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

Everyday Wellness™
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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.

  1. Ep. 563 “Why Eating Less Can Backfire” — The Midlife Under-Fueling Problem | Menopause, Perimenopause & Nutrition

    1D AGO

    Ep. 563 “Why Eating Less Can Backfire” — The Midlife Under-Fueling Problem | Menopause, Perimenopause & Nutrition

    Welcome to today’s Midlife Minute episode. I've received a wave of questions about the best ways to fuel workouts and how to recognize signs that you're not eating enough to support your exercise routine. This topic is particularly relevant because many women in my community have practiced fasting, intermittent fasting, or other forms of time-restricted eating for years, which can sometimes lead to chronic under-fueling. Stay tuned to learn how to spot the signs of under-fueling and ensure your body gets the energy it truly needs. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How practicing intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding for years can lead to energy deficits and poor workout recovery What happens to you when you’re middle-aged and your protein intake is too low? Why women have a higher risk of chronic under-fueling consequences as their progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone decrease with age  How chronically elevated cortisol negatively impacts women’s muscles, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity The importance of maintaining your muscles as you age Signs that indicate you may be under-fueling Strategies to support your health and performance in middle age 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  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Discount Offer Kion Aminos - Use promo code CYNTHIA to get 20% off! (Cynthia’s favorites are the capsules) Research Links  Impact of Protein Intake during Weight Loss on Preservation of Fat-Free Mass, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Physical Function in Overweight Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Resistance Training Preserves Fat-free Mass Without Impacting Changes in Protein Metabolism After Weight Loss in Older Women

    16 min
  2. Ep. 562 “It’s Not a Willpower Problem” – Why Women’s Bodies Resist Weight Loss in Midlife with Ashley Koff, RD

    2D AGO

    Ep. 562 “It’s Not a Willpower Problem” – Why Women’s Bodies Resist Weight Loss in Midlife with Ashley Koff, RD

    Today, I had the honor of connecting with Ashley Koff. She is a leading voice in personalized nutrition and the founder of the Better Nutrition Program. With over 25 years of experience and the groundbreaking GLP-1 Optimization System to her name, she’s helped redefine how we approach sustainable weight health. In our conversation, we dive into how her book reframes the concept of healthy weight. We explore integrative perspectives on digestive health and GLP-1s, why many women blame themselves when they struggle to lose weight, and how Ashley’s framework helps them remove that self-blame. We also discuss issues surrounding info-besity and the “less is more” approach, natural ways to support appetite regulation and satiety signaling, key areas of digestive health, and the importance of detoxification. Ashley also shares the red flags she sees in women who are undernourishing themselves or over-fasting, things to consider when you want to stop taking GLP-1s, and her opinions on new drug therapies. Join us for today’s thought-provoking and insightful conversation around metabolic health and weight-loss resistance for women in middle age, perimenopause, and menopause. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The interconnection that exists between digestion, hormones, and metabolic signaling How the hormonal fluctuation that occurs in perimenopause disrupts women's digestion What drives satiety?  How GLP-1 medications simply amplify, extend, or mimic an existing communication loop within the body rather than creating new pathways Why do women blame themselves when they cannot lose weight? How info-besity blocks the body from doing what it is naturally designed to do  Why detoxification is essential for supporting natural digestive and metabolic processes The red flags that indicate undernourishment or over-fasting in women What you need to think about before stopping GLP-1s Bio: Ashley Koff, RD, is the USA Today bestselling author of⁠ Your Best Shot⁠ (HarperOne) and founder of⁠ The Better Nutrition Program⁠ (BNP). An acclaimed weight-health expert and practitioner for more than 25 years, Koff is leading a transformative movement in personalized nutrition, turning “better, not perfect” choices into practical, sustainable strategies that deliver real outcomes. Your Best Shot introduces weight-health hormones (GLP-1, GIP, CCK, PYY) as the regulators of weight health, offering the first-ever assessment of their function and a personalized optimization system—shot or not. A trusted expert featured across major media and a sought-after educator for health professionals, Ashley has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers and featured in InStyle as “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian.” 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  Cynthia’s⁠ Menopause Gut Book⁠ is on presale now! Cynthia’s⁠ Intermittent Fasting Transformation⁠ Book ⁠The Midlife Pause Supplement Line⁠ Connect with Ashley Koff ⁠The Better Nutrition Program⁠  On ⁠Instagram⁠ and⁠ Substack⁠ On other social media: @Ashley Koff

