On Health with Houston Methodist Houston Methodist

"The Change." "Ovarian Retirement." "Private Summer." "Reverse Puberty." "Second Spring." There are many ways society describes perimenopause and menopause, both positive and negative. But while we sit down with preteens to give them "The Talk" about how their bodies will change during puberty, there isn't an analog for 35-year-old women facing their next transition. In this episode, we talk with a gynecologist who specializes in menopausal medicine about what that second "Talk" might sound like so women (and the men in their lives) can be more informed about the transition and get proper care and support when they need it.

Expert: Dr. Erin Manning, Gynecologist

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered:
Is menopause really a second puberty?The difference between menopause and perimenopauseThe common and not-so-common symptoms of perimenopauseHow treating menopause symptoms has changed over timeThe controversy around hormone therapy — and why its use is resurgingNon-hormonal medications & lifestyle changes to help manage perimenopausal symptomsAre there long-term health issues associated with not treating perimenopausal symptoms?Is there a link between menopause and dementia?"Doctor, I think I'm in perimenopause" — framing the conversation, advocating for yourselfWhy testing hormone levels isn't an accurate gauge for diagnosing or treating perimenopauseAre the newer telehealth startups, at-home tests, devices and supplements helpful or hype?Why you should have a second "The Talk" with your doctor to not fear menopause

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Fatigued? Libido fading? Muscle wasting away? You’re the perfect candidate for testosterone therapy, at least according to those seductive TV commercials. There’s certainly an ample market, with more than 1 in 3 men older than 45 suffering from a deficiency in the hormone responsible for masculine characteristics. But is low T therapy really a fountain of youth? Who really benefits from it? And is it safe? In this episode, we talk to a urologist about what’s often called the male menopause and when replacement therapy is the appropriate response. 
Expert: Dr. Nathan Starke, Urologist 


Interviewer: Todd Ackerman 


Notable topics covered: 
Does too much testosterone really cause “roid rage?” Is declining testosterone inevitable? What are normal levels? Natural ways to boost your testosterone The symptoms that warrant going in for a blood test  Why testosterone use tripled in the century’s first decade Types of prescription testosterone: injections, gels, patches and, now, pills Have concerns about heart side effects been debunked? The connection between testosterone and prostate cancer Testosterone’s little-known precipitous drop: impending fatherhood The causes of low testosterone The difference between testosterone therapy and performance-enhancing steroids If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There’s no shortage of advice on the internet about how you should approach skin care. Whether it’s celebrity GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, influencers promoting their skin-care companies or Big Beauty targeting you with social media ads, we’re inundated with messaging about how to care for our skin — especially if antiaging is a concern. In this episode, we speak with a medical aesthetician who shares what works and what doesn’t when it comes to all things skin care: antiaging, devices, procedures and more. 

Expert: Annie Christenson, Licensed Medical Aesthetician 

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered: 
The surprising steps of a bare-bones healthy skin-care routine Why skin care is like exercise  Tretinoin vs. over-the-counter retinols: Is one better than the other? You’ve seen the ads — are teledermatology startups a good option? How to know when products work for your skin type What it’s like working with a medical aesthetician The at-home skin-care devices worth buying  How long you should wait to see results from your skin-care routine  Microneedling, dermaplaning and other skin-care treatments  Do collagen supplements work?  The red and green flags for finding a skin-care professional to work with Aging gracefully with little intervention is a valid choice If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Think you don't need to worry about your blood sugar? It's time to reconsider. A shocking 1 in 3 adults over age 20 have prediabetes, an early warning sign that there's too much sugar in the blood. What's more, nearly 80% of people are unaware they have the silent precursor to type 2 diabetes. In this episode, we discuss the factors that put you at greatest risk and the steps to take when it comes to managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes.

Expert: Dr. Archana Sadhu, Endocrinologist

Interviewer: Katie McCallum

Notable topics covered:
What is blood sugar, what is prediabetes and when do you need to worry about it?All about glucose regulation, insulin resistance and how type 2 diabetes developsWhy you should eat fruit rather than drink fruit juiceWhen and how often should we be getting our blood sugar checked?The factors that increase the risk of prediabetes and warrant earlier screeningDr. Sadhu's three keys to maintaining healthy blood sugar levelsWe used to be hunters and gatherers, now we're processed food eatersSimple vs. complex carbs: How each affects blood sugarContinuous glucose monitors: Should someone without diabetes consider wearing one of these devices?Diabetes prevention in a bottle? What you should know about blood sugar supplementsIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

If the phrase "heart-healthy diet" makes you think of poached chicken and steamed vegetables without salt or seasoning, you're not alone. But eating to improve heart health — whether to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels or slow coronary artery disease — doesn't mean signing up for a lifetime of bland food. In this episode, we explore the different ingredients, simple swaps and best cooking methods to help achieve our health goals without sacrificing one of life's great pleasures — enjoying delicious food.

Expert: Amanda Beaver, Registered Dietitian

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered:
Do you need to fear sugar in a heart-healthy diet?The salt shaker isn't your enemy — discover the true culprit for excess sodium intakeTips & tricks to shopping for (and cooking with) ingredients from the grocery store's middle aislesSea salt, iodized, Kosher, Himalayan pink: Is one better than the other?Why you should revisit (or bulk up) your spice drawer or cabinetCan acid make smaller amounts of salt go farther in dishes?MSG, the controversial ingredient that can add savoriness with two-thirds less sodiumHealthier choices when shopping for cooking oilWhy not all fats are bad — and the swaps that can help improve our heart healthIs there a healthier option to white table sugar?Why your mindset should be "what can I add" rather than "what I should take away"Why cooking method matters and why we should use our oven or air fryer moreIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Apologies for the bathroom talk, but we need to discuss a growing (and concerning) digestive trend. A recent study reported that almost half of all Americans are struggling with chronic gastrointestinal issues. It’s also estimated that 1 in 3 of us wouldn’t discuss our symptoms unless our doctor asked us about them first. Yikes. In today’s episode, we cover those bathroom questions you’ve been too hesitant to ask about yourself. 
Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Gastroenterologist 
Interviewer: Katie McCallum 
Notable topics covered: 
The undeniable increase in digestive issues From top to bottom, a list of the GI problems that can affect the body The digestive “red flags” that should never be ignored Other GI symptoms you shouldn’t wait to seek care for The interesting connection between your brain and your gut Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity: How common are they really? Where to begin if you think the problem is your diet Can food allergy and microbiome tests provide answers? The effectiveness of digestive supplements, probiotics, prebiotics and more Signs that antacids, laxatives and other over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.