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

Today, I’m thrilled to connect with Rowan Jacobsen. Rowan writes about science, nature, and the world’s lesser-explored corners for publications including Harper’s, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, and The New York Times, among others. He is the author of nine books, has lectured at Harvard and Yale, and has appeared on CBS, NBC, and NPR. In today’s conversation, we discuss his unique and fascinating new book, In Defense of Sunlight, which explores the nuances surrounding light exposure. We look at the value of sun exposure and vitamin D, and Rowan explains why light acts as a master regulator in the body and how our modern lifestyles may be disrupting our natural biology more than we realize. We examine the effects of shift work, cortisol rhythm dysregulation, and the minimum effective dose of sunlight intensity and exposure, and Rowan breaks down how UVA and UVB wavelengths impact our physiology. We also cover the importance of nitric oxide production, and Rowan shares recommendations from his work. Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation on why sunlight may be one of the most overlooked foundations of human health. For those who enjoy reading about science, I highly recommend Rowan’s book! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people fear any sun exposure rather than aiming for sensible, moderate exposure How light acts as a master regulator for circadian biology Why does spending most of the day indoors with artificial lighting make it harder to maintain healthy circadian rhythms? How shift work disrupts the body’s normal repair processes How cortisol and melatonin work together as part of a coordinated daily rhythm What research shows about cloudy outdoor environments providing higher light levels than most indoor spaces The differences between how UVA and UVB exposure impact the body How ultraviolet light can trigger nitric oxide release Practical ways to support your circadian health 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 Rowan Jacobsen On his website Rowan’s book, In Defense of Sunlight, will be available online and in bookstores on June 16th

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. William Davis. He’s a cardiologist, New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly book series, and author of Super Gut. He is also the founder and Medical Director of the Infinite Health Program and the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Realize Therapeutics Corp, which is developing innovative solutions to restore and support the human microbiome. In our conversation, we explore the microbiome and how it is influenced by key changes in a woman’s life, including pregnancy and premature delivery, as well as how modern lifestyle factors disrupt our microbiome. Dr. Davis discusses endotoxemia and dysbiosis in fertility, uterine health, and cardiovascular disease, as well as antibiotic use, statins, atrial fibrillation, the role of blood glycocalyx, TMAO, and the dietary approach he considers important. He also discusses appropriate prescribed antibiotic use in the context of microbiome disruption. Stay tuned for another fascinating discussion with Dr William Davis on the far-reaching impact of the microbiome on women's health, heart health, and longevity. I look forward to having Dr. Davis back on the show! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and microbiome health may affect pregnancy outcomes. How microbial health extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract and can influence multiple organ systems The disruptive effects of antibiotics, glyphosate, food preservatives, and emulsifiers on the microbiome Dr. Davis describes how endotoxemia can affect the brain, skin, joints, metabolism, and cardiovascular system. How endotoxemia influences multiple cardiovascular risk markers How endotoxemia and glycation can contribute to atrial fibrillation The role of the glycocalyx, and how damage to the integrity of the glycocalyx could influence arterial function and cardiovascular risk Why fermented foods remain a key strategy for microbiome diversity Dr. Davis shares his dietary choices and his approach to microbiome support Bio: William Davis, MD William Davis, MD, is a cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books, as well as Undoctored and Super Gut. Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose fat weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition, findings that inspired the writing of Bulge. Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp., which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. 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. William Davis On his website Join Dr Davis’s Inner Circle Dr. Davis’s books

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Nicole LePera today. Trained in clinical psychology, she is a holistic psychologist whose work explores the interconnections among the mind, body, and soul, incorporating holistic lifestyle and psychological wellness practices. She has written multiple New York Times bestselling books, most recently Reparenting the Inner Child. In today’s conversation, we unpack what the inner child really means from a clinical perspective. We explore how understanding your childhood wounds intellectually differs from truly re-parenting yourself at the nervous system level, and how perimenopause and menopause influence the way we view the world. We look at ACE scores and the biology of childhood adversity, how ACE scores measure what happened to us, but fail to measure resilience, protective factors, or the capacity for healing. We examine how reactive parents shape our nervous system, and how that shows up as hypervigilance, emotional scanning, and self-erasure, and how the fawn response can lead to chronic people-pleasing, relentless accommodation, and an inability to say no. We also cover how epigenetics and lifestyles influence behavioral patterns, critical parenting, stress addiction, gut-brain dysregulation, and the disruptive effects of vagal tone gadgets. This is truly one of those must-listen conversations! I love Dr. LePera’s grounded and practical approach to helping people work through their childhood experiences and advocate for themselves. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How childhood wounds become stored in the nervous system rather than just the mind Why understanding your dysfunctional habits intellectually will not change the emotional patterns that drive them How perimenopause and menopause can magnify unresolved emotional patterns What ACE scores measure and what they fail to capture How reactive parenting can lead to hypervigilance and emotional scanning, even in safe environments Dr. LePera describes the fawn response and explains how children learn to over-accommodate others, suppress their own needs, and avoid conflict. How chronic stress becomes a learned response, and how stress responses can be passed across generations How chronic stress and a dysregulated nervous system can influence gut function and microbiome balance Why it’s essential to return your attention to your body in the present moment to begin healing 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. Nicole LePera Website Social media platforms: @The Holistic Psychologist Self Healers Circle (Membership community) Purchase a copy of Dr. Pera’s latest book, Reparenting the Inner Child.