    1h 2m
  3. BONUS: Breaking Down Perimenopause, Menopause and Women's Health with Marcelle Pick

    4D AGO

    BONUS: Breaking Down Perimenopause, Menopause and Women's Health with Marcelle Pick

    Today, I am honored to connect with a friend and fellow nurse practitioner, Marcelle Pick! Marcelle is passionate about transforming how women experience healthcare through an integrative approach. She has successfully treated thousands of women through her unique approach to wellness. Marcelle is currently a faculty member of The Institute of Functional Medicine and has served as a Medical Advisor to Healthy Living Magazine. She has written countless articles and multiple books, including Is It Me or My Hormones? I always think of Marcelle as a pioneer in the women’s health/nurse practitioner space. In this episode, we dive into her background and the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative. We discuss the limitations of the traditional allopathic model regarding hormones, common misconceptions about adrenal health, perimenopause, and menopause, adverse childhood events and adrenal health, how lifestyle affects our sex hormones, fibroids, endometriosis, PMS, PMDD, and contraception for perimenopause. We speak about endocrine disruptors, mold, and micro toxins. We also get into ways to think about hormone replacement therapy and ways to address intimacy and low libido. I love connecting with other nurses and nurse practitioners! I hope you will love today’s conversation with Marcelle as much as I did! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Marcelle was part of the first all-women practice in the country. How the Women’s Health Initiative has impacted health care for women. The limitations of the traditional allopathic model are particularly in terms of perimenopause, menopause, and hormones. The less-common labs Marcelle likes to look at for her patients Marcelle shares her approach to unraveling the symptoms of perimenopause. Some unique ways in which Marcelle deals with problems like fibroids and endometriosis. How childhood trauma could lead to adrenal and autoimmune issues, weight-loss resistance, and various other health problems. Many of the things Marcelle recommended for treating PMS and PMDD back in the day (1985) have now become the standard of care. Contraceptive options for women in perimenopause. The impact of stress on adrenal function during perimenopause and menopause. Marcelle dives into liver health and detoxification, chemicals and other factors that could impact our health, and changes we can make to avoid problems and feel better. What Marcelle does to help women with low libido. 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)  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Marcelle Pick On her ⁠website⁠    ⁠Facebook ⁠Instagram⁠ All of Marcelle’s books are available on ⁠Amazon

    59 min
  4. Ep. 561 Why Eating Less Isn’t Working – The Real Root Causes of Obesity & Metabolic Disease with Dr. Jason Fung | Menopause & Metabolic Health

    6D AGO

    Ep. 561 Why Eating Less Isn’t Working – The Real Root Causes of Obesity & Metabolic Disease with Dr. Jason Fung | Menopause & Metabolic Health

    I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Jason Fung today. He is a trained nephrologist and world-leading expert on intermittent fasting and metabolic health. He has authored multiple books, including the New York Times best-seller, The Obesity Code, The Diabetes Code, and, more recently, The Hunger Code.   In our conversation today, we unpack the obsessive focus on the calories-in, calories-out model, which is neither practical nor effective. We explore the root causes behind the narrow-minded thinking that calories alone drive obesity, differences between types of hunger and conditioned responses, how hormones affect other hormones, and lessons about GLP-1s. We examine the critical importance of fiber and protein, and offer clarity around carbohydrates. We also cover the impact of meal timing, sleep, and circadian biology, the fat thermostat and sympathetic tone, nutrition, stress, and mindful eating, and dive into the issue of ultra-processed foods. Join us for an insightful conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a nuanced and sustainable approach to understanding hunger, metabolism, and long-term health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: “Calories in, calories out” framework is technically correct, but practically useless How the homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned hunger types differ Dr. Fung shares his take on GLP-1 medications How fiber stimulates natural GLP-1 production Processed and natural carbohydrates produce vastly different glucose and insulin responses. Avoid eating late-night meals! Complex relationship between hunger, hormonal regulation, and sleep quality Hormones that drive body fat regulation  How bitter foods suppress appetite and enhance satiety 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  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Jason Fung On his website Instagram and YouTube Dr. Fung’s latest book, The Hunger Code, will come out in March. Pre-order on Amazon!

