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

Everyday Wellness™

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. 3h ago

    Ep. 658 Cortisol, Trauma, and the HPA Axis | Cortisol, Cortisol Testing, HPA Axis

    Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. In today’s episode, I answer listeners' questions about cortisol testing, trauma, and the HPA axis. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How generalized stress-related dysregulation differs from clinical conditions involving cortisol excess or deficiency Why cortisol testing should be anchored to a person's actual sleep schedule rather than the clock Why a single random cortisol blood draw means almost nothing when assessing HPA axis function How cortisol can shift from an elevated response to a lower, blunted response as stress and trauma persist Why a low or flat cortisol curve in someone with trauma or PTSD does not automatically mean adrenal insufficiency How chronic stress can disrupt the negative feedback loop that keeps cortisol regulated The adaptogen with the strongest evidence for lowering morning cortisol How chronic psychological stress is associated with measurably lower ovarian reserve Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Cynthia’s website. Check out the Everyday Podcast on Instagram! www.instagram.com/everydaywellnesspodcast Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

    Ep. 658 Cortisol, Trauma, and the HPA Axis | Cortisol, Cortisol Testing, HPA Axis
  2. 1d ago

    Ep. 657 Burnout, Hormones, and the HPA Axis with Dr. Tanya Beaubrun | Hormones, Burnout, HPA Axis

    Today, I’m excited to connect with Dr. Tanya Beaubrun, a family medicine physician specializing in functional integrative medicine, and a certified wellness and transformational coach. Dr. Beaubrun is also a motivational speaker and the author of Held and Healed. In our conversation, we discuss burnout and hormones, exploring how many women treat being busy as a badge of honor, and why it's important to reframe midlife and beyond. We unpack how the HPA axis regulates the body’s stress response, and look at metabolic health, the importance of advocacy, and the markers Dr. Beaubrun uses to manage her patients’ metabolic health. We also cover nutrition, Doctor TikTok, reframing menopause as power, and how this empowering time in women’s lives can help them come to terms with aging and longevity, and allow the younger generations to see what is possible. Stay tuned for today’s delightfully personal and highly informative conversation with Dr. Tanya Beaubrun. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why burnout can often go unrecognized in high-functioning women Dr. Beaubrun explains how she assesses metabolic health and the testing she uses How hormonal decline in midlife can affect the way women experience stress What the HPA axis is designed to do in the body How women need to be listened to by their clinicians without judgment  The metabolic and cardiovascular changes that women experience in midlife How Dr. Beaubrun helps women to focus on protein and nutrient density when they are busy Why healthy eating does not mean you have to avoid all the foods you love How healthcare providers can move from a paternalistic approach to a collaborative relationship with patients Reframing menopause as a powerful stage of life Bio: Dr. Tanya Beaubrun is a Functional and Integrative Medicine physician, wellness educator, speaker and author of Held and Healed. After more than 30 years in medicine—and following her own journey through burnout and recovery—she now helps women reconnect with their health by addressing the root causes of stress, hormonal imbalance and metabolic dysfunction.  Through her signature More Joy Method®, Dr. Tanya combines evidence-based medicine with compassionate whole-person care, empowering women to realize they are not broken—they simply need the right support to heal, thrive and rediscover joy. 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.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Tanya Beaubrun On her website Instagram Dr. Beaubrun’s new book, Held and Healed

    Ep. 657 Burnout, Hormones, and the HPA Axis with Dr. Tanya Beaubrun | Hormones, Burnout, HPA Axis
  3. 3d ago

    BONUS: Navigating Female Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep and More with Dr. Stephanie Estima | Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep

