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

Today, I am excited to share the first class in a series of lipid masterclasses with the amazing Dr. Thomas Dayspring! Dr. Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical epidemiology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He was previously the Educational Director of a nonprofit organization and has served as the Chief Academic Advisor for two major cardiovascular labs.  Given the in-depth nature of my discussions with Dr. Dayspring over several sessions, each lasting nearly six hours, it seemed logical to present these masterclasses in segments to make them easier to understand. In our first class today, we dive into the fundamentals, exploring what lipids are and how lipids and fatty acids are classified. We cover the physiology and transport of cholesterol and the roles of apoptosis, apo-proteins, and apo-lipoproteins; we unravel the differences between HDL, LDL, IDL, and VLDL; and we explain how to calculate LDL and triglycerides to assess metabolic health. Dr. Dayspring also shares his preferences regarding lab values and indicators that help him assess the early risk of cardiovascular disease. We cover some detailed aspects of physical chemistry in this episode, so I highlight the main clinical points throughout our conversation to make it easier to follow. Be sure to join Dr. Dayspring and me for our next episode in the lipid masterclass series. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are lipids, and why are they important? Dr. Dayspring explains what triglycerides are. How lipids get absorbed and transported throughout the body What lipoproteins are, and how they get classified How cholesterols get calculated The impact of triglycerides on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health How high triglyceride levels can indicate early insulin resistance or increased ASCVD risk What is the role of HDL particles? How metabolic syndrome impacts cardiovascular health Bio: Thomas Dayspring MD is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association and is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. After practicing in New Jersey for 37 years, he moved to Virginia in 2012. He served as an educational director for a nonprofit cardiovascular foundation and, until mid-2019, as a Chief Academic Advisor for two major CV laboratories. Since then, he has served as a virtual cardiovascular / lipidology educator. Career-wise he has given over 4000 domestic (in all 50 states) and several international lectures, including over 600 CME programs on atherothrombosis, lipids/lipoproteins (and their treatment), vascular biology, biomarker testing, and women’s cardiovascular issues. He has authored several manuscripts and lipid textbook chapters and performed several podcasts. For several years, he was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He was the recipient of the 2011 National Lipid Association’s Presidents Award for services to clinical lipidology and the 2023 Foundation of NLA Clinician/Educator Award. He has over 34K followers on his educational Twitter (X) feed (@Drlipid). He has Gold Heart Member status as a professional member of the American Heart Association and serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association. 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. Thomas Dayspring ⁠Twitter⁠ (@DrLipid) ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Books written by Gary Taubes⁠ 

Dr. Jayne Morgan, cardiologist and VP of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, specializes in women's cardiovascular health. She discusses gaps in clinician training about perimenopause and menopause. Short, lively takes cover how midlife risk factors cluster, atypical heart attack symptoms in women, screening tips like Lp(a) and EKG, and why personalized care matters.

Today, I’ll be unpacking some of the research and science surrounding digestive rest and intermittent fasting.  In this episode, I am transparent about the fact that what works for me now may not be what worked five or ten years ago. I explain what happens in your body when you’re not eating, explore ways to approach intermittent fasting, and highlight why your goals, life stage, and metabolic health should guide your choices. Whether you’re focused on building muscle, improving metabolic flexibility, or supporting fat loss, I hope that you walk away with a clearer understanding of how long you should go without eating, while honoring your current stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How everything changed after 10 years of intermittent fasting How digestive rest differs from intermittent fasting Why intermittent fasting works better as a metabolic strategy How digestive rest supports healing The metabolic value of intermittent fasting   How perimenopause and menopause impact the gut microbiome How to determine whether digestive rest or intermittent fasting is more appropriate in different life stages 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

Dr. Darren Candow, PhD researcher on creatine and bone health; Debra Atkinson, midlife strength trainer specializing in impact protocols; Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, orthopedic surgeon focused on bone and joint health. They discuss contraceptive and underfueling risks to peak bone development. Practical strength and impact training tips. Vibration plates as an adjunct. Creatine combined with exercise for postmenopausal bone support.

Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard- and MIT-trained physician and New York Times bestselling author, joins to tackle the infodemic and how clinicians cut through confusing health advice. Short, lively takes cover stress and aging on hormones, why testosterone matters for women, alcohol and keto differences by gender, growth hormone decline, trauma’s imprint on metabolism, and practical detox and lifestyle strategies.

