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

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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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. 

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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

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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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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).

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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.

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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 

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.

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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  

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. John Demartini

On his website