Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Susan

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
  • 4.8 (75)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Daily

Meet Dr. Susan, a renowned Board-Certified Gynecologist and Certified Menopause Practitioner through the Menopause Society (former NAMS), focused on hormone optimization, sexual wellness, and longevity. She's the pioneering force behind the Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, and the best-selling author of "Sexually Woke." Tune into her engaging podcast, "Empowering Midlife Wellness," for insightful conversations. Boasting numerous accolades, including the Texas Super Doctor award and being consistently rated among Houston's top gynecologists, Dr. Susan combines her medical expertise with her passion as an ICF-certified life and leadership coach. Outside the clinic, she's a fitness enthusiast, marathon runner, Ironman triathlete, and mother of three young adults. Join her YouTube channel for empowering wellness strategies designed for midlife and beyond. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.

  1. Jun 3

    Do I Still Need a Pap Smear? Brand-New ACOG Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Just Released

    New cervical cancer screening recommendations have just been released and many women haven't heard about them yet. These brand-new ACOG guidelines are among the most important updates we've seen in years, and they may change how often you need screening, which tests are recommended, and when screening can safely stop. In this video, I'm breaking down these newly released recommendations and explaining what they mean for you. We'll talk about the differences between Pap tests and HPV tests, how often screening is recommended at different ages, and why the guidelines have evolved as our understanding of cervical cancer prevention continues to improve. I'll cover: Cervical cancer screening from ages 21–29 HPV testing recommendations for ages 30–65 When screening can safely stop after age 65 Home-collected HPV testing options, including the Teal Wand Who may need more frequent screening My goal is to help you understand the science behind the guidelines so you can make informed decisions about your health with confidence. One important takeaway: even if you don't need a Pap smear every year, that doesn't mean you should skip your annual wellness visit. Cervical cancer screening is just one part of preventive care, and a comprehensive wellness exam should address many other aspects of your health as you move through midlife and beyond. Learn more about our Annual Wellness Experience: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/annual-wellness/ Interested in booking an annual wellness appointment? https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com We offer in-person care in Houston and Cypress, Texas, as well as virtual medical care for patients throughout Texas, California, and New Mexico. As always, this information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider. For more evidence-based information about women's health, menopause, hormone therapy, longevity, and thriving in midlife, be sure to subscribe to the channel. RESOURCES: New ACOG Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMPnlA7blnGD2GsC-MHrj2OCfWAI3WSO/view?usp=sharing Detailed recommendations and information on exceptions (such as previous hysterectomies or high-risk history) can be viewed directly on the ACOG Cervical Cancer Screening page. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/cervical-cancer-screening

    21 min

  2. May 13

    Testosterone for performance enhancement? Yes, please!

    It’s time to move beyond the fear-based conversation around testosterone and start discussing the science. Testosterone is not simply a “male hormone.” It plays a critical role in women’s physiology — influencing muscle mass, endurance, motivation, cognition, mood, metabolic health, sexual function, recovery, and overall vitality. In this video, I explore: • The evidence behind testosterone and physical performance • Significant improvements in muscle mass and time to exhaustion (running) • Why free testosterone matters more than total testosterone alone • SHBG, albumin binding, and equilibrium dialysis • Genetic differences in androgen receptor sensitivity (CAG repeats) • Why there is no single “optimal” testosterone number for every woman • The importance of individualized dosing and monitoring • Long-term safety data, including transgender testosterone research More than 95% of testosterone is bound to SHBG and albumin. Hormonal physiology is nuanced, individualized, and far more complex than many outdated narratives suggest. The reality is this: When properly prescribed, dosed, and monitored, testosterone therapy is remarkably safe. Referenced studies include: • British Journal of Sports Medicine (May 2020) Effects of moderately increased testosterone concentration on physical performance in young women: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z8dvTerB0fnXRhYZ8Y2dwivRHgZKvu_6/view?usp=sharing • Louise Newson pilot study on cognition and mood Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pilot study https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TxdsaiYIzKtsTmSD5NLBazeUeC250Bya/view?usp=sharing • Long-term transgender testosterone safety data Trans men can achieve adequate muscular development through low-dose testosterone therapy: A long-term study on body composition changeshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1aoDrxl7rMUoHLEIgXI8KAM38pg9W6vhf/view?usp=sharing Bone Safety During the First Ten Years of Gender-Af rming Hormonal Treatment in Transwomen andTransmenhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1D47vmWxnWr9I_DBMOGcfzakZ8dGNQUMF/view?usp=sharing The efficacy, safety, and outcomes of testosterone useamong transgender men patients: A review of the literaturehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1M11Qvii1geSYaIr141iedD75IAKV-PAX/view?usp=sharing 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com Virtual medical care available in Texas, California, and New Mexico.

