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

I am honored and delighted to have Vanessa Spina join me on the podcast today! 

Vanessa is the best-selling author of Keto Essentials and a sports nutrition specialist whose expertise on the ketogenic diet has left a lasting impact on countless lives! With a background in biomedical science and a multifaceted career as an international stockbroker, she has pioneered a journey in the health and wellness industry that is nothing short of remarkable! 

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of nutrition, from unraveling the mysteries of protein-recommended daily allowances and the leucine threshold to exploring the pivotal role of strength training in metabolic health. We dispel common misconceptions about the ketogenic diet, debunk the deceptive nature of the scale, and unveil the significance of DEXA scans in understanding changes in body composition. Vanessa also sheds light on the crucial importance of mitochondrial health and shares invaluable insights on various methods, including red light therapy, cold thermogenesis, micronutrients, and structured supplementation, to support our cellular powerhouses. 

Join Vanessa and me on a knowledge-rich journey to uncover the keys to optimal health and well-being!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:


Common misconceptions about ketogenic diets


Why a traditional ketogenic diet is not for everyone


Why macronutrients are essential


Misinformation regarding the recommended daily allowance for protein


How to build muscle


The relationship between metabolic health and muscle health


The importance of DEXA scans for understanding body composition


Why resistance training is a priority


How to support the mitochondria


The benefits of red light therapy and cold therapy

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 Vanessa Spina

On her ⁠website⁠ (ketogenicgirl.com)

⁠The Optimal Protein Podcast⁠

Vanessa’s Book

⁠Keto Essentials: 150 Ketogenic Recipes to Revitalize, Heal, and Shed Weight ⁠

Resource:

Use Code CYNTHIA for $20 OFF any of the Tone ⁠LUX devices⁠.

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!⁠