735: The Stress–Metabolism Connection: Why You’re Gaining Weight, Craving Sugar & Struggling with Energy

“Is it really just hormones… or is your gut driving the symptoms?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Cynthia Thurlow to unpack the powerful connection between gut health and hormones in midlife. Many women are told their bloating, weight gain, fatigue, and mood shifts are “just hormones.” But Cynthia explains that the gut microbiome plays a central role in how these symptoms show up—and how they can be improved. Together, they break down how gut health influences hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and brain function, while also highlighting the foundational habits that matter most in this season. If you’ve been feeling off and unsure where to focus, this episode will give you clarity and a smarter path forward. Be sure to tune in! CYNTHIA THURLOW Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, intermittent fasting expert, and leading voice in metabolic health for women in midlife. With a background in cardiology, she now focuses on helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause through personalized nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle strategies. She is the author of The Menopause Gut and a passionate advocate for empowering women to take control of their health during this pivotal transition. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies in midlife How the gut microbiome influences hormones, inflammation, and metabolism The “Three Ps” shaping gut health: puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause The link between leaky gut, food sensitivities, mood, and inflammation Why protein, fiber, sleep, and stress support become nonnegotiable How alcohol and sugar disrupt gut health, sleep, and resilience Why midlife is a critical window to build long-term health—not just manage symptoms QUOTES“Midlife isn’t just a hormonal shift—it’s a metabolic and microbial shift happening beneath the surface.” “When you support your gut, you’re not just improving digestion—you’re impacting your hormones, your brain, and your long-term resilience.” “This phase of life is an invitation to set boundaries, prioritize your needs, and finally major in what matters most.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Cynthia’s book: The Menopause Gut ⛓️‍💥 https://amzn.to/4eoEIsX 👉🏻 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order ⛓️‍💥 http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Cynthia Thurlow’s Website Cynthia Thurlow on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 701: The Gut–Hormone Connection: Why Your Symptoms Aren’t Just Hormones 689: Blood Sugar, Inflammation, and the Midlife Metabolism Shift

“Is this brain fog… or something more?” In this episode, brain expert Dr. Majid Fotuhi explains how perimenopause is a true neuroendocrine transition, where shifting hormones can temporarily impact memory, focus, sleep, and mood—often leaving women worried they’re experiencing early cognitive decline.  The good news? These changes are typically transient, and as hormones stabilize, the brain can return to its baseline function.  Dr. Fotuhi shares that what many women are experiencing is not the beginning of the end, but a normal phase—and one that can be supported with the right lifestyle and brain-health strategies.  If you’ve been feeling “off” mentally and wondering what it means for your future, this episode will bring you the peace of mind you need.  Be sure to tune in! Majid Fotuhi Dr. Majid Fotuhi serves as an adjunct professor at the Mind/Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University and teaches at George Washington University and Harvard Medical School. With 37 years of experience in teaching, clinical practice, and neuroscience research, Dr. Fotuhi has pioneered a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing brain vitality and cognitive performance at any age. His groundbreaking “Brain Fitness Program” combines a comprehensive baseline “Brain Portfolio” assessment with 12 bi-weekly brain training sessions. He’s the author of three books and is recognized as one of the leading experts in memory and successful aging.  IN THIS EPISODE The 5 pillars of brain health to boost everyday brain function  The benefits of physical activity on your brain health  How the food you eat directly impacts your brain  Preventative health practices for protecting your brain Prioritizing quality sleep and circadian rhythm optimization  Mindset and brain training to help keep your brain young About Dr. Fotuhi’s latest book- The Invincible Brain  QUOTES“Exercise is the only intervention that has been shown to increase the number of cells in the hippocampus, which is a memory part of the brain. No other intervention increases the number of brain cells… exercise is the fountain of youth, the miracle cure for so many problems, psychological, physical, and it's a no-brainer.”  “Lifestyle choices and how you live your day, hour to hour, make a difference in what your brain would look like in the future. And if you do a lot of good things in a short period of time, you can see significant improvements.” “84% of our patients had objective improvements in the cognitive test, but pretty much a hundred percent improved in some ways. They felt better, they slept better, they had more energy, they had a better positive outlook toward the future. Everybody improved.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⁠⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Dr. Fotuhi’s latest book: The Invincible Brain ⁠⛓️‍💥https://amzn.to/4cuqvIj Dr. Fotuhi’s Website Dr. Fotuhi on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 667: The Hidden Foods and Habits Fueling Brain Inflammation And How to Reverse It Naturally with Dr. Austin Perlmutter 668: Your Brain on Perimenopause: The Hidden Neurological Transition No One Warns You About 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Fertility is a powerful reflection of your overall health—not a separate or isolated system. In this episode, fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down what’s really happening physiologically as fertility shifts in midlife, connecting the dots between hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and egg quality.  We dive into the everyday habits quietly disrupting fertility—from chronic stress and blood sugar imbalances to inflammation—and how these factors directly impact ovulation and hormone signaling.  Dr. Crawford also cuts through the noise around age, offering a more nuanced, science-backed perspective on what you can actually do to support your fertility at any stage.  You’ll learn that it's the simple shifts each month that can make a meaningful difference starting now.  Ready to support your body from the inside out? Tune in here! Natalie Crawford, MD  Dr. Natalie Crawford is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Texas. She’s the CEO and co-founder of Pinnacle, a professional network for women in medicine. Dr. Crawford is a digital health educator on social media and hosts the podcast  “As a Woman” with over 6 million downloads. Her new book, “The Fertility Formula”, will be released this spring.  IN THIS EPISODE How is fertility a reflection of your body’s overall environment?  Accurate cycle tracking and what signals to pay attention to  Factors that disrupt fertility and how to catch issues early on  How inflammation and metabolic health are deeply tied to fertility  5 non-negotiables when it comes to women’s health and wellness High-impact changes to help support your fertility  Fertility recommendations for women 35 and older  Dr. Crawford’s fertility story and how to get her new book, The Fertility Formula QUOTES“The follicular phase and luteal phase are the two phases of the cycle, and learning to track your ovulation specifically is a really important tool because the early stages of ovulatory dysfunction all occur within a normal cycle, meaning the first stage is a short luteal defect.” “I can't control everything, but I want to control what I can, so I have the easiest time getting pregnant, I feel my best, I have the best odds of success if I have to do fertility treatments. That's the zone we want to live in, and we want to lower that inflammatory burden on the day-to-day, not to be all or nothing, but to really cultivate that body resilience so we can handle the challenges of life that we know are coming.” “It's your body's data. You're gonna find out one way or another, and I think you deserve to know it sooner.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Pre-order The Fertility Formula https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Dr. Natalie Crawford on socials:  Instagram TikTok YouTube Dr. Crawford’s Podcast: As A Woman RELATED EPISODES  691: The Fertility Crisis No One Talks About: Why Your Health Today Impacts Future Generations with Dr. Ann Shippy 530: The Critical Role That Nutrient Deficiencies Play In Fertility and Conception And How To Close The Gap with Lisa Dreher 687: The Period Brain: Why You Feel Like a Different Person Every Month And How To Stop Fighting Your Cycle and Start Thriving in It with Sarah Hill 735: The Stress–Metabolism Connection: Why You’re Gaining Weight, Craving Sugar & Struggling with Energy

How do you retrain your brain and nervous system to seek out safety, joy, and alignment? In this episode, mind-body alignment expert Dr. Melissa Sonners shares practical ways for midlife women to regulate their nervous system and find calm—even in the chaos of everyday life.  She explains how many of us are unknowingly stuck in a stress-driven state, constantly scanning for what’s wrong, and how this pattern is reinforced by the questions we ask ourselves each day.  Through her simple but powerful tools, she’ll help you learn to easily reset your nervous system and prevent burnout before it builds.  Rather than waiting until the end of the day to relax (and realizing we can’t), she emphasizes creating moments of regulation in real time so we can be more present with our families and actually feel the joy in those everyday interactions.  