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

• Ep. 512 The Hormone-Gut Masterclass – The Most Overlooked Fix for Women's Health with Cynthia Thurlow, NP

  I have received many requests for a masterclass on the gut microbiome, so I am excited to share one with you today. In our masterclass today, I discuss the microgenderome, explaining how the gut microbiome changes throughout our lives, during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. I cover the key shifts in the microbiome that occur, especially as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. I unpack the symptoms women experience that indicate their microbiome may be non-optimized, offering practical solutions, including lifestyle strategies, hormones, peptides, and targeted supplements. My goal is to do a solo episode every month. Please let me know which aspect you enjoyed the most, and what you would like to hear more about in my future monthly solo episodes. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why protein is critical in midlife, and how much of it you need to consume An easy way to incorporate the many different plant varieties you need to consume every week into your meals  Why fermented foods and prebiotics are essential for your gut health The benefits of giving your digestive system a 12-hour break each day How chronic stress affects your weight, hormones, and gut function The connection between sleep quality, gut health, and hormonal changes in midlife How to balance exercise intensity in midlife to support muscle maintenance and recovery Specific supplements to support gut integrity and energy production How hormone replacement therapy impacts the metabolism and microbial diversity  The value of improving your gut health to reduce menopausal symptoms Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on ⁠X⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠[email protected]⁠

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• Ep. 511 Can Chocolate Help You Live Longer? The Surprising Healthspan Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols with Dr. Amy Shah

  Today, we have another episode in a series of conversations with experts and highly vetted companies. In this episode, we feature CocoaVia, a brand of cocoa flavanol supplements made from a proprietary cocoa extract that aims to support cognition and heart health. I am delighted to welcome Dr. Amy Shah, who trained at Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia. Dr. Shah is a well-known expert on metabolic health and intermittent fasting. With a background in internal medicine, allergies, and immunology, she has helped many patients transform their health with cutting-edge nutritional and medical science.  In our conversation, we explore cocoa flavanols, explaining what they are, their benefits, and how they work mechanistically. We discuss how perimenopause and menopause can lead to endothelial dysfunction due to low sex hormones, and the effects of lifestyle factors like circadian rhythm alignment. Dr. Shah shares foods she finds particularly helpful for middle-aged women and reviews the research on cocoa flavanols. We also cover the impact of cocoa flavanols on health span, longevity, and brain health, including improvements in memory, word recall, and spatial reasoning, and Dr. Shah offers guidance on supporting the maturation and health of teens and young adults. Today’s conversation with Dr. Shah is practical and evidence-based. I also share how cocoa flavanols have helped my younger son’s focus and attention, and how my husband and I use these products in our daily lives. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How cocoa flavanols support heart health, brain health, and longevity Why nitric oxide production matters for vascular flexibility, especially in perimenopause How circadian rhythm optimization improves energy, mood, and metabolic health Why introducing fiber and probiotic foods slowly may be necessary for gut adaptation How cocoa flavanols and other bioactives can enhance health span and lifespan The importance of selecting the right supplement quality and dose to prevent ineffectiveness or excess How cocoa flavanols can improve cognition, memory, and brain function over 8–12 weeks Why natural drinks (coffee, cocoa flavanols) are far better than energy drinks or caffeine for teens How combining core lifestyle habits with targeted bioactive compounds supports long-term health and longevity Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Dr. Amy Shah On her website CocoaVia

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• BONUS: Rethinking Diabetes: Treatment and Management in the Modern Era with Gary Taubes

  I am thrilled to have Gary Taubes back on the show today. (He was with me before on episode 137. Gary is an investigative science and health journalist whose work has been pivotal in catalyzing the low-carb keto movement. He has written many books, including his most recent, Rethinking Diabetes, and his articles are in many of the best anthologies. He has also received many science awards. Today's discussion is particularly significant, given the recent report from the American Diabetes Association revealing that the annual cost of diabetes in the United States reached a staggering $412.9 billion in 2022, with individuals diagnosed with diabetes now representing one in every four dollars spent on healthcare.  In our discussion today, we dive into the history of diabetes, pertinent statistics, the prevailing standard of care, and the transformative influence of insulin on diabetes management and reactive hypoglycemia. Gary provides insights into his reactions to GLP ones, the integration of medical and nutrition science into the medical field, and the influence of organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, AHA, USDA, and NIH. Our discussion also extends to the effects of pharmaceuticals, the shortcomings in our approach to diabetes management and existing models, and the challenge the low-carb community faces. Stay tuned for today's eye-opening conversation, where we shed light on the complexities surrounding diabetes care, explaining how simple lifestyle changes can tremendously improve quality of life. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Rethinking Diabetes is a groundbreaking exploration of diabetes diagnosis, management, and treatment Gary discusses the evolution of evidence-based medicine Why the traditional medical approach to treating diabetes is inadequate How the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association were based on outdated assumptions  How medical treatments compare with lifestyle changes for managing diabetes Controversies surrounding how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced the way medical associations have shaped their diabetes management policies How medical guidelines and dietary advice have evolved What constitutes a healthy diet? How patients often have trouble following diet recommendations, despite their best intentions Is obesity a hormonal disorder or caused by overeating?  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Gary Taubes On his ⁠website⁠ X ⁠Facebook⁠ Previous Episode Mentioned ⁠Ep. 137 – High Blood Sugar Levels And Its Long-Term Damage with Gary Taubes⁠ Book Mentioned: Rethinking Diabetes: What Science Reveals About Diet, Insulin, and Successful Treatments is available from most bookstores or on ⁠Amazon⁠.

