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

Today, I am honored to connect with Catharine Arnston, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of ENERGYbits. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Catharine in person this past July at KetoCon in Austin. Much of her work focuses on optimizing mitochondrial function and recognizing that mitochondria are pivotal to our metabolism, longevity, brain and gut health, sleep, digestion, and almost everything else. In our conversation, we dive into what got Catharine passionate about algae. We speak about her transition from a corporate economic development role into a budding entrepreneur, the distinctions between micro and macroalgae, and the more than 100,000 studies that have been done- especially in Asia, that show algae are of the most alkaline and nutrient-dense foods available. We differentiate between spirulina and chlorella and explain their roles in our mitochondrial health. We also discuss how our stressful lifestyles impact our cellular health and talk about autophagy, red light therapy, immune function, and more.I hope you enjoy today’s eye-opening discussion about the value of consuming microalgae daily. Stay tuned to find out what microalgae are and what they do to keep you healthy!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How an issue with her sister’s health resulted in Catharine becoming passionate about algae as a food source. Algae is a food, not a supplement.  How do macroalgae differ from algae? Spirulina and chlorella are grown as fresh-water crops. So they contain no iodine. They also have no lectins or oxalates.  Catharine explains why algae are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available.  Why are algae critical for maintaining mitochondrial health? Consuming microalgae every day means you do not have to deteriorate as you age. What makes spirulina’s absorption rate so high?  The health benefits of consuming chlorella. Catherine explains how spirulina and chlorella differ and work together synergistically. How does chlorella differ from activated charcoal? What are the benefits of having chlorophyll in your body when exposed to red light? Catharine unpacks the immune-supportive aspects of spirulina and chlorella. Spirulina and chlorella are keto-friendly, can be used when fasting intermittently, and are safe for people with diabetes.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Catharine Arnston On her website (Use the 20% discount code: CYNTHIATHURLOW On Facebook On Instagram (@energybits) On Twitter (@energybits)  Resources:Why Algae is a Food, Not a Supplement ArticleAlgae ArticleChlorophyll ArticleCollagen Article

We have a mashup episode today, exploring heart health during menopause and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. In this episode, Dr. Felice Gersh dives into the role of estrogen in immune function, inflammation, and heart health. Dr. Deb Matthew highlights the importance of assessing cardiovascular risks and hormone balance in perimenopausal and menopausal women to optimize heart health and minimize reliance on statins.Join us as Dr. Matthew and Dr. Gersh share their insights on heart health, hormones, and menopause.Ep. 356: Menopause, Heart Health, and HRT with Dr. Felice Gersh[00:01:53] Dr. Gersh guides listeners in understanding and appreciating the impact of estrogen on immune function, inflammation, and the healing processes within the body.[49:33] Estradiol is vital for heart health, and its decline after menopause can lead to issues like stiffening of the heart, heart failure, and arrhythmias in women.Ep. 325 Menopausal Toolkit: Heart, Brain and Hormonal Health with Dr. Deb Matthew[00:01:30] Most women fear breast cancer more than heart disease, even though cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Yet, clinicians fail to talk enough about the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in mitigating the risk of heart disease during perimenopause and menopause. [00:04:04] While estrogen can benefit the cardiovascular health of women, the risks associated with oral estrogen and synthetic forms, including blood clots and artery plaque instability, have led to hesitancy in using hormone replacement therapy despite its potential long-term benefits when administered correctly.[00:11:26] The balance of hormones like testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. Imbalances, such as flat cortisol patterns due to stress, potentially increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Matthew uses tests like coronary artery scans and coronary intima-media thickness to assess cardiovascular risk in patients before considering hormone replacement therapy.[00:20:22] Dr. Matthew emphasizes the importance of advanced lipid testing, addressing the nuances of cholesterol particle size and inflammation, balancing hormones, and optimizing thyroid and blood sugar levels to manage cardiovascular risk instead of immediately resorting to statins.Bio: Dr. Deb MatthewDr. Deb Matthew MD, The Happy Hormones Doctor, is a best-selling author, international speaker, educator, wife, and mom of four boys. After suffering for years from fatigue and irritability due to hormone imbalances, her quest to resolve her personal health led her to change everything about her practice of medicine. She has been featured on national podcasts, radio, and broadcast shows, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. Her books, This Is NOT Normal! and Why Can't I Keep Up Anymore? address hormone health in women and men.Bio: Dr. Felice GershDr. Felice Gersh is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certification in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is also a recognized expert on PCOS.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine Instagram Connect with Dr. Deb Matthew On her website Facebook Instagram

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and author known for her work on Hashimoto's and adrenal health. She shares insights on the link between adrenal and thyroid issues, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and the physiological differences between acute and chronic stress. Dr. Wentz discusses lifestyle factors that affect adrenal health, the role of adaptogens, and the critical impact of sleep and trauma on well-being. Listeners will learn about foods that support or hinder thyroid function and practical steps for optimizing their health.

