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

I am honored to have Dr. Stephanie Estima back on the show today! (She was with me before in 2020, on Episode 123.)Dr. Estima is an exceptionally well-read and well-versed individual! She is an expert on female metabolism and body composition, the author of a fantastic resource called the Betty Body, and the host of an incredible podcast called The Better Podcast. Dr. Estima is one of my favorite voices in the health and wellness space! She and I dive into an Ask Me Anything format today. We speak at length about the ideal percentage of body fat for perimenopause and menopause, thyroid health, the impact of diastasis, and weight training based on that core imbalance. We discuss the Gardasil vaccine, optimal nutrients, Hashimoto’s, period cramps, and general PMS symptoms- particularly with inter-uterine devices. We also get into sleep basics, supplement support, the role of parasympathetic days and hormesis, and talk about load management and optimization. I know you will love today’s conversation with Dr. Stephanie Estima!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is diastasis recti, and how do you treat it? Dr. Estima dives into pelvic floor rehabilitation. The mortality risk versus the benefit of the Gardasil vaccine. What causes low Oestrogen? What happens when you have low estradiol? Why patients often tend to be confused about what they should be doing. Stress management in autoimmune diseases. What hormones can be the most impactful on body fat? How women can overcome insulin resistance. The side effects of the copper IUD. How to support undisturbed sleep.  How to get the best sleep of your cycle in the luteal phase.  How to eat to support the luteal phase. How to optimize your load management.   Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Stephanie EstimaOn Instagram On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie, where she explores the human potential, hormones, metabolism, and a life well-lived.Get a copy of Dr. Stephanie Estima’s #1 bestselling book, The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess' Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative SexEpisode 123 – Menstruation, Muscle, Maternity, & Metabolism: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima

Today, I am honored to connect with Jason Wachob, the co-author of The Joy of Wellbeing! Jason is the Co-CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellbeing, and the host of the mindbodygreen Podcast, on which I recently had the honor of being a guest.In this episode, Jason shares his and his wife, Colleen’s backstory, and their pain-to-purpose mission, and we dive into the role of longevity, epigenetics, joy span, and the impact of the lack of connection and loneliness during the pandemic. We discuss social media algorithms, nutrition concerns over tribalism, bio-individuality, the processed food industry, exercise, and hormesis. We also talk about forever chemicals and toxins and how they impact our health.I loved reading Jason and Colleen’s new book, The Joy of Wellbeing, and I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Jason!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Jason and Colleen’s health issues motivated them to create mindbodygreen. How Colleen re-assessed what was important in her life, and where she wanted to be, after being diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. The importance of nutrition and sleep. The power of epigenetics. How the science of longevity has advanced tremendously. How crisis tends to amplify what is already wrong in the world.  The importance of connection.  The importance of incorporating exercise and movement into your day. The role of sarcopenia.  The benefits of intermittent fasting and hormetic stressors. The impact of forever chemicals in the world. Why is it essential to be thoughtful about where you spend your money?  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Jason Wachob Websites: mindbodygreen and The Joy of Wellbeing  The mindbodygreen Podcast Jason and mindbodygreen on Instagram Jason and mindbodygreen on Twitter Additional social handles: @mindbodygreen BookThe Joy of Well-Being: A Practical Guide to a Happy, Healthy, and Long Life

I am delighted to have my good friend and fan-favorite, Dr. Tabatha Barber, joining me again to share her wisdom on the podcast! Dr. Tabatha is a triple board-certified OB/GYN specializing in menopause and functional medicine. She has a wonderful podcast called The Gutsy Gynecologist Show and is often referred to affectionately as the Gutsy Gynecologist. Dr. Tabatha was with me in two previous podcast episodes, #206 and #212, and both are in the top twenty downloaded podcasts in the last 18 months!Many women suffer unnecessarily when going through perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Tabatha and I have an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode today. We discuss weight gain related to perimenopause and menopause, issues with estrogen replacement therapy, how libido can be impacted by many different factors, how to address a partial hysterectomy and HRT, and bioidenticals versus synthetic hormones. We also get into lab work, skin reactions relative to perimenopause and menopause, emotional eating, leptin resistance, and many other topics. I’m grateful for all the great questions and have no doubt this episode with Dr. Tabatha will be another fan-favorite!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do too much estrogen and too little estrogen both cause weight gain?  How fragrances and plastic contribute to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. How changing to organic tampons and pads, or using a Diva cup, can be a game-changer for women. Should women who have had a partial hysterectomy and are on HRT still check progesterone and testosterone levels and fast like a post-menopausal female? Dr. Tabatha shares her thoughts on plain estradiol versus Biest and Triest. Dr. Tabatha offers her recommendations for a healthy 48-year-old female with zero libido. What can a 17-year-old with high testosterone do to get her testosterone level within the normal range? Is there a biological or mindset issue at play if you never feel full and always want to eat, irrespective of how healthy or satisfying the foods you eat are? The benefits of fasting.  What can we do to support our pelvic joints? How do our hormones affect our skin? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Tabatha BarberOn her websiteThe Gutsy Gynecologist ShowEpisode 206 Pt 1: A Deep Dive into Perimenopause- Hormonal Imbalances and Birth Control with Dr. Tabatha BarberEpisode 212 Pt. 2: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Imbalances and Menopause with Dr. Tabatha BarberBooks mentioned:The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi

