Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely | Perimenopause and Menopause Support

Dr. Fiona Lovely
  • 4.3 (273)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

A weekly chat about women's health from an expert in the fields of restorative endocrinology, functional neurology and functional medicine. The podcast will feature patient stories, health advice and Dr.Lovely's own special take on mind, body and spiritual healing for women of all ages and stages. Find out more at drlovely.expert.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 242 - Detox Demystified: everything you need to know to support your body's disposal system with David Mara

    In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes David Roberts, co-founder of Mara Labs, to unpack one of the most confusing topics in wellness: detoxification. David's journey into this work is deeply personal. After his late wife Mara was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2012, he partnered with Johns Hopkins-trained researcher Dr. John Gildea to investigate natural compounds that could support her health. What emerged from that research was sulforaphane, a molecule found in broccoli that would become the foundation of a major breakthrough—the first naturally stabilized, bioavailable sulforaphane supplement, and the first to demonstrate mobilization of microplastics in the body. David explains the three phases of liver detoxification with remarkable clarity, and why so many detox programs leave people feeling worse. Many products stimulate phase one—making toxins more toxic—without supporting the phases that actually move them out of the body. Sulforaphane works across all three phases, slowing phase one while accelerating phase two and supporting elimination, which is why it doesn't produce the dreaded "detox flu." The conversation also explores the alarming ubiquity of microplastics, how they act as Trojan horses carrying BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals into our cells, and what practical steps women can take to reduce their exposure—from HEPA filters and reverse osmosis water to ditching plastic food containers and shiny tea bags. This episode is essential listening for any woman concerned about estrogen metabolism, inflammation, brain health, and long-term vitality. Episode Highlights: The three phases of detoxification and why most detox programs get it wrong How sulforaphane supports all three phases without causing "detox flu" Why DIM only addresses one phase—and what sulforaphane does differently The role of sulforaphane in priming detox pathways before starting HRT How microplastics carry toxins into cells and why they're so hard to eliminate Practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure at home and while traveling The connection between sulforaphane, BDNF, and brain health Why sulforaphane may help mobilize microplastics for excretion If you've ever felt worse after a detox—or wondered whether any of it actually works—this conversation will change everything you thought you knew. Connect with David: Website: https://mara-labs.com/ Instagram: @themaralabs Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💤Support for Deeper Sleep with BIOptimizers > We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough includes all seven essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep.* BIOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend. Get 15% off your order: Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout. 🛌 🌹Join us for the Way of the Menopause Doula webinar coming up on November 13th at 10am MDT.  We are entering a whole new era of supporting women through the menopause transition.  I can't wait to see you there!  Get on the list right here:  https://menopausedoulacouncil.com Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine.  She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ The Menopause Doula Council is opening its doors to the new cohort soon!  Join our Waitlist to get all the information about the program first! Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 242 - Detox Demystified: everything you need to know to support your body's disposal system with David Mara

  2. Oct 20

    Ep. 241 - Why Being Well-Fed Is a Radical Act with Lisa Kilgour

    In this liberating conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Lisa Kilgour, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, speaker, and faculty member at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, for a discussion that challenges everything women have been taught about food, bodies, and aging. Lisa opens with a provocative idea: the return of the "skinny aesthetic" happens precisely when women become too powerful, and choosing to be well-fed, well-rested, and well-nourished is itself a political statement. Together, they unpack why so many women in midlife have no idea what it means to be truly fed—confusing the bare minimum with genuine nourishment—and how that gap shows up as low energy, poor sleep, and the evening craving monster. Lisa explains why the protein craze has gone too far, why undereating carbohydrates raises cortisol and disrupts sleep, and why the number on the scale should never come at the expense of muscle and bone. She shares her powerful "grown-ass woman body" philosophy, the story of the half-eaten brownie that marked a client's freedom from food rules, and practical, unfussy strategies for making breakfast and lunch the anchors of a well-nourished day. Listeners will also hear why cravings are not a willpower failure but a language to be learned. Tune in for a conversation that will change how you think about your body, your plate, and your worth. Episode Highlights: Why the "well-fed" feeling most women know is actually just survival How undereating carbs raises cortisol and sabotages sleep in perimenopause Why eating protein early in the day quiets cravings and supports energy The truth about BMI charts and chasing a teenage body in midlife Practical, low-effort meal strategies for women who are tired of cooking Why cravings are a signal to listen to, not a battle to win If you have ever felt like food is a constant negotiation, this episode is your invitation to put down the reins and finally be fed. You can find more about Lisa at lisakilgour.com, and her book Undieting is available wherever books are sold.  Connect with Lisa: Instagram: @lisa.kilgour.nutritionist Facebook: Lisa Kilgour Nutritionist TikTok: @lisakilgournutrition    Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin. 💙 ⚡️Perimenopause and menopause can leave your brain and nervous system working overtime.  🫩 Quantum Upgrade is a 24/7 streaming energy service designed to support sleep, emotional balance, focus, and recovery.  A recent 256-channel EEG study showed an 80% reduction in stress-related brain activity and a 13x increase in important alpha activity in the limbic system. Feel energized right away!  Choose from 30+ frequencies, including Brain Support, Calm & Rest, and H.E.A.L.360™ Advanced.  Backed by 15+ placebo-controlled studies.  Try it free for 15 days—no credit card required—at quantumupgrade.io/lovely  Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine.  She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ The Menopause Doula Council is opening its doors to the new cohort soon!  Join our Waitlist to get all the information about the program first! Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 241 - Why Being Well-Fed Is a Radical Act with Lisa Kilgour

