This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re welcoming a brand-new face to the clinic and to the mic — Dr. Victoria Helton. Fresh out of residency, Dr. Helton brings a rare, up-to-the-minute perspective on hormone education, women’s health, and what it really feels like to transition from years of training into private practice.

We talk about the highs and lows of residency, what’s changing (and what still isn’t) in how providers are trained to manage perimenopause and menopause, and why patients are often more educated than their own providers thanks to TikTok and Instagram. Dr. Helton opens up about her journey from Texas to Arkansas, balancing life as a physician and new mom, and what it means to step into a clinic culture built on collaboration and support.

It’s candid, relatable, and a reminder of how the next generation of providers could help transform the future of hormone care.

Have you ever wondered why two women can walk into the same clinic with the exact same symptoms… and walk out with entirely different experiences, diagnoses, and outcomes simply because of the color of their skin?

This week, we are confronting the urgent reality of racial disparities in women’s healthcare. Research shows that Black women face higher maternal mortality rates, more aggressive disease outcomes, and longer-lasting, more severe menopause symptoms compared to white women. These differences are not about education or income; they are rooted in systemic bias, gaps in research, and chronic stress that impacts health on a biological level.

Dr. Leticia Jones bravely shares her journey as a Black physician, the systemic barriers she has witnessed firsthand, and the ways women of color can advocate for themselves when the system doesn’t listen. Together, we show how these inequities show up in both reproductive health and menopause, and what needs to change so that all women are truly seen, heard, and cared for.

This is not just about statistics; it is about lived experiences and the urgency of building a healthcare system that works for every woman.

👉 Tune in to this powerful conversation, share it with your friends, and be part of the growing community advocating for awareness, advocacy, and equity in women’s health.

This week's episode is a little less science, a lot more sisterhood. Recorded lakeside with my four lifelong besties, we dive into the raw, hilarious, and very real parts of perimenopause and midlife mayhem. From anxiety and insomnia to joint pain and dry eyes (yes, even itchy skin and surprise tears in Walmart), we're peeling back the layers of what it's like to hit our 40s together. You'll find our experiences so relatable, you might even laugh along with us.

We're not in the studio, we're at the lake, wine and fiber supplements in hand. It's year 12 of our annual girls' getaway, and between us, we've got 14 kids, a lot of hormones, and even more love. We're talking friendship, fatigue, hormone havoc, and the things we wish we knew at 35. This one's less PubMed, more pajamas, but packed with the wisdom only time and authentic connection can bring.

So whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or just mood-swinging your way through midlife, grab your coffee, your estrogen cream, or your favorite orthopaedic pillow and tune in. Because hormones are wild, aging is weird, and having your girls by your side makes all the difference.

👇 Don't miss out on this unique episode. Tap play and join us in our laughter and shared experiences. You'll feel better just knowing you're not alone.

Ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you were there? Or stared at your to-do list like it was written in a foreign language? You’re not alone, and no, it’s not always just “getting older” or “mom brain.” This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s been blowing up in conversations lately: ADHD in women and how it can show up with a vengeance during perimenopause and menopause. For instance, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity are some common symptoms.

We’ll break down:

💡 What ADHD actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s not all bouncing off the walls)

💡 How hormone shifts, especially dropping estrogen, turn ADHD symptoms up to full volume

💡 The surprising ways progesterone and testosterone play into focus, mood, and motivation

💡 Why some women only get diagnosed in midlife

💡 How ADHD symptoms are often overlooked in women because the diagnostic tools were made for men

💡 The difference between menopause brain fog and ADHD inattention and why it matters

💡 How your ADHD medication may feel “off” during certain phases of your cycle (and what research says about adjusting)

💡 What you can do right now to support your brain, from cycle tracking and optimizing hormones to nutrition, movement, and supplements that have evidence behind them

We’ll also dive into fascinating new research on estrogen’s role in dopamine production and receptor sensitivity. This research suggests that estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates significantly during perimenopause and menopause, plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system, affecting mood, motivation, and focus. This is why scientists are calling brain fog, mood swings, and focus issues neurological, not just hormonal.

If you’ve been feeling like your brain went from Google Fiber to dial-up speed, or wondering why your once-manageable ADHD feels unmanageable, this episode is for you. We’re here with the science, the strategies, and the “OMG that’s me” moments you’ve been looking for.

