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

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Jackie Piasta. Jackie is a Vanderbilt-trained nurse practitioner. She is board-certified in women's and gender health, and has been practicing since 2010. She serves on medical advisory committees for several foundations and co-hosts the justASK Podcast. 

In our discussion today, we dive into the challenges menopausal women face with hormone replacement therapy due to the lack of provider education on the effects of oral estrogen, the importance of bio-individuality, and how nuanced messaging can make all the difference for women. Jackie unpacks the latest guidelines from the American Urological Society, which address vulvovaginal, urinary, and sexual health symptoms, and explains the importance of addressing those issues proactively. We also explore fertility tracking in perimenopause, especially for women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), and the latest trends in hormone testing.

You will not want to miss this insightful conversation where Jackie sheds light and offers practical guidance on the often-missed details of women’s health.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why bio-individuality is essential in menopause treatments

The challenges OB-GYNs and other clinicians face in staying updated on menopause treatments.

Why healthcare providers must become more educated about hormone therapy

Jackie explains the historical context surrounding the vilification of oral estrogen.

How the new American Urological Society guidelines are now addressing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause

Why vaginal laser therapy might be harmful for some individuals

Why diagnosing menopause in women using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is so challenging

Why hormone level labs are needed to guide clinical decision-making on menopause treatments

Jackie highlights the need for more research to understand the hormone levels that protect bone health.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Jaclyn Piasta

Monarch Health 

Jackie on all social media: Jackiep_gynnp

The justASK Podcast

I am honored to speak with Dr. John Demartini today. He is an international speaker, philosopher, and bestselling author who founded the Demartini Method, a revolutionary tool in modern psychology. 

In our discussion, we break down the anatomy and physiology of self-regulation, examining the impact of trauma and perception, and how to reframe those experiences. We explore dissociation, the moral licensing effect, moral hypocrisy, and how delusion can disempower us. We also dive into the power of prioritization, the role of values, and what it truly means to live authentically.

You will love today's valuable, thought-provoking, and insightful conversation with Dr. Demartini.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Demartini explains self-regulation

The importance of being accountable, self-regulated, and living by your highest values 

Ways we can transform trauma by changing our perceptions and attitudes

How the brain creates anti-memories to balance traumatic experiences

The freeze response and dissociation as survival mechanisms

How the moral licensing effect relates to shame and pride

Why we must compare our actions with our highest values rather than comparing ourselves with others

Living more authentically

Dr. Demartini has an exercise on his website to help identify your highest values and prioritize your actions.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on X

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. John Demartini

On his website

I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She joined me previously on Episode 174.

Dr. Roseann is an exceptional pediatric mental health expert who utilizes a combination of traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We delve into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and brain connect through the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also discuss Dr. Roseann’s unique approaches to calming the autonomic nervous system and reducing brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma.

I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Benefits of Myo-inositol

Impact of having low magnesium in the body

Protecting yourself from microbiome depletion

Why is it essential to listen to your body?

Connection between the gut and the vagus nerve

The magic in mental health lies in the micro-changes.

Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression

Importance of reframing negative thoughts

What’s happening when the brain is dysregulated?

Examining the brain under stress

Root cause of mental illness

Ways to improve your brain health

The role of trauma in mood disorders

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X

⁠Instagram

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠

Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

On her ⁠website⁠

Dr. Roseann’s podcast, ⁠It’s Gonna Be OK!⁠

Ep. 174 Identifying and Treating Your Children's Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Amy B. Killen, a board-certified physician with expertise in bioidentical hormones, personalized medication, and cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques.

In our conversation, we dive into the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity, exploring why estrogen is considered the best longevity drug available and how it reduces the risk of heart disease. We discuss bone health and bioidenticals, outline ways to improve cognition, brain function, and cardiovascular health, and examine the ongoing debate around oral estrogen therapy. Dr. Amy also sheds light on slowing ovarian aging, explains the concept of hair pause and how to address it proactively, and offers her take on overrated or ineffective strategies for navigating perimenopause and beyond.

You will not want to miss this insightful episode with Dr. Amy Killen, and I look forward to having her back for another conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Amy sheds light on the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity.