I am delighted to have Jessie Inchauspe, 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. How a continuous glucose monitor changed everything for Jessie. How Jessie came up with her simple principles to steady glucose levels. What is the purpose of glucose in the body? How do glucose spikes impact our mitochondria? Jessie shares a fascinating vinegar hack for reducing side effects and symptoms of glucose spikes. How being metabolically unhealthy impacts the aging process. The benefits of having savory breakfasts and eating vegetables first with every meal. Jessie talks about her new book, The Glucose Goddess Method. How gaining weight protects our bodies from the impact of glucose spikes. How walking or moving after meals balances blood sugar levels. Why is blood sugar so important? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Jessie InchauspeOn her website  On InstagramJessie’s booksThe Glucose Goddess MethodGlucose Revolution

I’m honored to connect with Dr. Anurag Singh today! Dr. Anurag Singh is the Chief Medical Officer at Timeline Nutrition, where they develop next-generation advanced nutritional and skincare products targeting improvements in mitochondrial and cellular health. His background is in internal medicine and immunology. He has authored over 40 articles for top science journals and has more than 15 patents. He has designed and led more than 50 randomized controlled studies. Today, Dr. Singh and I dive into his background, key biological hallmarks of aging, what accelerates aging, and what we can do to address aging proactively. We discuss sarcopenia, mitochondrial health, the gut microbiome, supplementation, and the differences between prebiotics, probiotics, and post-biotics. We also get into the benefits of Mitopure and the research behind it.Mitopure is a supplement I have been taking for several years. I feel it has been instrumental in improving and maintaining the mass and strength of my muscles. Research has been emerging specific to brain health and cognition, immune and metabolism, and topical applications of Mitopure.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The key biological hallmarks of aging. How healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to our health and longevity. How can improving our mitochondrial health impact our lives and delay some of the comorbidities of aging? The key role nutrition plays in everything we do, including how we age. Some of the biggest contributors to the aging process. Five lifestyle choices that can benefit mitochondrial health.  Dr. Singh gives a simple view of the mitochondrial life cycle and shares his approach to mitochondrial health. How Urolithin A was discovered, and how it works. The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and post-biotics. Dr. Singh discusses the research that resulted in the advent of Mitopure. Dr. Singh dives into the natural aging process of muscles and sarcopenia. Why is it critically important to boost and maintain our muscular health? How modern-day lifestyles impact the gut microbiome. What are all the benefits of Mitopure? Bio:Anurag Singh is currently Chief Medical Officer at Timeline Nutrition, which develops next-generation advanced nutritional and skincare products targeting improvements in mitochondrial and cellular health. With an M.D. in internal medicine and a Ph.D. in immunology, his experience includes work at top consumer health (Nestlé, Nestlé Health Science) and startup companies (Amazentis/Timeline). He’s authored > 40 articles for top science journals, been awarded >15 patents, and has designed and led > 50 randomized clinical trials. His research over the past decade across multiple clinical trials on the postbiotic Urolithin A and its health benefits has led to the launch of multiple consumer products.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Anurag SinghWebsites are: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/ and https://www.mitopure.com/ 