    1h 6m
  5. Ep. 560 “These Are the Hormones I Don’t Skip” — How I Structure HRT for Brain, Bone & Heart Health

    FEB 26

    Ep. 560 “These Are the Hormones I Don’t Skip” — How I Structure HRT for Brain, Bone & Heart Health

    Most of the questions I’ve been asked lately have been about my current hormone replacement regimen. So I have dedicated this episode to unpacking what I use transdermally, orally, and topically for hormone replacement therapy. As you might expect, my approach includes the basics, along with a few additional strategies. I also share a topical option for facial skin that Dr. Felice Gersh recently recommended. Stay tuned to find out what I do for hormone replacement therapy. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What you need to optimize first, before even considering adding any additional items Why I might need to increase the dosage of my Dotti transdermal estrogen patch Why I consider estradiol the most potent estrogen our bodies make before menopause Factors that influenced my decision to prioritize estradiol therapy The role of testosterone, beyond libido Why I use progesterone The value of intra-vaginal products Why I use a compounded intra-vaginal product  What copper peptides, estriol, DMAE, and hyaluronic acid may do for aging skin 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  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Research Links Efficacy of Transdermal Estradiol and Micronized Progesterone in the Prevention of Depressive Symptoms in the Menopause Transition: A Randomized Clinical Trial Hormone Replacement Therapy Effects of Ultra–Low-Dose Transdermal Estradiol on Cognition and Health-Related Quality of Life   Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data Treatment of skin aging with topical estrogens SCF-induced airway hyperreactivity is dependent on leukotriene production The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology The Missing lnc(RNA) between the pancreatic β-cell and diabetes

    19 min
  6. Ep. 559 Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself: Women's Health in Midlife with Dr. Sonya Jensen | Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormones

    FEB 25

    Ep. 559 Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself: Women's Health in Midlife with Dr. Sonya Jensen | Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormones

    Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Sonya Jensen, a naturopathic physician on a mission to transform how women understand themselves and their bodies. She believes women are central to their families and communities, and by supporting women, we create a ripple effect that supports the whole. In our conversation, we explore the sense of selfishness many women feel when advocating for their needs, and why choosing ourselves, especially in midlife, is essential. We discuss science-versus-soul transformations, gestational silence and trauma, and the physiological effects shaping this generation and those to come. We also unpack how stress impacts the immune system and autoimmunity, why stress reduction techniques are the key to vagus nerve activation, the link between mental health and hormones, womb-wisdom and generational influences, how grief and sadness can influence us profoundly, and the value of trusting our intuition and embracing the gifts of aging. I know you will enjoy this discussion with Sonya Jensen. She shares a gentle, loving, and kind message for women- one that is well worth reflecting upon. Be sure to keep an eye out for her upcoming book, Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself, scheduled for release in early 2026, where she connects hormonal chaos, emotional overload, and relationship pain through her integrative method. After the recording, Dr. Jensen noted a clarification: there were 50 famines in total during British rule in India, not 50 famines in a single year. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How awareness practices can help you become more physically regulated when things feel overwhelming Why friable emotions are not due to personal failure or a faulty mindset How to reconnect with your body The benefit of body-based practices for supporting nervous system regulation    What is womb wisdom? How womb wisdom influences the way we show up in the world Some of the biggest obstacles to women’s healing Why so many women struggle to trust themselves Why loneliness can surface as women age, and ways to counter it   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  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Sonya Jensen On her book website: Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself Instagram

    1h 31m
  7. BONUS: Stop The Cellular Wildfire! – The Most Powerful Protocol To Lower Inflammation & Oxidized LDL with Dave Watumull | Menopause & Metabolic Health