If you’re navigating the messy middle of midlife and craving more calm, presence, and connection, this episode is for you! Dr. Melissa Sonners Dr. Melissa Sonners is a chiropractor and mind-body alignment expert who helps women reconnect with themselves. As the host of the Be Inspired Mama Podcast and founder of Best Friends Book Nook, she creates spaces for self-growth without adding to busy schedules. After overcoming neurological Lyme disease, she discovered the power of small, intentional shifts for transformation. Now, she empowers women to turn inward for confidence and joy. Her upcoming book, The Connection Code, coming in April 2026 with Hay House Publishing, will guide women toward deeper alignment in their lives. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating the subtle and not-so-subtle symptoms of perimenopause  Healthy communication in midlife as things are shifting  Understanding and verbalizing your needs throughout your cycle  Helpful ways to manage stress in midlife  Getting clear on your values, especially in perimenopause and beyond  Clarifying your non-negotiables and tapping into what feels best About Book Nook, Dr. Sonners’ Virtual Book Club Community  Using reading as a method of nervous system regulation  QUOTES “We always hear and we always know how much stress can impact your health. But I lived it, and I realized that stress was the catalyst for me getting as sick as I got.” “Core values become your guiding principles. So when you have decision fatigue at any time, you don't have to think about it or make an emotional decision. You [say]: whatever one fits this value.” “When you grab a book in the morning and you sit with it and you use it as an anchor tool, it trains your nervous system. Calm is safe. And that regulation is familiar. And when you do that in the morning, you're seeding your nervous system to find it throughout the day.”RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ ⁠👉🏻 Pre-order The Connection Code ⛓️‍💥 https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/the-connection-code/ Dr. Sonner’s Website Dr. Soner’s Podcast: Be Inspired Mama Dr. Sonner on Instagram Dr. Sonner on YouTube RELATED EPISODES 735: The Stress–Metabolism Connection: Why You’re Gaining Weight, Craving Sugar & Struggling with Energy 724: Age Like A Girl: Why Midlife Women Stop Shrinking and Start Leading with Dr. Mindy Pelz  721: No, It’s Not All in Your Head: The Medical Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Jila Senemar 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Over 90% of adults over 40 are mineral-deficient. Are you one of them?  In this podcast, mineral expert and Beam Minerals co-founder Caroline Alan breaks down why and how mineral depletion quietly impacts energy, hormones, and overall vitality.  As women enter perimenopause already running on empty, we explore how declining hormones combined with modern lifestyle stressors leave the body struggling to maintain key functions like mitochondrial energy, detoxification, and cognitive health.  Caroline introduces the power of plant-based minerals, explaining how they replenish cellular reserves and play a critical role in hormone balance, fertility, and brain chemistry.  This conversation highlights why minerals are a missing piece in midlife wellness—and how simple daily habits can restore what your body has been burning through for years.  If you’ve been feeling exhausted despite doing “everything right,” this episode is for you! Tune in here. Caroline Alan Caroline Alan is the Co-Founder and CEO of BEAM Minerals Inc. After her busy corporate career, Caroline found herself struggling physically, mentally, and energetically. As a result of her journey back to health and years of deep study, Caroline has become devoted to educating people about how minerals operate in the body, why we need to supplement our mineral intake, and the benefits of natural humic and fulvic– plant-based mineral substances for replenishment in the body. Caroline is a regular contributor to Podcasts and health-focused events/programs around the world. IN THIS EPISODE How a mineral deficiency impacts perimenopause symptoms  What do minerals really do in your body? Why minerals are so important for perimenopausal women  How plant-based minerals can meet the needs of your body  What exactly are plant-based minerals, and how can you get them?  Humic and Fulvic molecules and how they work in your body  The biggest benefits of replenishing your minerals in midlife  Getting started with Beam Minerals to feel your best in your body  QUOTES“At a cellular level, minerals represent the fuel for energy production in your body.” “All these minerals work together, the way all your cells work together, they all rely on one another in a very complex way… so that's why we end up talking about plant-based minerals because they're actually Mother Nature's solution to this issue of needing different minerals at different stages of your life.” “If you start actually filling, replenishing minerals using humic and fulvic, that actually will get the minerals to the right place inside your cells, and now you start to have some huge shifts.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Caroline Alan’s The Mineral Reset Book ⛓️‍💥 https://amzn.to/4cauIkd 👉🏻 Beam Minerals Website– Use code ENERGIZED for 20% off your first order! ⛓️‍💥 http://www.beamminerals.com ⁠👉🏻 Beam Minerals Women’s Complete Mineral Support Kit ⛓️‍💥 https://www.beamminerals.com/products/womens-mineral-support-kit⁠ Beam Minerals Instagram Beam Minerals on YouTube Caroline Alan on Instagram RELATED EPISODES 640: Unveiling The Essential Role of Minerals For Cellular Energy And Detoxification with Caroline Alan 732: The Silent Disruptor: How Chronic Stress Hijacks Perimenopause 726: The Midlife Mood Shift: The Hormonal Rewire That Changes Everything with Dr. Sonya Jensen 659: Brain Fog, Joint Pain, and Aging Skin? The Truth About Zombie Cells and How to Reverse Them with Dr. Greg Kelly