Jackie Piasta is a Vanderbilt-trained, board-certified women’s and gender health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience. In a thought-provoking discussion, she delves into why less than 3% of women choose hormone replacement therapy, dispelling myths and sharing insights on personalized care. Jackie explains the impact of conditions like endometriosis on menopause and differentiates between hypoactive sexual disorder and low libido. The conversation also highlights the complexities of treatments like IUDs and the importance of tailored health strategies for women.

Welcome to today's special AMA episode, where we dive into questions from listeners regarding supplementation to support hormonal health, hormone replacement therapy, and the specific circumstances surrounding perimenopause and menopause. We have included the relevant research links with actionable information to take to your providers. We will also happily share the provider PDF we compiled featuring experts across the United States who specialize in perimenopausal and menopausal hormone replacement therapy and links to MIDI Health, a telemedicine company I find beneficially conservative in that they can provide access to appropriate FDA-approved options to help women use their insurance to gain access to estrogen patches, oral micronized progesterone, and compounded options inexpensively.I know you will find all the information about hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, menopause, and targeted supplementation invaluable, and please keep on sending us your questions.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are the benefits of DHEA for pre-menopausal women? Why the keto lifestyle and cardio exercise may not be giving Mary her desired results Amanda asks about incorporating estradiol into her hormone replacement regimen The difference between micronized and compounded progesterone Can Jody start HRT at 72? The symptoms of estrogen dominance What are the optimal estrogen and progesterone levels for brain, bone, and heart health? The importance of cardiovascular risk assessment for women on HRT The complex interrelationship that exists between hormones and neurotransmitters Is HRT safe for women with a family history of cancer? Why strength training, quality sleep, and stress management are all essential for menopausal women Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

I am delighted to connect with Brad Kearns today! Brad is a New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record setting professional Speedgolfer, #1 ranked USA high jumper, and a former US national champion and triathlete. He hosts the B.rad podcast covering healthy living, peak performance, and personal growth.Brad has always had high standards and a competitive edge that he never wants to let go of, especially as he ages. In this episode, we define fitness and dive into the cultural programming within the western medicine mindset. We talk about avoiding overtraining or training when we are stressed or sick, stress hormones, and the importance of having an ancestral health perspective on your physical activity. We also spoke about nutritional dogma, nutritional philosophies, critical thinking, and more. I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Brad Kearns as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned to learn how to pursue peak performance with passion throughout your life! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of preserving functional lean muscle mass throughout life for longevity. How to improve your level of fitness in a healthy and stress-free manner as you age. Fitness does not have to be an ordeal that involves struggling and suffering.  The benefits of sprinkling opportunities to be more active into your daily routine rather than going to extremes and pushing yourself too hard. What happens to your metabolic and hormonal processes when you over-exert yourself physically? Brad shares a formula to work out your heart rate limit for aerobic activities. How to change your mentality and become more peppy and active throughout the day.  How to do more appropriate high-intensity workouts. What happens to your body when you go too hard for too long? Overcoming patterns of over-exercising, over-fasting, and avoiding certain macros. Brad discusses his nutritional evolution over the last ten to fifteen years, shares his personal alternative to fasting, and talks about his Carnivore Scores Chart. How to maintain optimum metabolic health and avoid losing muscle mass as you get older.  Bio:Brad Kearns is a New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record setting professional Speedgolfer, #1 ranked USA age 55-59 high jumper and former US national champion, and #3 world-ranked professional triathlete. He hosts the B.rad podcast covering healthy living, peak performance, and personal growth with his carefree style and lively sense of humor.  Brad has written over twenty books on diet, health, peak performance, and ancestral living, and is a popular speaker, retreat host, and host of numerous online multimedia educational courses at BradKearns.com. In 2017, The Keto Reset Diet (co-authored with Mark Sisson) became New York Times bestseller, and #1 ranked overall bestselling book on amazon.com for two days.  Brad's main message is to encourage the pursuit of peak performance with passion throughout life. He promotes the importance of performing a daily morning exercise routine for a natural energy boost, improved strength, mobility, and flexibility, and better focus and discipline in all areas of life.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Brad Kearns On the B.rad podcast On his website Resources:Jay Feldman’s The Energy Balance PodcastMark Sisson’s Primal Essential Movements on YouTubeBooks mentioned:Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine by Robert. H. LustigThe Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever by Mark Sisson