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• Ep. 510 Confused by Mammograms, Breast MRIs & Ultrasounds? The Clear Guide to Breast Imaging with Dr. Robyn Roth

  As a nurse practitioner, I feel a deep responsibility to my listeners and community to ensure that every guest I bring on shares accurate, evidence-based information. A few months ago, I decided to remove two podcasts from earlier this year to make way for an expert who could speak specifically and authoritatively on breast cancer health. So, I am honored to welcome Dr. Robin Roth today, better known as The Boobie Docs, on her popular breast health social media platform, where she shares information about breast cancer in a fun and educational way.  Dr. Roth is an associate professor of radiology, specializing in breast and abdominal imaging. She is also the host of The Girlfriend's Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, created to support those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or caring for a loved one. In our discussion today, we dive into misinformation about breast health and breast imaging. We explore the importance of acknowledging disinformation on social media, risk factors for early breast cancer screening, significant and modifiable risk factors, and the effects of dense breast tissue. We examine breast imaging, exploring ultrasound and mammography, the differences between 2D and 3D mammograms (the gold standard), and when to use MRIs. We clarify why thermography and QT imaging are not the gold standard, and why we need to request different types of imaging modalities. We discuss the importance of screenings, challenges, including diagnoses like DCIS, personalized approaches to breast cancer screening, breast cancer staging, and issues with imaging after mastectomies and with implant placement. Dr. Roth also explains how 80% of breast biopsies end up being benign, how to manage anxiety and callbacks for mammograms, how to understand lab reports in plain language terms, and the benefits of supportive resources like cancerbesties.com. With her expertise and approachable style, Dr. Roth reminds us that proper information can make all the difference when it comes to breast health. You will not want to miss this conversation, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How online platforms fuel confusion around breast health and imaging Disinformation may influence breast cancer screening decisions Modifiable factors that can reduce or increase your risk of breast cancer Why dense breast tissue matters for imaging accuracy Ultrasounds, 2D and 3D mammograms, and MRIs  Thermography and QT imaging are not gold standards Why every individual DCIS diagnosis needs a personalized approach Breast cancer staging and how it guides treatment 80% of biopsies are benign, but still essential How to manage anxiety around callbacks and make sense of lab reports Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Dr. Robyn Roth On her website Social Media: @the boobie docs Preorder a copy of Everyone Has Boobies

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• Ep. 509 We’ve Been Ignoring This Vital Sign – The Most Powerful Tool to Track Hormonal Health with Dr. Mariza Snyder

  Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with a friend and colleague, Dr. Mariza Snyder, to discuss her new book, The Perimenopause Revolution.  In our conversation, we explore some of the most pressing challenges around aging, including shame in a youth-obsessed culture, the lack of research on women’s health, and the physical toll of the aging process. We explain why the menstrual cycle should be considered a fifth vital sign, and what happens when metabolic health begins to decline in midlife, highlighting the value of apps and technology in empowering women to track their cycles. Dr. Mariza clarifies why biometrics, VO₂ Max, DEXA scans, and grip strength matter. She also shares her core pillars of metabolic health and the non-negotiables she believes make the most difference for women navigating the perimenopause-to-menopause transition. I truly enjoyed Dr. Mariza’s book, and I know it will be a powerful resource for women who want to take charge of their metabolic health during perimenopause and beyond. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How hormonal shifts in midlife can alter energy, mood, and metabolism in unexpected ways Changes that ripple through sleep, stress, and cognition during perimenopause Why, in perimenopause, old diet and exercise strategies often stop working the way they used to  How cultural messages around aging fuel shame and confusion for women How DEXA scans reveal much more about your body composition than weighing yourself does What lab work can reveal about hidden risks  Why you should consider doing bone and muscle scans early in life The benefits of daily strength training for maintaining vitality and independence How regular movement stabilizes energy and glucose levels Why food choices become a critical foundation during midlife transitions Bio:  Dr. Mariza Snyder is a powerhouse advocate for midlife women, leveraging 17+ years as a practitioner, author, and speaker to spark a massive movement for women in perimenopause and beyond. With her top-rated Energized with Dr. Mariza podcast (13 million downloads) and a passionate social media audience with over 400K and 8 million monthly views, she’s a trusted guide—offering science-backed solutions for perimenopause and metabolic health. Her upcoming book, The Perimenopause Revolution (Hay House, October 2025), is the ultimate resource for women ready to take charge of their health and embrace perimenopause with resilience and confidence. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder On her website Energized with Dr. Mariza Podcast The Perimenopause Revolution

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