Because you deserve more than “deal with it”, you deserve answers, tools, and a whole lot of compassion.

Most people do not think about their bones until something breaks. But what if protecting your bones could be as much about your hormones as your calcium intake? Understanding the crucial role that hormones play in bone health can enlighten you and give you a deeper knowledge of your body's functions.

On this episode, we dive into one of the most underappreciated parts of women’s health: the intricate link between menopause, hormones, and osteoporosis. We unravel why bone health matters long before your first fracture and why hormone replacement therapy is not just a remedy for hot flashes; it's a significant factor in preserving your skeleton's strength.

Did you know that a woman’s risk of breaking a bone from osteoporosis is as high as her risk for heart disease? Or that bone loss is fastest in the first five years of menopause, when estrogen levels drop? We are sharing the facts behind the stats, the silent impact of fractures, and the crucial window where hormones can make the most significant difference. By understanding these facts, you can take proactive steps to prevent bone loss and fractures, empowering you to take control of your health.

From the biology of bone remodeling to the importance of being proactive, and from what screening and prevention truly entail, we cover it all. If you’ve ever wondered when to start thinking about bone health, if hormones are right for you, or how osteoporosis could impact your independence later in life, this episode will leave you empowered and informed.

No matter where you are on your menopause journey, your bones are worth your attention. Tune in and take control of your health because strong bones build a strong future.

Let's talk about the belly no one asked for.

This week, we're diving into one of the most relatable (and frustrating) midlife mysteries: Why are my jeans tighter when nothing's changed except my hormones?! Spoiler alert: it's not just about eating less and moving more. There's a lot more going on under the surface.

We're thrilled to have our favorite hormone-savvy dietitian, Meg Green, RD, IFNCP, back with us. Her expertise is unparalleled, and she's here to help us understand the real reasons behind weight gain during perimenopause and menopause, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

We're breaking down:

-Why estrogen is your midsection's best friend

-How stress, cortisol, and hot flashes are all tangled up

-What visceral fat really is (and why it's more than just annoying)

-Why your hunger hormones are acting like they've lost their minds

-How muscle loss, insulin resistance, and sleep deprivation are all plotting against your metabolism

-And yes, what HRT, strength training, protein, and processed foods have to do with it all

If you've been doing everything 'right' and still feel like your body didn't get the memo, this episode is for you. We're not just discussing the issues, we're providing practical solutions. We're cutting through the noise, calling out the myths, and empowering you to take control, no shame, no crash diets, no nonsense.

Midlife weight gain isn't inevitable. But understanding your hormones is the first step!

Hit play, grab your favorite high-protein snack, and let's talk about all the things your doctor didn't explain about menopause, metabolism, and muffin tops.

This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re leaning into one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood topics in women’s health: hormones and breast cancer—especially the questions that arise after a diagnosis.

For many women, the fear of breast cancer is the biggest barrier to considering hormone replacement therapy. Today, we’re setting the record straight by replacing fear with facts. We’re joined by a brilliant guest, Julie Turner, DNP, APRN, a high-risk breast specialist, hereditary cancer expert, and BRCA1 carrier, who brings both professional insight and deeply personal experience to this nuanced conversation.

In this episode, we break down:

-The science behind estrogen, progesterone, and breast cancer risk

-What the data actually says about hormone use before and after breast cancer

-Common myths born out of misinterpreted studies like the WHI

-The real numbers behind breast cancer risk—including how they compare to lifestyle factors like obesity and alcohol

-What’s safe, what’s not, and how hormone therapy options vary by delivery method

-The truth about oral contraceptives, vaginal estrogen, and testosterone

-Emerging therapies on the horizon, including promising developments like Duavee and estetrol

We also explore how genetic factors, such as BRCA status, impact the conversation, what screening looks like for high-risk women, and how shared decision-making can empower you in your menopause journey.

This is not about one-size-fits-all answers—it’s about equipping you with nuanced, evidence-based knowledge so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether you’ve had breast cancer, have a family history, or feel paralyzed by the fear of “what if,” this episode is for you. Tune in, take notes, and let’s bring clarity to a subject that deserves more than headlines and half-truths.