I am delighted to have Dr. Alexandra Sowa joining me for our second conversation today. Dr. Sowa is a pioneer in obesity medicine, known for combining scientific expertise with compassionate patient advocacy. She is also the author of the new Ozempic Revolution book. In our discussion, Dr. Sowa shares her insights on GLP-1 medications and their role in metabolic health and weight management, and we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about these drugs, exploring the differences between Metformin and GLP-1s and examining the damaging effects of ultra-processed foods have on our brains. We discuss the impact of the body positivity movement, yo-yo dieting, and microdosing, and Dr. Sowa offers her perspective on metabolic adaptation. We dive into the science behind how GLP-1s work in the body and some specific concerns about their side effects, and we also provide practical guidance on insurance coverage and answer a broad range of listener questions. I know you will love this invaluable discussion with Dr. Alexandra Sowa.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sowa shares her experience with GLP-1 medications Why you must understand your metabolic health before starting with GLP-1s Some of the broader benefits of GLP-1 medications Dr. Sowa explains what food noise is and clarifies how GLP-1 medications can help reduce it Why healthy-at-any-size and GLP-1 medications are not mutually exclusive Why is Dr. Sowa opposed to microdosing? The importance of using GLP-1s for health benefits rather than thinness How yo-yo dieting impacts metabolic health The mechanism of action and side effects of GLP-1s Some tips for navigating insurance coverage and accessing GLP-1s The importance of protein and the benefits of low-carbohydrate diets for individuals with insulin resistance Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Alexandra Sowa On her website   On all social media: @alexandrasowamd  Purchase a copy of Dr. Sowa’s book, The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor's Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself from Disease

Today, I am thrilled to have my friend and colleague, Sahil Bloom, joining me. Sahil is an inspirational writer and content creator who captivates millions with his insights and bi-weekly newsletter. He is also a successful entrepreneur and the author of The Five Types of Wealth. In our conversation today, we explore the scientific research on the relationship between money and happiness, diving into time as our most valuable asset, how busyness can hinder progress, and why comfort does not lead to growth. We also discuss the impact of technology on our daily lives, the importance of stillness and solitude, the paradox of choice, the effects of loneliness, the power of curiosity, and much more. This discussion with Sahil Bloom is invaluable, and I highly recommend reading his thought-provoking book, The Five Types of Wealth.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How money, beyond a certain income level, does not increase happiness Why it’s hard to break the psychological patterns that link money with happiness Why time is our most valuable asset How busyness and technology can negatively impact our personal growth and relationships The importance of being present and working through difficulties in relationships How loneliness affects people’s physical health How relationships tend to evolve and change over time Why Sahil views curiosity as the fountain of youth The dynamic nature of purpose Sahil shares a strategy to foster curiosity Bio: Sahil BloomSahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his insights and biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. Bloom is a successful entrepreneur, owner of SRB Holdings, and the managing partner of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment fund. Bloom graduated from Stanford University with an MA in public policy and a BA in economics and sociology. He was a four-year member of the Stanford baseball team.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Sahil Bloom On his website On all major platforms: @sahilbloom Find out more about The 5 Types of Wealth Buy a copy of The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom

Today, I have the privilege of engaging with Kashif Khan.Kashif is the author of The DNA Way. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker, a celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, an innovative company at the forefront of personalized medicine that has leveraged unique insights into the human genome. In our conversation today, we dive into the impact of our current healthcare system and share daily practices to help men and women enhance their longevity. We discuss the genome, considerations for bio-individuality and genetics, and how mood and behavior impact our overall well-being. Kashif also addresses some issues women face in midlife, including sleep problems, weight loss resistance, and bone health. I am sure anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these matters will find our discussion significant and most valuable.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the focus of our current healthcare system is on symptom management, not prevention The fundamental principles of the 2018 Harvard study on five practices that every male and female can do to live longer Kashif explains how his company created a tool to make genetic testing more accessible and personalized  Why personalization in healthcare is so important How dopamine pathways affect the perception of pleasure and reward The symptoms of serotonin dysregulation Sleep disruptions and circadian rhythm in perimenopause and menopause How circadian rhythm disruptions can lead to sleep problems How our emotional intelligence impacts our ability to connect and empathize with others How broken detox pathways can lead to inflammation and disease How hormone dominance affects menopause, weight loss, and overall health Bio:Kashif Khan is the author of The DNA Way, a two-time TedX Speaker, Celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, where personalized medicine is being pioneered through unique insights into the human genome.Growing up in Vancouver, Canada in an immigrant household, Kashif developed an industrious entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Before his tenure at the DNA Company, Kashif advised several high-growth start-ups in a variety of industries.As Kashif dove into the field of functional genomics as the Founder of The DNA Company, it was revealed that his neural wiring was genetically designed to be entrepreneurial. However, his genes also revealed a particular sensitivity to pollutants.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Kashif Khan On Instagram On his website   Go to Kashif’s special landing page   The DNA Company

Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and 23-year breast cancer survivor, shares her journey navigating health challenges and advocating for menopause education. The conversation unveils how the Women's Health Initiative has instilled fear in many women regarding breast cancer risks. Dr. Menn discusses the misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy, its benefits for managing menopause, and the need for personalized care. She emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment in confronting healthcare disparities and improving women's well-being.