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

Today, I am delighted to welcome Emily Sadri, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife, also trained in functional medicine. Emily is the founder of Aurelia Health, a private women’s health practice in the Van Aken district of Shaker Heights, Ohio, offering telehealth services specializing in hormone therapy and weight-loss support for women ages 35 to 55. As a leading hormone expert, she has built her practice around a hormones-first approach.

In today’s conversation, Emily explains the differences between being a nurse practitioner and a midwife, and we discuss nurse practitioner training, scope of practice, professional support, anticipatory guidance, and the limitations of conventional midlife care. Emily also shares why she prioritizes precision-oriented, personalized care, the value of Mira monitoring for precision hormone replacement therapy management in perimenopause, key hormonal changes she sees in early perimenopause, the impact of cyclic, static, and physiologic dosing of HRT, the influence of progestin IUDs, trends in healthcare, and less common reasons why women in midlife tend to become weight loss resistant.

Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on hormones, precision care, and supporting women through perimenopause and midlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


How women's health nurse practitioner training differs from midwifery, and how midwifery shaped Emily’s professional philosophy and ethics


Why women need to take ownership of their health throughout every life stage 


The importance of moving beyond treating symptoms by using comprehensive lab work to identify broader hormonal and metabolic patterns


The value of using Mira, an at-home hormone monitoring system, to follow hormone patterns throughout an entire menstrual cycle, rather than relying on isolated laboratory measurements


Why Emily believes in looking at hormone patterns rather than progesterone decline or isolated estrogen levels when making hormone replacement therapy decisions


How static, cyclic, and physiologic HRT differ, and why Emily believes physiologic dosing deserves greater consideration.


Why treating hormones in isolation often fails to address the bigger picture, particularly during perimenopause


The importance of women being fully informed when considering hormonal birth control and intrauterine devices


Factors beyond sarcopenia, nutrition, sleep, and stress that could contribute to weight loss resistance 

Bio: Emily Sadri

Emily Sadri is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and hormone expert who founded Aurelia Health, a modern concierge telehealth company that serves women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Emily's areas of expertise include metabolic health, precision hormone care, and longevity medicine. Her mission is to advance comprehensive care in midlife, create a model that fills in the gaps where primary care is failing women, and to recenter care around the relationship AS the medicine.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, four children, and two dogs.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


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Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com 


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


Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Emily Sadri


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Instagram


Aurelia Health

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute.

Today, we’re discussing how oral contraceptives and Depo Provera can impact women’s bone health over time.Stay tuned as I walk you through the research, prescribing trends, and ways women can support their bone health.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


How peak bone mass in adolescence affects bone health later in life


How oral contraceptives can interfere with the bone development of young women


The lack of informed conversations about the bone health risks associated with long-term contraceptive use


Why Depo Provera may have a stronger impact on bone density than oral contraceptives


The importance of nutrition and strength training for supporting bone health


How hormonal contraceptives can affect the gut microbiome and immune system


What you need to consider regarding your bone density and long-term health if you’ve been using oral contraceptives or Depo for many years

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com 


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


Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Resources:


Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.07.005


Oral Contraceptive Use and Bone Density Change in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Prospective Study of Age, Hormone Dose, and Discontinuation doi:10.1210/jc.2010-3027


Adolescent use of combined hormonal contraception and peak bone mineral density accrual: A meta-analysis of international prospective controlled studies doi:10.1111/cen.13932


No need to specialize: reproductive health is for all adolescents doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2006.01.055


Injectable Hormone Contraception and Bone Density: Results from a Prospective Study doi:10.1097/00001648-200209000-00015


Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065


Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362


Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus doi:10.1002/art.24398


Oral Contraceptives and Multiple Sclerosis/Clinically Isolated Syndrome Susceptibility doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149094


The Experience of Surviving a High-Risk Pregnancy doi:10.1080/23293691.2016.1166104


Effects of 0.9 mg Recombinant Human Thyrotropin on Thyroid Size and Function in Normal Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial doi:10.1210/jc.2004-0914

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Craig Emmerich as my guest. He's an electrical engineer and bestselling author who works closely with his wonderful wife, Maria. Craig has been following a keto diet for over 17 years and a carnivore diet for over six years to help him overcome chronic Lyme disease and inflammatory response syndrome. Focusing on the science of human nutrition, he has helped thousands of clients regain their health and vitality.

In today’s discussion, we explore the principles of metabolic health, the role of ultra-processed foods, the bliss point, and the loss of nutrient density. We examine midlife changes in metabolic health and body composition, and highlight the critical importance of metabolic flexibility and adequate protein intake. Craig clarifies why body composition should be considered rather than the scale and explains how he determines carbohydrate tolerance. We also examine the research on the gut microbiome, the insulin-fat cell relationship, insulin resistance, fasting, and the protein-sparing modified fast as strategies for weight loss, and discuss leptin resistance, alcohol, the effects of cortisol and sleep on the hormone cascade, and troubleshooting women’s midlife challenges around HRT, hydration, electrolytes, and body composition shifts.