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Anshul Gupta today! Dr. Gupta is a best-selling author, speaker, researcher, and world expert on Hashimoto’s. He educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto’s disease. He is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who worked at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic alongside Dr. Mark Hyman.In this episode, Dr. Gupta shares his personal story, and we speak about the root of autoimmunity, how Hashimoto’s causes the slow destruction of the thyroid gland, and the impact of chronic stress, food, and an imbalanced gut microbiome. We also talk about toxins and infections, labs to look out for, fasting and thyroid disease, as well as medication options, peptides, and the issues surrounding iodine supplementation. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Dr. Gupta as much as I did recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gupta’s personal health journey sparked his passion for thyroid issues. What is autoimmunity, and what is Hashimoto’s? How increasing doses of thyroid medication indicates a deterioration of the thyroid gland. Dr. Gupta shares five major root causes of Hashimoto’s. Why do foods like gluten and dairy make it much harder for the thyroid gland to function? Why are heavy metals such a big issue? The impact of exposure to mold and mycotoxins. How the Epstein-Barr virus interacts with the thyroid, to make people more susceptible to Hashimoto’s. How does exposure to stress impact thyroid function? Some natural ways to detoxify the body. Dr. Gupta talks about lab testing for the thyroid and Hashimoto’s. The benefits of fasting for mitochondrial health- particularly for people with thyroid issues.  Dr. Gupta discusses different medication options for people with Hashimoto’s, including peptides and LDN (low-dose naltrexone). Dr. Gupta shares his thoughts on iodine. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Anshul GuptaOn his websiteOn YouTube and other social media (@AnshulGuptaMD)

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz today! She is a PharmD, an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease. She is also the author of three books. Her most recent book is The Adrenal Transformation Protocol.Dr. Wentz joins me to dive into how to identify what is going on with our adrenal health and why adrenal issues tend to occur along with thyroid issues. We speak about her background and how it influenced her life’s work, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and HPA dysfunction. We also discuss the physiology of the adrenals, acute versus chronic stress, signs of a dysregulated HPA axis, lifestyle, the impact of trauma, and how Dr. Wentz’s protocol works. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Wentz explains what led her to write The Adrenal Protocol. What happens in the body when we experience significant amounts of fatigue? How the physical impact of acute stress differs from that of chronic stress. Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction (other than chronic fatigue). How does sleep apnea tie to Hashimoto’s and mitochondrial health? Lifestyle factors that may contribute to adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens and supplements that can assist in balancing cortisol levels. How to know when to cut back on exercise. Foods that support thyroid and adrenal health, and foods that could negatively impact thyroid and adrenal health. What is molecular mimicry? How does trauma impact adrenal health? Dr. Wentz talks about her latest book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Something you can do right now to improve your adrenal health. Bio:Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of three books on Hashimoto’s: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, and Hashimoto’s Protocol, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Dr. Wentz currently lives in Texas with her husband, Michael, and their son, Dimitry.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Izabella WentzOn her websiteOn Facebook and InstagramGet Dr. Wentz’s adrenal healing guide: The ABCs of Adrenal SupportFind Dr. Wentz’s new book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol Books mentioned:From Fatigued to Fantastic by Jacob Teitelbaum

Everyday Wellness Podcast – Episode 265 – Love From the Inside Out: The Key to Living a Fulfilling Life with Robert MackI have the honor of connecting with Robert Mack today! He is an Ivy-League-educated Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Executive Coach, and Published Author. He recently released the book Love from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other. We dive into Robert’s background in applied positive psychology and the influences of experts like Byron Katie and Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology. We discuss happiness, the potentiality of partners, adversity, resiliency, and love. Robert also gets into daily habits that can help us become healthier and happier humans. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Robert dives into his motivation for getting into applied positive psychology. Most people believe that happiness comes from external circumstances. However, research shows it does not. How simplicity contributes to a happy life. Robert shares the formula for happiness. How inner work makes a meaningful, lasting, and sustainable change to our happiness score. How happiness tends to lead to and facilitate success. What contributes to the general perception that happiness comes from external forces? What love is, and how it relates to happiness. How to make college a happier experience. How to become more focused and present. How to remain present when triggered. Robert talks about surrender. Bio:Robert is an Ivy-League-educated Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Executive Coach, and Published Author.Robert studied under the direction of Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology, at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). UPenn is the only institution in the world to offer a Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology.Robert's work has been endorsed by Oprah, Vanessa Williams, and many others, and he has been seen on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Access Hollywood, E!, OWN, GQ, Self, Health, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour.Robert's first book, Happiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment, is celebrity-endorsed and critically acclaimed. His most recent release, Love from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other, is a best-seller.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Robert MackOn his websiteOn social media: @robmackofficial Find Robert’s booksHappiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of FulfillmentLove from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other