    22 min

  3. May 6

    How to host a women's circle | Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Susan

    In this conversation, I explore how women’s gatherings can become spaces for connection, reflection, honesty, and transformation. I created this video to gently encourage more women — wherever they are — to host these kinds of gatherings within their own homes, friendships, and communities. We need spaces where women can come together more intentionally, especially during seasons of transition, uncertainty, growth, and midlife change. Throughout this video, I walk through almost everything you need to thoughtfully host a meaningful women’s gathering — from inviting people, setting the tone, and arranging the space, to guiding conversation, creating emotional safety, and allowing deeper discussions to unfold naturally and authentically. I also share a few of the questions I personally love using during gatherings and conversations. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nw_61gkBateSIULdD_Lpgr-S00_WTYjL/view?usp=sharing

    28 min

  4. Apr 22

    Perimenopause: The Missing Diagnosis

    Perimenopause is one of the most misunderstood phases in a woman’s life—and too often, it’s missed entirely. Every day, I see women who have been told they’re “too young,” that their labs are “normal,” or that what they’re experiencing is simply stress or something psychological. And yet, they know something is changing. Perimenopause is not a steady decline. It’s a phase of hormonal unpredictability—where estrogen can fluctuate significantly, progesterone declines, and testosterone gradually shifts. These changes can drive a wide range of symptoms that may seem unrelated, but are deeply connected. Yet many women find their symptoms are addressed in isolation—often without a comprehensive view of their hormonal landscape. I believe we can do better. This is where the concept of midlife baseline screening becomes essential. By measuring hormones thoughtfully and at the right time, we can move from assumption to clarity—and from generalized care to a more precise, individualized approach. In this video, I walk through: – Why perimenopause is often overlooked – What is actually happening hormonally – The limitations of symptom-only care – The role of baseline screening – How to find a provider trained in perimenopause and menopause care My goal is simple: to help you better understand your body, and to ensure you are met with the level of care and expertise you deserve. If you’re navigating perimenopause, you are not alone—and there are answers. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com We offer care across three convenient locations—in the vibrant Houston Museum District, the heart of Tanglewood/Piney Point, and in Cypress, serving Northwest Houston. For those who prefer remote access, we provide secure virtual medical care across Texas, California, and New Mexico. Coaching programs in perimenopause and menopause are available nationwide and globally. Our services are thoughtfully designed by women who understand your journey and delivered by menopause-certified professionals.

    23 min

  5. Apr 15

    Testosterone for Women: When Dosing Is Right, You Have Options

    Testosterone is often misunderstood in women—and too often reduced to oversimplified or fear-based messaging. The reality is this: testosterone can be a safe and effective therapy for women—particularly for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone—when it is dosed appropriately. And that’s the key. When dosing is right—meaning carefully adjusted for female physiology and monitored over time—women are not limited to a single option. They can choose the delivery method that fits their body and their life. In this video, I walk you through: 🌿 What testosterone actually does in the female body 🌿 Common symptoms of low testosterone 🌿 When therapy may be appropriate 🌿 The difference between FDA-approved testosterone products for men and the formulations commonly used in women 🌿 How dosing is approached in women (low, individualized, and not one-size-fits-all) 🌿 The pros and cons of different delivery methods, including gels, injections, and pellets We also touch on emerging clinical experience and ongoing research exploring pellet dosing in women, including work in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine. Early observations suggest that, when dosing is appropriate, stable levels and low rates of side effects are achievable—and in some cases may compare favorably to the variability seen with topical therapies. This is not about one method being “right” and another being “wrong.” It’s about understanding that dose—not delivery—is what determines safety and outcomes. Testosterone is an important hormone in women. It affects libido, mood, energy, muscle, bone, and overall quality of life. We need more research. We need better education. And we need to move toward collaborative, patient-centered care—where women are informed, supported, and able to choose what works best for them. As always, hormone therapy should be individualized and guided by a qualified clinician. A must-watch video: Should Women Use Male Testosterone Products? | Real-Life Demo with Dr. Susan https://youtu.be/nQlrkWpZOAE Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com 💻 We offer virtual medical care in Texas, California, and New Mexico.

    29 min

  6. Apr 8

    Learn to Listen to Yourself: The Foundation of Aging Well

    In this video, I talk about something that has quietly shaped my life—and continues to guide how I move through midlife today: learning how to truly listen to myself. This idea is deeply influenced by the work of Martha Beck—quieting the noise of expectations, stepping away from “shoulds,” and reconnecting with a deeper, more honest inner voice. I share three ideas that have become anchors for me: • Learning to recognize when something feels like a true “yes” or a clear “no” • Understanding how going against yourself creates tension and internal friction • Making small, aligned choices that shape how you feel—and who you become over time. When I began to listen—really listen—things started to feel simpler, calmer, and more clear. I also talk about the importance of stepping out of your everyday environment. Retreats, gatherings, and intentional time away create space to reconnect, reflect, and learn new ways of moving through this phase of life. This is also the foundation of the work I’m building right now, including my upcoming book and a recent video: Become Your Best Elder Self — One Choice at a Time LINK - https://youtu.be/fhgEepyXGfs Because the way you age is not accidental. It’s shaped—quietly and consistently—by the choices you make every day. Martha Beck, PhD — sociologist, author, and life coach https://marthabeck.com/

    21 min

  7. Mar 25

    Menopausal Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: Navigating the Benefits and Risks

    For many women, a history of breast cancer has meant an automatic “no” when it comes to menopausal hormone therapy. But is the story really that simple? In this video, we explore a more nuanced and evolving conversation—one grounded in decades of research, including the work of Avrum Z. Bluming, MD, and other leading experts who have closely examined the data on hormone therapy after breast cancer. Across multiple studies and reviews spanning over 40 years, the evidence paints a more complex picture. While certain risks—such as thromboembolism with oral formulations—are well documented, the long-held belief that hormone therapy universally increases breast cancer recurrence or mortality is increasingly being questioned. In fact, most studies have not shown an increase in breast cancer–related death, and only one trial demonstrated a limited increase in local (not distant) recurrence. At the same time, menopausal hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for symptoms that deeply affect quality of life—while also offering potential benefits for cardiovascular health, bone strength, cognitive function, and longevity. So where does this leave us? This video is not about giving a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about encouraging thoughtful, informed decision-making. It’s about moving beyond fear-based assumptions and toward individualized care—where risks and benefits are carefully weighed, and where women feel empowered to ask questions, seek multiple perspectives, and have meaningful conversations with their physicians. Because the most important takeaway is this: you deserve to be fully informed. Resources: Hormone Replacement Therapy After Breast Cancer: It Is Time Avrum Z. Bluming, MD LINK - https://bit.ly/4st0uji Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What Is the Current Evidence? Sarah Glynne, MBBS, MSc, MRCP, MRCGP; James Simon, MD; Anthony Branson, FRCP; Stephen Payne, FRCS; Louise Newson, MBChB; Isaac Manyonda, PhD; Susan Cleator, PhD; Michael Douek, MD; Sasha Usiskin, MRCP; Jeffrey S. Tobias, MD; Jayant S. Vaidya, PhD LINK - https://bit.ly/41leKyt 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

    21 min

  8. Mar 19

    Regenerative Medicine Products Explained: PRP, Exosomes, Stem Cells & More

    Regenerative medicine is one of the most talked-about areas in modern medicine — and also one of the most misunderstood. In this video, I explain several therapies that are often mentioned in the same conversation and clarify what they are, how they work, and what we currently know about them. Learning about these treatments can help us make wiser decisions about our health, our healing, and how we support our bodies as we age. In this video, I discuss the science and current understanding behind: • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — used since the 1990s in orthopedics, dermatology, hair restoration, and sexual wellness procedures. • Exosomes — tiny vesicles that act as cellular messengers, carrying proteins, RNA, lipids, and growth factors between cells. • Umbilical-derived growth factors — biologic regenerative products containing signaling molecules involved in tissue repair. • Stem cells — cells capable of differentiating into multiple cell types and releasing regenerative signals that support healing. • “Young blood” therapies — a term sometimes used when discussing regenerative products derived from younger tissues. • Plasmapheresis — a medical procedure that removes plasma from the blood and is used in certain autoimmune and toxic conditions. My goal in this video is to separate science from hype, bring clarity to a rapidly evolving field, and help you better understand the therapies that are often mentioned in conversations about longevity, healing, and regenerative medicine. When we understand the science behind these treatments, we gain something powerful — the ability to advocate for our health, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about our bodies and our wellbeing. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

    25 min
See All (248)

4.8
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

Meet Dr. Susan, a renowned Board-Certified Gynecologist and Certified Menopause Practitioner through the Menopause Society (former NAMS), focused on hormone optimization, sexual wellness, and longevity. She's the pioneering force behind the Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, and the best-selling author of "Sexually Woke." Tune into her engaging podcast, "Empowering Midlife Wellness," for insightful conversations. Boasting numerous accolades, including the Texas Super Doctor award and being consistently rated among Houston's top gynecologists, Dr. Susan combines her medical expertise with her passion as an ICF-certified life and leadership coach. Outside the clinic, she's a fitness enthusiast, marathon runner, Ironman triathlete, and mother of three young adults. Join her YouTube channel for empowering wellness strategies designed for midlife and beyond. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.

Information

You Might Also Like