6 Strategies to Thrive in the Empty Nest | Empowering Midlife Wellness

Perimenopause is often the most confusing — and least explained — phase of midlife. In this video, I walk you through everything you need to understand about perimenopause: what’s happening with your hormones, why symptoms can feel unpredictable, and how these changes affect your body, brain, and day-to-day life. I cover: ✨ What perimenopause actually is and when it typically begins ✨ How fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect mood, sleep, energy, focus, weight, libido, and motivation ✨ Why symptoms can come and go — and why labs don’t always tell the full story ✨ The most common signs women experience (even the ones no one warned you about) ✨ Thoughtful, evidence-based solutions to help restore balance and improve quality of life If you’ve been feeling “off,” overwhelmed, or unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal — this video is meant to be a clear, grounding starting point. My goal is to help you understand your body, trust what you’re feeling, and know that real support does exist during these years. ✨ Perimenopause isn’t something you just have to push through. With the right knowledge and individualized care, you can feel steady, supported, and empowered again. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

In this video, I’m sharing an early look at the ideas from my new book coming out in 2026—work that is very close to my heart. I’ve spent the last several years asking one big question: How do we give ourselves the best possible chance of becoming the healthy, joyful, connected 90-year-old we hope to be? Why is it that some people are able to stay committed to a plan… while others struggle, even when they truly want to feel better? If you’re someone who has a hard time staying consistent, please know this book—and this conversation—is especially for you. I break our well-being into eight important buckets: Hormone Optimization, Nutrition, Movement, Body Composition, Sleep, Emotional Wellness, Relational Wellness & Intimacy, and Fun & Joy. These are the areas that shape how we age, how we feel day to day, and how we show up in our relationships. In today’s video, I walk you through each of these buckets and share why tuning into what you already know is good for you can become the motivation that carries you forward. With small, intentional choices, we can begin shaping the elder version of ourselves—one step, one day, one decision at a time. I’ve also included a PDF of the “Best Elder Day” wheel if you’d like to reflect on where you are now and where you’d love to go. LINK - https://bit.ly/3MpwfJX My hope is simple: that this gives you clarity, encouragement, and a gentle path toward becoming the elder you dream of being.

I’ve been reviewing the new Consumer Reports investigation on lead (heavy metal) levels in protein powders and shakes, and I wanted to walk through it with you. The report tested 23 popular products and found that many exceeded what CR considers safe daily limits for lead in just one serving. It’s important information — but it’s also something that needs context. You can read the full Consumer Reports article here: https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/ In this video, I share my take on the findings: why it’s essential to read the full report, understand what those numbers actually mean, and evaluate your real intake rather than reacting to headlines alone. Not all powders are created equal, and your overall exposure matters. My approach is simple: stay informed, choose brands that take testing seriously, and avoid unnecessary risk. For now, my safe options are: • Thorne Whey Protein — high-quality sourcing and third-party tested. • David’s Protein Bars — clean ingredients and transparent labeling. I’ve linked both companies below if you want to take a closer look. www.thorne.com www.davidprotein.com Staying safe doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it just takes understanding the data and making choices that support your long-term health. Let’s go through it together.

In this video, I’m diving into a question I’m asked all the time — should women use male testosterone products? The answer might surprise you. Testosterone therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone in women — but the key lies in dose, delivery method, and medical supervision. I’ll walk you through: • The science behind testosterone in women and why it matters for sexual health, energy, and well-being • The difference between FDA-approved male testosterone products and compounded testosterone gels or creams commonly prescribed for women • How dosage adjustments are made for female physiology • A real-life demonstration on how to correctly use topical testosterone products • Important considerations for safety, absorption, and hormone balance It’s not about “male vs. female” testosterone — it’s about finding the right form and dose to restore optimal function and vitality. Medical Insight: Testosterone is a crucial hormone in women too — affecting libido, bone density, muscle mass, and overall mood. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, loss of desire, and decreased quality of life. As always, hormone therapy should be personalized and physician-guided. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

In this video, I share my personal experience with low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis and inflammatory knee pain — a treatment with a long history in Europe that’s now being re-examined in the U.S. as a safe, evidence-based option for chronic orthopedic pain. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) involves the use of very small, precisely targeted doses of radiation — typically one-tenth or less of what’s used in cancer treatment — to reduce inflammation and modulate immune response in joints, tendons, and soft tissues. Research has shown that these low doses can help relieve pain and improve mobility, often providing durable results without the side effects of steroids or long-term medications. I’m joined by Dr. Sanjay Mehta, Radiation Oncologist at St. Joseph Cancer Center in Houston, to discuss the science behind this therapy, its mechanisms of action, and the clinical outcomes we’re seeing today for conditions such as: • Osteoarthritis • inflammatory knee pain • Plantar fasciitis • Tennis elbow • Shoulder and joint pain You’ll also see a glimpse of my own treatment session, as we explore how this “old yet new” approach is helping patients regain comfort, function, and quality of life — without medications or surgery. Resources: Dr. Sanjay Mehta, Radiation Oncologist St. Joseph Cancer Center https://drsanjaymehta.com/

Strong. Capable. Resilient. That’s what midlife feels like when you move with purpose. 💫 In this full-body resistance band workout, Kelley and I guide you through a powerful, efficient sequence designed to activate every major muscle group — helping you build strength, balance, and confidence from the inside out. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progression. Every rep is an act of self-care and self-respect. You’ll feel stronger, more grounded, and more energized with each move. ✨ Lower Body • Squats • Donkey Kicks • Leg Lifts • Hamstring Curls • Monster Walks 💪 Upper Body • Bicep Curls • Upright Rows • Shoulder Press • Tricep Press • Chest Press 🔥 Core & Floor Work Toe Touch • Modified Bicycle • Push-ups All you need is a simple set of resistance bands — and the determination to show up for yourself today. 🎓 Train with Kelley: Explore custom training and support at www.kelleymoves.com Shop our favorite bands here 👉 https://a.co/d/4vrio1N