  3. Oct 13

    Ep. 240 - Tired but Wired: Nervous System Regulation for Women with Natalie Rivans

    In this conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes Natalie Rivans, Co-CEO of re-origin and a Certified Somatic Practitioner and Menopause Coach, to explore the nervous system's profound role in the menopause transition. Natalie spent years as a police officer in London, living in a constant state of high alert that eventually manifested as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Her recovery led her into the fields of neuroplasticity and somatic work, and she now helps women understand why symptoms can persist long after the original stressor has passed. Natalie explains that many women in perimenopause find their nervous systems becoming far more reactive than they used to be, and that this is not simply hormones—it's the added layer of alarm the brain brings to every sensation. She shares the outcomes of a pilot trial for Renew, a program adapting nervous system tools specifically for menopausal symptoms, where participants reported improvements in sleep, anxiety, mood, brain fog, and overall wellbeing. The conversation also addresses why so many women are discovering neurodivergence at midlife, as estrogen interacts with neurotransmitters like dopamine, and coping strategies that once worked no longer suffice. Natalie offers practical, gentle tools listeners can use immediately—orientation, shaking, breath, and movement—emphasizing that healing does not require force, perfection, or revisiting trauma. This episode is a compassionate reminder that small, curious experiments can restore a sense of safety in the body. Episode Highlights: - Why women in midlife experience heightened nervous system reactivity - The link between estrogen, dopamine, and the rise of ADHD diagnoses in perimenopause - How the body learns to anticipate and brace for symptoms - Why forcing calm backfires—and what to do instead - Simple somatic tools: orienting, shaking, breathwork, and movement - How the Renew program adapted neuroplasticity tools specifically for menopause Tune in to learn why the answer is not to try harder, but to build a more trusting relationship with your body. Connect with Natalie: IG/Tiktok: @reorigin_brainretraining/ Website: re-origin.com   Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💙🌿BEAM Minerals to help with stress related depletion - this is your 2026 pro-health move!  Did you know that chronic stress can zap your energy and your minerals?  You FEEL better quickly, with this easy to take supplement - replenishing all lost minerals.  Give BEAM a try - beamminerals.com and use the code LOVELY for 20% off your first order! 🥱Support for Deeper Sleep with BIOptimizers > We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough includes all TEN essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep.* BIOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend. Get 15% off your order: Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout.  🛌   How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼 The Menopause Doula Council is opening its doors to the new cohort soon!  Join our Waitlist to get all the information about the program first! Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com  to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