Dr. Andy Galpin, a scientist and professor specializing in human bioenergetics and performance, shares clear, evidence‑based takes on midlife strength and recovery. He discusses resistance training for muscle and bone, sleep as the foundation for recovery, sensible strength starts for middle‑aged women, how medications like GLP‑1s fit with training, and spotting overtraining and under‑fueling.

We have another short and sweet episode today where I answer questions from listeners in a long-form format.  In this episode, we’re focusing on Urolithin A. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: An introduction to Urolithin A and what it is A broader role of Urolithin A beyond being “just another supplement.” The gradual decline in cellular energy production that occurs with aging 30–40% of people lack the gut microbes needed to produce sufficient Urolithin A The role Urolithin A plays in supporting and strengthening the gut barrier Impact of declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause on mitochondrial function Ways Urolithin A enhances mitochondrial health at the cellular level Emerging research linking Urolithin A to brain health, vascular function, and cognitive resilience 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

Today, I am thrilled to connect with nurse practitioner, Dr. Lisa Chism. Lisa is the Clinical Director of the Oakland Macomb Center for Breast Health in Michigan. She has over 25 years of experience, specializing in breast health, menopause, sexual health, and breast cancer survivorship. She is also an author and a faculty member at a local university. In our conversation, we discuss the breast cancer risk for women with dense breasts, family history, or prior biopsy, diving into supplemental imaging, lifestyle modifications, HRT, and breast risk, and the changes that occur after a breast cancer diagnosis. We also explore the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and screening, permanent versus non-permanent changes occurring in the genital urinary area, and anticipatory informed care guidance for patients with a history of trauma. This is one of those conversations you will definitely want to revisit. With Lisa’s thoughtful advocacy, deep commitment to patient care, and powerful insights, it is clear why sharing her message is so critically important. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The different levels of breast density and their implications for cancer detection Various risk assessment tools used to determine breast cancer risk  How alcohol impacts the risk of breast cancer  Why weight management essential for post-menopausal women The importance of having detailed conversations with providers about menopause symptoms and the available treatment options Lisa shares her approach to evaluating and educating patients  How trauma impacts women’s sexual health Permanent and non-permanent changes that occur in the vaginal area during menopause Can older women still do HRT? A simple breast-examination habit for all women 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. Lisa Chism Instagram (@DrMommyPoppins) Instagram (@TheAdoptedNurse)  Oakland Macomb OBGYN Center for Breast Health-Rochester Hills Click here for a discount on the only scientifically proven source of Urolithin A!  https://partnerships.timeline.com/CYNTHIATHURLOW (10% off with code Cynthiathurlow)

Megan Ramos, Canadian clinical educator and therapeutic fasting expert who co-founded The Fasting Method, shares her work on fasting, PCOS, and metabolic health. She talks about thin-phenotype PCOS and missed diagnoses. She explains fasting versus calorie restriction, macronutrients and insulin, and how stress, sleep, and fasting intersect. Practical tips for safe fasting and special concerns like gout and the dawn phenomenon are discussed.

Today, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Karan Rajan, a gastroenterologist, author, and one of the most prominent health and science creators on social media, with a large and engaged social media following. In our discussion today, we delve into the evolution of fiber, exploring it as a previously overlooked micronutrient, and discussing its chemistry, biology, and the roles of fiber polyphenols, prebiotics, and GLP-1s. We look at satiety and various hormones, and Dr. Rajan shares his take on the increase we’re seeing in colorectal cancer. He also clarifies why colonoscopies are safe screening modalities, how women's guts change in midlife, and various other topics, including poop, the Goldilocks effect, the estrobolome, polypharmacy, microplastics, estrogen dominance, medical myopia, and the gut-brain axis. Join us for today’s incredibly informative and information-packed podcast with Dr. Karan Rajan. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why is fiber so important? How fiber fuels the microbiome Some examples of high-fiber foods How fiber and polyphenols support microbial and hormonal balance How fiber supports our endogenous GLP-1 ecosystem Why colonoscopy risks are often misunderstood How perimenopause alters gut motility and appetite What constipation really means  How lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, sunlight, and medications shape the microbiome Dr. Rajan debunks some common social media misconceptions surrounding the gut-brain axis. 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. Karan Rajan On the Loam website  Instagram and YouTube On other social media: @drkaranrajan