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

I am honored to connect with Dr. Eric Osansky today. He is a chiropractic physician, clinical nutritionist, and functional medicine provider. He is also an author who loves to write about hyperthyroidism and a lifestyle-focused approach to it.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Osansky unpacks his own Graves diagnosis in 2008 and highlights the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, the unique physiology of thyroid dysfunction, and specific risk factors. We explore traditional treatment pathways, the influence of low-dose naltrexone and other immunomodulatory supplements, and the gut-thyroid axis. We also discuss how most of our immune system is located in the gut, the influence of leaky gut and autoimmune disease, perimenopause as a trigger window for symptoms, and how these often overlap with thyroid health.

Stay tuned for an interesting and insightful conversation on thyroid health, Graves' disease, hyperthyroidism, and more.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Eric Osansky

Dr. Eric Osansky is a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and certified functional medicine practitioner who has been helping people with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's since 2009. He is the author of the books "Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease", "The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet", and "Hashimoto's Triggers", and is the host of the Save My Thyroid podcast. Dr. Osansky was personally diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2008 and was able to restore his health through a natural approach, and since then has helped others reverse their hyperthyroidism through his SAVED Thyroid framework.

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Dr. Osansky’s books, Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease, The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet, and Hashimoto’s Triggers, are available on Amazon.

In this episode, we’re featuring MitoQ, a company whose research around antioxidant support for mitochondrial function has been of particular interest to me.

I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, the Chief Scientific Officer at MitoQ. Dr. Mitchell completed her PhD at SUNY Albany and a postdoctoral fellowship on brain aging at the University of Washington. She has held roles at multinational food companies, leading research on brain nutrition, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and weight loss. She has published clinical research demonstrating the effects of stress on women’s heart health and the importance of nutrients such as polyphenols, omega-3s, probiotics, and amino acids for brain health, authored dozens of clinical studies and more than 80 papers, and given talks on nutritional neuroscience at conferences worldwide. She also holds eight patents for products related to aging, cognition, and mood.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Mitchell and I discuss mitochondrial physiology, energy, and dysfunction, exploring the impact of MitoQ and supplementation for supporting health. We examine research on menopause, how estrogen influences mitochondria, the roles of oxidative stress, antioxidants, and zombie cells, highlighting how mitochondria impact our cardiovascular health, the value of MitoQ in supporting vascular function in females, the importance of polyphenols and spices, and signs of mitochondrial dysfunction.

This is a truly invaluable conversation- one you’ll likely want to revisit. Stay tuned for today’s informative discussion on supporting our mitochondria and reducing oxidative stress with MitoQ.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Dr. Siobhan Mitchell

Siobhan Mitchell is the chief scientific officer of MitoQ. She completed her PhD at SUNY Albany and a post-doctoral fellowship on brain aging at the University of Washington. Siobhan has held roles at multinational food companies leading research on brain nutrition, metabolism, cardiovascular health and weight loss.

Siobhan has published clinical research showing the effects of stress on women's heart health, and the importance of nutrients such as polyphenols, omega-3 oils, probiotics and amino acids for brain health. She has authored over a dozen clinical studies on best practices for weight management and prevention of chronic diseases during her time as senior director for Noom.

Siobhan is passionate about the intersection of nutrition and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, sleep, and mental well-being, to extend health span.

Siobhan has given talks on nutritional neuroscience at conferences all over the world. She's authored over 80 papers and holds eight patents for aging, cognition, and mood products.

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I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Lanna Cheuck today. She’s a board-certified urologic surgeon who transitioned from academic medicine into a distinctive career in medical esthetics.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lanna shares her inspiring origin story, and we explore the influence of sexual health and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, common symptoms women experience, and why so few women receive treatment despite how common the condition is. Dr. Lanna explains non-surgical treatment options that improve blood flow, increase orgasms, and improve pelvic floor health, and discusses the influence of senescent cells, the celebrity non-surgical facelift, and how GLP-1 medications influence facial aging. She also shares interesting insights on Korean skincare benefits versus a concierge U.S.-based system, clarifies what biostimulators are and how they stimulate collagen production over time, and explains the influence of PDGF growth factors, cadaver fat transfers, energy devices, and estrogen used on our faces.

Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation filled with practical insights into women’s health, medical esthetics, and healthy aging. 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio:

Dr. Lanna Cheuck, DO, FACS, is the CEO, Founder, and Medical Director of LC Medical PLLC with multiple locations and her flagship in the heart of midtown Manhattan. She is a board-certified, Ivy League-trained surgeon and self-taught businesswoman who built her brand into multi-million dollar companies in less than five years. She is the CEO and Founder of FACE Med-Spa Training, where she has over 30K injectors in her community. She is also the CEO and Co-Founder of FACE Med Store, a seven-figure online shop specializing in the distribution of medical supplies, equipment, and skincare.

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I am delighted to connect with Michael Rubino today. Michael is the founder and CEO of Home Cleanse and the chair of Change the Air Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving indoor environments and public health. He is widely recognized as the leading authority on mold remediation and indoor air quality.

In our conversation, we explore the connection between indoor air quality, gut permeability, and systemic inflammation. Michael explains how modern building practices, energy efficiency measures, and newer building materials may be contributing to health challenges. We discuss the types of tests he uses in his business, the symptoms he often sees in middle-aged women, considerations for frequent travelers, and why a bio-individual, data-driven approach matters for remediation. We also examine the role of genetics; the link between poor indoor air quality, leaky gut, and inflammation; practical interventions; the influence of social media; and what to look out for when contemplating a home addition or renovation.

Mold exposure is, in my view, one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to chronic health issues in functional medicine. Its effects on the gut impact the health of the microbiome, increasing susceptibility to leaky gut, which can fuel neuroinflammation, and impair detoxification pathways.

Stay tuned for a truly insightful discussion on indoor air quality, mold exposure, and the hidden environmental factors that may be influencing your health.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How energy-efficient building practices may be contributing to indoor air quality concerns

Why traditional air sampling may not provide a complete picture of mold exposure

Testing options for evaluating mold and mycotoxin exposure

Symptoms associated with mold and indoor environmental exposures

How to reduce the likelihood of  mold exposure while traveling

Factors to consider when developing a remediation plan

How poor indoor air quality can contribute to gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and inflammation

How genetics can influence susceptibility to mold and environmental exposures

Why recommendations such as dehumidification and opening windows can only be helpful when applied appropriately

Practical ways to improve indoor air quality and reduce mold exposure

Bio:  Michael Rubino

Michael Rubino is an air quality expert and environmental wellness advocate. He is the founder of HomeCleanse, a company specializing in science-based remediation of toxic indoor environments, and chair & co-founder of the Change the Air Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to education and policy advancement around indoor air health. Michael hosts the podcast Never Been Sicker and is a published author and sought-after speaker on mold and environmental wellness.

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Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.

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Connect with Michael Rubino

HomeCleanse

The Dust Test

Change The Air Foundation

Today’s episode is another in our podcast series featuring companies I genuinely feel aligned with.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Lucy Goff, the founder of Lyma, a pioneering wellness brand transforming beauty and health through science-backed innovation. Before launching Lyma, Lucy built a successful career as a journalist and luxury-sector publicist, during which she honed her expertise in brand storytelling and consumer engagement. I’ve been using the Lyma laser for several months now, and I’ve noticed significant improvements in my neck, jawline, and even my knees.

Today’s conversation centers around Lucy’s near-death experience and the origins of Lyma. We explore the differences between cold and hot laser technology, the influence of sirtuins and longevity pathways, what constitutes a clinical-grade device, and the FDA approval process. Lucy explains how skin ages differently during perimenopause and menopause, why the Lyma laser is safe for all skin types, and how it requires no protective goggles and is completely pain-free. We also discuss gut health, HRT, and hormones, the influence of IDO2, and the role of probiotic fibers. Lucy highlights how simplifying can enhance your health in midlife, how using GLP-1 drugs can lead to weight loss and reduce skin laxity, and how the Lyma device can help improve skin quality.

I know you will enjoy today’s enlightening discussion with Lucy Goff as much as I did while recording it.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

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Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Elisa Port, a talented breast surgeon with a passion for helping women better understand breast cancer, breast health, and the science behind screening, diagnosis, and treatment. She’s the chief of breast surgery for Mount Sinai Health System in New York, a professor of surgery at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine, and the author of The Breast Advice.

In our conversation, we explore breast cancer risk factors, various screening mechanisms and their impact on dense breasts, and the role of diagnosis and pathology, including DCIS. We also discuss menopause symptom management, anti-hormone and targeted treatments, immunotherapy, de-escalation, and why a personalized approach to breast cancer treatment is so important. 

Stay tuned for a truly informative conversation with Dr. Port. With her infectious optimism, she has a wonderful way of translating the science and the research in her book, making it accessible and putting the statistics into context so the information feels far less scary than it otherwise might.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Dr Elisa Port

Dr. Elisa Port, MD, is chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, which encompasses seven different breast centers. Her team performs over a thousand breast surgical procedures each year. She is also the director of the Dubin Breast Center, a state-of-the-art breast center in Manhattan that opened in April 2011.

She personally consults with thousands of patients and performs hundreds of operations each year. Dr. Port is a trusted voice in the media and a sought-after speaker. She has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, CBS, Today, Mornings with Maria, and Pix11.

In addition to her media presence, Dr. Port regularly speaks at public events and is invited to present at conferences and panels across the country. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and two dogs.

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Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute.

This episode is dedicated to the overwhelming number of HRT-related questions I’ve received from my community in 2026. Hormone replacement therapy has generated more questions than almost any other midlife topic, especially regarding timing, progesterone, testing, and special situations.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

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Today, I’m delighted to reconnect with Dr. Tabatha Barber, also known as The Gutsy Gynecologist. She is a triple board-certified OB-GYN specializing in perimenopause, menopause, and functional medicine.

In today’s discussion, we explore why supporting your hormones involves much more than simply replacing them. Dr. Barber explains how our nervous system, internal dialogue, cellular health, stress response, and lifestyle work together to influence our hormones, energy, and overall health during midlife. We also discuss why addressing root causes is essential for lasting improvements, the role of mitochondrial health, and practical ways to better support your nervous system.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive approach to navigating perimenopause and menopause, you will not want to miss today’s insightful conversation with Dr. Tabatha Barber.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Tabatha Barber

Dr. Tabatha Barber is a triple board-certified physician — and one of the most distinctive voices in faith-based women's health today. Her story begins where most would have stopped. A teenage mother and high school dropout, she rebuilt her life through faith and perseverance — earning her doctorate and certifications before realizing the very system she trained in was missing the whole point. Today, as owner and medical director of Her Higher Health, creator of the Fast to Faith Coaching Academy, 40 Day program, supplement line, and international bestselling book Fast to Faith, Dr. Tabatha brings one message to every stage and microphone: your body is not broken — your approach is. She is known for doing what no one else does: mapping Scripture directly with how the body works — showing women that Romans 12:2 is the original neuroplasticity protocol, that Genesis 2:7 describes the gut-brain connection, and that God designed healing to happen in community.

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Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Darren Candow.

Dr. Candow is a distinguished professor and an internationally renowned researcher on creatine monohydrate, nutrition, and physical activity who joined me before on Episode 301, where we spoke about creatine. 

We are doing an AMA session today, delving into various themes surrounding creatine, from debunking outdated RDA recommendations to exploring the combined effects of strength training and creatine efficacy. We look into the cognitive benefits of creatine, exploring how it interacts with caffeine and its implications for bone health, hydration, anabolic resistance, and metabolic health. 

I trust you will find today's AMA session as enlightening and enriching as I did while recording it.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Dr. Darren Candow

Dr. Darren Candow, PhD, CSEP-CEP, is Professor and Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. The overall objectives of Dr. Candow’s research program are to develop effective lifestyle interventions involving nutrition (primarily creatine monohydrate) and physical activity (resistance training) that are clinically and practically relevant for improving musculoskeletal aging and reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Dr. Candow has published over 120 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, supervised over 20 MSc and PhD students, and received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the Nutricia Research Foundation. In addition, Dr. Candow serves on the editorial review boards for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Nutrients, and Frontiers.

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Previous Episode Mentioned:

⁠Ep. 301 Creatine: The Best Supplement for Better Bones & Brain Health with Darren Candow, PhD, CSEP-CEP⁠

Today, I’m honored to reconnect with Dr. Tommy Wood. He is a neuroscientist, a performance coach, and an elite-level professional nerd. He's also currently an associate professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. He received his bachelor's in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo.

In our conversation, we discuss his new book, The Stimulated Mind, and he explains how dementia is a confluence of factors that accumulate over decades, important contributors to dementia, and ways we can help prevent it. We explore the concept of headroom, specific risk factors for neurocognitive decline, brain fog in midlife, the 10-year HRT timing window, and the evidence supporting these concepts. Dr. Tommy shares what we can learn from his work with elite-level athletes, along with some of the biggest misconceptions in the brain health space, and his 3s model of stimulation, sleep, and nutrient supply. He also explains why nutritional status matters for neurocognitive function.

Stay tuned for today’s insightful conversation with Dr. Tommy Wood. I loved his new book, The Stimulated Mind, and it will definitely be part of my must-reads for 2026!

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

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