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish today. She is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, specializing in complex chronic illness with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold exposure, gut dysfunction, and women’s midlife health. In our conversation, we explore how perimenopause and menopause affect the brain, as well as the roles of genetics and epigenetics. Dr. Cornish explains limbic lock, SPECT imaging, the impact of tick-borne illnesses, and co-infections, and how brain health issues can influence mental health. We also dive into the role of mold in testing, the gut-brain-immune-hormone axis, vagal tone, the estrobolome, leptin, the MTHFR mutation, and how Dr. Cornish prefers to have it tested and treated in her patients. Stay tuned for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation on brain health and women’s midlife wellness. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why women may experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and cognitive slowing as estrogen declines How declining estrogen could make the brain more vulnerable to toxins, infections, and leaky brain How disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of oxygen (from issues like sleep apnea) can negatively affect cognition and brain health The value of continuing to learn and staying socially connected to support your cognitive health as you age How genetics can help to identify women who may be at higher risk for cognitive decline later in life. What limbic lock means How toxin overload, mold, Lyme disease, and co-infections, and unresolved stress can create a state of limbic lock How SPECT imaging helps to explain why some people fail to improve despite multiple treatments The benefits of progesterone for supporting relaxation and improving sleep during perimenopause How declining estrogen and gut dysbiosis during perimenopause can affect the gut-brain axis Bio: Dr. Eboni Cornish Dr. Eboni Cornish is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. She specializes in complex chronic illness, with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold toxicity, gut dysfunction, and women’s midlife health. Known for her NeuroLongevity framework, Dr. Cornish takes a root-cause, brain-first approach to helping patients optimize cognitive resilience, hormone balance, and long-term wellness. 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. Eboni Cornish Amen Clinics On her website Instagram

I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Julia Haffner today. She’s a European-trained medical doctor who has worked in internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, esthetics, and hair transplant surgery, where she continuously saw patients struggling with symptoms their bodies were desperately trying to communicate, yet testing failed to provide answers. Today, we explore where stress lives in the body and why midlife can feel so different for women. We discuss the connection between postpartum experiences and perimenopausal symptoms, the nervous system’s relationship with fascia as a sensory organ, and how fascia responds to our personal experiences. We also examine trauma as highly bio-individual, lifestyle changes to support the nervous system during midlife, and how perimenopause impacts our adrenals. Dr. Haffner shares how she prefers to advocate for patients within the medical system, and talks about her app, which is free and available for listeners. We also cover how social media and technology influence our stress levels, Dr. Haffner’s meridian-related energetic facelift, and how our emotions connect to our bodies. Stay tuned for today’s fascinating and insightful conversation with the delightful Dr. Julia Haffner, who also has a book coming out late this year. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The similarity between postpartum low-estrogen and perimenopausal symptoms How doctors often focus only on measurable lab data while overlooking nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress Dr. Haffner describes fascia as a sensory organ How Dr. Haffner learned to recognize patterns of tension, stress, emotional overwhelm, and physical trauma within the fascia Why trauma is not limited only to major events like war or abuse Why women tend to become more sensitive to stress, relationships, and environmental pressures as their estrogen declines The value of gentler workouts in midlife to support stress reduction and nervous system regulation without increasing cortisol Why years of chronic stress can leave women feeling depleted during perimenopause How constant scrolling can contribute to low-grade stress within the body Dr. Haffner introduces her menopause symptom tracking app Bio: Dr. Julia Haffner Dr. Julia Haffner is a European-trained medical doctor who worked across internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, aesthetic medicine, and hair transplant surgery — and kept seeing the same thing: bodies crying out for help that no test could hear. Life took her to Italy with her second daughter, where she discovered the ability to feel into any part of the body and sense what's stored there — a memory, a grief, a fear still frozen in the fascia decades later. What most people call limiting beliefs or self-doubt isn't a mind problem. It's stored in the body. In the tissue. In the fascia. And it stays there until someone helps it release. Over 1,000 remote sessions later: cancer in remission, chronic pain dissolved, self-doubt cleared from the body, the spark returning. She is the creator of the Energetic Facelift. Her message: You are your own best doctor. 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. Julia Haffner On her website Dr. Haffner’s book, The State Before the Bite: Secrets of the Secret, will be released in late 2026