    I am thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Dr. Stephanie Estima back to the show today to join me in facilitating many questions from listeners. She was with me last on Episode 272, and before that, on Episode 123. Dr. Estima’s perspective aligns very closely with mine within the health and wellness space. She is an exceptionally knowledgeable and well-informed clinician specializing in female metabolism and body composition. She authored the invaluable resource known as the Betty Body and hosts The Better! podcast, where I have had the privilege of being her guest.   Today, we answer questions from both our communities, covering topics ranging from managing hormones during breastfeeding while coping with insufficient sleep to issues concerning preconception and methods for cycle tracking. We dive into the best contraceptives for younger women, strategies for supporting detoxification, addressing fibrocystic breasts, navigating autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia, and determining the intensity of workout routines. There were also many questions about weight training, preferred pre-workouts, favorite supplements tailored for perimenopause and menopause, hormesis, and much more.  Dr. Estima's insights are as enlightening as ever, making today’s conversation a must-listen for anyone on a journey toward optimal well-being. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How breastfeeding can delay menstrual cycles without causing infertility Dr. Stephanie discusses fertility and the importance of evaluating both male and female factors Contraceptive options for younger women The importance of understanding the side effects and implications of long-term oral contraceptives The benefits of green leafy vegetables for fibrocystic breasts Supplements for breast health  The potential drawbacks of mammograms Perimenopause and autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia How trauma contributes to the dysregulation of the immune system and autoimmune conditions Supplements for middle-aged women How cold plunges and saunas benefit physical and mental well-being Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s website. Check out the Everyday Podcast on Instagram! www.instagram.com/everydaywellnesspodcast Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima On ⁠Instagram⁠  On her weekly podcast, ⁠Better! With Dr. Stephanie⁠, where she explores the human potential, hormones, metabolism, and a life well-lived. Get a copy of Dr. Stephanie Estima’s #1 bestselling book, ⁠The Betty Body:⁠ A Geeky Goddess’ Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative Sex Previous Episodes featuring Dr. Stephanie ⁠Ep. 123 – Menstruation, Muscle, Maternity, & Metabolism: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima⁠ ⁠Ep. 272 Understanding Women’s Health: Answering Your FAQs⁠ featuring Dr. Stephanie Estima

    BONUS: Navigating Female Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep and More with Dr. Stephanie Estima | Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep
  4. 5d ago

    Ep. 656 Brain Health, Metabolism, and Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. David Perlmutter | Brain Health, Metabolism, Alzheimer's Risk

    I am thrilled to welcome board-certified neurologist and six-time New York Times best-selling author Dr. David Perlmutter back to the Everyday Wellness Podcast for the third time. He is a fellow of the American Nutrition Association and serves on the board of directors. His most recent book is Brain Defenders. In this conversation, we discuss microglia, the brain’s immune cells, and explore their role in immune regulation, metabolism, and immunometabolism. We also examine why brain health prevention needs to start decades earlier, environmental threats, emerging therapies, lifestyle influences, especially alcohol consumption, and current brain-health research. Stay tuned for another invaluable conversation with Dr. David Perlmutter. I loved his latest book, which clarifies the role of immunometabolism — especially in midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How microglia support the neurons and nurture synaptic connections Why microglia can shift from being supportive to becoming destructive Dr. Perlmutter explains what immunometabolism means How metabolic issues can affect brain health decades before any cognitive symptoms appear Why Dr. Perlmutter considers exercise “brain medicine” The value of aerobics and resistance training for supporting brain health How chronic stress and environmental threats can affect brain health Dr. Perlmutter shares practical ways to reduce environmental threats to brain health The link between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’s risk What emerging research shows about GLP-1s and neurodegenerative diseases Bio: About Dr. Perlmutter: Dr. David Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and seven-time New York Times bestselling author whose work focuses on the intersection of neurology, nutrition, and brain health. A Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, he serves on its Board of Directors and on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. His books, including the #1 bestseller Grain Brain, have been published in 32 languages and sold over a million copies. Dr. Perlmutter lectures globally at leading institutions and has been featured on major media outlets including 20/20, CNN, The Today Show, and Oprah. His contributions have earned him numerous national and international awards for clinical innovation and leadership. His upcoming book,⁠ Brain Defenders⁠, focuses on the pivotal role of microglia, the brain’s immune cells, in protecting, repairing, and reprogramming the brain for lifelong resilience, and is available now. ABOUT THE BOOK: Brain Defenders New York Times bestseller⁠ Brain Defenders⁠ reveals the powerful story of your brain's immune guardians (microglia) and how lifestyle choices can turn them into either fierce protectors or hidden saboteurs. The book directly challenges the notion that we now have meaningful treatments for diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Despite FDA approval for drugs that reduce beta-amyloid, the book reveals that these drugs are not impactful and are actually profoundly dangerous. Packed with cutting-edge science and practical steps, Brain Defenders helps readers take charge of their long-term brain health and unlock lasting cognitive vitality. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Cynthia’s⁠ website⁠. Check out the Everyday Podcast on Instagram!⁠ www.instagram.com/everydaywellnesspodcast⁠ Follow on⁠ X⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠ &⁠ LinkedIn⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community:⁠ The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow⁠.  Purchase Cynthia’s book,⁠ The Menopause Gut⁠. Cynthia’s⁠ Intermittent Fasting Transformation⁠ Book ⁠The Midlife Pause Supplement Line⁠ Connect with Dr. David Perlmutter ⁠Brain Defenders⁠ Book On his⁠ website⁠