Stay tuned for today’s informative discussion with Craig Emmerich, who has recently launched a new book, The Art of Metabolic Health, that he and his wife co-authored.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


The importance of consuming whole foods and prioritizing your protein intake


How companies engineer foods to encourage overeating


Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale


How building and maintaining muscle helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health


Why adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining and improving bone density


How your carbohydrate intake should be tailored to suit your personal goals, health status, and your response to different foods


How insulin resistance develops


Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss efforts


How inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance

Bio:  Craig Emmerich

Craig Emmerich, who graduated in Electrical Engineering, has spent the last 16-plus years researching nutrition and working with thousands of clients alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich. He is an international bestselling author of “Keto: The Complete Guide” and “The Carnivore Cookbook”. He uses his knowledge of how our bodies work to help clients heal and lose weight, leveraging their biology to make it easier.

Craig has helped hundreds of thousands of people regain their health and vitality with a strong focus on the science of human nutrition.

Craig has been keto for over 17 years and carnivore for over 6 years to help treat his chronic Lyme disease and CIRS pain.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com 


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


Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Craig Emmerich


On his website

I am delighted to have Dr. Ken Berry returning to the podcast for his fourth appearance today. He is a physician, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for health, known for his no-nonsense approach to wellness. Dr. Berry has practiced at the Berry Clinic since 2003 and is an active community member. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for patients. 

In our discussion today, we explore a recent Time news article and the growing concerns around the declining trustworthiness of media sources. We dive into the limitations of observational research, the problem with celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed foods, rising obesity rates in children and teens, and whether genetic factors are actually behind obesity, as highlighted recently in a 60 Minutes segment. We also discuss the impact of sugar, grains, and seed oils, as well as the significance of visceral fat.

You will not want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Ken Berry.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:


Dr. Berry breaks down some deeper issues surrounding the recent Time article, where a lone registered dietitian claimed that ultra-processed foods are acceptable.


How media sources are losing their credibility


The vital part social media plays in changing the narrative and holding media sources accountable


Why consumers must stay informed and be proactive in their health choices 


The health implications of eating ultra-processed foods


Dr. Berry shares his concerns about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending drugs like Ozempic for children. 


The benefits of eating whole foods 


Dr. Berry shares his three rules for a healthy diet.


Why we need to avoid sugar and seed oils


How following a low-carb diet can help reduce visceral fat.


Dr. Berry introduces the American Diabetes Society and explains its mission.

Bio: 

Dr. Ken D. Berry, MD, is a licensed family physician, best-selling author, and leading advocate for the Proper Human Diet (PHD). With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Berry specializes in helping patients improve their health through low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense eating. His best-selling book, "Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health," and his popular YouTube channel, which has over 3 million subscribers, provide accessible, evidence-based guidance on nutrition and wellness. Dr. Berry's mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their health by debunking common medical myths and promoting sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. He is also a member of the Diet Doctor low-carb expert panel and an active participant in the keto and low-carb communities. Dr. Berry lives with his wife Neisha and their children on a farm in Holladay, Tennessee.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com 


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


Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Ken Berry


On his ⁠website⁠


⁠YouTube⁠


Dr. Berry’s Books

⁠The American Diabetes Society ⁠

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton today. She’s a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body’s intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Clinton explains what quantum biology is and how light shapes circadian rhythms and hormone balance. We discuss the emerging science of structured water, grounding, fascia, mitochondrial health, and the gut's energetic environment, also exploring practical ways to support your health by paying attention to your body's relationship with its surroundings.

Join us for a truly fascinating discussion on how light, water, energy, and environment can influence our health in ways we have never even considered.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:


How quantum biology differs from conventional biology


Why is natural morning light so important for our bodies?


The disruptive effects of LED lighting


Dr. Clinton explains what structured water is and the important role it may play in cellular function.


How healthy mitochondria support cellular energy production, hydration, overall health, and longevity


In addition to producing ATP, how the mitochondria can contribute to cellular hydration


How the minerals in drinking water can help the water move into and around cells


The value of grounding to support the electrical systems within the body


Why fascia is increasingly viewed as an active communication network within the body

Bio:  Dr. Catherine Clinton

Dr. Catherine Clinton, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With more than 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens.

While in naturopathic medical school, her diagnosis of two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease reshaped her understanding of healing and led her beyond conventional models.

Dr. Clinton has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, teaches internationally, and maintains a small clinical practice in Eugene, Oregon. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body’s intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  


Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn


Check out Cynthia’s website.


Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com 


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


Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.


Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book


The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton


On her website


Order a copy of Dr. Clinton’s book, Optimize, and get free bonuses