Clearly Hormonal

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We’ve all done it—put off a doctor’s visit because we “feel fine”, life gets busy, or let’s be honest, scheduling an appointment feels like one more thing on an endless to-do list. I know I did. After having my son, I didn’t make it to a doctor for five years. But here’s the thing: many of the biggest health concerns for women don’t show up with obvious symptoms right away. By the time we feel something is wrong, it’s often been developing for years.

Routine screenings aren’t just another box to check; they’re a proactive way to catch issues early and protect your long-term health. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lindsay Ogle, a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician, who helps me break down the key screenings women need at every stage of life. Tune in to find out why these screenings matter, how often to get them, and how to prioritize your health even when life feels overwhelming.

References

Connect with Dr. Lindsay Ogle:

Website: https://missourimetabolichealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lindsayogle/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMV0X6U0JLZgRMiNwGtmpeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.ogle.90/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr..lindsay.ogle?_t=8prC4VUQZ5i&_r=1 

Connect with me:

TikTok

Instagram

Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

00:42 - Dr. Lindsay Ogle shares her journey into family medicine, her passion for weight management, and what inspired her to establish her own metabolic health clinic.

04:45 - Why routine health screenings and wellness visits are so important for women.

06:03 - Key screenings by decade to support long-term health.

14:35 - Colonoscopy as the gold standard for screening, plus alternatives like Cologuard and FIT.

21:17 - Lung cancer screening guidelines, eligibility, and limitations for non-smokers.

22:45 - Routine screenings for blood pressure, mental health, substance use, and vaccines.

24:13 - Bone density screening recommendations.

26:04 - Screening for reproductive health.

28:24 - Screening for obesity-related risks.

33:45 - Ways women can advocate for their health by asking questions, seeking second opinions, and bringing support.

36:58 - The role doctors play in building trust, asking open-ended questions, and normalizing struggles.

39:20 - Limited healthcare access can make it hard for women to get the care they need.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

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Menopause isn’t a blink-and-you-miss-it moment. It’s a major life shift that lasts much longer than most of us realize. For many women, perimenopause can span five to ten years, sometimes even longer. So why do so many of us wait until symptoms hit to pay attention? 

The reality is, the earlier you prepare, the more control you have over your experience. By taking a proactive approach, you can manage your health throughout this journey, instead of reacting when symptoms become overwhelming.

In this episode, I share 10 key strategies to help you approach perimenopause and menopause with confidence—from tracking symptoms and optimizing sleep to managing metabolic health and knowing when to seek treatment. Let’s dive into how to advocate for your health, reflect on your needs, and ensure you’re prepared to handle this life transition on your terms.

References

“The Menopause Menu” by Dr. Susan Baumgaertel

Ep. 14: How to Sleep Better with Dr. Andrea Matsumura

https://menopause.org/

Connect with me:

TikTok

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

00:41 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia explains menopause as a journey, not a destination, and introduces strategies to help women proactively prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

02:53 - Understanding your family health history is crucial, as genetics affect menopause risks like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

04:35 - Tracking symptoms early helps understand how menopause affects mood, sleep, body composition, and more.

06:28 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, focusing on protein, fiber, hydration, and natural carbs during menopause.

08:37 - Regular exercise, combining strength training and cardio, helps adjust to menopause-related changes while preventing injury.

11:06 - Good sleep habits are essential; hormone therapy and sleep apnea testing may help if issues persist.

12:26 - Managing stress and mindset is key during menopause.

14:10 - Be proactive about your health to prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

15:37 - Managing metabolic health is vital, as hormonal shifts can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.

18:45 - Non-hormonal treatments can be effective if lifestyle changes and hormone therapy aren't options.

19:40 - A recap of the ten key recommendations to prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

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For many women, poor sleep has almost become a normalized part of life—whether it’s pregnancy, menopause, managing family, or juggling careers—there always seems to be an excuse for why we’re not sleeping well. I know that when I was in my twenties, I could fall asleep anywhere, at any time. But as I’ve gotten older, sleep has certainly become more elusive. So how do we reclaim better sleep, especially as our bodies and lives change? And how much sleep do we really need to feel rested?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, who specializes in helping women navigate the unique sleep challenges of perimenopause and menopause. We dive into topics like how hormonal changes disrupt sleep, why sleep is crucial for our overall health, and, most importantly, how we can improve our sleep to thrive during this season of life. 

If you’re struggling with sleep during menopause, this episode is a must-listen for actionable tips to improve your sleep and overall well-being!

Connect with Dr. Matsumura:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Cascadia Health

Audio Stamps
00:39 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces her guest, Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified specialist in sleep and internal medicine, who focuses on sleep disorders affecting women in perimenopause and menopause. 

02:10 - Dr. Matsumura explains her shift from primary care to sleep medicine, driven by the critical role of sleep in managing chronic conditions.

04:07 - Dr. Matsumura explains her initial approach to evaluating sleep issues, focusing on bedtime routines, medical history, and sleep preparation in a tech-driven world.

06:49 - Dr. Matsumura shares her recommended number of hours of sleep for optimal health, noting that people who get less often rely on stimulants to compensate.

10:25 - We find out how perimenopause and menopause disrupt sleep, affecting hormones like cortisol and growth hormone, and learn the importance of sleep for overall health.

12:55 - We find out how declining estrogen affects sleep, and the importance of balancing estrogen and progesterone, along with addressing other factors like chronic insomnia, when treating sleep problems.

15:23 - Dr. Matsumura recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to address chronic sleep issues, focusing on managing sleep anxiety and stress.

18:17 - Dr. Matsumura stresses diagnosing the root cause of sleep issues and favors behavioral treatment over relying on medications.

22:15 - We learn factors that can cause sleep issues in menopause. While hormone therapy can help, behavioral changes may be needed if problems persist.

27:00 - Dr. Matsumura shares her sleep recommendations for setting up a good sleep routine, emphasizing the importance of a wind-down period before bed.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

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PCOS is so common, yet so commonly misunderstood. Despite affecting millions of women, its symptoms—and even its name—lead to confusion and delayed diagnoses. PCOS is often referred to as a "disease of exclusion," as it’s commonly diagnosed only after other conditions have been ruled out. This delay leaves many women struggling for years with symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne before receiving a proper diagnosis. Yet, early detection is critical, as PCOS is linked to serious comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

In this episode, triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Sonia Hans pulls back the curtain on this misunderstood condition. From how PCOS is diagnosed to its relationship with metabolic syndrome, Dr. Hans explains why recognition and treatment shouldn’t wait. She highlights the revolutionary advancements in care, including GLP-1 medications, and explores how PCOS evolves during perimenopause and menopause.

If you’ve been searching for answers—or know someone who is—this conversation offers clarity, hope, and actionable steps to better understand and manage PCOS.

References
Find Dr. Sonia Hans at the following locations:
EvergreenHealth Diabetes & Endocrinology Care (for PCOS management)
EvergreenHealth Weight Loss & Bariatric Care

Audio Stamps

00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia's guest, Dr. Sonia Hans, shares her background in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and metabolic health, detailing her journey into these fields and her passion for managing conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and diabetes.

03:50 - Dr. Hans explains PCOS as a dysregulated female reproductive hormone system, leading to irregular periods and metabolic disruptions.

06:47 - Dr. Hans shares the red flags which indicate someone may have PCOS.

12:50 - Dr. Hans explains that PCOS and metabolic syndrome often occur together, with managing one condition helping to control the other.

16:49 - Dr. Hans highlights the challenges young women face with body image and weight, stressing the importance of empowering them with knowledge and options for managing PCOS and metabolic disease.

21:02 - Dr. Hans discusses treatments for PCOS, including birth control, spironolactone, insulin sensitizers, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, alongside lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise.

30:00 - We learn how PCOS transitions in perimenopause, including metabolic changes and increased visceral fat, and how GLP-1s help manage these symptoms and improve health outcomes.

35:35 - Dr. Hans shares what to look out for when hormonal imbalances arise, urging women to seek help if they notice changes in energy, sleep, or weight.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

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In the first installment of The Endocrine Series, we explored insulin resistance, a condition where your body struggles to use insulin effectively, often worsened by hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Now, we turn our attention to prediabetes—a stage where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. While prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Early intervention is key.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how simple lifestyle changes—like adjusting your diet and exercise—can reverse prediabetes, regulate blood sugar, and lower health risks. We'll also cover medical treatments, including anti-obesity medications and hormone replacement therapy, to further support metabolic health. Listen in for practical tips on managing prediabetes and preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

References
“I Love Lucy” chocolate factory clip

Ep. 11: Understanding Insulin Resistance During Perimenopause

Audio Stamps
00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia reminds us about insulin resistance and how rising blood sugar levels indicate whether someone is in the prediabetes range, as they begin to exceed normal thresholds.

01:56 - Another indicator of prediabetes is the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures average blood sugar over three months and signals prediabetes when levels are between 5.7% and 6.4%.

03:05 - Excessive carbohydrate intake and reliance on packaged meals high in refined sugars stress the pancreas and contribute to insulin resistance.

04:35 -  Lack of physical activity contributes to pancreatic stress and insulin resistance, as sedentary lifestyles lead to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and changes in body composition.