In this final episode of my Menopause Awareness Month mini-series, we’re tackling a question I hear almost daily: Does testosterone replacement really help women? The answer is yes — absolutely, when it’s prescribed and monitored by a clinician experienced in midlife hormone therapy. Here’s what’s important to understand: both men and women have testosterone — the difference is in the amount, not the presence. On average, women have about one-tenth the testosterone of men at a similar age. Beyond its well-known role in sexual desire (particularly for women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, or HSDD), optimized testosterone supports a wide range of systems that often decline during midlife. Adequate levels can: ✨ Enhance muscle mass and protect bone density ✨ Improve mood, motivation, and cognitive clarity ✨ Support deeper, more restorative sleep If you’re wondering whether testosterone might help you, consider these three simple screening questions: ✅ Did your sex drive use to be better? ✅ Do you wish it were better? ✅ Is that change causing you distress or relationship strain? If you answered “yes” to these, it’s worth checking your levels. For most women, healthy ranges fall around 50–100 ng/dL — but what truly matters is how you feel, not just the number. This episode explains how we safely restore testosterone to optimal levels and why individualized, physician-guided therapy makes all the difference. 📘 Get my best-selling book: Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond 💻 Book an appointment: completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

This is the second video in my three-part mini-series for Menopause Awareness Month, where I’m addressing some of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions about hormones in midlife. Today, we’re talking about progesterone after hysterectomy. The short answer: Yes, you can still benefit from progesterone — even if you no longer have a uterus. While progesterone’s primary medical role is to protect the uterine lining from estrogen-related overgrowth, it also plays several other key roles in overall health and wellbeing. Research shows that progesterone can: ✨ Improve sleep quality ✨ Enhance mood and reduce anxiety ✨ Support healthy hair, skin, and nail growth. For many women, these benefits make progesterone an important part of hormone optimization — even after a hysterectomy. And if you’ve tried progesterone but found it made you overly sleepy or just didn’t feel quite right, there’s still a way to get its protective effects. In that case, we can use an IUD (intrauterine device) that releases progesterone directly into the uterine area. This ensures you still receive the local benefits of progesterone, particularly its protective effect against uterine cancer, while minimizing systemic side effects. 💬 Watch this episode to learn how we personalize hormone therapy for your unique needs — and stay tuned for the final part of the series: Testosterone for Women in Menopause. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

This video is the first in my three-part mini-series for Menopause Awareness Month, where I’m tackling some of the most common — and most confusing — questions about hormones in midlife. In this first episode, we’re diving into whether we should take estrogen replacement in perimenopause: ✨ When to consider it ✨ Why we have symptoms some days not others ✨ What form of estradiol replacement is appropriate for perimenopause ✨ What the latest science reveals about its role in easing symptoms and supporting long-term health. There’s a lot of fear and misinformation out there, and my goal is simple: to bring clarity over confusion, so you can make informed, confident decisions about your body. Watch this first part now, and stay tuned for the next two episodes in the series: 1️⃣ Progesterone After Hysterectomy 2️⃣ Testosterone for Women in Menopause If you find this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend — because the more we talk about menopause, the less mysterious it becomes. ✨ Learn more about our programs: 🔹 Health & Hormone Optimization Consultations → https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/on-hormone-consultations/ 🔹 Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) → https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/on-mht-including-pellets/

Welcome to the eleventh installment of our at-home resistance training series with Master Personal Trainer Kelley Workman. This session brings together dumbbell strength and functional core stability for a balanced, total-body challenge. Today’s format: • ⏱ 1 minute per exercise • 🛑 2 minutes rest after all 4 moves • 🔁 Repeat for 3–4 rounds (~30 minutes total) Circuit breakdown: 1️⃣ Lying Close Grip Alternating Press + Glute Bridge • Lay on your back, dumbbells in close grip • Keep hips lifted in a glute bridge • Alternate pressing one dumbbell at a time 🔥 Works: chest, triceps, core, glutes 2️⃣ Kneeling Dumbbell Front Raises • From a tall kneeling position • Raise dumbbells to shoulder height, palms down 🔥 Works: shoulders, core stability 3️⃣ Bird Dog + Tricep Press • Start in bird dog position • Extend opposite arm and leg • Add a tricep press with the extended arm 🔥 Works: triceps, core, back stabilizers 4️⃣ Choice Move: Plyo Push-Up 💥 OR Dead Bug Alt DB Lifts 🐞 • Explosive push-up for power or controlled core strength with dumbbell dead bugs 🔥 Works: chest, arms, explosive power or core (depending on choice) ✨ Training notes: Keep form clean, don’t sacrifice technique for speed, and modify with lighter weights or bodyweight if needed. Aim for consistency: 3–4 solid rounds in about 30 minutes. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward. Your midlife strength journey continues here. 💪 ~ Kneepad Link: Thick, cushioned knee pads from Yflingjie offer support and protection for yoga, Pilates, and floor exercises with easy cleaning and anti-slip surface. It's a popular product! https://a.co/d/2tzD1Hs ~ 🎓 Train with Kelley: Explore custom training and support at www.kelleymoves.com ~ ▶️ New here? Start from the beginning and catch up on all past sessions in the full YouTube playlist: Resistance Training For Midlife - http://bit.ly/4fRdWYM 🧠 Helpful resources for deeper learning: • #1 Treatment For Bone Health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agW5ub-51XM • The Bone Clinic: Queensland Research - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EZw_wrFnmI • LIFTMOR RCT Study (PDF) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZNh1GfV02RPVVpkGtkIwSbYvDaJ5vWlU/view