Today, I’m thrilled to connect with Dr. Jordan Emont. He is a board-certified OB-GYN with specialty training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care, and sexual health, and is one of fewer than 5,000 physicians worldwide who hold the Menopause Society-certified practitioner designation. In this conversation, we unpack the fear narrative surrounding HRT and clarify the distinctions between estrogen, progesterone, and cancer risk. We explore the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative and discuss why rigid dogmatism has no place in women’s health, the risks associated with early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency, individual risk stratification, and contraindications to HRT. We also examine the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer, metabolic health as a modifiable cancer risk, and the emotional side of middle age and hormone replacement therapy. Stay tuned for one of the most important and thought-provoking conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How fears about hormone therapy are often based on outdated or misinterpreted data The difference between physiologic hormones and synthetic hormone formulations How the Women’s Health Initiative's messaging that HRT causes breast cancer comes from an oversimplification of data How the fear-driven WHI headlines continue to impact women's and clinicians’ thoughts about hormone replacement therapy How women’s concerns about menopause, sexual health, and menstrual symptoms are often dismissed The health risks associated with early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency How declining estrogen levels affect multiple body systems, including gut-related and immune-related pathways Why is insulin resistance a major concern? True contraindications for avoiding HRT Bio: Dr. Jordan Emont Dr. Jordan Emont is a board-certified OB/GYN and Menopause Certified Practitioner who specializes in menopause care for women who’ve been dismissed, undertreated, or told their symptoms are just part of aging. He’s here to change that conversation. He trained at Yale, Brown, and Columbia, and is now an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford. He works at a community health center in the Bay Area, providing care to underserved populations, and runs his own private telehealth practice focused on complex menopause care. 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. Jordan Emont On his website Instagram and Substack

I am delighted to connect with Sachin Patel today. Sachin is a father, husband, philanthropist, functional medicine practice success coach, speaker, author, breathwork facilitator, and plant medicine advocate. He is passionate about helping people activate their “inner doctor” through lifestyle medicine, breathwork, and greater self-awareness. Having had the privilege of knowing Sachin both personally and professionally, what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to helping people better understand their physiology so they can heal more effectively and live more intentionally. In today’s conversation, we explore the connection between the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve, and overall health. Sachin shares insights on breath dynamics, diaphragm function, coherent breathing, CO₂ tolerance, the Bohr effect, the physiologic sigh, and the often-overlooked role of repressed emotions in physical well-being. We also discuss the importance of nature, circadian rhythms, sunlight, temperature regulation, and Sachin offers his recommendations for women in midlife and beyond. I also highly recommend his new book, Breath, Balance, and Burn, which was recently released. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation on breath, healing, and the daily habits that shape how we feel, function, and age. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How spending too much time in fight-or-flight mode prevents the body from entering a healing state How women’s multiple roles and chronic stress, combined with midlife hormonal transitions, can create a “perfect storm” of sympathetic dominance and nervous system dysregulation How your breath reflects your emotional state Why healing becomes difficult when the body remains in a fight-or-flight state The benefits of coherent breathing for oxygen delivery and nervous system regulation How the diaphragm serves as an access point to emotional regulation and nervous system control How our breathing patterns and nervous system state can influence the emotional state of others Sachin outlines practical techniques to help regulate stress, improve focus, increase energy, and prepare for sleep How modern indoor living disconnects people from their natural rhythms 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 Sachin Patel On Facebook On Instagram On YouTube – The Living Light Reset Get instant access to The Breathe, Balance, Burn Training Program and Breathwork Bundle Purchase a copy of Sachin’s Book, Breathe, Balance, Burn: How Fixing the Way You Breathe Resets Your Stress Hormones, Shrinks Your Belly, and Gives You Back the Energy and Calm You Thought Were Gone for Good, on Amazon.

