Dr. 50 Something

Nicole Norris MD

Whether you are in the midst of midlife or you want to prevent the physical and mental signs of aging that occur in midlife, this is the podcast for you! It is my passion for men and women to know that studied and safe ways to harness that elusive fountain of youth do exist.  Aging is so much more than a number and encompasses, not only how we look, but also our energy level, and how long we can put off chronic disease and declining quality of life.  In this podcast, we will explore many facets of aging and incorporate my experience in aesthetic medicine, preventative medicine, functional medicine and family medicine. All of us should take an active role in how we age from an early age.  The length of time in our lives that we feel really good in terms of energy, aches and pains, and thought clarity has a definite impact on the mark we can leave on this world. My wish for my listeners is to always be mistaken for being fifty something (OR LESS) in mind, action, and appearance!

  1. JAN 23

    S2 E4 How to Start Changing Your Biological Age: Telomere Medicine 2.0

    What if the clock you can actually change isn’t on your wrist but inside your cells? We take you into the world of telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of DNA—and show how they reflect your biological age and respond to the choices you make every day. From sleep and nutrition to stress and hormones, we connect the dots between daily habits and the cellular machinery that keeps you sharp, resilient, and strong. We unpack TA-65, a telomerase activator derived from astragalus root, and explain why it’s drawn attention in longevity medicine. You’ll hear how randomized controlled trials in animals and humans link telomerase activation with longer telomeres, stronger immune function, and improvements in cognition and cardiovascular markers. We also provide essential safety context: GRAS designation, clinical oversight, and why it’s still considered a supplement rather than a prescription therapy. Beyond supplements, we explore how testosterone, estradiol, vitamin D optimization, and carefully supervised peptide protocols may support healthy telomerase activity, while cortisol from unmanaged stress works against it. Then we zoom into the cellular level to meet TERT, the working engine of telomerase. When oxidative stress hits your mitochondria, TERT can get pulled from the nucleus to play emergency mechanic—leaving telomeres to shorten. That’s why mitochondrial care is central: antioxidant-rich foods, consistent sleep, strength and cardio training, stress tools like meditation and gratitude, and targeted supports such as glutathione, NAD strategies, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy when appropriate. We outline medications and nutrients that may help (GLP-1s, rosuvastatin, lisinopril, polyphenols, vitamin C, zinc) and highlight the telomerase downsides of frequent NSAID use. If you want a practical roadmap, we offer the HENSS framework—hormone balance, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management—to build a strong base before layering advanced tools. Ready to measure what matters and act where it counts? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review telling us which change you’ll start today. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    15 min
  2. JAN 9

    S2 E3 Longevity Without The Gamble: Telomere Medicine 1.0

    Want more years that actually feel good? We dig into the science-backed playbook for extending healthspan, not just lifespan, and share fresh insights from Longevity Fest in Las Vegas. Instead of chasing every shiny biohack, we focus on the foundations that move the needle: food as medicine, movement that builds capacity, sleep that restores the brain, and hormones that coordinate your body’s signals. We break down the Mediterranean approach and why polyphenols matter, from daily berries and green tea to tartary buckwheat’s dense phytonutrient profile. Then we get tactical with protein: aim for around 100 grams a day, start your morning with 30 grams, and include whey for leucine to unlock muscle building after 40. On training, we keep it practical—150 minutes of Zone 2 for mitochondrial health, two to three strength sessions to preserve muscle and metabolism, and targeted HIIT to support hippocampal growth and memory. Sleep is the keystone. We talk about how six to eight uninterrupted hours drive memory consolidation, detox, and hormonal balance, why short sleep raises Alzheimer’s risk, and which simple changes make the biggest difference. From progesterone support in women over 35 to magnesium glycinate and micronized melatonin, we share tools that help you protect deep sleep and wake clear. To measure real progress, we introduce telomeres—the protective caps on DNA that reflect biological age more accurately than the calendar. You’ll learn how easy telomere testing is, why it’s worth a yearly check-in, and how nutrition, exercise, stress management, and quality sleep can slow shortening. We also touch on NAD’s role in energy and DNA repair, and why interventions like NAD only make sense once your basics are solid. Ready to stop gambling with your health? Start by locking in the foundations, get your telomeres measured, and use data to guide your next steps. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and tell us the first habit you’ll change today. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    17 min
  3. 11/14/2025

