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

I’m excited to connect with Dr. Bill Schindler today! He is the author of Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health. He is also an internationally known archaeologist, primitive technologist, chef, and co-founder of Modern Stone Age Kitchen. 

Dr. Schindler is all about helping people understand ancestral approaches to maximizing safety, nutrient density, and bioavailability. In this episode, we delve into his background and explore topics such as what we should eat, milestones related to ancestral health perspectives, nutrient density, bioavailability, and how technology has influenced our eating habits today. We also discuss plant toxins, organ meats, dairy, bug protein, and more.

I loved Dr. Schindler’s book, Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, and I highly recommend checking it out! I hope you enjoy listening to our fascinating conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

From being a wrestler to having an evolutionary perspective on food, how we interact with it, and living a paleolithic lifestyle

How important evolutionary milestones have impacted the way most people eat.

Most of us have become severely disconnected from our food system.

What plant toxins do to our bodies, and what we can do to make them less toxic

The biggest problem with oxalates.

Changes that may contribute to people becoming intolerant to dairy

What is the difference between raw milk and pasteurized and homogenized milk?

How to safely get the maximum nutrition from dairy

Ways to prepare organ meats and offal to make them more appetizing.

We can benefit from including insects in our diet.

Dr. Schindler explains what he and his family are doing at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Connect with Dr. Bill Schindler

On his websites:⁠ ⁠www.eatlikeahuman.com⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠www.modernstoneagekitchen.com⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Eastern Shore Food Lab Non-profit⁠⁠

Follow Dr. Schindler online: @Dr. Bill Schindler and @Modern Stone Age Kitchen

Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health is available in print, audio, or digital from any major online book supplier. Or order a signed copy from⁠ ⁠Dr. Schindler’s website⁠⁠.

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with McCall McPherson, the visionary behind Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice, and the owner and Chief Hope Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is also a frequent guest on podcasts and summits and is the host of the Thyroid Nation Podcast.

In our discussion, we explore common thyroid misconceptions, the importance of lab timing, the impact of defensive ideologies and traditional allopathic medicine within endocrinology, and the connection between thyroid and adrenal health. McCall shares some of her favorite methods of support, highlighting the importance of resting your way out of adrenal health issues, and offers her take on various lifestyle measures and alcohol use. We also dive into appetite regulation, hunger, metabolic hibernation, and recent research on microdosing with GLP-1s.

This conversation with McCall McPherson is exceptionally valuable and worth revisiting more than once.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why thyroid testing must be done when levels peak 

Various challenges with the traditional endocrinology approach

How we need a broader understanding of thyroid health beyond TSH levels alone

Some common misconceptions surrounding thyroid health

How T3 and T4 impact thyroid health outcomes

McCall clarifies the concept of normal thyroid levels, highlighting the need for optimal thyroid function

The link between thyroid and adrenal health 

What happens when people in a prolonged hypothyroid state go into metabolic hibernation?

Some helpful strategies for supporting adrenal health

The benefits of microdosing with GLP-1s 

How alcohol affects thyroid and adrenal health

Bio:

McCall McPherson is the founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas, and the owner and Chief-Hope-Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is a physician assistant, TEDx speaker, and a thyroid expert, having been a thyroid patient herself.

Her passion is helping women rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of thyroid and hormonal disorders. Her philosophy is simple: There is no reason to still have thyroid symptoms.

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with McCall McPherson

Modern Thyroid Clinic

On Instagram and TikTok

Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast

Thyroid Lab Guide

I am honored to connect with Eamon Dolan today. Eamon is a book editor and is currently the Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon and Schuster.

In our conversation, we discuss Eamon's book, The Power of Parting, where he explores the often-overlooked realities of abuse, shedding light on the lack of education and understanding of various types of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect. We explore the effects of shame, the silent conspiracy that surrounds abuse, and ways in which neuroplasticity and intentional parenting can help break generational cycles. We examine the effects of complex PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and the connection between early trauma and physical ailments like autoimmune disorders, reproductive challenges, and digestive issues. We also reflect on our roles in childhood, how abuse shapes the developing brain, the dangers of gaslighting, and the traits of narcissistic personality disorder.

In this candid and personal conversation, I share my childhood and what I witnessed while growing up with Eamon, hoping to offer clarity, comfort, and a sense of connection to anyone facing similar challenges. The Power of Parting is an essential read, particularly for those of us navigating the lasting effects of childhood abuse.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The culture of silence surrounding abuse has led to many cases going unheard and unreported 

Neurological and psychological effects of abuse

Humans are wired to form family bonds with strangers.

How abusive and chaotic environments often become normalized for those living within them

Why survivors of abuse need to reframe their family relationships

Statistics on abuse survivors and the likelihood of breaking abuse cycles

Traumatic stress disorder vs.PTSD?

Gaslighting is not benign.

How abused children tend to rationalize mistreatment, believing it comes from love

Holding family members to the same standards as friends

Breaking free from toxic relationships

Bio:

Eamon Dolan has worked as an editor at HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Penguin Press. He is currently Vice President & Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster. He’s also a professional photographer whose work has been shown at the International Center of Photography and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. 

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Eamon Dolan

On Instagram

Eamon’s book, The Power of Parting, can be bought from most good bookstores.

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 the University of California, Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School. She also served on the faculty of Harvard University and the University of California, 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 worldwide. 

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

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Connect with Dr. Brizendine

⁠Website⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

Dr. Louann Brizendine’s Books

⁠The Upgrade⁠ (newest book)

⁠The Female Brain⁠

⁠The Male Brain⁠

Resource Mentioned

⁠NAMS - North American Menopause Website

Welcome to my first solo AMA episode in quite some time! 

I recently submitted the second round of edits for my book. That excited me and inspired me to reach out on social media and invite questions from my listeners and community.

In my conversation today, I dive into weight loss resistance and reverse dieting, and I also share what I have been doing over the past year to build muscle. 

Join me for a transparent and candid conversation, interwoven with questions from listeners and social media followers, where I answer many of the questions that matter most to you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why the death of my father inspired me to back away from fasting and focus on strength training

Changing my mindset to prioritize strength over thinness

How the sex hormone shifts during perimenopause and menopause affect body composition

The benefits of reverse dieting to improve metabolic health         

Using strength training to counteract the effects of sarcopenia

Chronic stress and its impact on cortisol levels and metabolic health

inflammation levels and toxins from personal care products, food, and the environment

Importance of prioritizing sleep 

Connecting with hormone-savvy healthcare providers

The best supplements for overall health

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Books mentioned:

Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives—Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer by Dr. Avrum Bluming and Dr. Carol Tavris

The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer's Disease by Lisa Mosconi

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Scott Sherr today. He is a board-certified internal medicine physician, a certified practitioner of health optimization medicine, and the COO of Troscriptions, a range of physician-formulated, pharmaceutical-grade, precision-dose supplements containing innovative ingredients like methylene blue, with formulas to support energy, focus, sleep, stress, immune health, and more.

In our discussion, we delve into hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), examining what it is, how it works, and its effects on cellular senescence. We discuss what HBOT is, its impact on immune function, inflammation, stem cell activation, and oxygen, as well as its anti-infective properties and relative contraindications for HBOT treatment modalities. We also explore epigenetics and DNA expression, the effects of methylene blue, the specific indications and neurocognitive benefits of HBOT therapy, and its critical importance for recovery from infections, radiation injuries, tissue regeneration, sudden hearing loss, osteomyelitis, and other conditions.

This insightful conversation with Dr. Sherr is filled with vital information, so you will likely want to listen to it more than once.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How does HBOT work?

Dr. Sherr describes the acute and long-term physical effects of HBOT.

How HBOT increases stem cells, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system.

How HBOT can decrease senescent cell populations, increase telomere length, improve cardiac function, and stimulate blood vessel regrowth

Why clinicians must assess the acuity and chronicity of a condition before recommending HBOT therapy

The importance of improving diet and lifestyle to optimize the body for HBOT therapy

The benefits of low-dose methylene blue for mitochondrial support

Dr. Sherr explains the different levels of hyperbaric therapy and their benefits.

Why individualized HBOT protocols must be based on the goals and conditions of each patient

How HBOT can regenerate tissue and prevent amputations due to radiation injuries from cancer treatments

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr

Hyperbaric Medical Solutions

Health Optimization Medicine and Practice

Dr. Scott Sherr on Instagram

Troscriptions

One Base Health

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 discuss the root of autoimmunity, how Hashimoto’s disease causes the slow destruction of the thyroid gland, and the impact of chronic stress, diet, and an imbalanced gut microbiome. We also discuss toxins and infections, labs to watch 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.

Gluten and dairy, and how they impact the thyroid gland

Why are heavy metals such a big issue?

Impact of exposure to mold and mycotoxins.

Epstein-Barr virus and how it interacts with the thyroid to make people more susceptible to Hashimoto’s.

How does exposure to stress impact thyroid function?

Natural ways to detoxify the body

Dr. Gupta talks about lab testing for the thyroid and Hashimoto’s.

Benefits of fasting for mitochondrial health, particularly for people with thyroid issues

Different medication options for people with Hashimoto’s, including peptides and LDN (low-dose naltrexone)

Dr. Gupta shares his thoughts on iodine.

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Connect with Dr. Anshul Gupta

On his ⁠website⁠

YouTube⁠ and other social media (@AnshulGuptaMD)

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified interventional cardiologist turned functional medicine pioneer. After 15 years in conventional medicine, Dr. B realized that true healing goes beyond prescriptions alone and founded Well12, a transformational health program that helps millions rethink what it means to be healthy. 

In today’s conversation, the first in a series of discussions with Dr. B, we dive into the progression of heart disease in perimenopause and menopause, discussing the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, the physiology of the heart and blood vessels, endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We also explore the limitations of the standard lipid panel, advanced cardiovascular testing, statins as primary prevention, microvascular dysfunction in women, heart rate variability, wearables, and the autonomic nervous system. 

You won’t want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, and I look forward to having him back for a follow-up episode later this summer.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The need for doctors to recognize the risk of heart disease in women, especially during menopause

How nitric oxide maintains cardiovascular health and regulates blood pressure

Why atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process and not just plaque buildup

Addressing inflammation and oxidative stress 

Benefits of HRT for improving women’s cardiovascular health 

Advanced lipid testing reveals more about heart disease risk than standard cholesterol panels 

What cardiologists are looking for when they do stress tests

The challenges of treating microvascular dysfunction in women with medical interventions

How heart rate variability can improve cardiovascular health

How lifestyle changes and mindset interventions can lessen cardiovascular risk

Bio: Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is a board-certified Interventional Cardiologist turned Functional Medicine pioneer. After 15 years in conventional practice, he realized that true healing is not found in prescriptions alone—it’s in the power of food, sleep, movement, and breath. He’s the founder of Well12, a transformational health program, and a leading voice online where his viral content is helping millions rethink what it means to be healthy.

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Connect with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

The Laguna Institute for Functional Medicine

Well12 Health Optimization Program

On Facebook and Instagram 

I am delighted and honored to connect with Tamsen Fadal today. She is a New York Times bestselling author, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, a menopause advocate, a documentary filmmaker, and a content creator. 

In our discussion, Tamsen explains why the anti-aging approach is outdated and potentially harmful, and how she advocates for a pro-aging or age-positive perspective instead. We explore the perimenopausal journey, looking at why so many women suffer in silence, feeling isolated or ashamed during the transition to menopause, and how that was entrenched by longstanding silence from both the media and medical communities. We also debunk common myths and misconceptions about this pivotal life stage, discussing the importance of advocacy and lifestyle choices.

This invaluable conversation with Tamsen Fadal is rich and empowering, so you will likely want to listen to it again and share it with all the women in your life.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why Tamsen is opposed to the anti-aging narrative and advocates for a pro-aging approach instead

How Tamsen became comfortable with her age after getting to know herself 

Challenging ourselves intellectually and remaining socially connected as we age 

Tamsen shares her experience with the inadequate explanations she received from doctors about her menopausal symptoms.

There is a need for further efforts and advocacy to raise more awareness about menopause.

Common misconceptions about menopause.

Misinterpreted data from a 2002 study led to fears around HRT

Benefits of HRT and the challenges women face in accessing testosterone

Tamsen discusses her successful menopause event that featured many experts and celebrities and prompted 65,000 people to sign up globally.

Daily well-being practices.

Bio: 

Tamsen Fadal is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, and social media’s “midlife mentor.” After more than three decades as a news anchor, Tamsen pivoted her career towards women’s advocacy, guiding her audience of 4+ million (50+ million monthly views) through midlife and beyond. She is the creator and executive producer of the PBS documentary, The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, which has been viewed by over 1 million women across 350+ cities and 42 countries, and the author of her new book, How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before (Hachette 2025).

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Tamsen Fadal

On the How To Menopause website

Her podcast, The Tamsen Show

On social media: @TamsenFadal

In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton! 

Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave. 

In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS. 

With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women.

Why sex education should include the concept of consent.

The impact of coming off oral contraceptives.

Changing the narrative for all women.

Why do women need more time to get aroused?

The mind-body connection.

How hormones and menopause influence women’s sexuality.

Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond.

How to avoid endocrine disruptors.

Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program.

Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD.

Bio: Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgmental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate, Dr. Brighten is completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances. She empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and hormones through her website and social media channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠

Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten

On her ⁠website⁠

Find Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene Brighten

Order your copy of⁠ Is This Normal⁠

Dr. Brighten’s ⁠digital cookbook⁠