    Ep. 656 Brain Health, Metabolism, and Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. David Perlmutter | Brain Health, Metabolism, Alzheimer's Risk
  5. Oct 15

    Ep. 655 Hormonal Acne, Melasma, and Botox Safety | Women's Health, Hormones, Acne

    Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute. Today I’m answering listeners’ questions related to acne, melasma, and neurotoxins.  Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why acne is usually hormonal even when blood work looks normal The mechanism that lies behind the connection between sugar, dairy, and acne  The circumstances where blood testing is warranted for acne How women can have acne and completely normal-looking labs and regular cycles, and still have PMOS-level hormone activity occurring The value of screening for PMOS rather than just treating the skin How melasma differs from acne Two factors that cause melasma when both are present  Can Botox trigger autoimmune disease or cause autoimmune flares? How to reduce the risk of problems when using Botox 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.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Reference List: Acne, Melasma, and Neurotoxins  Acne References A1. Elhassan YS, Hawley JM, Cussen L, et al. Society for Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation of Androgen Excess in Women. Clinical Endocrinology. 2025. A2. Bienenfeld A, Azarchi S, Lo Sicco K, et al. Androgens in Women: Androgen-Mediated Skin Disease and Patient Evaluation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2019. A3. Briganti S, Flori E, Mastrofrancesco A, Ottaviani M. Acne as an altered dermato-endocrine response problem. Experimental Dermatology. 2020. A4. Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024. A5. Moradi Tuchayi S, Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, et al. Acne vulgaris. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2015. (Sentinel reference for acne pathophysiology) A6. Liu YT, Wang YW, Tu C, et al. Recommendations for managing adult acne and adolescent acne based on an epidemiological study conducted in China. Scientific Reports. 2024. A7. Xia J, Ding L, Liu G. Metabolic syndrome and dermatological diseases: association and treatment. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2025. A8. Cussen L, McDonnell T, Bennett G, et al. Approach to androgen excess in women: Clinical and biochemical insights. Clinical Endocrinology. 2022. A9. Melnik BC, Schmitz G. Role of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, hyperglycaemic food and milk consumption in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Experimental Dermatology. 2009. A10. Chang J, Nock MR, Cohen JM, Bunick CG. Acne accounts for an almost 2.5-fold higher proportion of dermatology visits among adult females compared to adult males in the United States. PLoS One. 2022. A11. Rao Y, Lei Z, Chen S, et al. Differential plasma proteome analysis reveals key proteins associated with insulin resistance in acne vulgaris patients. Scientific Reports. 2025. A12. Roster K, Fleshner L, Karatas TB, et al. Menopause and Common Dermatoses: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2026. (Shared reference, also cited in melasma section) A13. Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of Acne Vulgaris. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2021. A14. Costa CS, Bagatin E, Yang Z, et al. Systemic pharmacological treatments for acne: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021. A15. Hebert A, Thiboutot D, Stein Gold L, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Topical Clascoterone Cream, 1%, for Treatment in Patients With Facial Acne: Two Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Dermatology. 2020. A16. Zaenglein AL. Acne Vulgaris. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2018. A17. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2023. A18. Yesiladali M, Unluhizarci K, Attar E, Kelestimur F. Where are we in the diagnosis and treatment of hirsutism? A narrative review. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders. 2026. A19. Committee on Practice Bulletins, Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 194: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2018. A20. Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2018. (See full list of references at https: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/.