05:55 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia uses an analogy from “I Love Lucy” to demonstrate how the pancreas operates in hyperdrive in prediabetes, producing excessive insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

07:15 - We hear practical ways to slow down the pancreas's assembly line by adapting diet and fitness habits.

10:58 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes the importance of discussing metabolic medications and hormone replacement therapy with your primary care provider to address prediabetes.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

📱 Send Us a Text Message! We’d love to hear from you! Please include your name and email address so we can reply. Don’t worry — this won’t sign you up for our email list. We’ll only use your info to respond to your question.

Struggling with stubborn pounds around your midsection, despite sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise, is a frustrating reality for many women as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal shifts—particularly a decline in estrogen—can trigger insulin resistance, making it harder to lose weight, control blood sugar levels, and maintain muscle mass.

In this episode, the first of my Endocrine Series, we dive into what insulin resistance is, how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens it, and the key steps you can take to monitor and manage it effectively. Tune in for practical tips to help you work with your healthcare providers and take charge of managing insulin resistance, weight changes, and overall metabolic health during perimenopause and beyond.

Audio Stamps
00:49 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia explains insulin resistance, detailing the pancreas's role and the two primary ways it can malfunction.

02:26 - We learn about autoimmune attacks, where malfunctioning white blood cells target beta cells in the pancreas, reducing insulin production and causing type 1 diabetes.

03:30 - We discover how changes in body composition and increased visceral fat can impair beta cell function, raising insulin demand and contributing to insulin resistance.

06:48 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia highlights how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens insulin resistance, making blood sugar control more difficult for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

08:07 - We hear key steps to monitor insulin resistance, including tracking body changes, screening for diabetes risk, and discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

📱 Send Us a Text Message! We’d love to hear from you! Please include your name and email address so we can reply. Don’t worry — this won’t sign you up for our email list. We’ll only use your info to respond to your question.

Menopause is often a misunderstood and misrepresented phase of life, leaving many women to navigate it in silence and confusion. Each year, over one million women in the U.S. enter menopause, yet many feel unsure about when and how to seek support. Am I too young to ask for help? Are my symptoms “severe enough” to warrant a conversation with my doctor?

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Naomi Busch, the visionary founder of Seattle Menopause Medicine—a groundbreaking practice born from a conversation among friends at a book club! Join us as Dr. Busch and I passionately debunk some of the most pervasive myths surrounding menopause, providing clarity and confidence for women facing this transition.

You’ll discover:

• Why age should not be a barrier to seeking menopause care
• The misconception that significant suffering is required before seeking help
• Effective alternative strategies to manage menopausal symptoms without hormone therapy
• Essential insights into osteoporosis awareness and maintaining bone health post-menopause
• Key information about testosterone pellet therapy and its implications for women

Tune in now to explore how Dr. Busch’s compassionate, evidence-based approach is reshaping care for women, empowering them to embrace this pivotal stage of life with knowledge and confidence!

Audio Stamps

01:08 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces today’s guest, Dr. Naomi Busch, who opened Seattle Menopause Medicine in 2023 to guide women through perimenopause and into the menopause transition.

04:47 - Dr. Busch addresses how many women are dismissed for being too young for menopause treatment and shares her comprehensive approach to working with women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

09:42 - Dr. Busch busts the myth that women must be "suffering enough" to warrant menopause treatment.

14:45 - Dr. Busch addresses the misconception that life will be ruined without hormone therapy, highlighting that while it's beneficial for some, many women can effectively manage symptoms with alternative treatments.

19:53 - Dr. Busch highlights the importance of osteoporosis awareness, stressing that many women remain uninformed about their bone health, especially post-menopause. 

24:38 - Dr. Busch clarifies the misconception that obtaining hormone therapy from a compounding pharmacy is superior to receiving it from standard pharmacies.

28:30 - Dr. Busch and Dr. Patil-Sisodia discuss concerns about testosterone pellets for women, regulatory challenges for female testosterone therapies in the U.S., and dosing complexities.

References

Visit the Seattle Menopause Medicine website

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

📱 Send Us a Text Message! We’d love to hear from you! Please include your name and email address so we can reply. Don’t worry — this won’t sign you up for our email list. We’ll only use your info to respond to your question.

Could we be on the brink of a public healthcare crisis? In this episode, I tackle a pressing issue: while menopause is a universal experience for women, the support systems in place are alarmingly inadequate. I’ll explore how the “menopause penalty” affects our health, relationships, finances, and careers, and why this could lead to a shortage of physicians to care for us.