  4. Oct 6

    Ep. 239 - Breast Health From the Holistic POV with Dr. Jenn Simmons

    In this powerful and truth-seeking conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Dr. Jenn Simmons, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, integrative oncologist, and founder of PerfeQTion Imaging. With over 20 years of surgical experience and a personal health journey that led her to functional medicine, Dr. Simmons has become one of the most important voices challenging the conventional breast cancer screening narrative. She explains why she is not anti-mammogram, but deeply critical of screening mammography as a tool for the asymptomatic woman—highlighting that there is no evidence it improves overall survival and that it often identifies cancers that would never have caused harm, leading to unnecessary biopsies, treatments, and lifelong anxiety. Dr. Simmons unpacks the concept of over-diagnosis, the radiation exposure from repeated screenings, and the troubling reality that 80% of breast biopsies are benign. She also shares the paradigm-shifting truth that estrogen does not cause breast cancer—rather, it is an innocent bystander—and explains how progesterone deficiency, metabolic dysfunction, and immune exhaustion are far more relevant to risk. The conversation explores why women are rarely told this information, how industry interests shape the narrative, and what a more intelligent, prevention-focused approach to breast health could look like. Listeners will walk away informed, empowered, and equipped to ask better questions. Episode Highlights: Why screening mammography does not change breast cancer mortality rates The truth about estrogen: why it is not the enemy The role of progesterone deficiency, metabolic health, and immune function in breast cancer risk Why 80% of breast biopsies are benign and what that means for women How PerfeQTion Imaging is revolutionizing breast screening with painless, radiation-free technology The importance of asking the right questions and building a prevention-focused plan Tune in and learn how to protect your health with knowledge, not fear. Follow Dr. Jenn Simmons to learn more! Instagram: @drjennsimmons Podcast: @keepingabreastwithdrjenn Youtube: @dr.jennsimmons   Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.  🌀If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off.💧 How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼 The Menopause Doula Council is opening its doors to the new cohort soon!  Join our Waitlist to get all the information about the program first! Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com  to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 239 - Breast Health From the Holistic POV with Dr. Jenn Simmons

  5. Sep 29

    Ep. 238 - Digestion Optimization for Midlife Women with Wade Lightheart

    In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes Wade Lightheart, a certified sports nutritionist and co-founder of BiOptimizers, for a deep dive into a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves: digestion. Wade brings a remarkable personal story—after losing his sister to Hodgkin's disease and later experiencing a mysterious 42-pound weight gain in just 11 weeks, he discovered he had learned to build his body from the outside in, not the inside out.  He explains that humans are the only species that cooks their food, destroying the enzymes naturally present in what we eat, which places enormous strain on the body's own enzyme production. For women in midlife, this matters enormously: when protein cannot be broken down into amino acids, the consequences ripple outward into muscle loss, stubborn weight gain, mood disruption, and fatigue. Wade walks through the five stages of digestion, offers a simple at-home baking soda test to check stomach acid, and explains why protein timing and digestive support are essential for women navigating menopause.  This episode is a masterclass in why digestion is the foundation of hormonal health, metabolism, and vitality. Episode Highlights: Why cooking food depletes enzymes and burdens the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder The five stages of digestion and where things typically go wrong A simple baking soda test to determine if you need more stomach acid Why "it's not what you consume, it's what you digest, absorb, and utilize" The critical link between gut health, serotonin production, and carbohydrate cravings Why women should prioritize protein early in the day, not just at dinner If you've been eating all the right things but still feeling depleted, this conversation will change how you think about every meal.   Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days!  Visit our partner page here, to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚 😴Support for Deeper Sleep with BIOptimizers: We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough Advanced now includes ten essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep. BIOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend. Get 15% off your order: Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout. 🥱   Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine.  She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 238 - Digestion Optimization for Midlife Women with Wade Lightheart

  6. Sep 22

    Ep. 237 - My Own Journey Back to Strength with Dr. Fiona Lovely - a personal update

    In this candid solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely steps away from the interview format to share a personal update with her listeners—and it's a conversation worth settling in for. She opens up about a recent week-long getaway with her meno besties, a group of like-minded podcasters and friends, and reflects on how deeply nourishing female friendship has become in midlife. Karen Martel, host of The Hormone Solutions Podcast, reminded her during that time that crossing the 50 milestone brought a sense of confidence and 'don't mess with me' attitude. That connection inspired her to share a story she told them: at 53, she's discovered what it feels like to be athletic for the first time through pickleball, a pursuit she's now devoted over a year to making sense of. Dr. Lovely also marks a significant personal milestone—two years on a low-dose GLP-1 medication as part of her menopause medicine plan. She speaks honestly about her decades-long history of metabolic markers and how this journey has reversed them, reduced inflammation, blood sugar, lipids, and restored her ability to move without pain. She shares that she has just hired her first strength trainer ever.   She also recounts a powerful exercise led by gerontologist Zora Benhamou, host of Hack my Age Podcast, in which she visualized and engaged with her 80-year-old self, challenging the cultural fear of aging. Finally, Dr. Lovely celebrates the upcoming graduation of her first cohort of menopause doula scholars and announces open enrollment for the next group.  You can get the latest information by joining the waitlist at https://menopausedoulacouncil.com/ Tune in for inspiration, honesty, and a reminder that you don't have to navigate this transition alone. Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin, no matter your age! 💙 🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.    How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼 Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com  to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 237 - My Own Journey Back to Strength with Dr. Fiona Lovely - a personal update

