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

Everyday Wellness™
  • 4.5 (129)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Daily

Looking for the latest strategies for dealing with menopause, hormones and midlife health issues? You're in the right place! Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author and international speaker, with over 15 million views for her second TEDx talk (Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique). With over 25 years experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in perimenopause/menopause and intermittent fasting, and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her mission is to help empower women to live their most optimal lives in perimenopause and beyond.

  1. Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health

    5 hrs ago

    Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone 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

    43 min
  2. Ep. 610 Protein, Muscle, and Metabolic Health After Menopause with Craig Emmerich | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

    1d ago

    Ep. 610 Protein, Muscle, and Metabolic Health After Menopause with Craig Emmerich | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

    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

    57 min
  3. BONUS: Is Obesity Really Genetic? Debunking the Myths with Dr. Ken Berry

    3d ago

    BONUS: Is Obesity Really Genetic? Debunking the Myths with Dr. Ken Berry

    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 ⁠

    1 hr
  4. Ep. 609 How Light Shapes Hormones, Sleep, and Metabolism with Dr. Catherine Clinton | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

    5d ago

    Ep. 609 How Light Shapes Hormones, Sleep, and Metabolism with Dr. Catherine Clinton | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

    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

    1h 4m
  5. Ep. 608 "Beyond Protein and Exercise" — What Actually Supports Muscle Growth in Midlife | Menopause, Perimenopause, Muscle Growth

    Jun 18

    Ep. 608 "Beyond Protein and Exercise" — What Actually Supports Muscle Growth in Midlife | Menopause, Perimenopause, Muscle Growth

    Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, we’re exploring the benefits of creatine monohydrate, essential aminos, grass-fed beef liver, and Yolked (fortotropin). I explain how these products work together, the importance of resistance training and hormone optimization as foundational factors in midlife, and how supplements fit in. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of using creatine monohydrate when training The value of essential aminos for muscle protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown The nutrients provided by grass-fed beef liver What research suggests about how Yolked may relate to myostatin modulation, muscle hypertrophy pathways, and growth factor signaling Why I recommend using creatine, essential aminos, beef liver, and Yolked together as a stacked approach Why resistance exercise remains the primary signal for muscle growth The importance of hormone optimization for energy, muscle building, executive function, motivation, and recovery 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:  Visit getkion.com/cynthia for 20% off. Yolked: Use the code CYNTHIA for 20% off Ancestral Supplements: Use the affiliate code CYNTHIA

    44 min
  6. Ep. 607 How Connective Tissue Disorders Affect Women's Health with Dr. Linda Bluestein | Menopause, Perimenopause, Connective Tissue Health

    Jun 17

    Ep. 607 How Connective Tissue Disorders Affect Women's Health with Dr. Linda Bluestein | Menopause, Perimenopause, Connective Tissue Health

    Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein, a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician specializing in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, including POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. In our discussion, we discuss the invisible illness problem and complex medical illnesses, and Dr. Bluestein shares how being diagnosed with EDS in her 40s prompted her to pivot her career to focus on what is missing in medicine regarding those complex illnesses. We explore different types of hypermobility conditions and why women are disproportionately more affected by those conditions than men. We clarify what hypermobility means, the cluster of EDS, POTS, and MCAS, what to do when you have unexplained multi-system symptoms, and how AI can be beneficial. We also examine pain science, hypermobility, sympathetic overdrive, kinesiophobia, anesthesia considerations in connective tissue disorders, and the impact of midlife transitions, HRT, medical gaslighting, nervous system regulation, movement, nutrition, and validation and hope for patients with complex medical illnesses. I am delighted to share this informative conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein with the Everyday Wellness community, and look forward to having Dr. Bluestein back to explore this topic further. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How patients with complex symptoms often go from specialist to specialist, yet none of them connect the dots. How patients tend to be blamed when treatments fail How POTS diagnosis is often based on heart rate changes, even though it’s not primarily a heart rate condition How dysautonomia affects multiple body systems How, apart from joint flexibility, hypermobility can also involve skin, tissues, organs, and multiple body systems. How EDS, POTS, and MCAS can overlap The value of AI tools for helping patients organize complex symptom histories How sympathetic overdrive and kinesiophobia can worsen chronic pain The impact of medical gaslighting Bio:  Dr. Linda Bluestein Dr. Linda Bluestein is a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician who specializes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, such as POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. She is the founder of Hypermobility MD and the host of the internationally recognized Bendy Bodies Podcast, where she bridges the gap between patients and clinicians by unpacking complex medicine through a pattern-based, whole-person lens. Dr. Bluestein is also an EDS patient herself, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to conversations about diagnostic delays, medical gaslighting, and compassionate, effective 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. Linda Bluestein Bendy Bodies Podcast Dysautonomia Support Network