Is 65 the cut-off for feeling fabulous? 🤔 Spoiler alert: absolutely not! 🎉 But the big question: Are you ever "too old" for hormone replacement therapy?

We're busting the myth that you must ditch HRT once you hit 65, and trust us – the tea is hot. ☕🔥 With relatable humor and expert insight, we explore what really happens when women continue HRT into their golden years. Spoiler: menopause doesn't come with an expiration date on feeling good. 😉

Here's a sneak peek at what we cover:

-Myth-busting "no HRT after 65": Why that old advice is outdated and how many women 65+ are thriving with continued hormone help. (Age is a number, not a stop sign 🚦 for feeling your best!)

- Latest clinical insights: Hear about new research that flips the script on HRT safety for seniors, including some surprising health perks like healthier hearts, stronger bones, and even a lower risk of some diseases for women who stay on hormones.

- Safety first: We break down how to navigate HRT beyond 65 wisely. Think personalized plans, the importance of how you take your hormones (hint: patches and creams can be game-changers), and knowing when a pause might be a better fit for specific health situations.

- Real-life stories: From patients who started HRT in their late 60s to ladies who refuse to give up their estrogen in their 70s, you'll hear anecdotes that prove there's no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to menopause care. 💪👵

By the end, you'll feel empowered to have that "Can I stay on HRT?" chat with your provider – armed with facts, not fear. The bottom line? There's no magic age to lose your mojo, and we are here to remind you that you deserve to feel amazing at every age. ✨

Ready to separate fact from fiction and reclaim your vitality?

This Week on Hump Day Hormones: Hair, Skin, Nails, and the Hormone Connection

Ladies, if your ponytail feels thinner, your skin's looking a little more like crepe paper, and your nails snap the minute you glance at them, you're not crazy, and you're definitely not alone. This week's episode is here to tell you why and what you can do about it.

We're diving deep into the head-to-toe changes that sneak in as our hormones shift. From declining estrogen to sneaky DHT conversions and stubborn thyroids, we're uncovering what's happening behind the breakage, dryness, and frustrating changes in your appearance that often go unaddressed.

🧬 We break down:

• What estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone do for your hair, skin, and nails

• Why thyroid and nutrient levels are essential to your glow

• How perimenopause shows up in sneaky, subtle ways

• Why your stress levels could be thinning your hair

• What treatments and therapies may help

Whether you're dealing with shedding, dullness, or brittle nails that no supplement seems to help, this episode gives you science-backed insights and practical takeaways. And yes, hormone therapy can be part of the conversation — but we're keeping it real about what it can and cannot do.

💗 We say it often, but it's worth repeating: menopause isn't just hot flashes. It's a full-body transformation. And it's time we start talking about it in a way that feels supportive, honest, and empowering.

💬 P.S. This week, we also address one of our amazing listeners, Lindsey, a nurse practitioner student researching questions about hormone screening in primary care. She asked, "When should we start talking about menopause?" Spoiler alert — much earlier than most of us think. If you're in your mid-30s and starting to notice changes, it's time to pay attention.

🎧 Tune in, share with a friend, and let's normalize this conversation

because you deserve to feel good in your skin, at every stage.

👇 Listen now and take the first step in reclaiming your vitality.

This Week on Hump Day Hormones: Why Your Period Is Giving You a Headache (Literally)

Ever feel like your period brings more than just cramps and cravings? If you're among the 50–70% of women who battle migraines around "that time of the month," you're not alone in this struggle. It's a common experience, and it's not just your period to blame.

In this episode, we unpack the true culprit: your hormones. More specifically, that sharp drop in estrogen right before your cycle starts. This hormonal nosedive can trigger migraines, increase inflammation, and leave you feeling foggy, fatigued, and frustrated.

But there's more happening beneath the surface. We dive into the science of prostaglandin inflammatory compounds that spike during menstruation and intensify pain and the often-overlooked role of low magnesium levels, which can disrupt nerve signaling, tighten blood vessels, and worsen migraine symptoms.

If you've been told "it's just hormones," you deserve more answers. This episode is your crash course in menstrual migraines: what causes them, how to support your body, and why understanding your hormone patterns is the key to taking control and finding real relief.

You are not alone in this, and your symptoms aren't "just in your head." We understand the challenges you're facing, and we're here to support you.