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

I had the honor of connecting with Dr. Ellen Vora today. She is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She is also the author of the best-selling book The Anatomy of Anxiety, which is one of my go-to resources on mental health. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health, considering the whole person and addressing the imbalance at the root. In this episode, Dr. Vora and I dive into some ongoing real-world issues from the perspective of a mental health provider. We talk about some of the limits of traditional modalities, the impact of the pandemic, and the ensuing collective trauma. We discuss the root causes of substance abuse, promiscuity, alcohol, the avoidance of uncomfortable feelings, and resiliency. We discuss the physiology of the brain and gut and how they pertain to food addictions. We speak about gender differences with an emphasis on the impact of synthetic oral contraceptives on inflammation, micronutrient depletion, changes in the gut microbiome, and libido. We also talk about changes that occur in the body during perimenopause and menopause. I loved having this discussion with Dr. Vora! You can follow her on social media and check out her book, The Anatomy of Anxiety! Stay tuned for more!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: As a society, we have experienced a lot of stress and loss recently. Dr. Vora discusses the themes she observed with her patients and loved ones over the last two years. Dr. Vora describes the two extremes she noticed in parents during the pandemic. How should parents deal with their feelings in front of their kids in difficult times like the pandemic? Ways to cultivate and support resilience. Dr. Vora explains what happens when we fail to process or articulate our feelings or avoid uncomfortable feelings. Addiction in adults is often a way to self-soothe or seek comfort. At times, parents should step back and allow their children to process and work through their problems. Sometimes, the big feelings people experience are physiological and avoidable. How do blood sugar dysregulation and hypoglycemia or high blood sugar and insulin resistance impact our feelings and behavior? How gut health pertains to our brain and anxiety. Why do we crave gluten and dairy? Blood sugar is critical to the functioning of the brain. Finding a balance between food addictions and orthorexia. The impact of synthetic hormones on our physiology and our mental and emotional health. Coping with the profound changes that occur in the body during perimenopause and menopause.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Ellen Vora On her website  On social media: @ellenvoramd Get Dr. Vora’s book, The Anatomy of AnxietyBooks mentioned:Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive by Marc BrackettAtlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

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 was happy to connect with Dr. Louann Brizendine today! She is the founder of the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at UCSF. She completed her degree in Neurobiology at UC Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine, and did her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School. She also served on both the faculties of Harvard University and the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Brizendine founded the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at UCSF. Her New York Times bestseller, The Female Brain, and its follow-up, The Male Brain, continue to be read around the world.  Today, we dive deeply into her new book, The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond, which was released in April 2022. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The transition and the upgrade stage of life explained Celebrating the transitional time of life and not fearing it How hormones help guide behavior Transition Stages 1,2,3 and what they mean Then onward to the 3 stages of "The Upgrade" Estrogen fluctuations that affect sleep Be aware of caffeine in your food and drinks and how it may affect your sleep. If you are having a problem staying asleep, you may want to cut back on alcohol or drink it earlier in the day. The Women’s Health Initiative - (almost 20 years ago) disastrous misinterpretations and negative implications it caused by instilling fear in women to not use Estrogen - including osteoporosis, brain fog, anxiety, and sleep disruptions Hormone Replacement Therapy - now viewed as a positive and much-needed step in women’s health Women between the ages of 40-50 should get a bone density scan as one of the determining factors of whether or not to begin hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Brizendine suggests that women should not be fearful of using therapies today to help balance hormones. Cynthia discusses the loss of cognition later in life as another correlative symptom of not receiving needed hormones. Dr. Brizendine advocates doing your own research regarding HRT and not depending only on information from major pharmaceutical companies. Cynthia and Dr. Brizendine discuss the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to synthetic hormones because of the good they can do. If you are not well and do not feel like you can go on, please, immediately, seek out a doctor who can prescribe medications or hormones to help your particular and unique situation. Be your best and do not suffer in silence any longer. Cynthia says the transitional time of life should and can be a very good time in your life. Consider reading Dr. Brizendine’s book(s) to learn more and to keep it as a valuable resource.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Brizendine Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Dr. Louann Brizendine’s Book The Upgrade (newest book) The Female Brain The Male Brain Resource Mentioned NAMS - North American Menopause Website

