Send us Fan Mail Episode 30 - Epigenetics, Hormone Health, Perimenopause & Longevity with Dr. Kate Dwyer | Wellness in Asheville Podcast Introduction to Dr. Kate Dwyer and Kate Dwyer Nutrition What if the key to feeling like yourself again in perimenopause, optimizing hormones, and slowing biological aging wasn’t just about “eating healthy” or accepting symptoms as inevitable—but about understanding and influencing your epigenetics? In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Dr. Kate Dwyer, registered dietitian and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, to dive deep into women’s hormone health, functional nutrition, and the cutting-edge science of epigenetics. Dr. Kate specializes in helping high-achieving women navigate perimenopause, PCOS, metabolism changes, and hormone-related symptoms through a blend of functional medicine and evidence-based nutrition. She emphasizes foundational lifestyle factors—sleep, stress resilience, diet, and methylation—over excessive testing or long supplement protocols. Together, Travis and Dr. Kate discuss: The basics of epigenetics and how lifestyle can literally turn genes on or offDr. Kara Fitzgerald’s groundbreaking “Younger You” research on reversing the epigenetic clockMethylation, liver health, choline, and why these matter for hormone balance and detoxificationProtein needs, muscle preservation, and sarcopenia prevention in midlife womenBioidentical vs. synthetic hormones and local Asheville resourcesThe power of whole foods like liver and leafy greens for nutrient densityPractical strategies for energy, mood, sleep, and feeling empowered in your bodyWhether you’re in perimenopause, dealing with hormone shifts, or interested in longevity, this conversation delivers science-backed, actionable insights. Key Takeaways Epigenetics is modifiable—diet, stress, exercise, and sleep can make your DNA methylation patterns “younger”Foundations first: Prioritize sleep, stress resilience, and nutrient-dense eating before advanced interventionsMethylation supports hormone metabolism, detoxification, neurotransmitters, and liver healthProtein (1.2–1.6 g/kg) + strength training become increasingly important as estrogen and progesterone declineWhole food sources (liver, eggs, beets, greens) provide synergistic nutrients that supplements alone cannotWomen deserve healthcare that listens, educates, and empowers body literacyMicro-changes in daily habits can create profound shifts in how you feelTimestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Kate Dwyer’s background 01:11 – Personal story, functional medicine journey, and what drives her work 05:52 – Her unique training (biochemistry → RD → functional nutrition → doctorate) 11:58 – What is epigenetics? Why it matters for aging and health 14:54 – Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s “Younger You” study and program details 20:59 – Protein needs, muscle protein synthesis, and perimenopause changes 22:47 – Methylation explained: symptoms of poor methylation and how to support it 26:15 – Genetic factors (MTHFR and others), testing, and nutrient cofactors 31:55 – APOE gene, Alzheimer’s risk, and why genes are not destiny 36:27 – Bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones and local Asheville resources 40:08 – Eating liver, desiccated options, and Terry Walls protocol 43:34 – What excites and concerns her in the longevity space 46:47 – Future of precision medicine, hormones, and integrative care 49:51 – How to connect with Dr. Kate and special listener offer 51:56 – One piece of advice for women in perimenopause Episode Links Dr. Kate Dwyer https://www.katedwyernutrition.com/ Get in Touch With Dr. Kate Dwyer Instagram: @katedwyernutrition (or search Kate Dwyer Nutrition) Website: www.KateDwyerNutrition.com Free 15-minute discovery calls available Special Offer for Podcast Listeners: 15% off cash pay packages until July 31st, 2026 with code BWA15 Produced by Be Well Asheville The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville — Asheville's local wellness media brand connecting the community to the practitioners, modalities, and conversations that matter most for your health. Get Involved 🗓 Monthly Meetup — Join our free monthly wellness professional meetup at Sun Soo Martial Arts, 800 Fairview Rd Suite D2. Connect with practitioners, educators, and wellness seekers across WNC. 🤝 Wellness Collective — Become a paid member of the Be Well Asheville Collective and get access to exclusive resources, community, and practitioner support. 📬 Newsletter — Stay connected with Asheville wellness news, episode drops, and community updates. Sign up at bewellasheville.com. 🎙 Be a Podcast Guest — Are you an Asheville wellness practitioner? We'd love to consider featuring you. The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.