Progesterone treatment options for women with progesterone sensitivity

Why estrogen is crucial for longevity

How estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

When is the best time to start taking estrogen for optimal cardiovascular benefits?

Estrogen and bone strength and flexibility

Can starting estrogen treatments early help prevent dementia and cognitive decline?

Pros and cons of using a combination of estriol and estradiol

Slow ovarian senescence and prevent hormonal changes from affecting your hair health.

Bio:

Dr. Amy B. Killen, M.D., is a leading physician in regenerative and hormone optimization medicine, specializing in women's health and helping patients navigate their "Queen PhaseTM" with evidence-based interventions. As a board-certified emergency physician turned longevity specialist, she combines cutting-edge treatments, such as stem cell therapy, hormone optimization, and peptides, with practical lifestyle wisdom at her clinics in Utah and Texas, while sharing her expertise through international speaking engagements and educational content creation.

Dr. Killen is the Chief Medical Officer of Humanaut Health, a longevity clinic franchise, and founder of the Human Optimization Project (HOP), a female-focused supplement company.

She lives in Salt Lake City with her family of five.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Amy Killen

On her website

HopBox (Supplement Company)

Subscribe to Dr. Amy’s Substack   

Today, I am delighted to connect with James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer, a lawyer, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. 

In our conversation, we explore the science of revenge, examining how it affects the brain and identifying risk factors that could contribute to extremes in revenge activity. James shares his journey from childhood to law and academia and offers his perspective on the intersection of justice, neuroscience, and human behavior. We talk about forgiveness, exploring how it reshapes the brain, counteracts revenge addiction, and serves as a tool for healing. We also cover specific interventions, including the non-justice system and the warning signs for extremes in addictive behaviors.

This invaluable and insightful conversation with James Kimmel Jr. is an incredible resource for moms everywhere.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How revenge impacts the brain

How psychological harm can lead to revenge cravings

The link between addiction and revenge-seeking

Why some individuals are more at risk for revenge-seeking than others

Some common forms of revenge-driven behavior

What does a revenge attack look like?

James shares how revenge motivated his choice to become a lawyer and how he came to do the work he does now

The benefits of forgiveness as an antidote to revenge cravings

How social media platforms exploit the addictive process of revenge-seeking

Interventions and support systems for managing revenge addiction

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on ⁠X⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠

Submit your questions to ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with James Kimmel Jr.

On his⁠ website⁠

Buy a copy of James’ latest book,⁠ The Science of Revenge⁠

⁠SavingCain.org⁠: Preventing Murd

I am excited to connect with one of my favorite neuroscience experts today! Louisa Nicola is at the intersection of neuroscience and athleticism. She helps to bring a fresh understanding of what it takes to achieve peak performance through science-based tools and methods. She is also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast, which focuses on brain health, neuroscience, longevity, and athletics. 

Louisa knows how to take complicated subjects related to brain physiology and hormones and explain them so that people can fully understand and appreciate them. In this episode, she and I dive into her background. We discuss her three pillars for peak performance, alcohol, and how sleep impacts the glymphatic system. We get into strategies for better sleep, the perimenopausal brain, how chronobiology impacts sleep, how to address jet lag, and how exercise improves brain performance and health. We also discuss the best foods and supplements for brain health and how creatine enhances performance. 

I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation as much as I did recording it! 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How an accident shifted the trajectory of Louisa’s life. 

Louisa unpacks the various stages of sleep and explains why sleep is so important.

How sleep impacts the glymphatic system.

Some common characteristics of perimenopause.

Some simple ways to aid the penetration of naturally secreted hormones into the brain. 

How blood pressure fluctuations impact the brain.

What is jet lag, and how can we combat it?

How does alcohol affect the brain?

Louisa explains cardiac remodeling.

The value of different types of exercise for brain health.

The difference between physical activity and exercise.

How our food choices impact our brain health.

How to mitigate the effects of traumatic brain injuries.

How does creatine monohydrate improve brain performance?

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X

⁠ ⁠Instagram

⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ 

Connect with Louisa Nicola

On X and ⁠Instagram⁠ 

⁠The Neuro Experience Podcast⁠

Book mentioned

⁠The XX Brain⁠ by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Charles Piller, an award-winning investigative journalist for Science magazine whose work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Sacramento Bee, and other major publications. Charles is the author of Doctored, and he has been honored with several national journalism awards.

