In this candid solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely steps away from the interview format to share a personal update with her listeners—and it's a conversation worth settling in for. She opens up about a recent week-long getaway with her meno besties, a group of like-minded podcasters and friends, and reflects on how deeply nourishing female friendship has become in midlife. Karen Martel, host of The Hormone Solutions Podcast, reminded her during that time that crossing the 50 milestone brought a sense of confidence and 'don't mess with me' attitude. That connection inspired her to share a story she told them: at 53, she's discovered what it feels like to be athletic for the first time through pickleball, a pursuit she's now devoted over a year to making sense of.

Dr. Lovely also marks a significant personal milestone—two years on a low-dose GLP-1 medication as part of her menopause medicine plan. She speaks honestly about her decades-long history of metabolic markers and how this journey has reversed them, reduced inflammation, blood sugar, lipids, and restored her ability to move without pain. She shares that she has just hired her first strength trainer ever. She also recounts a powerful exercise led by gerontologist Zora Benhamou, host of Hack my Age Podcast, in which she visualized and engaged with her 80-year-old self, challenging the cultural fear of aging.

Finally, Dr. Lovely celebrates the upcoming graduation of her first cohort of menopause doula scholars and announces open enrollment for the next group. You can get the latest information by joining the waitlist at https://menopausedoulacouncil.com/

Tune in for inspiration, honesty, and a reminder that you don't have to navigate this transition alone.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin, no matter your age! 💙 🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this lively and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Dr. Carrie Jones, a naturopathic physician and internationally recognized expert in women's health and hormones. Known as the "Queen of Hormones," Dr. Jones brings over two decades of clinical experience to a discussion that moves seamlessly from the deeply clinical to the delightfully personal. The two explore how the definition of perimenopause has been far too narrow, with symptoms often beginning in a woman's thirties—years before most doctors think to look. Dr. Jones also highlights a significant shift in the field: new position papers from international menopause societies now recommend that women who reach menopause before age 45 be treated differently, with hormone replacement positioned as protection for the brain, bones, and heart, not merely symptom relief.

Beyond the clinical, the conversation celebrates the friendships that sustain women through this transition and challenges the notion that menopause should be endured in silence. Dr. Jones shares her own experience of moving through the "I don't care" era with newfound peace, and she offers candid reflections on everything from Korean skincare to strength training.

Listeners will walk away informed, encouraged, and reminded that the wisest years are still ahead.

Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones:

IG: @dr.carriejones

Tiktok: @dr.carriejones

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

Spotify: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones

Apple Podcast: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones

Website: www.drcarriejones.com

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💙🌿BEAM Minerals to help with stress related depletion - this is your 2026 pro-health move! Did you know that chronic stress can zap your energy and your minerals? You FEEL better quickly, with this easy to take supplement - replenishing all lost minerals. Give BEAM a try - beamminerals.com and use the code LOVELY for 20% off your first order! 😴 Support for Deeper Sleep with BiOptimizers: We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough includes all seven essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep. BiOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend. Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Dr. Michael Bader, a psychoanalyst with over 45 years of experience, for a deep dive into the psychology of sexual desire, pleasure, and the often-unexamined beliefs that shape our erotic lives. Together, they explore why sexual excitement is not simply a biological drive that bursts into consciousness, but rather something the mind carefully regulates based on unconscious assessments of safety and danger.

Dr. Bader introduces listeners to the concept of pathogenic beliefs—the unconscious rules we form in childhood about what we are "supposed" to feel or not feel. These beliefs, often rooted in guilt or shame, can create roadblocks to sexual excitement into adulthood that no amount of hormone replacement therapy alone can fix. He explains how sexual fantasies function as creative solutions, momentarily bypassing these inhibitions and allowing pleasure to flow.

Listeners will walk away with a new understanding of their own erotic minds and practical insight into how psychological safety, guilt, and shame influence their capacity for pleasure. Dr. Bader offers a compassionate perspective, reminding women that understanding these dynamics is valuable—but that acceptance without judgment is also a valid and healthy outcome.

Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it is liberating.

Connect with Dr. Bader:

Website: https://michaelbader.com/

X: https://x.com/psychpolitics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTd0ydMlfFZO__pCjDrZxw

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚

💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. 💙

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely kicks off a new season of the Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast with a powerful conversation about the evolving landscape of menopause care. She reflects on how the conversation has shifted from merely tolerating symptoms to embracing whole-person, life-course care that values women well beyond their reproductive years. This is not just about hot flashes and fractured sleep—it's about asking what matters most to each woman and supporting her unique priorities.

Dr. Fiona tackles one of the most unsettling symptoms of perimenopause: brain fog. Drawing on research from Lisa Mosconi and Roberta Brinton, she explains that while brain fog feels frightening, it is actually a sign of the brain's adaptation and resilience, not a verdict on cognitive decline. She reassures listeners that cognitive performance does not significantly decline during the transition, and that the brain often stabilizes and rebounds post-menopause.

The episode also addresses the latest data on HRT, dispelling outdated fears and clarifying that informed choice is not dangerous—but dismissal is. Dr. Fiona emphasizes that there is no automatic expiration date on HRT and that continuing therapy beyond age 65 can be appropriate for persistent symptoms or quality of life concerns.

Finally, she shares her excitement about the upcoming fall enrollment of the Menopause Doula Certification: a program that trains women in Dr. Lovely's methods to support others through the transition with education, advocacy, and compassionate validation.

This episode is a rallying cry for women to ask better questions, seek better care, and embrace the decades ahead with confidence and clarity.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for our discount.

💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. 💙

Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Angelo Keely, a nutrition and protein optimization expert, for a conversation that every woman in midlife needs to hear. The topic? Why protein intake needs actually increase with age—especially during perimenopause and menopause—and how getting this right can be a game-changer for strength, metabolism, and overall vitality.

Angelo breaks down the often-overlooked reality of sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass that sneaks in as women age, and explains why maintaining muscle is not just about looking toned—it's about bone health, metabolic function, and long-term independence. He shares practical strategies for hitting daily protein goals without overeating, and clarifies the important distinction between standard protein powders and essential amino acids (EAAs), explaining what the body actually absorbs and utilizes.

The conversation also tackles the rise of GLP-1 medications and the risks of rapid weight loss without proper muscle support. Angelo offers straightforward guidance on how to pair these medications with resistance training and targeted amino acid support to preserve lean mass and vitality. Listeners will walk away with simple, sustainable strategies for fueling their bodies for strength and longevity—no matter their age.

Discover how to protect your muscle, protect your health, and age on your own terms. Check out Kion and learn more at getkion.com/lovely (Bonus: you get 20% off!!)

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💙🌿BEAM Minerals to help with stress related depletion - this is your 2026 pro-health move! Did you know that chronic stress can zap your energy and your minerals? You FEEL better quickly, with this easy to take supplement - replenishing all lost minerals. Give BEAM a try - beamminerals.com and use the code LOVELY for 20% off your first order!

🧪Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes from BiOptimizers uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Go to bioptimizers.com/lovely and use code LOVELY for a discount.

Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. She is the Founder of the Menopause Doula Council and Certification.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

Navigating the conversation about hormone replacement therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much conflicting information circulating. In this listener favorite episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely cuts through the noise and provides listeners with the essential tools they need to advocate for themselves when speaking with their healthcare providers about HRT. She addresses the questions that come up time and again—who is a candidate, what are the real risks and benefits, and what specific products women should be asking for.

Dr. Fiona breaks down the latest research in a clear, accessible way, empowering women to move past outdated fears and have informed, productive conversations with their doctors. She also shares practical resources, including directories for finding qualified practitioners who specialize in menopause care, and highlights the importance of doing thorough research before choosing a provider or clinic. This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating perimenopause or menopause who wants to take charge of her health and make confident decisions about hormone therapy.

Tune in to learn exactly what you need to know before your next appointment.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💙If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin.

🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.

Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

Prepare to discover a revolutionary approach to health and longevity that is transforming how we think about healing! In this fan-favorite episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Kyal Van Der Leest, an Australian Nutritionist and Naturopath who is at the forefront of bio-identical and peptide-based therapies.

If you've heard the word "peptides" trending in wellness circles but aren't sure how they fit into your health strategy—especially through the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause—this episode is your definitive, easy-to-understand roadmap.

Rather than viewing peptides as synthetic additives, Kyal breaks down how these short chains of amino acids function as your body's own natural cellular messengers. Discover how targeted peptide therapies can communicate directly with your cells to spur healing, repair, and regeneration in ways traditional supplements and pharmaceuticals simply can't match.

• Peptides 101: What peptides actually are and why they speak your body's exact biological language.

• Targeted Cellular Repair: How peptide signaling works to trigger tissue restoration, hormonal optimization, and metabolic recovery.

• The Gut-Brain Axis & Leaky Gut: The specific peptide mechanics that directly block zonulin—the protein responsible for gut permeability—to help seal and heal the intestinal lining.

• Short-Term Interventions for Long-Term Health: Why peptide therapy isn't meant to be a lifetime dependency, but rather a temporary, high-impact tool to reset your foundational health.

• Integrating Peptides Safely: Practical insights on using peptide therapy as part of a holistic, root-cause approach to midlife wellness. They can be taken orally - safe and effective and legal!

You can find out more about LVLUP Health and Kyal here. (You can use code LOVELY for a special discount!)

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚

🌿Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Go to bioptimizers.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount for our listeners. 🧪

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this special re-airing, listeners are invited to revisit a highly requested interview from the Women Aging Powerfully 2025 Summit. The host Leah Vachani sits down with menopause medicine and functional neurology expert Dr. Fiona Lovely to pull back the curtain on Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause, or MSM. Drawing on two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lovely expertly details this underdiagnosed condition, which affects seventy-one percent of women and manifests as joint stiffness, declining muscle mass, and bone density loss.

The conversation provides a comprehensive look at the body's response to estrogen loss and the protective role of contemporary Hormone Replacement Therapy. Listeners will discover how bioidentical progesterone and topical estradiol can reduce pain while preserving muscle. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the necessity of optimizing daily protein intake to stabilize blood sugar and fight sarcopenia. Resistance training is presented as non-negotiable for metabolic health, alongside practical strategies for advocating for proper medical care.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding MSM and its prevalence among women.

• The protective benefits of bioidentical progesterone and estradiol.

• Why optimal protein consumption is crucial for fighting sarcopenia.

• The importance of resistance training and balance exercises for cognitive and metabolic health.

Practical tips for advocating for contemporary treatments at the doctor's office.

For full access to the summit, visit https://womenagingpowerfully.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💧If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.

💙If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

If you've been chalking up your exhaustion, brain fog, and irritability to "just another day in perimenopause," Dr. Fiona Lovely is here to challenge that assumption. In this loved solo episode, she shines a much-needed spotlight on iron deficiency anemia—a condition that affects billions worldwide and is disproportionately common in women, yet frequently overlooked by conventional medicine.

Dr. Lovely walks listeners through the telltale signs: fatigue, mood swings, hair loss, cold intolerance, and cracked lips at the corners of the mouth. Sound familiar? These symptoms are so easily dismissed as normal menopausal woes, but they may point to something far more treatable. She explains why women in the menopause transition are particularly vulnerable—thanks to heavy menstrual bleeding—and why iron debt can persist for years even after periods stop.

The episode provides a thorough breakdown of the lab work that actually matters, moving far beyond the standard CBC. Dr. Lovely lists the markers every woman should request, including ferritin, transferrin, and TIBC, and explains why many doctors miss the full picture. She also covers the best dietary sources of iron, the difference between heme and non-heme iron, and practical strategies to boost absorption—like pairing iron with vitamin C and avoiding coffee or calcium around supplement time.

This is not a quick fix, but with the right testing, the right supplements, and patience, energy can be restored. As Dr. Lovely reminds listeners, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Be the squeaky wheel.

Episode Highlights:

• The common symptoms of iron deficiency that are often mistaken for perimenopause.

• Why ferritin is the first marker to drop and what it reveals about your iron stores.

• How proton pump inhibitors and low stomach acid sabotage iron absorption.

• The surprising iron-rich foods that outrank beef liver, including clams and oysters.

• Why replenishing iron takes time—often a year or more—and which supplements are gentler on digestion.

Tune in and learn why that relentless fatigue might not be "just menopause" after all—and how to finally reclaim your energy.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚

🌿Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Here's what you get when you go to bioptimizers.com/lovely and use code LOVELY to get 15% off your entire order. 🧪

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗

Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

In this episode of Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Dr. Louann Brizendine, the renowned neuropsychiatrist and author of the groundbreaking book The Upgrade (released in 2022). Dr. Brizendine, who founded the first U.S. clinic focused on women's mood and hormone-related brain function, brings her decades of expertise to a conversation that reframes everything women have been told about life after fertility.

The episode challenges the narrative that menopause marks an ending. Instead, Dr. Brizendine introduces listeners to the Upgrade—the wisdom phase that emerges after the hormonal chaos of perimenopause settles. She explains how the transition, formerly known as perimenopause, is a period of significant brain and body shifts, but what follows is a time of clarity, freedom, and renewed purpose. Women often feel joyless and irritable during the transition, but Dr. Brizendine offers hope, sharing that the happiness quotient actually increases with each decade of life.

Listeners will learn practical brain and body hacks, including how to support the vagus nerve for better heart-brain communication and the importance of hormone therapy timing for brain protection. Dr. Brizendine also addresses the controversy surrounding HRT, urging women to consider estrogen not just for symptom relief but as prevention for cognitive decline. This is a conversation about reclaiming authentic selfhood, leaving behind the people-pleasing tendencies of the fertile years, and stepping into a powerful new identity. The message is clear: the good stuff is coming.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Brizendine defines the transition versus the Upgrade and why the language matters.

• The connection between dropping estrogen and changes in mood, memory, and metabolism.

• How progesterone acts like natural valium—and what happens when it drops.

• The importance of timing hormone therapy for optimal brain protection.

• Practical techniques for calming the nervous system and enhancing vagal tone.

Tune in to discover why the second half of life holds more freedom, joy, and possibility than women have ever been led to believe.

Follow Dr. Louann Brizendine:

IG | Website | Buy her book, The Upgrade

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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