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

I am delighted to have Margaret Floyd Barry joining me today! Margaret is a highly sought-after expert clinician, author, and educator in the field of functional nutrition.It is in our listeners’ best interest to learn more about gut health and the gut microbiome because middle-aged women often develop health issues without realizing that they are related to their gut not being as healthy as before. Margaret became interested in understanding the connection between food and health because she witnessed her mother suffering from Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In this episode, we dive into her mother’s medical miracle, how our modern-day lifestyles impact our gut health, and the physical effects of inflammatory foods. We share some strategies for elimination diets and explain why gluten and dairy are particularly unhealthy for the digestive system. We also get into common dietary misconceptions, testing for gut health, five areas for gut healing, strategies for eliminating seed oil, the benefits of grass-fed meat, and reducing exposure to toxins.  I hope you will gain from this podcast and enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it. Stay tuned to find out all you need to know about overcoming autoimmune issues and maintaining optimum gut health!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Margaret discusses what prompted her to change lanes and learn about functional nutrition. Margaret explains the fundamentals of what happens in the autoimmune disease process. How do our modern-day lifestyles make us susceptible to autoimmune disorders?  A good starting point for overcoming autoimmune problems is addressing the diet and healing the gut. Margaret unpacks the inflammatory process. Which foods are the most inflammatory and problematic? A leaky gut is a gateway to many different health issues. Testing is the best way to find out what is triggering the inflammatory process in your body.  Digestive distress is often associated with gluten and dairy. Why is gluten problematic, and how does it impact the body? Why is dairy so alluring and addictive? It is vital to incorporate transition foods in the process of eliminating unhealthy foods from your diet. Margaret talks about the test she recommends for people starting to heal their gut. Maintaining hormonal balance is critical when addressing gut issues. The five areas Margaret focuses on for gut healing. Margaret debunks three common dietary misconceptions. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Margaret Floyd Barry On her website   On Instagram If you are a health practitioner, go to www.restorativewellnesssolutions.com (There is also a Find a Practitioner page if you are looking for a practitioner.) Books mentioned:Sacred Cow: The Case for (Better) Meat: Why Well-Raised Meat Is Good for You and Good for the Planet by Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf  Previous Episodes Mentioned:Robb Wolfe (2021) Dr. Cate ShanahanJeffrey Smith

Join Dr. John Lieurance, a Doctor of Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine, as he unpacks the surprising effects of melatonin on inflammation, infections, and mitochondrial health. He reveals how modern lifestyles harm melatonin production and discusses its crucial roles in brain function, stress protection, and anti-aging. Dr. Lieurance also highlights the importance of deep sleep, the gut microbiome, and tailored strategies for shift workers to optimize their health. Discover the transformative power of this 'miracle molecule'!

I was happy to connect with Todd White today! Todd is the founder of Dry Farm Wines, a company from which I have frequently sent gifts from to friends and family over the last few years. Todd has always taken his health and fitness seriously. He is a wine lover, but it used to make him feel bad. Looking for low-alcohol wine led him to accidentally discover natural wines via the natural wine revolution, which was starting to happen in France at the time.Todd and I dive deep into the differences between conventional and biodynamic wines. We speak about government regulations, the lack of transparency in the wine industry, the components of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, the alcohol content of natural wines versus that of conventional wines, and how age and gender differences relate to alcohol consumption. We discuss the toxins, herbicides, and pesticides found in conventional wine products, the impact of irrigation on grapes, and what comprises sugar-free wine. We also get into why wine consumers need to educate themselves on the significant differences between conventionally produced wines in the United States and biodynamic wines. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Todd White of Dry Farm Wines! Stay tuned to learn all you need to know about the difference between conventional wines and biodynamic wines. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Todd discusses his background and lifestyle choices.  What brought about the invention of Dry Farm Wines? Todd dives into the lack of transparency in the wine-making business. How are conventional wines made, and how does that differ from biodynamic wine-making? Why are natural wines rare, and why are they better for you? Todd is passionate about educating people on how to drink better and more consciously. Natural wines are lower in alcohol than commercially produced wines.  The benefits of drinking natural wines from a health standpoint.  Why do Dry Farm Wines independently lab-test every wine they sell? Todd talks about the problems with irrigation and explains what dry farming means. Todd talks about polyphenols in wine.  How does wine get sugar in it and how does it become sugar-free? What do sulfates and other additives do to wine? The difference between organic wine and natural wine. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Todd White Dry Farm Wines website @dryfarmwines on all social media Go to www.dryfarmwines.com/cynthiathurlow to get an extra bottle of wine in your first box when you sign up for a subscription.   Recommended documentary: The Biggest Little Farm directed by John Chester