    S2 E2 The GI Map Revolution: Healing Root Causes Starts with a Hershey's Kiss

    A tiny stool sample, a giant breakthrough. We’re pulling back the curtain on GI-MAP—the at-home test that reveals why reflux lingers, acne won’t quit, and weight loss stalls even when you’re trying everything. From pathogens to probiotics, we translate an eight-page lab report into real-world actions that calm inflammation, repair the gut barrier, and restore energy, clarity, and confidence. We start with the foundations: what GI-MAP actually tests using PCR technology and why those results matter. You’ll hear how H. pylori lowers stomach acid and opens the door to dysbiosis, how virulent strains raise ulcer and cancer risk, and when to choose prescriptions versus botanicals. We share stories of parasites missed by standard care, yeast that fuels bloating and breakouts, and the power of retesting to confirm true clearance. Along the way, we connect gut health to skin clarity, autoimmunity risk, and even that frustrating plateau when Akkermansia runs low. Then we get tactical. We map commensal bacteria to targeted probiotics, explain why one blend doesn’t fit all, and show how Mediterranean-leaning meals and polyphenol-rich red and purple plants help good microbes thrive. You’ll learn how to read digestive markers like elastase and steatocrit, what calprotectin and occult blood mean for inflammation and next steps, and how secretory IgA and zonulin signal the strength of your mucosal barrier. We also clarify food sensitivity versus true allergy, when an IgG panel helps, and how to phase elimination and reintroduction without guesswork. If you want fewer flare-ups, steadier energy, clearer skin, and a plan that matches your biology, this conversation is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs answers, and leave a review telling us the one gut change you’re starting this week. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    21 min
  4. 10/24/2025

    S2 E1 Goodbye Nursing Home Insurance, Hello Muscle Mass!

    Ready to retire your bathroom scale and measure what actually moves your health? We kick off season two by redefining midlife vitality through one powerful lens: body composition. Instead of chasing a shrinking number, we focus on growing what protects you—lean muscle—and reducing what harms you—visceral fat. Along the way, we explain why BMI mislabels strong bodies, how to track fat and muscle accurately, and the daily habits that add more good years to your life. We share real-world outcomes from hormone optimization, where patients report deeper sleep, steadier moods, and a renewed sense of well-being that becomes a positive addiction. Then we map the next level: using DEXA and home impedance devices to monitor trends, celebrating increases in lean mass even when total weight rises, and steering training and nutrition with data instead of guesswork. Muscle emerges as more than strength; it is metabolic armor that stabilizes blood sugar, lowers inflammation, and slashes risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and several cancers. From there, we lay out the Get Fit framework: 10,000 to 15,000 daily steps, progressive strength training, protein-forward meals, and sleep as a non-negotiable performance tool. We normalize lifting heavy with guidance, gamify recovery with wearables, and use GLP-1s and select peptides strategically when food noise or recovery blocks progress. For those who stall due to gut issues, we preview GI mapping and food sensitivity testing to remove hidden barriers and unlock sustainable change. If you’re ready to trade vague goals for measurable wins, this is your roadmap to a stronger, leaner, and sharper midlife. Follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a review to help more listeners find practical, science-backed ways to age with power. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    14 min
  5. 06/20/2025

    S1 E10 Beyond Hot Flushes: Optimizing Your Hormones After Menopause

    Forget everything you thought you knew about hormone replacement. Optimizing your hormones isn't just about managing hot flashes – it affects every system in your body and profoundly impacts how you age, regardless of whether you're already in menopause or andropause. This eye-opening conversation challenges the conventional "aging gracefully" narrative by revealing how hormonal decline affects every aspect of your health. Did you know that losing testosterone, not just estradiol, is primarily responsible for the acceleration of skin aging in menopause? Or that only 5-10% of cancers are truly genetic, with hormonal decline playing a significant role in your increased cancer risk after 50? We explore these rarely discussed connections and explain why optimizing your hormones can actually reduce cancer risk rather than increase it. The familiar pattern of worsening cholesterol, rising blood pressure, stubborn weight gain, and increasing brain fog isn't simply "getting older" – these are direct consequences of hormonal decline that can be addressed through proper optimization. From reversing osteoporosis without expensive medications to restoring energy levels that allow you to fully participate in life, bioidentical hormone replacement represents a powerful approach to preventative medicine that goes far beyond symptom management. Whether you're already experiencing these changes or want to prevent them, this episode shows why it's never too late to optimize your hormones. As Dan Martell wisely notes, "When you are healthy, you have a thousand dreams. When you are not, you have but one." Ready to wage war on aging? Hormone optimization is one of the big guns in this battle, alongside advanced approaches like peptides, GI mapping, and cutting-edge cancer screening we'll explore in future episodes. Take control of your health trajectory today – because aging isn't about surrendering gracefully, it's a strategic battle with winners and losers. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    11 min
  6. 06/06/2025

    S1 E9 The Lullaby Effect of Hormones

    Sleep is your health foundation, but how many of us truly get restorative rest? Your answer reveals not just your current wellbeing but potentially how long you'll live. Research suggests good sleep habits could add nearly 5 years to a man's life and 2.4 years to a woman's. If you're experiencing middle-of-night awakenings, racing thoughts, or recurring dreams about failing school, your hormones might be the culprit—not your mattress, temperature, or partner's breathing. For women, the decline in progesterone (which can begin in your 30s) makes you a light sleeper, while both men and women experience reduced melatonin with age. These aren't just annoyances; they fundamentally alter your sleep architecture and deprive you of the deep, restorative phases your body needs. Body-identical progesterone (not synthetic versions) offers women a soporific effect that can transform sleep within weeks. Meanwhile, melatonin serves as a powerful antioxidant that not only improves sleep but fights inflammation, reduces cancer risk, and slows cellular aging. Optimizing these hormones—finding your personal ideal dosage—can end those 2AM bathroom trips, eliminate anxiety-fueled wakefulness, and restore vivid, pleasant dreams. While maintaining good sleep hygiene remains important, hormone optimization may be the missing piece for your best rest. Isn't it time to sleep like a very good baby again? Explore bioidentical hormone optimization with a qualified provider and discover what truly restorative sleep feels like. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    15 min
  7. 05/23/2025

    S1 E8 Wonder Woman's Secret Weapon - Testosterone!

