Perimenopause has become one of the loudest and most confusing conversations in women’s health. Between fear-based messaging, outdated research, and oversimplified advice, many women are left unsure who to trust or what’s actually true. In this episode, I’m joined by Anne-Marie McQueen, health journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc., to unpack the narratives, myths, and truths around perimenopause and hormone therapy - and why nuance matters more than ever.

We explore how women’s health messaging has evolved, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, and why estrogen is once again being discussed/pushed - including what the removal of the black box warning really means (and what it doesn’t).

We also discuss:

Some of the most damaging narratives still circulating in women’s health

Why these big name Drs are only focusing on estrogen

Why the conversation around progesterone remains overlooked or one might say "suppressed"

Anne-Marie’s personal perspective on hormone therapy

Why hormones alone are not a complete solution

Common perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and the often missed mental health side of things

How important lifestyle and nutrition are, and how they can really help

The biggest challenges women in midlife face today

Emotional changes in perimenopause and learning how to feel, process, and trust your emotions

And so much more.

This conversation is REAL, thoughtful, honest, and deeply validating - especially for women who feel caught between “just take hormones” and “you don’t need hormones at all.”

So if you’re navigating perimenopause, questioning the narratives you’re hearing, or looking for a more balanced, evidence-informed conversation about hormone therapy, this episode is for you.

Ann Marie McQueen is a Canadian writer who has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2008. She moved to the capital to serve on the launch team for The National, later becoming features editor. She is now the editorial director and podcast host for the only health and wellness platform for men and women in the Middle East, Livehealthy, and has her own platform serving women in their 40s and 50s, www.hotflashinc.com.

Social media; / hotflashinc

YouTube; ‪@hotflashinc8983‬

TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@hotflashinc

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Dr. James O. Hill, one of the world’s leading researchers on energy balance, metabolism, weight loss, and weight regain, to unpack why losing weight and keeping it off are two very different biological processes and need different understandings. We explore what’s really driving obesity today, why weight regain happens so quickly, and how metabolism, behavior, mindset, and environment interact in ways most diet conversations completely miss. Dr Hill is an OG in the world of weight loss - this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear to help with your success this year!

This episode goes beyond calories-in vs calories-out and dives into:

How energy expenditure and energy balance actually work

Why we are worse off metabolically than ever before

The role of genetics, aging, and metabolic flexibility

Why every diet works — but not for the reasons you think

The difference between losing weight vs maintaining weight

The concept of the energy gap and why maintenance is so hard

Why the most obesity-inducing diet is high fat + high carbohydrate

The importance of mindset and behavioral state

What the National Weight Control Registry teaches us

Why people need time (often ~3 months) to establish weight loss habits

Exercise, step counts, and why pedometers are still gold

Small changes vs big changes — and which actually last

Tracking weight, progress, and sustainability

Eating out and socializing... does it make or break your results

Thyroid, adrenal concerns, and metabolic context

GLP-1s and where they fit into the bigger picture

This is a grounded, honest discussion about what actually works long-term and why weight regain is not a failure of willpower, but a predictable biological response unless the right attitude and systems are in place.

Dr. James Hill is one of the world’s foremost experts in obesity and weight management. He has devoted his 40+-year career to helping people lose weight and keep it off. Dr. Hill was a co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry, which has been the single best source of information about how to maintain weight loss. Dr. Hill is Director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center and Professor of the Department of Nutrition Sciences in the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He served as President of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) in 2008–09 and as President of The Obesity Society (TOS) in 1997–98.

Find out more about Dr Hills work here;

https://internationalweightcontrolreg...

BOOK 1 - State of slim; https://a.co/d/2k0b7XL

New Book - Losing the weight loss meds; https://a.co/d/dAASjOh

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Inflammation isn’t just part of aging... it drives it! In this second conversation with Joel Greene, we explore what aging really is, why chronic low-grade inflammation is so common, and how it impacts metabolism, gut health, immune function, weight gain, and long-term health. We discuss inflammaging, endotoxins (LPS), the body fat–gut lining axis, telomeres, muscle, fasting myths, yo-yo dieting, and the realities of modern weight-loss drugs including GLP-1s and SGLT2 inhibitors.

This episode is about restoring balance, protecting muscle, and reducing inflammation to support a healthier, more resilient body as we age.