I am honored to connect with Esther Blum today! She is the bestselling author of "Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat," "Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous," and most recently, "See Ya Later, Ovulator!". Esther currently maintains a busy virtual practice where she helps women balance hormones, lose stubborn body fat, and treat the root cause of health struggles. Today we speak about medical gaslighting, how weight gain does not have to be a part of aging, andropause and menopause, and the Women’s Health Initiative. We dive into physical changes and significant symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, the role of the pelvic floor, deciphering what the dreaded “menopot” is, what does not work, and advocacy in terms of testing and hormones. We also address constipation, weight loss resistance, and how our tolerance for alcohol changes as we age, especially when using bioidenticals or hormone replacement therapy. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How women can redefine their experience and continue having an active sex life after menopause. How to surrender, lean in, and take the pressure off yourself while going through perimenopause and menopause. Why is there so much misinformation and medical gaslighting in our society? Why Esther wrote See Ya Later, Ovulator! Some common symptoms of perimenopause. Risks women may face after a hysterectomy. Changes that happen in the vaginal canal and pelvic floor during menopause. The significant and profound impact of the decline of sex hormones. How to avoid weight gain in menopause. What can menopausal women do to prevent fatty liver and digestive problems? Lab tests women should be asking their health providers for. Why should perimenopausal women avoid alcohol?  Some simple ways to address constipation. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Esther BlumOn her websiteOn Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInGet your free copy of Esther’s Happy Hormone CocktailEsther’s BooksEsther’s book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!, by Esther BlumCavewomen Don’t Get Fat, by Esther BlumEat, Drink, and Be Happy, by Esther Blum

Today I am honored to connect with my good friend and multiple-time past guest, Ben Azadi! Ben was most recently with me on Podcasts #149 and #101. He is a prolific social media star and a fasting and ketogenic dieting expert. He is known as “The Health Detective” because he investigates dysfunction and educates, not medicates, to return the body to normal function. Ben is the founder of Keto Kamp and the popular Keto Kamp podcast.Today, Ben and I use an Ask Me Anything format and dive into listener questions. We talk about the nuances of macronutrients, fasting, and supplements. We discuss gut health and how changing your diet and intermittent fasting can help the body realign and be better balanced. We get into troubleshooting with fasting, including insomnia-related issues, and we also discuss the DUTCH test and how it can be beneficial in conjunction with other lab tests.I love doing AMAs, and I hope you will enjoy listening to my conversation with Ben Azadi.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Serita asks how to keep her energy up while on a keto diet and fasting. Mary Julie wants to know what is happening inside her body when her ketones are 1.8, but her glucose is 115, 19 hours into a fast. How does losing sex hormones when approaching perimenopause and menopause make women less metabolically flexible? Why is it essential to stay hydrated and get enough good quality sleep every night? How circadian rhythm impacts our metabolic flexibility. How breathing exercises can help us get into the parasympathetic state. Janie would like to know how much protein her body can absorb at once and how much protein she should consume over a 24-hour period. Suzanne lives a clean lifestyle and wants to know if there is a way to shift the metabolism of estrogen away from the 4OH pathway. (She is referring to the DUTCH test. A listener asks how to use fasting to help with candida. Michaela was recently diagnosed with gallstones and has one blocked duct. She read that saturated fat is not good for her condition, so she wants to know what she can eat to stay on keto. Lena has been doing strict keto with OMAD for three months, but her GGT is very high. She asks if that could be due to fasting. Why we tend to experience insomnia while doing a ketogenic diet, and how to address chronic insomnia patterns. Mary Jo wants to know when to take my creatine supplement powder. Ben and I discuss the supplements we use. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Ben AzadiOn his websiteOn Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTokThe Keto Kamp PodcastBen Azadi Speaker ReelEpisode 149 – Keto Flex, Feasting and Fasting: Bringing the Body Back to Normal Episode 101 Keto and Fasting the RIGHT Way with Ben AzadiBooks mentioned:The Circadian Diabetes Code by Dr. Satchin PandaWheat Belly by William DavisSuper Gut by William DavisBreath by James Nestor