Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Today, I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Paul Reynolds, whom I was honored to meet at an event last year. He is a professor of cell biology and physiology at Brigham Young University.

In our discussion, we explore inflammation, how it changes with aging, and how muscle serves as both an endocrine and a metabolic organ. We unpack glucose physiology, how it drives inflammation in the body, and examine the effects of glycation and the changes it causes in our eyes, immune systems, nerves, skin, and bones. Dr. Reynolds explains his “rules” for glucose balancing and the benefits of micro-dosing with GLP-1s, or starting with a minimal dose and increasing it slowly. We also discuss cravings and gender differences in men and women, and share practical strategies that everyone can use.

I am looking forward to recording another podcast episode with Dr. Reynolds later this year, when his new book comes out.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


Chronic inflammation as the root of many modern health issues


Muscle loss with aging and its link to inflammation and glycation


How excess glucose fuels free radicals, glycation, and inflammation


What glycation is and why it damages the body


Lifestyle habits that disrupt glucose balance and drive inflammation


Supporting natural GLP-1 through diet and lifestyle


Fasting and smart carb intake for insulin sensitivity


Menopause, autoimmunity, and chronic disease risk


Long-term consequences of glycation for the eyes, skin, bones, immune system, and nerves

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website


Submit your questions to [email protected]


Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow 


Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Paul Reynolds

On X, Instagram, and YouTube

Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute, where we’re taking a closer look at sleep—one of the most frequently asked-about topics. Stay tuned as I walk through the science, the hormones, and the everyday habits that can make or break your sleep quality, especially in midlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


Various risk factors for poor sleep


How consistently getting less than 5 hours of sleep increases the risk of obesity


What actually happens in each stage of sleep


How circadian receptors throughout the body influence sleep and metabolism


How eating late at night disrupts melatonin, cortisol, and digestive circadian rhythms


Why melatonin is far more than just a sleep hormone


Reasons why sleep becomes more challenging for women in perimenopause and menopause


Lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement strategies that can improve sleep quality

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to [email protected]


Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. 


Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Amie Hornaman, also known as the Thyroid Fixer. She is the founder and CEO of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic, host of the Thyroid Fixer podcast, and a sought-after speaker and author.

In today’s conversation, we discuss her brand-new book, The Thyroid Fix, and explore the current thyroid-related silent epidemic. We dive into mitochondrial dysfunction, thyroid optimization, and the significance of reverse T3, also unpacking the symptoms that impact your digestion and hypothyroidism, environmental triggers, oral contraceptive use, and how it increases your susceptibility and risk for developing hypothyroidism. We also examine natural desiccated thyroid, the effects of iodine supplementation, and Dr. Hornaman shares her top three lifestyle strategies for a healthy thyroid.

This is a truly insightful and helpful conversation, especially for those in my community who are struggling with an underactive thyroid- myself included. Stay tuned for more.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


How women with hypothyroidism are often misdiagnosed or medically gaslit


Why Dr. Hornaman believes that the actual number of Americans with hypothyroidism may be far higher than current statistics suggest


What reverse T3 is and why it increases when we are stressed


How thyroid function impacts the way that cells produce energy


How a low-functioning thyroid can slow digestion and cause constipation


Why do some women require more personalized thyroid treatment than standard T4 therapy?


How environmental toxins can disrupt thyroid health


Why long-term oral contraceptive use could increase the risk of hypothyroidism


Some simple lifestyle habits and biohacks to improve stress resilience in women with thyroid dysfunction

Bio: Dr. Amie Hornaman

Dr. Amie Hornaman, known as The Thyroid Fixer, is the founder of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic and host of the top-rated podcast The Thyroid Fixer. She is the author of the thyroid bible, The Thyroid Fix, the last thyroid book you’ll ever need to understand fatigue, fogginess, and stubborn weight. Driven by her own experience with misdiagnosis, Dr. Amie helps people optimize their thyroid, reclaim their health, and step fully into the badass humans they were meant to be.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website


Submit your questions to [email protected]


Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow 


Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman


On her website


Pre-order a copy of The Thyroid Fix

I am delighted to reconnect with Esther Blum today. She joined me once before for Episode 264, one of the most popular podcast episodes for 2023. 

Esther is the bestselling author of many books, including See You Later Ovulator. She is a registered dietitian with a thriving virtual practice specializing in helping women balance their hormones, shed stubborn body fat, and address the root causes of their health issues.

Today, Esther and I discuss the state of hormones in 2024. Our conversation covers lazy medicine advocacy, meno-washing, and meno-care, and we explore uncommon symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, as well as methods for obtaining testing. Esther also shares her recommended supplements. 

You will love this engaging and insightful conversation with Esther Blum!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:


How safe is hormone replacement therapy?


Why hormone testing and monitoring is essential 


The importance of prioritizing romance and connection in a marriage


The benefits of pelvic floor therapy


How working with compounding pharmacies can reduce the cost of hormone replacement therapy


How to work with doctors to address hormone imbalances


Some uncommon symptoms of perimenopause and menopause


How dietary changes and probiotics can improve focus and brain clarity 


Hormone testing and menopause management 


Esther recommends supplements for adrenal support during menopause

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website


Submit your questions to [email protected]


Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) 


Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause supplement line

Connect with Esther Blum


On her ⁠website⁠


⁠Instagram⁠


Get Esther’s ⁠14-Day Metabolic Menopausal Meal Plan⁠ 

Esther’s Books

⁠Esther’s book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!⁠, by Esther Blum

⁠Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat⁠, by Esther Blum

⁠Eat, Drink, and Be Happy⁠, by Esther Blum

Previous Episode featuring Esther Blum

⁠Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause are a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator!⁠

Welcome to today’s masterclass episode featuring metabolic health and GLP-1 experts Dr. Nick Norwitz, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Dr. Alexandra Sowa, PA-C, McCall McPherson, and registered dietitian, Ashley Koff, sharing their expert perspectives.

In today’s masterclass, our experts share insights into appetite regulation and satiety, the importance of digestion, the impact of statins on insulin sensitivity, and key limitations in the research. We take a closer look at GLP-1 medications, proper prescribing practices, personalized dosing, and the value of targeted, individualized nutrition strategies. We also separate fact from fiction when complications arise.

Join our experts as they break down how to safely and effectively maximize the benefits of GLP-1 therapy.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


The value of combining GLP-1s with other medications and lifestyle tools for optimal results


How taking time to pause helps women reconnect with their bodies and shift from mindless eating to mindful nourishment 


Dr. Nick Norwitz highlights that patients are often not given the information needed for proper informed consent around statins.


How statins can reduce natural GLP-1 levels and negatively impact metabolic health 


How GLP-1 medications work to reduce hunger and prevent snacking between meals


Common side-effects of GLP-1 medications, and how they can be mitigated


How hair loss can occur with weight loss, and how that can be managed


The importance of clinical guidance for monitoring the side effects of GLP-1 use 


The benefits of microdosing with GLP-1s


Why it’s essential for hunger not to be entirely suppressed when taking GLP-1s 

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website


Submit your questions to [email protected]


Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow 


Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Alexandra Sowa


On her website


On all social media: @dralexandrasowa


Purchase a copy of Dr. Sowa’s book, The Ozempic Revolution

Connect with McCall McPherson


Modern Thyroid Clinic


On Instagram and TikTok


Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast


Thyroid Lab Guide

Connect with Dr. Nick Norwitz


On YouTube, X, and Instagram


Substack

Connect with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen


On her website


On social media: @drsalaswhalen


Dr. Rocio’s Book, Weightless

Connect with Ashley Koff


The Better Nutrition Program


On Instagram and Substack


Social media: @Ashley Koff

Podcast Links:

Ep. 438 The Rise of GLP-1s: Key to Weight Loss & Metabolic Health with Dr. Alexandra Sowa

Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson

Ep. 525 We’ve Been Misled About Metabolic Health – The Shocking Truth About Cholesterol, GLP-1 & Aging with Dr. Nick Norwitz

Ep. 534 The Hidden Forces Making Women Gain Weight – The Shocking Truth About Hormones, Trauma & GLP-1s with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

Ep. 562 “It’s Not a Willpower Problem” – Why Women’s Bodies Resist Weight Loss in Midlife with Ashley Koff, RD