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

Ep. 564 "The 40% Battery!” – The Shocking Truth About Mitochondrial Loss & How To Reclaim Your Energy with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth | Menopause & Cellular Health

Mar 7, 2026

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, a double-board-certified physiatrist and anti-aging physician with 30+ years in regenerative medicine. She explains how mitochondrial loss drives midlife energy decline. Short segments cover why exercise sometimes fails, fuels and supplements that support mitochondria, key lab clues of mitochondrial dysfunction, peptide strategies, and the benefits of seasonal cycling for sustainable energy.

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ADVICE

Dose Alpha-Ketoglutarate At 2–3 Grams For Effect

Use higher therapeutic doses of alpha-ketoglutarate for energy and epigenetic support.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth advises 2–3 grams daily rather than typical 500 mg bottles to impact methylation and mitochondrial energy.

ADVICE

Take Urolithin A To Stimulate Mitophagy

Supplement urolithin A to clear damaged mitochondria and enable mitophagy.
Yurth: urolithin A (from pomegranate/walnuts) promotes mitophagy and muscle benefits; therapeutic studies used ~1 g rather than 500 mg.

ADVICE

Use 20 mg Spermidine For Autophagy

Use spermidine at higher therapeutic doses to trigger autophagy.
Recent data indicates ~20 mg (not 2–6 mg) is likely needed for meaningful mitochondrial/autophagy effects, so choose formulations accordingly.

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Today, I’m delighted to reconnect with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth. Dr. Yurth is a double-board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation and anti-aging regenerative medicine. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she is at the forefront of orthopedics, cellular and regenerative medicine, and the future of aging.

In our discussion today, we explore mitochondrial health as the driver of energy changes in middle age and beyond. We discuss the value of hormone replacement, examine the effects of chronic pain and mitochondrial dysfunction, and discuss specific fuels that benefit the mitochondria. We clarify the importance of starting with energy production and repairing mitochondria, and explain the intricate connection between muscle and mitochondrial health. Dr. Yurth also shares the two specific labs that indicate poor mitochondrial health, and we dive into how peptides support immunity and seasonal cycling.

I know you will gain from today’s conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, which is truly one of my favorite recent conversations.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How immunosenescence accelerates aging- particularly in women
How thymic peptides can support and repair immune functioning
Why mitochondria are foundational to our overall health
How mitochondrial decline can increase insomnia and anxiety
The value of seasonal cycling for aligning with natural seasonal changes, optimizing adaptation, and reducing unnecessary stress
The benefits of longitudinal tracking
How orthorexia and excessive focus on longevity routines can increase anxiety and undermine any health benefits
How aging naturally decreases hormones, mitochondrial function, and cellular repair mechanisms
Using peptides as a “cheat” to maintain immune and mitochondrial function when daily routines or travel make ideal practices impossible

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Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth