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

Since today is Christmas, I am doing a solo episode to connect with listeners and reflect on the achievements, challenges, and milestones I experienced over the past year. 

For many of us, 2024 has been a year of remarkable extremes. Join me as I revisit some key moments, discussing my thoughts on the books and podcasts that have inspired me. I also look ahead to 2025, sharing my intentions and recommendations for the coming year.

Happy holidays!

IN THIS EPISODE:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Links to topics discussed:

Stacy Sims 

Vonda Wright 

Mary Claire Haver 

Tim Spector 

Kiran Krishan 

Steven Gundry 

Lisa Mosconi 

Nicole LaPera 

Links for Books on Amazon:

1. Blind Spots by Marty Makary 

2. Challenger by Adam Higginbotham 

3. Lisa Mosconi:

      XX Brain

       Menopause Brain  

4. Nicole Lapera: 

      How to Do The Work 

      How to Be The Love You Seek 

      How to Meet Your Self 

5. Food for Life by Tim Spector 

6. Gut Check by Steven Gundry

Today, I am excited to welcome you to the eagerly awaited third installment of Ask Me Anything! 

In this episode, I shine the spotlight on a universal challenge that affects the lives of countless women north of 35 as I delve into the heart of the problems of weight loss resistance, plateaus, and the notorious belly fat that seems to cling on for dear life. 

The flood of questions that keep pouring in speaks volumes and is a testament to the exasperation we all feel! Join me in embarking on a journey to navigate that landscape, unravel the mysteries, confront the misconceptions, and uncover the strategies to overcome, decode, and dismantle the common issue of shedding those unwanted stubborn pounds!

I urge all of you- particularly those older than 35, to know you are not alone in your struggle! Stay tuned for the treasure trove of insights that awaits!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

I am privileged to have Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a menopause expert and board-certified OB/GYN, join me on the podcast today. Dr. Shepherd is the author of the newly released book Generation M and has won many awards for her work as a physician and leader in women's health. 

In our conversation, we dive into the challenges women face in talking openly about menopause and ovarian senescence, discussing the societal perspectives that shape those attitudes and contributing factors to accelerated aging during the menopause transition. We look at the findings of the SWAN study and discuss common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, weight-loss resistance, estrogen and metabolic health, bone health, and the risks of osteoporosis and fractures. We also explore concerns around bladder health and urosepsis, the gut-brain connection, exercises for bone health, and the importance of a personalized approach to hormone replacement therapy. 

You will not want to miss this rich and informative discussion with Dr. Jessica Shepherd.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd

In this episode of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, host Cynthia Thurlow and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright, delve into navigating perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of menopausal literacy, particularly for younger women, and we also discuss generational differences in understanding menopause. Andrea Donsky joins us to discuss her ongoing research on the 103 reported symptoms of menopause. 

I am confident you will enjoy the informative conversations with Dr. Vonda Wright and Andrea Donsky and find them as engaging as I did.

Show Highlights:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Vonda Wright

Connect with Andrea Donsky

I am delighted to reconnect with Esther Blum today. She joined me once before for Episode 264, one of the most popular podcast episodes for 2023. 

Esther is the bestselling author of many books, including See You Later Ovulator. She is a registered dietitian with a thriving virtual practice specializing in helping women balance their hormones, shed stubborn body fat, and address the root causes of their health issues.

Today, Esther and I discuss the state of hormones in 2024. Our conversation covers lazy medicine advocacy, meno-washing, and meno-care, and we explore uncommon symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause and methods for obtaining testing. Esther also shares her recommended supplements. 

You will love this engaging and insightful conversation with Esther Blum!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Connect with Esther Blum

Esther’s Books

Esther’s book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!, by Esther Blum

Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat, by Esther Blum

Eat, Drink, and Be Happy, by Esther Blum

Previous Episode featuring Esther Blum

Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause are a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator!

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Mark Sisson, who last joined me for Episode 218. Mark founded the Primal Health Coach Institute and is well-known as the forefather of the Primal Paleo Lifestyle movement. He has authored several bestselling books and has a prime-ranked ancestral lifestyle blog. His upcoming new book, Born to Walk, will be a must-read for everyone in the new year.

In our discussion today, we explore how the launch of the cushioned shoe in the 1970s led to a running boom. We discuss the difference between having the ability to run and running, looking at why running is counterproductive for fat loss, and how cushioned shoes can restrict movement, especially in the ankles, knees, and hips. We also dive into the benefits of walking and the role of strength training, HIIT, and VO2 Max. 

Join us for this informative conversation where Mark Sisson offers invaluable insights for the coming year.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Mark Sisson  

Previous Episode Mentioned

Episode 218: Achieving Sustainable Metabolic Flexibility with Mark Sisson

Book Mentioned

Born to Run by Chris McDougall

I am thrilled to have Dr. Josh Axe join me today. He is a chiropractic doctor and certified doctor of natural medicine. He is also a successful entrepreneur and leadership expert dedicated to helping people make better food choices and live healthier lifestyles. 

In today’s discussion, Dr. Axe and I examine the pitfalls surrounding the concept of social proof and explore the importance of critical thinking. We dive into bio-individuality, nutrition, and fasting and examine how emotions influence people’s lifestyles and impact the ability to mitigate and manage stress. We also look at spiritual growth and maturity, and Dr. Axe shares the books and practices he recommends for improving lifestyle and mindset.

Dr. Axe is deeply committed to God and living a virtuous life. You will love this inspiring conversation where he shares his wisdom and meaningful steps you can take toward living a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Josh Axe

Recommended Books:

Today, I am delighted to connect with Caroline Alan, the Co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals. 

Coming from the corporate world, Caroline struggled until she discovered the incredible ability of plant-based minerals to support the body and restore its natural balance. She is now devoted to educating people about the benefits of mineral replenishment and the efficacy of plant-based humic and fulvic substances.

In today’s discussion, Caroline shares her journey, and we dive into why we experience such significant mineral depletions in our modern-day lifestyles, looking at hidden hunger and the role of our mitochondria. We discuss the interrelationship between mineral storage and adrenal health, the extensive background of plant-based minerals, and the etiology of cramps and hydration. We also explore the signs and symptoms of mineral depletion and explain how to take mineral products for the best results.

Join us to learn about the transformative power of plant-based minerals in our modern lives.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Connect with Caroline Alan

Today, I am delighted to have my friend and colleague, Dr. Mindy Peltz, on the show with me for the third time. She is a well-known women's health advocate, deeply dedicated to empowering women to trust and embrace the process of natural healing within their bodies. 

In our discussion, we dive into her latest book, Eat Like a Girl, and she explains how her mom influenced the development of her nutritional and mindset philosophy and her approach to food. We explore the social media incubator, how societal norms shape our self-worth, and how to eat like a girl. We also discuss using food as hormonal medicine, the role of estrobolome, and how environmental toxins are in our personal care products and food. 

I know you will love today's valuable, insightful, and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Mindy Pelz

I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Kathleen Jordan today. She is an internist, menopause-certified provider, and the Chief Medical Officer at Midi Health, where she leads a team of clinicians on a telehealth platform serving women across the USA. 

In our conversation today, we explore key trends and regional differences in prescribing hormone replacement therapy, contrasting the traditional allopathic approach with integrative care. Dr. Jordan shares her philosophy on lab results and symptoms when addressing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone utilization and highlights the need to access medications and insurance. We also dive into weight loss resistance, sleep, exercise, alcohol, and the research on GLP-1s.

This insightful conversation with Dr. Kathleen Jordan is invaluable, so you will likely want to listen to it more than once.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Kathleen Jordan

• Midi Health