    Ep. 655 Hormonal Acne, Melasma, and Botox Safety | Women's Health, Hormones, Acne
  6. Oct 14

    Ep. 654 Daily Ayurvedic Self-Care with Dr. Shivani Gupta

    Today, I’m delighted to continue my conversation with Dr. Shivani Gupta about curcumin's science and its impact on mitochondrial and brain health. Dr. Gupta is the founder and CEO of Fusionary Formulas and the author of The Inflammation Code. She holds a master's degree and a PhD in Vedic sciences, and her dissertation focused on turmeric's role in inflammation, joint health, and cardiovascular health. In this conversation, we explore Ayurvedic medicine and daily rituals, body types and the five elements, and how they shape how we navigate our lives. We also spend significant time discussing how to find balance in midlife and the rituals Dr. Gupta has found particularly impactful for midlife women. This is another truly invaluable conversation with Dr. Shivani Gupta — one you will most likely want to revisit more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How much turmeric or curcumin you need to take daily to buffer inflammation  How curcumin supports the creation of new mitochondria as we age Dr. Gupta explains how Ayurveda uses the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha body types to understand individual differences How trauma or a major change can shift your Ayurvedic constitution The shift toward Vata many women tend to experience during the perimenopause to menopause transition, and how that may show up How to strengthen weak digestive fire  Dr. Gupta describes an Ayurvedic morning routine The value of using dry brushing as a simple daily ritual to support circulation and lymphatic flow The benefits of using abhyang massage as an Ayurvedic self-care ritual during menopause How stress and dysregulation affect the vagus nerve Bio: Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and founder of Fusionary Formulas. She holds a Master's degree in Ayurvedic Sciences and completed her PhD dissertation on turmeric, making her one of the world's foremost experts on its pharmacology and clinical application. She is the author of The Inflammation Code, published by Hay House, bridging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern inflammation science. Dr. Gupta is known for making complex science accessible without dumbing it down — her work speaks equally to the everyday health-conscious woman and to clinicians who want to go deeper. ***Use the code CYNTHIA for 15% off at FusionaryFormulas.com. 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.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Shivani Gupta On her website Use the code CYNTHIA for 15% off at FusionaryFormulas.com Instagram YouTube Facebook Pinterest Fusionary Formulas  The Inflammation Code (Book Website) The Inflammation Code Podcast

    Ep. 654 Daily Ayurvedic Self-Care with Dr. Shivani Gupta
  7. Oct 12

    BONUS: Medical Debt and Health Insurance with Andy Schoonover | Medical Insurance, Insurance Alternatives, CrowdHealth

    Today’s podcast episode is brought to you by CrowdHealth. I’m delighted to sit down with Andy Schoonover, co-founder and CEO of CrowdHealth, today. CrowdHealth is a community-powered alternative to health insurance, offering a revolutionary way to pay healthcare bills through crowdfunding. Previously, Andy was CEO of VRI, a healthcare technology company that focused on monitoring patients with chronic conditions out of their homes. He is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Andy and I discuss the scale of medical debt in the United States, including claim denials and at-risk vulnerable populations. We examine the impact of hospital takeovers and the medical system, looking at how insurance companies and hospitals, which are actually oligopolies, drive price increases that directly affect our insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. We discuss how hospitals influence private practice, and how this is actually a microcosm of much larger challenges. Andy also shares his origin story, explains how clinicians need to encourage patients to take care of their health in their 20s and 30s to avoid developing chronic diseases, and clarifies how CrowdHealth works, who it’s for, and how it is a growing response to our broken medical system. This conversation is particularly important due to the poor understanding of how health insurance works in the United States, while medical debt is becoming a huge issue for millions of Americans today. It may even get you thinking about your own medical insurance and how much coverage you actually receive. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why CrowdHealth encourages members to know their metabolic markers The importance of taking autonomy over your own healthcare How CrowdHealth works as an alternative to the traditional medical-model insurance system How CrowdHealth members can decide who they contribute toward What screening looks like within the CrowdHealth community Andy describes CrowdHealth’s Exit Diabetes program How CrowdHealth’s health coaches and care advocates support members How CrowdHealth is bringing the care back to healthcare Bio:  Andy Schoonover is the founder and CEO of CrowdHealth, a healthcare freedom company built to help Americans escape the broken health insurance system. After spending years watching families get crushed by skyrocketing premiums, confusing policies, and surprise medical bills, Andy launched CrowdHealth to create a simpler, more human alternative to traditional insurance. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Check out Cynthia’s website. Check out the Everyday Podcast on Instagram! www.instagram.com/everydaywellnesspodcast Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Andy Schoonover Join CrowdHealth CrowdHealth on Instagram and X CrowdHealth on all Social Media: @JoinCrowdHealth

