How Kristin helps her clients detoxify naturally. How often should women do strength training? How to support yourself after a strength training workout. The foods Kristin loves to take along when she travels. Bio:Kristin Rowell is a lawyer, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and CEO/Founder of Energetically Efficient. After spending 16 years building a successful business trial practice, she left to create Energetically Efficient so that she could speak to and coach other high-performers on how to efficiently navigate food, exercise, and other lifestyle practices to maximize their energy and become their best self each day. The foundation of Kristin's coaching centers on energy and consciousness, which makes her unique. Kristin also provides 1:1 coaching to professionals seeking to make a career transition, given that she successfully navigated that transition herself. Kristin is releasing her first cookbook this year, called Eating Efficiently. Kristin lives in Minneapolis with her two gorgeous Golden Retrievers, Catch & Belle.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Kristin RowellOn Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn On her website

Today, I am delighted to connect with my physician colleague, Dr. Vivek Lal. He is a physician-scientist, a double board-certified physician, an innovator, and an entrepreneur. He is also the Director of Clinical Innovation at the Marnix Heersink Institute of Biomedical Innovation and Professor and Director of the Pulmonary Microbiome Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.In today's conversation, we dive into the lung microbiome, examining the anatomy and physiology of the lungs, gas exchange, and why air is medicine. We discuss the realities of lung function, looking at the lung microbiome, dysbiosis, the concept of leaky lung, and the gut-lung relationship, and explore how lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition impact lung health and how sleep deprivation and stress can lead to lung infections and inflammation. We also get into specific diagnoses related to lung health, the effects of environmental toxins, and the latest cutting-edge research on probiotics that may benefit lung health, and touch on the consequences of long-term steroid use for chronic conditions and how menopause impacts the lung microbiome.I know you will love this invaluable conversation with Dr. Vivek Lal.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Lal explains the anatomy and physiology of the lungs Why Dr. Lal believes air is medicine How the lung microbiome compares with the gut microbiome  How the concept of real lung function can prevent secondary health issues  How lifestyle factors influence lung health How the gut-lung axis affects lung health How ResB Lung Support, the world's first respiratory probiotic, was developed  The benefits of using the ResB Lung Support probiotic  How probiotics can reduce the side effects of long-term steroid use Bio: Dr. Vivek LalDr. C. Vivek Lal, MD, is a physician-scientist, innovator, and entrepreneur. He is the Director of Clinical Innovation at the Marnix Heersink Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Professor, and the Director of the Pulmonary Microbiome Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr. Lal is the founder of Alveolus Bio, Inc., a biotech platform company that does FDA-approved pulmonary drug development. He is also the founder and CEO of ResBiotic Nutrition, Inc., a company that makes science-backed wellness supplements, and Urgent Care for Children, a Southeast US-based urgent care chain headquartered in AL.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow          Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Vivek Lal On the ResBiotic website Email Dr. Lal: Vikek@resbiotic.com 

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jen Scheinman, a registered dietitian and one of the lead educators at Timeline Nutrition. In our discussion, we dive into Urolithin A as a postbiotic nutrient and explain why we cannot get enough through nutrition alone. Jen shares common midlife symptoms she observes in her patients and clients, including changes in body composition, mood, skin health, and fatigue. We explore the impact of immunosenescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the connection between mitochondria and estrogen, and Jen discusses regional differences in diet and the microbiome, how birth delivery methods, infant feeding choices, and antibiotics shape gut health, and offers practical lifestyle strategies for improving skin health. We also touch on the latest research into the skin benefits of topical application of Urolithin A.I know you will find this conversation invaluable, and I look forward to having Jen back later this year to dive even deeper into the science behind Urolithin A.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why Urolithin A is such a powerful nutrient How Urolithin A, mitochondrial health, and longevity are all connected How Urolithin A gets produced by the gut microbiome  Why do we need to supplement with Urolithin A? How mitochondrial dysfunction impacts aging The link between mitochondrial function and estrogen How declining estrogen affects skin health and hair growth The role of lifestyle factors like diet, hydration, exercise, and sleep in maintaining skin and hair health The benefits of using Urolithin A topically An overview of the clinical studies conducted on Urolithin A Bio: Jennifer ScheinmanJennifer Scheinman is a seasoned Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in the field of nutrition and wellness. She holds a master’s degree in integrative and functional nutrition and has advanced training from the Institute of Functional Medicine. Jen’s expertise in cellular health and aging makes her a sought-after speaker and media expert. As the Senior Manager of Nutrition Affairs at Timeline, she educates healthcare providers and consumers on the role of Urolithin A in supporting mitochondrial health and longevity. Beyond Timeline, Jen is a writer, speaker, and nutrition coach, helping women optimize their health and vitality during the menopause transition and beyond.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jennifer Scheinman On the Timeline website Timeline Longevity on Instagram