    1h 1m
  7. BONUS: Menopausal Toolkit: Heart, Brain and Hormonal Health with Dr. Deb Matthew

    Jun 15

    BONUS: Menopausal Toolkit: Heart, Brain and Hormonal Health with Dr. Deb Matthew

    I am delighted to have the privilege of reconnecting with Dr. Deb Matthew today. She joined me once before on Episode 259. She is a distinguished best-selling author, international speaker, and dedicated educator known as the Happy Hormone Doctor.  Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, causing one of every 3.2 deaths among women annually. In our conversation today, Dr. Matthew and I delve into the realm of cardiovascular disease, exploring the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, essential laboratory testing, medications, and the neurocognitive changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. We also focus on lifestyle, gut testing, and the all-time favorite topic: weight-loss resistance.  Stay tuned for today’s engaging, enriching, and enlightening discussion with Dr. Deb Matthew. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How HRT reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease  How long-term use of estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease over time Why you should do a hormone panel before starting HRT How cortisol levels impact cardiovascular health How the coronary calcium score helps to predict heart attack risk Cholesterol markers and their significance in cardiovascular risk assessment Managing cholesterol levels in perimenopausal women The importance of addressing underlying hormonal imbalances in women to mitigate cognitive decline and lipid disorders The connection between gut health and brain fog How women’s testosterone levels impact their cognition and motivation Hormone imbalance and weight loss resistance in women  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. Deb Matthew On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Dr. Deb Matthew’s book This is Not Normal on Amazon⁠  Previous Episode featuring Dr. Matthew ⁠Ep. 295: HRT’s Impact on Women’s Health Through Time with Dr. Deb Matthew⁠

    56 min
  8. Ep. 606 The Vagus Nerve's Role in Stress Resilience with Dr. Navaz Habib | Menopause, Perimenopause, Nervous System

    Jun 13

    Ep. 606 The Vagus Nerve's Role in Stress Resilience with Dr. Navaz Habib | Menopause, Perimenopause, Nervous System

    I am honored to connect with Dr. Navaz Habib today. He is the Vagus Nerve Doc, a bestselling author, and host of the Health Upgrade podcast. In our discussion today, we look at what it takes to upgrade the vagus nerve, exploring how it is regulated, the role of vagal tone, and how it can be damaged with chronic stress. We examine the impact of allostatic load and dysregulation, and how midlife physiology compels us to proactively address our vagal tone. We cover the impact of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters, and why key nutrients like choline and omega-3s are necessary for proper vagal tone, and we dive into hormetic stressors and safety, how HRV and vagal tone are assessed, and targeted strategies to enhance vagus nerve performance. Dr. Habib also discusses his Vagus Program, which provides tools to improve vagal tone. Stay tuned for this informative conversation with Dr. Habib. I look forward to inviting him back to continue the discussion. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Habib describes the vagus nerve as the brake system of the autonomic nervous system, and explains how it connects to most major organs, working as a central communication highway What vagal tone is  Dr. Habib frames allostatic load in the context of a combined stress burden How “little t” trauma influences vagus nerve function and creates stress response patterns later in life Why midlife can be a period of increased stress sensitivity and autonomic dysregulation The key biochemical drivers of vagus nerve signaling and immune regulation How diaphragmatic breathing can directly influence vagus nerve activity What HRV actually measures, and how to interpret it correctly A practical framework of small interventions to build long-term autonomic flexibility Bio:  Dr. Navaz Habib Dr. Navaz Habib, aka "The Vagus Nerve Doc," is a best-selling author of 2 books - “Activate Your Vagus Nerve” and “Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve” and host of The Health Upgrade Podcast. After using functional medicine to overcome his own health challenges, Dr. Habib built Health Upgraded, an online health program implementing his VAGUS protocol, to guide parents and professionals to enhance their health by unlocking the healing power of the Vagus nerve to reduce the effects of stress and inflammation. 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. Navaz Habib On Instagram The Vagus Nerve Doc on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Habib’s Vagus Protocol and become part of the online community. Dr. Habib’s books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve

    1h 6m
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4.5
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Looking for the latest strategies for dealing with menopause, hormones and midlife health issues? You're in the right place! Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author and international speaker, with over 15 million views for her second TEDx talk (Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique). With over 25 years experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in perimenopause/menopause and intermittent fasting, and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her mission is to help empower women to live their most optimal lives in perimenopause and beyond.

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