Feeling like you’re doing everything right… but still struggling with unwanted weight, cravings, and low energy?  This episode is for you. We’re unpacking why your metabolism may not be broken at all—and how a dysregulated nervous system could be the real reason your body feels stuck.  For midlife women especially, chronic stress can quietly drive insulin resistance, hormonal shifts, and that frustrating loss of resilience that seems to hit in your 40s and beyond.  So this conversation sheds light on the powerful connection between stress and your ability to create and sustain energy in your body.  You’ll walk away with an empowering perspective on how supporting your nervous system can unlock real, lasting change in your health.  Tune in here to learn how to work with your body—not against it—and start feeling like yourself again! IN THIS EPISODE The correlation between stress and your metabolic health  What’s really happening in your body in a stressful state The negative impacts of stress-induced blood sugar responses  How you can experience a blood sugar spike without eating  Simple tips for calming your nervous system and stabilizing your metabolism and blood sugar levels  Movement recommendations for getting stress out of your system  How to take control of your body in my Midlife On Fire Collective  QUOTES“This is what's called a stress-induced blood sugar response, and it's completely normal in the short term, right? We are built for this…But the problem is, for most of us, this isn't happening once in a while. It's happening all the time, and over time research shows that it can lead to higher insulin levels, increased fat storage, especially in the abdomen, and more inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.” “Your metabolism is deeply connected to your nervous system. So what can you do about this? I want to keep this real simple because this isn't about doing more, it's about doing fewer things consistently.” “If we can start to create more safety in our bodies, it just changes everything. And we deserve that. We deserve to feel safe, because that translates into the safety of the people around us as well.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my Midlife on Fire Collective https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jason Fung’s book: The Hunger Code https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/ RELATED EPISODES  729: Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Controls Hunger) with Dr. Jason Fung 730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 732: The Silent Disruptor: How Chronic Stress Hijacks Perimenopause 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy

If you’re like me, you’ve noticed that among all the other crazy changes happening in perimenopause, your skin isn’t the same as it used to be.  In this episode, I’m joined by triple board-certified dermatologist and skincare expert Dr. Mamina Turegano to break down what’s really happening to your skin during midlife.  From increased dryness and loss of firmness to subtle shifts in texture, we explore why these changes occur and how fluctuations in your hormones play a major role. Dr. Turegano shares how your skin is truly a window into your internal health, offering clues about everything from inflammation to overall aging and longevity.  This conversation goes beyond surface-level skincare to help you understand what your skin is trying to tell you—and how to support it from the inside out.  You’ll also learn what actually works (and what to skip) so you can simplify your routine and avoid common midlife skincare mistakes.  Tune in here to feel like your most confident and radiant self! Mamina Turegano, MD  Dr. Mamina Turegano is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans. She specializes in medical, cosmetic, and integrative dermatology, blending conventional and holistic approaches to skin health. With over 2 million followers across social media, she shares dermatologist-backed skincare and wellness insights with a broad audience. She also co-hosts a podcast called Skin Deep MDs. IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Mamina’s integrative medicine approach to Dermatology  What’s happening to your skin during perimenopause? Discussing the use of topical hormone products like estrogen cream  Realistic skin care routines for midlife women  Considering prescription products vs. over-the-counter skin care Benefits, side effects, and recommendations for Botox  External factors that are impacting your skin and aging  How crucial your lifestyle choices are in determining