Today, I have the honor of connecting with a friend and colleague, Dr. Vincent Pedre. Dr. Pedre is the Medical Director of Pedre Integrative Health and President of Dr. Pedre Wellness. He is also a board-certified internist and incorporates philosophy and the practice of both western and eastern medical traditions. While growing up, Dr. Pedre often got sick. He remembers taking more than twenty rounds of antibiotics throughout his teenage years. Looking back now, as a gut health expert, he understands that antibiotics cause dysbiosis that leads to a leaky gut. As a result, his immune system stopped working properly, and he became reactive to certain foods. Dr. Pedre and I speak about the gut microbiome, gut health, the power of manifestation, the role of the gut microbiome in the brain, the value of elimination diets, and why plateaus are not to be feared. We talk about the metabolism of certain neurotransmitters and the vagus nerve and discuss circadian biology, fermented foods versus fibrous foods, and the need for tapping into the parasympathetic for proper gut microbiome health and digestion. We also get into proactively supporting the gut microbiome and talk about Dr. Pedre’s book, Happy Gut. I hope you enjoy today’s fascinating discussion with Dr. Pedre! I look forward to having him back once he has completed his next book.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How did Dr. Pedre’s health issues while growing up bring him to his current niche?  The best ways to evaluate food reactions. What Dr. Pedre tries to teach his patients about the way their bodies react to food. Dr. Pedre shares his inspiration for writing his book, Happy Gut. Why are so many people who never had gut issues before coming up with them now?  It takes time, dedication, patience, and trust to heal gut issues. How does the gut microbiome affect the brain? The role and importance of the gut microbiome. Dr. Pedre talks about the vagus nerve and explains how fermented foods can increase vagal tone and benefit the gut microbiome. How do neurotransmitters get produced as by-products of the metabolism? The gut microbiome is the most complex ecosystem on the planet. The impact of fiber versus fermented foods on the microbiome. Dr. Pedre shares some natural ways to nurture the soul, overcome the stresses of our modern lifestyle, and heal the gut. Some simple and easy ways to strengthen your vagal tone. Dr. Pedre shares some vital aspects of what goes on in the digestive system and explains why fasting is so beneficial. What can you do to lessen the likelihood of becoming weight-loss resistant when you fly long distances frequently? Your surroundings affect your state of health. That’s why Dr. Pedre helps his patients manifest jobs that allow them to live more congruently with the lifestyle they want. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Vincent Pedre On Instagram  On his website  Go to www.pedremd.com for a consultation Dr. Pedre’s Top Ten Tips for a Healthy, Happy Gut     Books mentioned:Rushing Woman Syndrome by Libby Weaver