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 to cater to 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, macros. We also get into the supplements Dr. Haver finds beneficial for women in middle age, in addition to dissecting 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 Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Mary Claire Haver Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Pre-order a copy of The Galveston Diet

Today, I am thrilled to speak with Dr. Carrie Jones to delve into the concept of the "middle pause," which refers to the transition from perimenopause to menopause. We’ll examine how lifestyle habits that were effective in women's 20s and 30s may lose their efficacy during this phase. Dr. Jones emphasizes the reduced capacity to "burn the candle at both ends" and the transition from people-pleasing to more straightforward communication. We’ll cover the behavioral impacts of hormonal changes, the significance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the importance of adrenal health. We both stress the need for women to seek supportive healthcare providers and embrace this transitional period. Tune in!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The concept of "middle pause," encompassing perimenopause and menopause Changes in lifestyle habits and their effectiveness during this transitional phase Decline of people-pleasing tendencies and the shift toward direct communication Impact of hormonal changes on behavior and emotional responses Understanding physiological changes, including hormonal imbalances Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its effects on mood and well-being Relationship dynamics and challenges faced by women during this transition Self-advocacy and finding supportive healthcare providers Connection between hormonal changes and food sensitivities or allergies Education and awareness regarding health and wellness during aging Bio: Dr. Carrie JonesDr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health (MPH), was one of the first to become board-certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test) and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. She co-hosts the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast which has over 10 million downloads. She is the Clinical Expert for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center, was on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council, and is an advisor for MetaPause. Currently, she is the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones Website Instagram YouTube The Root Cause Medicine Podcast TikTok

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Nina Teicholz, an investigative science journalist, author, nutritional thought leader, and a science writer I love to follow. In our conversation today, Dr. Teicholz highlights the challenges of distinguishing real news from propaganda, and we examine how nutritional dogma shapes the identity of many individuals. We explore the history and consequences of our food guidelines, including the Diet-Heart Hypothesis and the Seven Countries Study, looking at the impact of cancel culture in science, the role of seed oils and processed carbohydrates, and the misconceptions about red and processed meats. She also shares her vision for the future, which includes much-needed shifts in nutritional guidelines to improve metabolic health. This discussion with Nina Teicholz is eye-opening, so you may want to listen to it more than once.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Difficulties with finding real information and reliable advice on nutrition and health Why we need to be open-minded about dietary changes Biological truths that apply to all humans  How toxins and chronic stress impact our health Historical context of our dietary guidelines How the Seven Countries Study impacted the Diet-Heart hypothesis Long-term influence of the Diet-Heart hypothesis on our dietary guidelines Nina outlines the unintended consequences of the Diet-Heart hypothesis Challenges of changing the current diet guidelines How the notion that red and processed meats cause cancer came about Bio: Nina TeicholzNina Teicholz, a science journalist, is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Big Fat Surprise, which upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat–especially saturated fat—and spurred a new conversation about whether these fats in fact cause heart disease. Named a *Best Book* of the Year by The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and Mother Jones, among others, it continues to be called a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the amazing story of how we came to believe fat is bad for health and what a better diet might look like. Nina is also the founder of the Nutrition Coalition, a non-profit working to ensure that government nutrition policy is transparent and evidence-based-work for which she’s been asked to testify before the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Senate. Teicholz is a graduate of Stanford and Oxford Universities and previously served as associate director of the Center for Globalization and Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Dr. Teicholz lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Nina Teicholz On Instagram X (@bigfatsurprise) Unsettled Science The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet Nutrition Coalition Dietary Guidelines Primer