    FEB 23

    BONUS: Stop The Cellular Wildfire! – The Most Powerful Protocol To Lower Inflammation & Oxidized LDL with Dave Watumull | Menopause & Metabolic Health

    Today, I have the honor of connecting with Dave Watumull, the Co-founder and CEO of AX3 Life, a consumer health company dedicated to astraxanthin products, education, and community. Dave is on a mission to introduce the world to astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a marine-derived super-nutrient that supports whole-body health and longevity, a pursuit that has inspired Dave for over 25 years of research, development, and commercialization. In our discussion, Dave explains what astraxanthin is, its functions, and its key properties. We explore specific studies where astraxanthin has been particularly beneficial for lipids, particularly oxidized LDL. We discuss the impact of nutrition and examine the results of astraxanthin research on sarcopenia, cognition, and joints, liver, skin, and eye health. We also cover the dose-dependent effects of astraxanthin, and Dave answers a series of rapid-fire questions. Astaxanthin is truly a supplement worth considering. I’ll be taking it to see if it helps reduce my Lp(a). My husband and one of my children also have high Lp(a), so we will all try it as a family experiment, and I will share the results. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Astaxanthin’s origins and mechanisms The ideal dosing range for starting astaxanthin, and how the benefits appear even at lower doses What a dose-dependent effect actually means The importance of fundamentals like consistent sleep, a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, and daily physical activity How astaxanthin forms a protective antioxidant network The value of astaxanthin for supporting brain and ocular health How astaxanthin reduces inflammation without suppressing immunity The importance of taking astaxanthin with a meal to maximize absorption Why AX3 Astaxanthin surpasses other astaxanthin supplements If you are interested in checking out this supplement, they offered my community 20% off with code Cynthia20 ⁠ https://ax3.life/products/ax3-60-ct-premium-astaxanthin⁠ 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  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dave Watumull AX3 Life AX3 Life on Instagram

    1h 7m
  8. Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe

    FEB 21

    Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe

    Today, I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Yael Joffe, a leading expert in nutrigenomics who speaks internationally at conferences on translating the science of genetics into clinical practice. She holds a PhD in nutrigenomics from the University of Cape Town, where her research focused on the genetics of obesity. I met Yael earlier this fall and decided to invite her on the podcast to explore the growing field of lifestyle genetics. In our conversation today, we dive into the effects of nutrigenomics, nutrition genetics, and SNPs, which she refers to as spelling changes in our DNA. We cover genetic testing in the industry, red flags, DNA health, and her polygenic approach to weight loss resistance. We also discuss both perimenopause and menopause from the perspective of genetics and epigenetics, and the role of insulin signalling and glucose. Yael’s insights are deeply informative. Her pioneering work on 36 metabolic pathways and her ability to make complex genetic information accessible and actionable make this a truly invaluable conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Women and gaining weight after starting HRT Neurotransmitters and what they reveal about mood, anxiety, and addiction tendencies Why do certain people break down dopamine and serotonin either too fast or too slowly? How touch and genuine connection can switch on feel-good genes Sunlight, weather, and environment affect genetic expression. What acupuncture and infrared therapies do at the gene level Why hormones are only part of the picture when addressing midlife weight gain How glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity shift through menopause Dr. Joffe’s polygenic testing model connects multiple pathways rather than single genes How Yael’s approach to genetic testing differs from that of others in the field Bio: YAEL JOFFE, PhD  Yael is globally recognized as a leading expert in nutrigenomics. In 2000, she was part of the team that built the first lifestyle genetics test, and since then has been responsible for creating many others. She is the author of four books: The Power of Genetics, It’s Not Just Your Genes, Genes to Plate, and SNP Journal. Yael has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, hosts the Power of Genetics podcast, and is a highly regarded speaker in genetics. Yael built the first online nutrigenomics platform for clinician education and has developed and supervised genomics courses around the world. She has trained thousands of healthcare practitioners globally, also teaching at Rutgers University and the Maryland University of Integrative Health. In 2018, Yael founded 3X4 Genetics and now serves as its Chief Science Officer.    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)  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Yael Joffe 3X4 Genetics Instagram Facebook

    55 min
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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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