  7. Sep 15

    Ep. 236 - The Meno Docs have a Girlfriend Chat with Dr. Carrie Jones

    In this lively and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Dr. Carrie Jones, a naturopathic physician and internationally recognized expert in women's health and hormones. Known as the "Queen of Hormones," Dr. Jones brings over two decades of clinical experience to a discussion that moves seamlessly from the deeply clinical to the delightfully personal. The two explore how the definition of perimenopause has been far too narrow, with symptoms often beginning in a woman's thirties—years before most doctors think to look. Dr. Jones also highlights a significant shift in the field: new position papers from international menopause societies now recommend that women who reach menopause before age 45 be treated differently, with hormone replacement positioned as protection for the brain, bones, and heart, not merely symptom relief. Beyond the clinical, the conversation celebrates the friendships that sustain women through this transition and challenges the notion that menopause should be endured in silence. Dr. Jones shares her own experience of moving through the "I don't care" era with newfound peace, and she offers candid reflections on everything from Korean skincare to strength training.  Listeners will walk away informed, encouraged, and reminded that the wisest years are still ahead.   Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones: IG: @dr.carriejones Tiktok: @dr.carriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones Spotify: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Apple Podcast: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Website: www.drcarriejones.com    Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💙🌿BEAM Minerals to help with stress related depletion - this is your 2026 pro-health move!  Did you know that chronic stress can zap your energy and your minerals?  You FEEL better quickly, with this easy to take supplement - replenishing all lost minerals.  Give BEAM a try - beamminerals.com and use the code LOVELY for 20% off your first order! 😴 Support for Deeper Sleep with BiOptimizers: We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough includes all seven essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep. BiOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend.  Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout.  How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼 Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com  to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 236 - The Meno Docs have a Girlfriend Chat with Dr. Carrie Jones

  8. Sep 8

    Ep. 235 - Desire, Guilt, and Pleasure - the Psychology of Sex at Midlife with Dr. Michael Bader

    In this fascinating episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Dr. Michael Bader, a psychoanalyst with over 45 years of experience, for a deep dive into the psychology of sexual desire, pleasure, and the often-unexamined beliefs that shape our erotic lives. Together, they explore why sexual excitement is not simply a biological drive that bursts into consciousness, but rather something the mind carefully regulates based on unconscious assessments of safety and danger. Dr. Bader introduces listeners to the concept of pathogenic beliefs—the unconscious rules we form in childhood about what we are "supposed" to feel or not feel. These beliefs, often rooted in guilt or shame, can create roadblocks to sexual excitement into adulthood that no amount of hormone replacement therapy alone can fix. He explains how sexual fantasies function as creative solutions, momentarily bypassing these inhibitions and allowing pleasure to flow.  Listeners will walk away with a new understanding of their own erotic minds and practical insight into how psychological safety, guilt, and shame influence their capacity for pleasure. Dr. Bader offers a compassionate perspective, reminding women that understanding these dynamics is valuable—but that acceptance without judgment is also a valid and healthy outcome.  Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it is liberating.   Connect with Dr. Bader: Website:  https://michaelbader.com/ X: https://x.com/psychpolitics YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTd0ydMlfFZO__pCjDrZxw   Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: 🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚  💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. 💙 How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼 Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites!  This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes,  blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc.   drlovely.com  to sign up to the email list and get our 5 brain health tools for menopause guide! Finally, a humble request:  If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296  Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review.  Thank you!  💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

    Ep. 235 - Desire, Guilt, and Pleasure - the Psychology of Sex at Midlife with Dr. Michael Bader
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About

A weekly chat about women's health from an expert in the fields of restorative endocrinology, functional neurology and functional medicine. The podcast will feature patient stories, health advice and Dr.Lovely's own special take on mind, body and spiritual healing for women of all ages and stages. Find out more at drlovely.expert.

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