    Testosterone might be your body's most underrated secret weapon. As a 51-year-old physician, I discovered my own testosterone level was a mere 11 – nowhere near the optimal 150-250 range women typically enjoy in their 20s. That revelation changed everything about how I approach aging and women's health. Most women have no idea that their testosterone levels begin declining in their early 30s, reaching their lowest around menopause and remaining there without intervention. This gradual decline directly impacts energy, muscle mass, cognitive function, mood, libido, and even physical appearance. The transformative benefits of optimizing testosterone are shocking: increased muscle definition, improved metabolism, better workout recovery, enhanced memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and even protection against breast cancer, dementia, and heart disease. Perhaps most surprising is testosterone's ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production – effectively addressing skin aging concerns that expensive creams and procedures often fail to resolve. From improved sexual function to stronger bones, nearly every aspect of a woman's health improves with proper testosterone levels. Yet conventional medicine rarely addresses this critical hormone in women. Testing through traditional channels can cost $800 and take weeks for results, while meaningful treatment options remain limited since no FDA-approved testosterone products exist specifically for women in the US. My approach using body-identical testosterone cream provides benefits that injections and pellet therapy simply can't match, including cardiovascular protection and breast cancer risk reduction.  Wondering if your testosterone is low? Chances are excellent that it is if you're over 35. Taking control of your hormone health could be the missing piece in your quest to feel energetic, strong, and vibrant at any age. Follow this podcast for more insights that will transform how you experience midlife and beyond. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    15 min
  8. 05/09/2025

    S1 E7 Normal Labs, Not Normal: The Hidden Thyroid Struggle

    Ever wondered why you still feel exhausted, foggy, and can't lose weight even after your doctor says your thyroid is "normal"? The answer might lie in a critical hormone that most healthcare providers never check. T3 (Triiodothyronine) is the powerhouse thyroid hormone that controls everything from your metabolism to your memory. While medical schools have traditionally taught doctors to check only TSH and occasionally T4 levels, these tests miss the complete picture. Even more shocking, the standard medication Synthroid only replaces T4, not the active T3 your body desperately needs to function optimally. With over 200 possible symptoms of low T3—including fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, thinning hair, depression, and constipation—this overlooked hormone deficiency may be the root cause of why you don't feel like yourself anymore. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less T3 and have more difficulty converting T4 into the active form, especially in women. The problem goes beyond simple hormone deficiency. Many people suffer from thyroid receptor resistance, where environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals physically block T3 from working properly. This explains why countless patients continue struggling despite "normal" lab results. The good news? Proper diagnosis and thoughtful treatment with desiccated thyroid hormone that contains both T4 and T3 can often reverse these issues within months, restoring energy, mental clarity, and quality of life. Ready to take control of your thyroid health? Ask specifically for T3 testing at your next appointment, reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors in plastics and personal care products, and consider consulting with a preventative medicine physician who understands complete thyroid optimization. Your body deserves better than partial treatment based on incomplete information. CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleNorrisMD/ INSTAGRAM: Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa (@nicolenorrismd) • Instagram photos and videos Want to learn more about our concierge preventative medicine programs, longevity medicine services, or fill out an eligibility form? Longevity Medicine Testing - Nicole Norris MD - Ottawa, IL GET FIT Get Fit! Weight Management Program | Nicole Norris MD | Peru, IL GET FAB / GET FIRM HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Get Fabulous! Hormone Optimization for Women | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Get Firm! Hormone Optimization for Men | Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa Find a Preventative Medicine Provider NEAR YOU! https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com/search_results Heart Math for balancing the nervous system and reducing emotional stress- HeartMat...

    13 min

About

Whether you are in the midst of midlife or you want to prevent the physical and mental signs of aging that occur in midlife, this is the podcast for you! It is my passion for men and women to know that studied and safe ways to harness that elusive fountain of youth do exist.  Aging is so much more than a number and encompasses, not only how we look, but also our energy level, and how long we can put off chronic disease and declining quality of life.  In this podcast, we will explore many facets of aging and incorporate my experience in aesthetic medicine, preventative medicine, functional medicine and family medicine. All of us should take an active role in how we age from an early age.  The length of time in our lives that we feel really good in terms of energy, aches and pains, and thought clarity has a definite impact on the mark we can leave on this world. My wish for my listeners is to always be mistaken for being fifty something (OR LESS) in mind, action, and appearance!