Join me as I reveal shocking statistics that highlight the urgent need for better support in our workplaces and communities. My goal is to inspire you to advocate for more resources and create a nurturing environment for women navigating this significant life transition. Tune in to understand the critical need for change and discover how we can work together to build a better future for all women

Working Paper - “The Menopause "Penalty" - Institute for Fiscal Studies
Impact of Menopause Symptoms on Women in the Workplace. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023
Understanding the Role of Menopause in Work and Careers - Korn Ferry

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

📱 Send Us a Text Message! We’d love to hear from you! Please include your name and email address so we can reply. Don’t worry — this won’t sign you up for our email list. We’ll only use your info to respond to your question.

If you’re navigating the confusing landscape of menopause, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the conflicting advice from well-meaning friends, family, and (often unreliable) online sources. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, a seasoned internal medicine physician with over three decades of clinical expertise, who has pivoted her career to focus exclusively on menopause care.

Frustrated by the lack of reliable resources, Dr. Baumgaertel created "The Menopause Menu," a comprehensive guide that blends evidence-based medical information with holistic and integrative approaches. Join us as we discuss what inspired Dr. Baumgaertel to write the book, how her personal journey through menopause and rheumatoid arthritis shaped her approach, and why it's crucial for physicians to listen and advocate for their patients throughout this complex journey.

References
https://www.mymdadvocate.com/
https://www.menopausemenu.com/
The Menopause Menu, From Hot Flashes to Delicious Dishes: A Symptom-Driven, Nourishing Guide to Mastering Menopause⁠
“The School of Essential Ingredients” by Erica Barmeister. 

00:39 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces today’s guest, author of “The Menopause Menu”, Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, who shares her career journey.

06:32 - We learn about Dr. Susan Baumgaertel’s experience with menopausal and perimenopausal patients, exploring what inspired her to create "The Menopause Menu."

11:45 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia asks Dr. Susan Baumgaertel about the unique approach she took in structuring the chapters for her book, "The Menopause Menu".

15:20 -  Dr. Baumgaertel shares her journey through menopause and rheumatoid arthritis. 

20:16 -  Dr. Baumgaertel reminds us that menopause is a long journey, highlighting the importance of doctors listening to patients and not dismissing their concerns during this process.

22:40 - Dr. Baumgaertel discusses how her book isn't just for women but also for men, helping them understand what their partners, mothers, or sisters are going through during menopause.

24:47 - Dr. Baumgaertel warns against blindly following social media influencers and stresses the importance of individualized care and credible, research-backed information. 

28:02 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia praises the heartfelt and relatable quotes from women featured in Dr. Baumgaertel’s book, comparing it to "The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister.

32:25 -  Dr. Patil-Sisodia asks how physicians, especially female physicians, can better advocate for their patients.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.

📱 Send Us a Text Message! We’d love to hear from you! Please include your name and email address so we can reply. Don’t worry — this won’t sign you up for our email list. We’ll only use your info to respond to your question.

Today, there's a strong movement towards body positivity, especially for women and those in larger bodies. However, it conflicts with media pressures that promote a narrow and often unattainable ideal of physical appearance. In my practice, I've seen patients who fit the media's ideal image but struggle with metabolic health issues, and vice versa. So the question I want to delve into is: where does metabolic health fit into this tug-of-war?

To help me shed light on this topic, I've invited my friend and obesity medicine specialist, Dr. Matthea Rentea. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of the Rentea Metabolic Clinic, a telehealth clinic serving residents of Indiana and Illinois, specializing in comprehensive weight management. Join us as we discuss why diversity of thought is crucial when considering what's best for health and why metabolic health and body positivity can coexist, regardless of your body size.

References:
The Obesity Guide Podcast with Matthea Rentea MD
Episode 69: BMI: Proof it Falls Short as a Measure of Health
Rentea Metabolic Clinic Website

Follow Dr. Rentea on TikTok
Follow Dr. Rentea on Instagram

Audio Stamps:
00:30 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces her guest, Dr. Matthea Rentea, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician and founder of the Rentea Metabolic Clinic.

02:21 - Dr. Rentea shares her experiences of why size is not a good indicator of health.

03:18 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Patil-Sisodia discuss why terms like 'weight' and 'obesity' can carry significant sensitivity among their patient population.

05:42 - Dr. Rentea promotes body neutrality and acceptance, urging patients to embrace diverse health perspectives rather than relying on a singular approach.

08:15 - Dr. Rentea advises patients not to focus on specific weight goals but to embrace body diversity and normalize different body types through varied social media representations.

12:10 - We learn why health and body positivity can coexist, no matter your body size.

13:58 - Remind us that you have the power to change your health at any moment, and you don't owe explanations to others.

16:15 - We learn why it’s important to clearly define what “healthy” is going to look like for you.

21:35 - Understanding health means acknowledging that everyone experiences their body differently.

26:55 - Dr. Rentea shares how she approaches body image work in her practice, helping people accept their current body while pursuing health goals through all of life's changes.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Clearly Hormonal on the website or Instagram.