I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Felice Gersh today! Dr. Gersh is an incredible resource! She is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certification in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is also a recognized expert on PCOS.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a syndrome of inflammation, imbalanced hormones, and insulin resistance. It is the most common female endocrine disorder and the leading cause of infertility in women.This episode is the first part of a two-part series with Dr. Gersh. We dive into PCOS, discuss its foundation, and explain how we are often genetically predisposed to it. We discuss the symptoms and how they can predispose us to autoimmunity and endometrial cancer. We speak about estrogen, the role it plays in PCOS, and how it systemically impacts the ovaries, pancreas, liver, and intestines. We talk about how PCOS modulates inflammation and how shift workers and women with PCOS tend to struggle with circadian rhythm disruption. We also discuss lifestyle changes, supplements, and medication we can use for PCOS. Dr. Gersh will return to the podcast in the fall to speak about perimenopause and menopause. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Gersh discusses her career trajectory and explains what motivated her to work with women’s health. PCOS is a vital sign of everything to do with female health. Oral contraceptives do not regulate women’s cycles. Dr. Gersch explains how they change the entire dynamic of a woman’s physiology. Dr. Gersh explains why the bodies of women with PCOS are metabolically unhealthy. Why do women who have estrogen do better? Some common symptoms of PCOS. Every organ in the body is involved with estrogen. 80-85% of PCOS women fit into the ovarian ideology and do not make enough estradiol. Dr. Gersh explains why that happens. Dr. Gersh talks about the impact of PCOS on the different microbiomes in the body. Research has found that the immune cells of women with PCOS take less to create a big inflammatory response.  Dr. Gersh explains how and why female hearts differ from male hearts. Why is estrogen crucial for mitochondrial health? Why do women with PCOS have the highest rates of pregnancy-related complications? Dr. Gersh talks about the first step in solving the PCOS problem. How does PCOD disrupt the circadian rhythm? Dr. Gersh discusses supplements and other ways to address PCOS. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine On Instagram  All Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon

I am excited to connect with Dr. Lara Briden today! She is one of my favorite naturopathic doctors and the author of the bestselling books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual. She has 25 years of experience in women's health, and she currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.Dr. Briden is a wealth of information! She brings a fresh perspective and a positive voice to the health and wellness space, and I often recommend her book, Hormone Repair Manual, to my clients and patients. Today, she and I dive into her background as an evolutionary biologist and discuss how she became passionate about supporting women and advocating for them throughout their lifetime. We talk about perspectives on aging, what the second puberty (perimenopause) is, and the impact of histamine, mass-cell granulation, and estrogen. We discuss fat redistribution in middle age and the loss of insulin sensitivity. We speak about how using alcohol impacts brain health, sleep, the gut microbiome, appetite, cravings, and hinders estrogen metabolism. We also touch on ways to address dysfunctional uterine bleeding in middle age and explain how to advocate for your health, how middle-age impacts the nervous system, and the role of inflammatory foods, including dairy. I hope you enjoy our discussion as much as I did! Stay tuned for more!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Briden talks about her background as an evolutionary biologist and how she changed her career and became an advocate for women’s health. Many women fear the process of aging. Dr. Briden and I talk about women’s mindsets and their perspectives on aging.  Why is there so little awareness about perimenopause? Dr. Briden defines menopause and discusses the timeframe in which some women experience perimenopause symptoms. How can ongoing hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, or second puberty, increase the likelihood of women having issues with a histamine response? Dr. Briden talks about fat redistribution in middle age and explains why women need to stay on top of it from a metabolic perspective. How can our modern-day lifestyle make the metabolic shift women experience in menopause even more challenging? Dr. Briden talks about natural treatments and hormone therapies to lighten the flow of the extremely heavy periods that some women experience during perimenopause. Dr. Briden discusses the connection between cow dairy and an inflammatory reaction in some people. Women need to understand what happens in their bodies when they have either a partial or a full hysterectomy. Dr. Briden talks about estrogen and brain health. How does alcohol affect the body? What are the best options with the fewest side effects for hormone therapy for women? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Lara Briden On her website   On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaraBriden  Dr. Briden’s blog  Dr. Briden’s podcast Books mentioned:Period Repair Manual (for women in their 20s and 30s) by Dr. Lara BridenHormone Repair Manual (for women of 40-plus) by Dr. Lara bridenFree download of the first two chapters of both Dr. Lara Briden’s booksThe XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer's Disease by Lisa Mosconi, PhD