    BONUS: Medical Debt and Health Insurance with Andy Schoonover | Medical Insurance, Insurance Alternatives, CrowdHealth
  8. Oct 10

    Ep. 653 Estrogen, Progesterone, and Gut Health with Dr. Kumkum Patel | Gut Health, Constipation, Estrogen, Progesterone

    Today, I’m honored to speak with Dr. Kumkum Patel, a double board-certified gastroenterologist and neurogastroenterologist who specializes in the gut-brain-pelvic floor connection. In our conversation, we talk about IBS and stress in midlife, exploring the impact of the enteric nervous system, key risk factors for colorectal cancer, and how stress affects women differently in perimenopause and menopause. We discuss the influence of proton pump inhibitors, bile acid diarrhea after gallbladder removal, how women’s microbiome changes through the menopausal transition, and clues that indicate the estrobulome is optimized. Dr. Patel explains visceral hypersensitivity, the influence of motility, pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, and why constipation should not be normalized. She also explains how she addresses tears, hemorrhoids, and fissures; what to do when standard approaches stop working; nutritional interventions; and how she uses microbiome testing. Stay tuned for today’s insightful conversation with Dr. Kumkum Patel about IBS, the gut-brain axis, and the menopausal transition. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How stress affects the gut-brain axis The red flags that help Dr. Patel distinguish IBS from colorectal cancer or other conditions, and why midlife bowel changes should be evaluated How long-term PPI use can create additional problems, and how automatic refills contribute to prolonged use How bile acid diarrhea can occur after gallbladder removal, and other causes that may explain persistent diarrhea Symptoms that could indicate that a woman’s gut microbiome and estrobolome may not be functioning optimally How gastrointestinal and pelvic symptoms change during the menstrual cycle as women approach menopause How pelvic-floor dysfunction contributes to constipation Lifestyle changes that can help manage hemorrhoids and fissures and reduce further irritation How people who can eat most foods can improve their diet before adding supplements Where microbiome testing fits into Dr. Patel’s practice and why she uses it cautiously Bio: Dr. Kumkum Sarkar Patel is a double-board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in Orange County, California. She specializes in irritable bowel syndrome, swallowing disorders, pelvic floor disorders, and women's GI health. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with honors, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned a Master's degree in Public Health from Dartmouth Medical School at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, and her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at NYU Winthrop Hospital and then did a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Patel completed specialized training in GI motility disorders at Washington University in St. Louis through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.  Dr. Patel moved to Southern California with her husband and two young sons in July 2020. Dr. Patel currently serves as a healthcare consultant and speaker for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. She also serves on the American College of Gastroenterology's Women in GI Committee to promote advancement for women in GI. Additionally, she is a passionate motivational speaker who has spoken nationally about women's health, work-life balance, postpartum depression, and gut health related to stress and mental health. In September 2022, Dr. Patel hosted the Equity and Levity Summit in Orange County, California, the first-of-its-kind women's empowerment conference. She was named the 2023 Healthcare Innovator of the Year by the Irvine Chamber of Commerce and named a 40 Under 40 Top Leader in Irvine in 2024. She has been featured on KTLA5 News, CBS8, NBC California Live, as well as in print in Good Housekeeping, Popsugar Wellness, Authority magazine, and VoyageLA magazine for her expertise in gut health, IBS, and lifestyle tips. In 2024, Dr. Patel opened her own concierge solo private gastroenterology and wellness practice with 3 offices in Orange County and telehealth available nationwide. She aims to help each patient take charge of their gut and overall health through an integrative mind-body approach. She works closely with pelvic floor physical therapists, dietitians, surgeons, and other practitioners to provide comprehensive GI care. 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.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Kumkum Patel On her website Instagram

    Ep. 653 Estrogen, Progesterone, and Gut Health with Dr. Kumkum Patel | Gut Health, Constipation, Estrogen, Progesterone
4.7
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1,227 Ratings

About

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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