"Pause Please: The Empowered Perimenopause Playbook" offers a deeply personal yet scientifically grounded look at Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), formerly known as HRT. Hosted by Dr. Sara Kinnon, a naturopathic physician and Menopause Society certified practitioner, this episode goes beyond a typical explainer, sharing Dr. Kinnon's own journey of recognizing her perimenopausal symptoms—from inexplicable anxiety and brain fog to disrupted sleep and changing periods—despite living a healthy lifestyle. She candidly discusses the common dismissal women face from healthcare providers and the overwhelming misinformation surrounding MHT, highlighting why an individualized conversation with a knowledgeable practitioner is crucial and empowering.

This episode provides a practical guide on when to consider MHT, detailing common signals like persistent sleep issues, escalating hot flashes, significant mood shifts, and changes in exercise recovery or menstrual cycles that suggest it might be time for support. Dr. Kinnon clarifies what science says about MHT's benefits and risks, emphasizing its protective effects on bones, potential for heart and cognitive health when initiated in the optimal "window of opportunity" (within 10 years of last period or before age 60), and its ability to improve mood and sleep. Listeners will learn the importance of using transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone, understanding their personal goals for MHT, and recognizing that treatment may require trial and error, always alongside foundational lifestyle support. Tune in to understand that MHT is a powerful tool in your perimenopause toolkit, and when used correctly, it can be truly life-changing.

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"Pause Please: The Empowered Perimenopause Playbook" tackles one of the most pervasive and frustrating complaints of midlife women: persistent fatigue. Dr. Sara Kinnon, a naturopathic physician and Menopause Society certified practitioner, answers the critical question: "Is it burnout or is it my hormones?" and reveals that it's often a complex interplay of both. This episode delves into the subtle ways fatigue manifests in perimenopause, exploring how hormonal chaos (fluctuating estrogen and dropping progesterone), HPA axis sensitivity, thyroid function shifts, and blood sugar imbalances impact energy at a cellular level.

Dr. Kinnon provides clear guidance on distinguishing between hormonal fatigue and burnout, discussing the limitations of conventional lab tests and emphasizing the importance of symptom tracking and personalized care. Listeners will gain evidence-based strategies to restore their vitality, including targeted nutritional approaches focusing on protein and balanced meals, the calming effects of specific teas, and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The episode also highlights key supplements like Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and magnesium glycinate, sharing real-world patient examples to illustrate successful recovery. Tune in to understand that fatigue is a messenger, not a diagnosis, and discover how to navigate the hormone chaos to feel like yourself again.

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"Pause Please: The Empowered Perimenopause Playbook" shifts the conversation around menopause from short-term symptoms to long-term longevity. Hosted by Dr. Sara Kinnon, a licensed naturopathic physician and Menopause Society certified practitioner, this episode emphasizes that what women do during perimenopause profoundly shapes their health for the next 30 to 40 years. It highlights menopause as a biological turning point where the loss of ovarian hormones, especially estrogen, impacts vital systems like bones, brain, heart, and metabolism, accelerating biological aging and increasing the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.

Dr. Kinnon introduces the three pillars for powerful aging and preventing decline: muscle, mitochondria, and hormones. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to "future-proof" their bodies, including non-negotiable strength training, targeted nutrition focusing on protein and healthy fats, and crucial practices for stress management and optimizing sleep. The episode also touches on the evolving science of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) as a cornerstone of longevity medicine when individualized and timed correctly. Tune in to understand that midlife is not a crisis but a launchpad for a future of independence, strength, clarity, and joy. Discover how to build your future health now and commit to thriving.

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"Pause Please: The Empowered Perimenopause Playbook" delves into the often-overlooked emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause. Dr. Sara Kinnon, a naturopathic physician and menopause society certified practitioner, sheds light on why women experience heightened mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even panic during this transitional time, often even before their periods become irregular. Listeners will learn about the intricate connection between fluctuating hormones like estrogen and progesterone and their impact on brain chemistry, affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

This episode breaks down the science behind these emotional shifts, explaining why the brain reacts the way it does and validating the real biological basis for these feelings. Dr. Kinnon emphasizes that these mood changes are often the first signs of perimenopause and are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed. She then moves beyond the "what's happening" to the "what you can do about it," offering evidence-based strategies for emotional grounding. Listeners will discover the importance of foundational lifestyle factors like exercise and sleep hygiene, the role of nutrition and key nutrients, and the potential benefits of targeted supplementation and hormone therapy. Tune in to understand that these emotional experiences are real, you're not alone, and there are practical, science-backed ways to support your emotional well-being during perimenopause. Subscribe to "Pause Please" for more empowering insights and tools to navigate this transformative stage.

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Perimenopause and menopause can bring frustrating weight changes, but it's not simply "getting older." Hormonal shifts, particularly declining estrogen, play a significant role, impacting metabolism, fat storage, and hunger cues. This post dives into why this happens, explaining how estrogen affects muscle mass, fat distribution, and insulin resistance, and how these changes contribute to weight gain. It also debunks the idea that it's all about willpower.

Instead of focusing on quick fixes, we'll explore evidence-backed strategies for managing weight during this transition. This includes prioritizing a Mediterranean-style diet, increasing protein intake, and limiting processed foods and alcohol. Crucially, we'll emphasize the importance of both cardiovascular and resistance training to combat muscle loss and support metabolism. Gut health, sleep, and stress management also play key roles. This post offers a realistic and empowering approach to navigating weight changes during perimenopause and menopause.

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In this episode, Dr. Sarah Kinnon, a naturopathic physician and certified menopause practitioner, explores the often-overlooked connection between menopause and heart health. She discusses how menopause can accelerate heart disease risk, the most effective evidence-based prevention strategies, and what you need to know about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and heart health.

Key Takeaways:

• Menopause as a Cardiovascular Event: Dr. Kinnon explains how the hormonal changes of menopause can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Key Changes Driving Heart Disease in Menopause: She discusses visceral fat accumulation, changes in lipid levels, increased arterial stiffness, and other factors that contribute to heart health risks.
• Six Essential Strategies for Heart Health in Menopause: Dr. Kinnon provides practical advice on stopping smoking, managing weight and metabolic health, reducing blood pressure, engaging in regular exercise, controlling diabetes and insulin resistance, and managing lipids.
• HRT and Heart Health: She clarifies the relationship between HRT and heart disease, discussing the "window of opportunity" hypothesis and the importance of timing and type of HRT.
• The Importance of Proactive Action: Dr. Kinnon emphasizes the importance of addressing heart health risks early and provides actionable steps listeners can take to protect their heart health during menopause.

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Tired of tossing and turning? This episode of "Pause Please" offers hope for restful nights. Dr. Sara Kinnon explores the connection between menopause and sleep disturbances, explaining how hormonal shifts, hot flashes, and mood changes can disrupt your sleep patterns. She also discusses the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how both estrogen and progesterone can positively impact sleep quality, particularly when estrogen is delivered transdermally.

But that's not all! Dr. Kinnon also delves into cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, as well as natural supplements like melatonin and black cohosh. If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep during perimenopause or menopause, this episode provides valuable insights and a range of solutions to help you reclaim those peaceful nights.

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Menopause is a unique journey, and the choices you make about your health should reflect that. In this episode of "Pause Please," Dr. Sara Kinnon empowers women to explore non-hormonal options for managing their menopause symptoms. She discusses various alternatives, including medications, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis, and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Kinnon also provides valuable insights into supplements that can support bone health, mood balance, and sleep quality. Tune in to discover how to create a personalized plan for navigating menopause without hormone therapy.

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In this episode of "Pause Please," Dr. Sara Kinnon tackles the often-misunderstood topic of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as HRT. She dispels common myths and provides evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your health. Dr. Kinnon explores the benefits of MHT, including its effectiveness in managing hot flashes and supporting bone health, while also addressing concerns about cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

This episode delves into the different types of hormones used in MHT, such as estradiol and progesterone, discussing their delivery methods, potential side effects, and monitoring strategies. Dr. Kinnon also touches on the role of testosterone and DHEA in managing menopausal symptoms. She emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans and encourages open communication with your healthcare provider.

Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of MHT, its potential benefits and risks, and how it can be integrated into your unique menopause journey. Dr. Kinnon provides a balanced perspective, empowering you to make informed choices about your health and well-being during this transformative phase of life.

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In this episode of "Pause Please: The Perimenopause Playbook," Dr. Sara Kinnon demystifies the often-confusing transition to menopause. She starts by defining perimenopause and menopause, explaining the typical age ranges for each, and highlighting the importance of cycle tracking. Dr. Kinnon then delves into the hormonal fluctuations that characterize this phase, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of estrogen and its impact on a wide range of symptoms, from hot flashes and mood swings to sleep disturbances and weight gain. She also explores how these hormonal shifts can exacerbate existing conditions like migraines, endometriosis, and fibroids. Tune in to learn how to recognize the early signs of perimenopause, understand the underlying hormonal changes, and gain valuable insights into navigating this transformative stage of life.

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