🕒 Topics Covered:

What aging really is (and what it isn’t)

Inflammation as a root cause of aging

Immune cell changes and aging

Yo-yo dieting and rebound weight gain

“Old blood,” systemic inflammation, and health decline

Reducing blood-borne inflammation

Telomeres, glycans, and how to tell your true health age

The body fat–gut lining axis

Endotoxins (LPS) and their role in poor health including weight gain, mental health, and systemic inflammation

Practical inflammation-reduction strategies like apple skins and phenols

The “daisy cutter” concept

Why the body loves homeostasis and balance

Why fasting isn’t always the answer and can make things worse

Smart muscle movements as a key to longevity and stability

The Biggest Loser: what went wrong

GLP-1 drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, and the future of weight loss

And lots more.

This episode is for those of you who love to learn and geek out. Enjoy!

Joel Greene is creator of the VEEP Nutrition System, the worlds first commercially available program based on targeting gut communities to positively effect metabolic outcomes and biomarkers. Joel is a featured author, speaker, and guest in top tier publications like Muscle and Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness Digital Magazine, CBS Online, Superhuman Radio. His system has also been featured on the Dr. Phil Show where it has delivered astounding life changing results. He is author of The Immunity Code and The Way - two books that are changing the way many of us approach weight loss forever. Find out more about Joel here;

https://www.veepnutrition.com/

Instagram - realjoelgreene

X - realjoelgreene

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Endometriosis is far more than “bad periods.” It is a complex, inflammatory, hormone-driven condition that can affect the entire body. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, a respected expert in endometriosis and pelvic pain, for a deep, honest conversation about what endometriosis really is and why it is still so widely misunderstood in mainstream medicine. We covered SO much in this shorter episode - prepare to learn;

What endometriosis is and how it develops

Common and overlooked symptoms of endometriosis

What clinicians should look for when diagnosing endometriosis

The role of estrogen dominance in endometriosis

Inflammation and its connection to chronic pelvic pain

The links between endometriosis, autoimmune disease, and gut health

Why it can take years, or even decades, to receive a diagnosis

How endometrial tissue can appear outside the pelvis and throughout the body - including in the nose and brain

The impact of endometriosis on a woman’s quality of life, mental health, fertility, and relationships

Whether endometriosis appears to be familial or genetic

Adenomyosis and how it overlaps with endometriosis

We also explore treatment options, including:

Laparoscopic surgery and advanced endometriosis treatment

Excision vs ablation and why the difference matters

Birth control pills and IUDs

Concerns around estrogen stimulation

Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, author of Beating Endo How to Reclaim Your Life From Endometriosis, is the Founder of Iris Wings Sanctuary for Endometriosis Surgery & Wellness in Los Angeles. Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuchs’ practice is limited to Laparoscopic and Robotic Gynecologic Surgery, and is primarily a referral practice. Her training, under the guidance of Dr. C.Y. Liu and Dr. Harry Reich - both pioneers in the field of advanced laparoscopic surgery — allows Dr. Kerin Orbuch to be one of a handful of physicians across the country trained to perform advanced minimally invasive procedures.

You can follow Dr Kernin Orbuch and find out more about her work here;

Website - https://www.lagyndr.com/

Instagram 1 - / dririskerinorbuch

Instagram 2 - / iriswings

Beating Endo book - https://a.co/d/5pwEoM6

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

#Endometriosis

#ChronicPelvicPain

#WomensHealth

In this powerful follow-up conversation, I sit down again with Stephen McConnell Msc to unpack the real causes of kidney disease, why the thyroid is deeply involved, and how lifestyle factors like alcohol and uric acid quietly drive damage long before symptoms appear. This is the perfect continuation to help fill in any gaps from our first conversation (go listen if you haven't already).

This episode is essential listening if you or someone you love has kidney issues, gout, thyroid dysfunction, or unexplained metabolic symptoms.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How kidney disease should really be diagnosed

• The different stages of kidney disease and what they mean

• Why African-Americans experience kidney disease at much higher rates

• Foamy or bubbly urine as a sign of protein loss and kidney stress

• The critical thyroid–kidney connection that is very much overlooked

• Why up to 90% of stage 4 kidney disease patients are hypothyroid

• How niacin supports deiodinase activity and T4 → T3 conversion

• How modern lifestyle habits increase acidity and damage kidney tissue

• Alcohol as a metabolic and renal toxin ☠️

• Natural strategies for lowering uric acid and improving gout, including methylfolate, colchicine seeds and tart cherry extract

This conversation connects dots most people and many practitioners never look at. We think you will enjoy this, let us know in the comments.

Stephen D. McConnell, MSc, is a lipid specialist and Chief Scientific Officer at Health Defender, a physician-recommended nutraceutical company based in Erie, Pennsylvania. With extensive clinical experience developing successful lipid clinics and leading a landmark outcomes partnership with Highmark/Blue Cross-Blue Shield, he focuses on evidence-based, natural approaches to cholesterol management and cardiovascular health. Stephen McConnell is a recognized voice in functional and integrative lipid care. Connect with Stephen here;

LinkedIn - / stephen-d-mcconnell-msc-lipidemiologist

Website - https://healthdefender.care/

YouTube - ‪@HealthDefender-USA‬

Phone (it is better to send a text) - 8145721801

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

In this rare and powerful interview, I sit down with Dr. Denis Wilson, the creator of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, for his first podcast appearance in years. Can you say AMAZING?! We dive into the origin of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, what it actually is, and how it differs from classic hypothyroidism. Dr. Wilson explains why body temperature is one of the most accurate reflections of your metabolism! And why metabolism is the true core function of the thyroid.

You’ll learn why you can’t measure metabolism on a blood test, why normal thyroid labs don’t always mean you’re well, and how doctors may completely overlook conversion issues, low T3 function, and cellular-level hormone activity.

We also explore:

Why low body temperature is a red flag for metabolic slowdown

How to increase temperature with T3 and how weaning off can still leave symptoms resolved

How the deiodinase enzymes work to control T4-to-T3 conversion

Why so many people remain symptomatic even on thyroid medication

The cellular reasons behind fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and low mood

How stress is one of the biggest drivers of thyroid dysfunction

The shocking impact that just one night of poor sleep can have on metabolism

And lots more!

This episode is essential for anyone who has low thyroid symptoms but “normal” labs, struggles with chronic fatigue or low temperatures, or wants a deeper understanding of metabolism from the physician who pioneered this field.

Denis Wilson, MD, described Wilson ‘s Temperature Syndrome in 1988 after observing people with symptoms of low thyroid and low body temperature, yet who had normal blood tests. He found that by normalizing their temperatures with T3 (without T4) their symptoms often remained improved even after the treatment was discontinued. As a result of his findings, Dr. Wilson developed the WT3 protocol for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (now standard of care) and originated sustained release T3. He was the first doctor to use sustained-release T3. Find out more about Dr Wilson here;

Youtube - ‪@RestorativeMedicine‬

Website - https://wilsonssyndrome.com/

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Transcript

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Steven McConnell MSc, lipidemiologist, reveals what conventional medicine often misses in diagnosing and treating kidney disease. Stephen is passionate and outspoken when it comes to patient care. We think you will really enjoy this conversation - you may need to listen to it twice. ;)

In this episode, we cover:

Why 75% of people with kidney disease have hypothyroidism!

The key tests you should look at to understand your kidney health

How niacin can support kidney function and influence many health and gene pathways

Herbal remedies and supplements that may help protect or improve kidney health

The main causes of kidney disease and why monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar is critical

Overlooked considerations around kidney health by conventional medicine

Can kidney disease be reversed, and actionable insights for prevention and support

And lots more.

Whether you’re a health professional or someone who wants to take control of your kidney and metabolic health, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice.

Watch out for Part 2 coming soon!

Stephen D. McConnell, MSc, is a lipid specialist and Chief Scientific Officer at Health Defender, a physician-recommended nutraceutical company based in Erie, Pennsylvania. With extensive clinical experience developing successful lipid clinics and leading a landmark outcomes partnership with Highmark/Blue Cross-Blue Shield, he focuses on evidence-based, natural approaches to cholesterol management and cardiovascular health. Stephen McConnell is a recognized voice in functional and integrative lipid care. Connect with Stephen here;

LinkedIn - / stephen-d-mcconnell-msc-lipidemiologist

Website - https://healthdefender.care/

YouTube - ‪@HealthDefender-USA‬

Phone (it is better to send a text) - 8145721801

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

In this episode, I sit down with the very funny Jeff T. Bowles, author of best selling book The Miraculous Results of Extremely High Doses of Vitamin D3, to explore the fascinating science and his experience behind high-dose D3, magnesium, and the concept of human hibernation, and how it may explain the fatigue, weight gain, pain, and low mood many people feel in the winter. Prepare to have your mind blown!

We discuss:

✨ High-dose Vitamin D3 and why it improves so many conditions - from peanut allergies to arthritic pain.

✨ D3 Toxicity myths and why magnesium + K2 are essential when taking higher doses.

✨ How D3 affects insulin resistance, obesity, mood, and metabolic health.

✨ Why thyroid function drops in the winter, increasing fatigue and symptoms.

✨ The human hibernation theory and how it explains winter slowdowns (and weight gain).

✨ The surprising link between Vitamin D3, progesterone & ALS!

✨ How magnesium deficiency drives constipation, insulin resistance, nerve pain, sleep issues, and much more.

✨ How to test for magnesium, timing and dosing considerations.

✨ And of course… why “there are no fat people in Colorado” - Jeff’s words, not mine 😊

If you’re curious about Vitamin D, winter fatigue, metabolic health, magnesium therapy, or the idea that humans might go into “hibernation mode” more than we think… this episode is packed with insights (and laughs).

Jeff T. Bowles is a best selling author with over 500,00 books sold and passionate researcher. His books include The Miraculous Results of Extremely High Doses of Vitamin D3, The Miraculous Cure For and Prevention of All Diseases What Doctors Never Learned, and ALS Breakthrough - to name a few. Jeff has also published several studies - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/...

You can find out more about Jeff here;

Website - https://jefftbowles.com/about/

D3 website - https://taked3.com/

YouTube - ‪@jeffbo7777‬

D3 Book - https://a.co/d/1Xwk6Ja

ALS book - https://a.co/d/hEQPn4m

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Dach to unpack the most misunderstood aspects of thyroid health - from TSH and Synthroid to T3 conversion, desiccated thyroid, iodine, selenium, cardiovascular risk, and more.

If you’ve ever been told your TSH is “normal” but you still have symptoms (even if you taking Synthroid)… this conversation is going to change how you think about your thyroid therapy.

We discuss:

• Why TSH is an unreliable marker and why it often reflects inflammation more than thyroid output

• How T3 works primarily at the pituitary and T4 at the periphery

• Why T4-only therapy (Synthroid/Levothyroxine) can leave patients still feeling rubbish and with symptoms of hypothyroid

• The benefits of combination thyroid therapy and why natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) helps so many people

• Selenium’s role in T4→T3 conversion and thyroid antibody reduction

• The importance of around iodine

• How low thyroid function increases cardiovascular disease and cancer risk

• The best supplements for thyroid support, including berberine and myo-inositol.

And lots more!

This episode is a deep dive into thyroid physiology, hormones, optimal treatment, and the gaps in conventional endocrinology that leave so many patients ignored. This is a conversation, even if you don't think you have thyroid issues, you don't want to miss!

Jeffrey Dach, MD is a board-certified physician and integrative medicine advocate with over four decades of experience in healthcare. In 2005, after retiring from radiology, Dr. Dach founded the clinic TrueMedMD — where he serves as Medical Director. Under his leadership, TrueMedMD has specialized in bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT), natural thyroid care, and integrative medicine. Dr. Dach is also a prolific author and educator. His works include Bioidentical Hormones 101 and Natural Medicine 101, aimed at making complex medical and hormonal science accessible and practical for both clinicians and patients. Find out more about Dr Dach here;

Website - https://jeffreydachmd.com/

Natural Thyroid Toolkit Book - https://a.co/d/2gyUYzn

BioIdentical Hormones 101 Book - https://a.co/d/3d5HBSn

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

In this very fun episode, I sit down with the man, the myth, the legend that is Joel Greene - CEO of VEEP Nutrition and author of "The Immunity Code" and "The Way", for an absolutely incredible conversation about how to lose weight and keep it off for life.

We dive deep into both of our personal weight-loss journeys, what actually worked, and how we’ve each kept the weight off for almost 20 years without extreme dieting or damaging approaches.

In this episode, we cover:

✔️ How fat cells really work and why this understanding changes everything

✔️ Why you MUST understand inflammation and its role in body weight

✔️ Why yo-yo dieting makes long-term weight loss harder

✔️ The role of the extracellular matrix and collagen in fat loss

✔️ Why polyphenols are essential for sustained weight loss and metabolic health

✔️ How glycine supports weight regulation and recovery

✔️ The truth about rebound weight gain and why it happens

✔️ What extreme dieting does to your metabolism and thyroid

✔️ The surprising lessons from The Biggest Loser

✔️ Practical hacks and strategies we both use to stay lean year after year

And lots more!

If you’ve ever struggled with getting and keeping weight off, dealing with plateaus, or bouncing back after dieting, this conversation will empower you with tools and science-backed insights you can start using right away. And we would love to hear your questions and feedback in the comments.

Joel Greene is creator of the VEEP Nutrition System, the worlds first commercially available program based on targeting gut communities to positively effect metabolic outcomes and biomarkers. Joel is a featured author, speaker, and guest in top tier publications like Muscle and Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness Digital Magazine, CBS Online, Superhuman Radio. His system has also been featured on the Dr. Phil Show where it has delivered astounding life changing results. He is author of The Immunity Code and The Way - two books that are changing the way many of us approach weight loss forever. Find out more about Joel here;

https://www.veepnutrition.com/

Instagram - realjoelgreene

X - realjoelgreene

👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best.

I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity.

https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks

Chemaine xo

🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.