your skin quality  Top products for managing midlife wrinkles, dark spots, and hair loss  Getting to the root cause of your symptoms and treating proactively  QUOTES“It's all tied together, how you take care of yourself internally and optimize your skin health. That all will manifest with how you age externally.” “I want people to feel reassured. They don't have to do a lot. The super foundational part of a skincare routine is making sure that you're cleansing daily— even washing your face is anti-aging.” “I’m all about implementing lifestyle strategies. Skincare and lasers, they could do a lot, but they can only do so much. You can really optimize the results of your skincare and your procedures too if you have the right mechanisms in place internally. If your mitochondria is optimized, optimizing your sleep, minimizing more of those inflammation-inducing foods, minimizing sugar, minimizing alcohol, minimizing stress.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE!  https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Mamina’s Website Dr. Mamina on Instagram Dr. Mamina on TikTok   Dr. Mamina on YouTube Dr. Mamina’s Podcast: Skin Deep MDs RELATED EPISODES  631: Halt and Reverse Skin Aging, Plus the Top Preventable Factors Driving Skin Aging with Dr. Alessandra Zonari 659: Brain Fog, Joint Pain, and Aging Skin? The Truth About Zombie Cells and How to Reverse Them with Dr. Greg Kelly #623: Red Light Therapy for Upgrading Your Mitochondria, Cellular Energy, Skin and Brain Health with Jonathan Otto595: How to Master Your Metabolism and Reverse Cellular Aging in Midlife + My Best Tips to Thrive with Dr. Mariza

We have SO much information at our fingertips, and tons of science to back it up… but what REALLY moves the needle when it comes to wellness?  Here’s the truth– information isn't the problem. Isolation is. We’re not short on data. We’re short on the kind of environment that actually supports what we know we need to do. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and integrative health expert Dr. Shawn Stevenson to uncover what’s really missing in today’s health conversation.  Despite having more access to evidence-based information than ever, so many people still feel exhausted, inflamed, and metabolically unwell—and we explore why that gap exists.  Dr. Stevenson breaks down where even practitioners and wellness leaders are getting it wrong when it comes to creating lasting change.  We cut through the noise to focus on simple, science-backed strategies that actually make an impact on your health and longevity.  Ready to simplify your approach and finally feel better in your body?  Tune in here! Shawn Stevenson Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestsellers Eat Smarter and the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, as well as the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S.. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Good Morning America, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. IN THIS EPISODE What society is getting wrong about “evidence-based” information Tuning into your body and emotions and tapping into its needs  Why sleep is a force multiplier for overall wellness  How to stack good habits in your favor and make them stick  Being intentional about your community and relationships  How your relationships with others can impact every aspect of your lifestyle choices  Simple healthy habits to adopt to enhance your wellness and improve your longevity More about Dr. Stevenson's podcast and best-selling books  QUOTES “We're swimming in information, we're swimming in content. There's just so much. We are being pulled away from the most important source of data that we will ever have, which is ourselves. Your body already knows. Your mind already knows what's best for you, but we are not listening.” “The longest running study in history where they follow people and after compiling all the data… the number one determinant of how long people live is the quality of their relationships.” “It's finding what works best for you, but giving yourself some form of an evening routine, something consistent so your brain knows that we're transitioning into rest. And communicating that with your loved ones, with your family, because they will be the potential obstacles or the potential supporters.”  RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Stevenson’s Book: The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Smarter-Family-Cookbook-Connection/ The Model Health Show Dr. Stevenson on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah

Balancing the overwhelm of family, work, and midlife symptoms, all while just trying to feel like yourself again? You’re NOT alone.  In today’s episode, we explore stress as the silent disruptor of midlife—and why it can amplify so many of the symptoms you experience during perimenopause.  We go beyond surface-level stress management and dive into how chronic stress impacts your nervous system, hormones, and overall wellness.  We also highlight the often-overlooked power of connection and community, reframing them as a force multiplier for healing during this phase of life.  You’ll learn simple, practical tools you can start using today to calm your nervous system and navigate overwhelming days with more ease and resilience.  Ready to feel in control again? Tune in here to soften the stress and show up as your best self!  IN THIS EPISODE What makes stress so silent in perimenopause?  The biology of trauma and how unresolved trauma can show up as midlife symptoms  How connection and community enhance your longevity Forming meaningful relationships and cultivating a sisterhood Simple and practical tools to build community connection Recognizing triggers and learning ways to ease your nervous system Exploring the benefits of breathing techniques, movement, natural light, sleep, and quality connections  QUOTES “When you're under constant stress, which most of us are, this system gets stuck in the on position. And during perimenopause, we know that cortisol levels are often elevated, making every symptom feel worse.” “The effects of loneliness and social isolation have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness increases your risk of premature death by 26%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%.” “When you heal your relationship with stress and build meaningful connections, you're not just helping yourself. You are modeling for your children what it looks like to prioritize mental health and community. You're also contributing to a larger global shift in how we talk about menopause, and how we talk about resilience.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order ⛓️‍💥 http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED 👉🏻 Join my Midlife on Fire Collective HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ 👉🏻 Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ 👉🏻 Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES  722: Why Women Feel Unsafe Right Now: Trauma, Hormones & Protecting the Next Generation with Dr. Aimie Apigian 726: The Midlife Mood Shift: The Hormonal Rewire That Changes Everything with Dr. Sonya Jensen 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause #612: That Sucked. Now What? How to Navigate Health, Identity, and Life Transitions with Dr. Neeta Nawalkha

Sick of being told your labs are “normal” when you KNOW something’s off?  In today’s episode, I’m joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Robin Berzin to talk about what it really means to take control of your health in midlife.  Dr. Berzin shares the early warning signs to watch for and how to better interpret your health data so you can catch imbalances before they become bigger issues.  You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself, understand key lab markers, and explore why supportive options like supplementation and HRT could be game-changers for you.  We’re reframing health as an ongoing, flexible practice—not a rigid destination—helping you release perfection and stay curious about what your body needs.  Tune in here to feel empowered and take your health into your own hands with confidence!  Dr. Robin Berzin  Dr. Robin Berzin the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. As a pioneer in functional medicine, she founded Parsley to address the rise of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine. She stresses the importance of not only medications and treatments, but more so why food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostics are just as essential– if not more. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, showing the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone. IN THIS EPISODE How to navigate feeling dismissed by your doctor  Why “normal” doesn’t always mean normal  The massive benefits of a functional medicine approach Proactively testing hormone levels earlier than you may think Tracking your metrics to better understand your body  Managing stress in your body and mind during midlife  How to realistically fit healthy habits into your busy routine Supplementation to support your body through midlife transitions  Hormone Replacement therapy and GLP-1 use in perimenopause & beyond  QUOTES “A lot of times, the labs may technically fall within the normal range, not the optimal range– normal range being based on an average of Americans today, and 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 40% have two. So our averages have drifted over time to kind of reflect a sick population.” “Whether it's aging parents or kids growing up, or something happening career-wise… all of that puts pressure on a physical system that’s in dynamic change hormonally, and I think we have to recognize that.” “Proactive, preventive medicine is where we're going. Proactive testing is required to practice that type of personalized preventive care, and I believe that HRT is going to become the default rather than the exception.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Robin’s Website Robin on Instagram Parsley Health Website RELATED EPISODES #661: When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor’s Office #650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond #541: Why Functional Labs Are a Game Changer for Your Health with Dr. Kela Smith #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes