Menopause Rescue

By Dr. Polly Watson

Women may spend over a decade of their lives experiencing symptoms around menopause transition, while just over 10% of women’s healthcare professionals feel comfortable treating menopause. The convers... more

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FAQs about Menopause Rescue:

How many episodes does Menopause Rescue have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

Menopause Rescue episodes:

October 24, 2025Functional Fixes for Rosacea and Thinning Hair
In this empowering episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson welcomes back Kate Willis, NP for an in-depth look at two of the most frustrating issues women face during midlife — rosacea and hair loss — and how custom-compounded treatments can make all the difference. Together, they unpack the root causes behind these issues and explore both functional medicine and evidence-based dermatologic treatments to help women restore healthy, radiant skin and stronger, fuller hair. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how compounded therapies, gut health, and lifestyle changes can work together to restore your confidence, improve skin tone, and revive healthy hair growth during menopause.

Quotes
“I love that we can now use compounding to personalize skincare and hair loss treatments for each woman’s needs.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Rosacea is frustrating, and we see it emerge or worsen during midlife — it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that demands a personalized approach.” – Kate Willis
“The skin barrier is everything — it keeps moisture in and irritation out. Protecting it is the foundation of healthy skin at any age.” – Kate Willis

Resources
Episode 26: A Functional Approach to Hair Loss

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
42min
October 10, 2025Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C continue their skin and hair series, focusing on melasma, a chronic skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation. Together, they unpack the underlying causes, treatment options, and long-term strategies to manage this frustrating and often recurrent condition. Kate explains why melasma is so difficult to treat, the role of hormones, genetics, and UV exposure, and highlights both traditional therapies and exciting newer options like oral and topical tranexamic acid. The conversation also covers layering therapies, the importance of sun protection, and how patients can make practical decisions about short-term versus maintenance treatments.

Quotes
“Melasma is a tough and chronic pigment condition that’s triggered by UV, heat, hormones, and genetics.” - Kate Willis NP-C
“We’re not just treating the surface of the skin. Melasma has deeper layers and even a vascular component.” - Kate Willis NP-C
“Melasma is not a one-and-done condition. It requires lifelong prevention, ongoing treatment, and a long-term mindset.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
28min
September 26, 2025Best Anti-Aging Skincare for Midlife Women: Estrogen, Retinol & More
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to cut through the noise of anti-aging skincare. Together, they explore science-backed strategies for midlife skin health, from topical estrogen and retinoids to vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreen. Whether you’re curious about estrogen creams, frustrated with retinol irritation, or just want a clear guide to midlife skincare, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based advice to help your skin stay healthy, resilient, and radiant through menopause and beyond. This is the first in a three-part series with Kate covering skin and hair concerns in midlife.

Quotes
“We’re not trying to make everyone look like Barbie. We want to help people feel comfortable in the skin they’re in.” – Dr. Polly Watson
“Consistency is key. Skincare is not a six-month project — it’s daily maintenance for the long haul.” – Kate Willis NP-C
“Both estradiol and estriol creams showed improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, collagen, and hydration — without changing systemic hormone levels.” – Kate Willis NP-C

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
38min
September 12, 2025Understanding Melasma: Dermatologist Insights on Causes, Triggers, and Treatments
In this enlightening episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Dr. Joanna Hooten of Clara Dermatology as she delves into melasma, a prevalent skin condition marked by brown discoloration that often affects women undergoing hormonal changes. Dr. Hooten unpacks the multifaceted causes and triggers of melasma, highlighting factors such as sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and genetic predisposition. She underscores the critical role of sun protection in prevention and navigates through an array of effective treatment options. Learn about topical treatments like hydroquinone, the benefits of oral medications such as tranexamic acid, and the potential of procedures like micro needling and laser treatments. With actionable insights and a hopeful perspective, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to manage melasma successfully.

Quotes
“The single most important factor for people who have melasma, and I like to say for everybody, because we all have skin and live on the earth, is sun protection.” - Dr. Joanna Hooten
"It's important to be aware of potential triggers like heat from hot yoga or saunas, which can affect melasma." - Dr. Joanna Hooten
"Hormonal fluctuations, such as those from hormone replacement therapy or birth control, can really turn on a light switch for melasma." - Dr. Joanna Hooten

Connect with Dr. Joanna Hooten
Website: https://claradermatology.com/
New Patient: https://claradermatology.com/consult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clara.derm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clara.derm
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clara.derm

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
51min
August 29, 2025How to Listen to Your Body: Somatic Practices to Find Strength in Midlife
Feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or the changes that come with midlife and menopause? In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson talks with embodiment expert Mary Stokes, founder of Embody Being, about how reconnecting with the body can bring clarity, balance, and resilience. Together, they explore practical tools rooted in somatic awareness that help women heal, regulate their nervous systems, and discover new strength during life’s biggest transitions.

Mary shares her personal journey of navigating chronic illness, trauma, and menopause, and how embodiment practices like mindful breathing, shifting posture, and broadening awareness can transform both emotional and physical health. She highlights the difference between traditional psychotherapy and somatic work, emphasizing the body as a teacher and guide rather than something to “fix.”

Quotes
“Trauma is an experience we couldn’t fully digest in the moment—and life will present it again until we do.” - Mary Stokes
“We’re taught in Western medicine to label and blame disease, but embodiment looks at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Instead of focusing on what’s broken, we can regulate toward what’s working.” - Mary Stokes

Connect with Mary Stokes, MS
Website: https://www.embodybeing.com/
New Patient: [email protected]
Phone: 919-601-7121 (call or text)

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
1h 1min
August 08, 2025Midlife Mojo: Building Strength, Boundaries & Balance After 40
Dr. Polly Watson sits down with Dr. Terri Peña, a board-certified physician and functional medicine expert, to explore how women can reclaim their health and energy in midlife and beyond. Dr. Peña introduces her 4M Method - Metrics, Metabolism, Muscle, and Mojo - a framework that empowers women to move from feeling dismissed and depleted to strong, vital, and confident. They discuss why traditional medicine often fails midlife women, how to get real answers when labs look “normal” but you still feel off, and why building muscle is essential for longevity. Plus, Dr. Peña shares powerful nervous system tools like box breathing to help regulate stress, and talks about how knowing your energy and action style can improve self-care and healthcare outcomes.

Quotes
“I tell my patients I don’t want them to end up feeble, frail or forgetful.” - Dr. Terri Peña
“We create health in the second half of life by setting boundaries and saying yes to ourselves.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Just because your labs are in normal ranges doesn’t mean they’re optimal.” - Dr. Terri Peña

Connect with Dr. Terri Peña
Website: https://www.terripenamd.com
New Patient: https://www.terripenamd.com/contact-us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ever.well.woman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/EverWell-Woman/61566033042007/

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
47min
July 25, 2025Perimenopause Fatigue: Energize and Feel Like Yourself Again
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by functional medicine nurse practitioner Kate Willis to unpack the real reasons behind perimenopausal fatigue. Together, they explore how hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic stress all converge to drain energy during midlife. Rather than accepting fatigue as “just part of aging,” Dr. Watson and Kate take a root-cause, whole-body approach. They discuss actionable strategies - from hormone testing and mitochondrial support to building muscle and managing stress - that help women reclaim their energy and vitality. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, burnout, or broken sleep, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a clear roadmap to feel like yourself again.

Quotes
"Fatigue is one of the top complaints we hear from women in perimenopause - you’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head." - Kate Willis NP-C
"I remember putting on that estrogen patch and two days later thinking, 'She’s back.' It was like flipping a switch." - Dr. Polly Watson
"Listening to women is key - not just checking boxes or writing prescriptions. We have to ask what’s really going on beneath the fatigue." - Kate Willis NP-C

Resources
Kate Willis NP-C and Niki D’Agostino on Primal Trust for Nervous System Healing

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
35min
July 11, 2025An Integrative Cardiologist's Guide to Menopause and Heart Health
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson welcomes integrative cardiologist and functional medicine expert Dr. Regina Druz for an eye-opening conversation about the often overlooked intersection of heart health and menopause. Together, they unpack how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause can cause unexpected changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, fat distribution and heart rhythm. Dr. Druz explains why traditional risk calculators often miss the mark for women, what new markers like ApoB and Lp(a) really tell us, and how wearable tech and advanced imaging can offer deeper insights. Whether you're already tracking your health closely or just starting to ask questions, this episode will give you the tools to take charge of your cardiovascular future and advocate for the care you deserve.

Quotes
“More women die of heart disease than of breast cancer.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Menopause doesn't create new risk factors - it amplifies the ones that are already there.” - Dr. Regina Druz
“We spend 40% of our lives in post-menopause. Do we want to be vibrant or in the ER with hypertensive urgency?” - Dr. Regina Druz

Connect with Dr. Regina Druz
New Patient: https://holisticheartcenters.com/steps-one-two-three/
Podcast: https://holisticheartcenters.com/own-your-heart-health-podcast-with-dr-regina-druz/
Website: https://holisticheartcenters.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
52min
June 27, 2025Strong Over Skinny: Expert Insights to Prevent Menopause Muscle Loss
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Kate Willis NP-C to debunk fitness myths and deliver real-world guidance on how women can build and preserve muscle during perimenopause and menopause. From progressive overload to protein needs, creatine, stress recovery, and smarter training, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you feel stronger, not just skinnier. Whether you're brand new to strength training or looking to break through a plateau, you'll find science-backed insights and empowering advice to support your midlife health journey.

Quotes
"Exercise is a stressor and if it’s not dosed correctly, it can make you feel worse, not better." - Kate Willis NP-C
“If we're trying to build muscle, we need to be having adequate nutrition to feed muscle.” - Dr. Polly Watson
"You're not going to bulk up with physiologic levels of testosterone - you’re going to get toned and strong." - Kate Willis NP-C

Resources
Protein Cheat Sheet
Evlo Fitness
Dr. Stacy Sims - Power Happens

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
32min
June 13, 2025Mold vs. Menopause: What’s Really Causing Your Symptoms?
In this insightful episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Dr. Ami Ingram, a functional medicine physician with a specialty in mold-related illness. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked health impacts of mold exposure by highlighting how its symptoms can closely mimic or overlap with conditions like perimenopause, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances. The conversation covers everything from recognizing the signs of mold toxicity to effective diagnostic strategies and the critical role of home testing. Both doctors share their personal experiences with mold, shedding light on how isolating the journey can be and emphasizing the power of community in the healing process. Dr. Ingram also introduces her accessible educational resources designed to empower individuals facing mold-related health issues - offering practical guidance, support, and most importantly, hope.

Quotes
“We all have mold. But it’s the type, the load, and how your body handles it that matters.” Dr. Ami Ingram
“Healing from mold isn’t just about the body - it’s about calming the brain and rebuilding connection.” Dr. Polly Watson
“We all have a toxic barrel - some have big spigots, some small. When it overflows, symptoms appear.” Dr. Ami Ingram

Resources
Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test
ISEAI Resources: Designed by experts for patients and clinicians treating mold-related illness.

Connect with Dr. Ami Ingram
Online Courses: https://family-functional-medicine.teachable.com/
Website: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/
New Patient: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/discovery-consult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyfunctional_med/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyfunctionalmed/

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson
Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer
...more
44min

FAQs about Menopause Rescue:

How many episodes does Menopause Rescue have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

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