Today, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic and longevity dermatology. She is also a clinical professor of dermatology at NYU, recognized for her dedication and excellence in teaching, and is widely regarded as a leader in the aesthetic dermatology field. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Day is a medical journalist and a prominent media figure. In our discussion, we examine the basics of perimenopause and menopause from a pathophysiology perspective, including the 30% decline in collagen synthesis that occurs during the first five years of menopause. We explore the skin microbiome, inflammation, and inflammaging, and why hydration, electrolytes, reducing processed sugars, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can have such a visible impact on skin health. Dr. Day also explains her approach to facial balancing and how our bones, fascia, muscles, and fat pads age. We discuss topical agents, advanced interventions including lasers, microneedling, PRF, PRP, stem cells, and growth factors, and even touch on emerging research suggesting that certain laser treatments may help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Throughout the conversation, I also openly shared what I have done to support my skin. Stay tuned for today’s fascinating conversation about menopause, skin health, collagen loss, and the evolving science behind modern aesthetic dermatology. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The sudden skin changes many women experience during early perimenopause Dr. Day explains how she personalizes skincare routines for each patient How collagen synthesis rapidly declines during the menopause transition How hydration, sleep, and nutrition can visibly improve skin tone and puffiness How inflammation, blood sugar issues, and poor metabolic health contribute to inflammaging and visible skin aging Why facial balance is more important than trying to erase every wrinkle or line Dr. Day shares how she combines lasers, topicals, and recovery protocols to support skin healing and collagen production How fillers and other cosmetic procedures can create an unnatural appearance when used incorrectly Bio: Dr. Doris Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and longevity dermatology. She is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, where she has been recognized with the Award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. Her leadership in aesthetic dermatology has earned her the AAD Presidential Citation and the American Skin Association Award for leadership in dermatology. Ranked #3 in the United States and #1 in New York by Newsweek as a Top Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Day is a recognized authority in her field. Her work has been cited in leading publications, including The New York Times and Castle Connolly’s NY Magazine Top Doctors listings, for over 20 consecutive years. Dr. Day is also a medical journalist and a prominent media figure, providing expert commentary on major television programs and podcasts. Her insights are regularly featured in top magazines, and she is a sought-after speaker, delivering numerous lectures every year on cutting-edge aesthetic techniques at both national and international conferences. Dr. Day has over 100 publications in the medical literature, and she has written four best-selling books: "Rebooting the Biome" (2023), "Beyond Beautiful" (2018), "Forget the Facelift," and "100 Questions and Answers about Acne." She also hosts a popular dermatology show on SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio, a platform where she has been educating the public for over 15 years, earning the AAD’s Golden Triangle Award for Media Excellence. Her professional affiliations include the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she has served on the board of directors; the American Academy of Dermatology, where she was recently elected to the nominating committee; the New York State Dermatology Society; and the American Honors Society of Dental and Facial Aesthetics. Dr. Day earned her BA in English from Columbia University, an MA in Journalism and Science Writing/Medical Reporting from New York University, and her MD from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Cornell University College of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. 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. Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Doris Day On her website Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Today, I’m delighted to reconnect with nutritionist, Andrea Donsky. Andrea is a well-respected media personality, speaker, author, researcher, and host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast, on which I have been a guest twice. In our conversation, we discuss her new book and speak at length about her motivation for writing about nourishment for mind, body, and spirit. We explore why food suddenly feels like it’s working against you, and why our nutrition truly needs to change in midlife. We cover symptom-specific nutrition, including a detailed discussion of hot flashes, the importance of fiber, and navigating weight-loss resistance as a Gen X-er. We also talk about the weight and shame imprinting that many of our generation experienced, followed by a rapid-fire conversation around magnesium, protein, alcohol, and more. Join us for today’s transparent, honest, and real conversation with Andrea Donsky. Andrea’s book, Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best, will be published in May. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why Andrea took a mind, body, and spirit approach to nourishment in her book Andrea shares her experience of gaining and losing weight in midlife, despite making no changes to her diet or exercise routine How perimenopause can go unrecognized for years—even for a nutritionist Why what worked before may no longer work in midlife, and how Andrea had to relearn how to eat, exercise, and think The lack of education and stigma that shaped the Gen X menopause experience Why balancing blood sugar becomes foundational in midlife The link between insulin resistance and factors like stress, poor sleep, diet, visceral fat, and hormonal changes How undereating can worsen weight-loss resistance Andrea shares her “balance blueprint” for blood sugar in midlife Bio: Andrea Donsky Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist, 7X Published Menopause Researcher & Entrepreneur with 26 years of experience in health and wellness. She is a respected multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author. Andrea hosts the podcast “Menopause Reimagined,” and she is the co-founder of www.wearemorphus.com, a company that empowers women to feel heard and supported as they go through perimenopause and menopause. Her book, Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best, published by Simon and Schuster, is out now. 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 Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Andrea Donsky On her website Order Andrea’s new book, Nourishing Menopause. On TikTok and Instagram We Are Morphus on Instagram