In our fascinating conversation, we dive into the trajectory of Alzheimer’s from its early framing as a diagnosis to its modern-day research landscape. We explore the concept of publish or perish within academic research, and we examine the dominant amyloid hypothesis, the forces shaping scientific narratives, and the role of institutions like the FDA, NIH, and research publishing in influencing research priorities. Charles shares his insights on the impact of falsified data and the broader implications for scientific integrity of the doctored images published in Nature in 2006. We also tackle the importance of lifestyle and risk factor modification in preventing neurocognitive decline. 

You will not want to miss this compelling conversation with Charles Piller. His book is a gripping must-read on the fraud, arrogance, and tragedy in the quest to cure Alzheimer’s.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How Alzheimer’s impacts our society and affects the caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s 

Charles gives a historical overview of Alzheimer's

Some typical symptoms of Alzheimer's

How the amyloid cascade hypothesis led to the development of drugs that removed amyloid from the brain but failed to halt or reverse dementia

How doctored images can support experimental hypotheses and influence research 

Charles highlights the need for more accountability within the scientific field.  

How pressure to publish and perverse incentives have influenced Alzheimer’s research

Why ethical concerns matter when developing potentially hazardous drugs with limited benefits

Charles shares the potential benefits of GLP-1s for cognitive decline.

Why a multi-factorial approach to understanding and treating Alzheimer's is essential

Charles highlights the importance of self-criticism and humility within the scientific community.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Charles Piller

On his website 

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Joycelyn Wittstein, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke who conducts NIH-funded research into post-traumatic knee arthritis. She has shared presentations at many prestigious medical conferences, and her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals. 

In our discussion, we dive into many of the joint pain symptoms Dr. Wittstein sees in her perimenopausal and menopausal patients, and we look at the impact of specific, targeted supplementations, including curcumin, collagen peptides, and creatine monohydrate. We explore effusions, the effects of osteoarthritic risk factors like prior injuries, obesity, the perimenopause to menopause transition, and the impact of GLP-1s on joint symptoms and bone physiology. We discuss REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome) and the causes of osteoporosis, and Dr. Wittstein also shares what she does to protect her bones and why she believes DEXA scans must get done early in the aging trajectory, why fractures can be problematic, and the significance of exercise and bone-building foods.

You will not want to miss today’s valuable and super action-oriented conversation with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How women in their mid-40s and 50s often experience an acute increase in joint pain 

How hormone therapy can help women improve their bone health, prevent osteoporosis, and overcome joint pain  

Dr. Wittstein recommends supplements for reducing joint inflammation

Various foods that can drive inflammation and cause joint health problems  

How the inflammatory state of obesity impacts joint health

The benefits of GLP-1s for those with joint pain from inflammation

Why early bone density screening is essential for women in their 40s

How creatine monohydrate improves cognitive function and muscle mass

The value of strength training and balance exercises for improving joint health

The best foods and beverages for bone-building

Bio: Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

I am an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center. I completed residency in 2009 and a fellowship in sports medicine in 2010 at Duke. Prior to medical school, I studied nutritional science at Cornell University. My practice focuses on sports medicine, with a particular interest in treating female athletes across the lifespan. I am currently president of the Forum: Women in Sports Medicine. I am part of the core leadership of the Duke Female Athlete Program. I am also a clinician researcher with NIH-funded studies of ACL and meniscus injuries and post-traumatic arthritis in knees. I am a co-author of the Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, which was released on May 6, 2025. On a personal note, I am a former collegiate gymnast, lifelong athlete, and mom of five. I live in Raleigh, NC, with my husband, Tal Lassiter, who is also an orthopedic surgeon.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

On the Duke Health website

Instagram

The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, co-authored by Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, and Sydney Nitzkorski, MS, RD, is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and from most bookstores.

Today, we have another episode in our series of thoughtfully curated companies. This episode is sponsored by OneSkin, a company founded and led by an all-female team of PhD-level scientists. OneSkin is redefining how we think about aging, starting with the skin, our largest organ.

I am delighted to introduce Dr. Alessandra Zonari as our guest today. Dr. Zonari is far from your typical scientist. She is a true visionary with a passion for longevity, skin regeneration, and an occasional karaoke jam. With degrees in biology and stem cell biology and a doctorate in skin regeneration and tissue engineering, Dr. Zonari brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our conversation today.

Join us to learn more about OneSkin and how their products can reverse the effects of biological aging, helping your skin become stronger and more resilient as you age.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Zonari shares her mission to understand how skin can age healthier and stronger and reduce the risk of inflammation and diseases. 

How the female-led research team at OneSkin brings a unique perspective to skincare

How the OneSkin peptide can reverse 2.5 years of biological aging in just five days

The unique way in which they test their products and measure biological aging at OneSkin 

How estradiol loss during menopause exacerbates the accumulation of senescent cells and causes inflammation

Some common misconceptions about skincare for women in perimenopause and menopause

How lifestyle choices influence the aging process of the skin 

Why we must protect the skin from environmental stressors to slow the aging process 

How your skin cells can get reprogrammed to return to a youthful state

How OneSkin developed a hair care line to address hair loss and thinning

The importance of self-love and nourishing your body 

ABOUT OneSkin: 

Founded and led by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is transforming the way we think about aging, starting with the body’s largest organ, the skin. Our proprietary OS-01 (oh ess one) peptide is the first ingredient to reverse the biological age of skin by targeting cellular senescence, a key driver of aging. By targeting cellular senescence, the OS-01 peptide switches off the damaged cells that contribute to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The result? Skin that looks and behaves younger. Our products are designed for young and mature skin, because it is never too early or too late to invest in your skin health! We create next-level skin care.

BIO: Alessandra Zonari, PhD, OneSkin Co-Founder & CSO

Alessandra is not your typical scientist. She is a visionary with a passion for longevity, skin regeneration, and the occasional karaoke jam. Growing up in a close-knit family in Brazil, Alessandra saw her grandparents struggle with age-related diseases, and she soon became fascinated by the possibility of using stem cells to redefine the aging process. After earning degrees in biology and stem cell biology and a doctorate in skin regeneration and tissue engineering, Alessandra joined OneSkin in 2017 as a founding member and Chief Scientific Officer. Her contributions include 20+ papers, three patents, and the development of their proprietary OS-01 peptide.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on X

Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Alessandra Zonari

On the ONESKIN website

ONESKIN on Instagram

Interested in trying OneSkin for yourself? Visit oneskin.co/CYNTHIA and use code CYNTHIA for 15% off your first purchase!

I am honored to connect with Dr. Aly Cohen today. She is a board-certified rheumatologist, an integrative medicine physician, and one of the country's leading medical and legal experts in environmental health. 

We began our conversation today exploring the role of federal agencies, including the EPA and FDA, in regulating environmental toxins and their impact on public safety. Dr. Cohen discusses her rheumatology training and explains how our environments affect our immune systems, clarifying why tap water is problematic, how water treatment plants fail to filter out most contaminants, and how pregnancy, childhood, teen years, perimenopause, and menopause are critical stages for toxin exposure. She reveals how many of the laws for processed foods are outdated and ineffective, and how the concept of GRAS (generally regarded as safe) has no real value, and also dives into changes in nutritional value and soil quality, how medications impact our gut microbiome and disease susceptibility, why iodine is essential for detoxifying the lymphatic and glymphatic systems, and how noise pollution affects our health. 

This conversation with Dr. Aly Cohen is invaluable, and her book, resources, and works are particularly significant for this community.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How the gaps in federal protections outweigh the measures currently in place

The cumulative effects of toxin exposure on the immune system, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause

Why tap water is unsafe for drinking

Why reverse osmosis filtration is the best option 

Why young people should learn about toxin exposure before becoming pregnant

How estrogen loss during menopause impacts the immune system 

The poor nutritional value of processed foods and the lack of effective regulation surrounding them

How medications affect the gut microbiome and immune function

The benefits of iodine for detoxification and thyroid health

Why noise pollution is problematic for our mental health

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Aly Cohen 

On her website

TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Dr. Cohen’s new book, Detoxify, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and from most local booksellers.