Ep. 603 The Microbiome's Role in Heart and Metabolic Health with Dr. William Davis | Menopause, Perimenopause, Microbiome

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, I’m taking a closer look at oral contraceptive use in perimenopause and menopause, exploring how oral contraceptives work, how they suppress or blunt perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, alter hormone signaling and testing, what women may experience when they stop taking them, and why the gut microbiome is an essential part of the conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How oral contraceptives suppress certain key signaling hormones, making it difficult to assess women’s menopausal status accurately What women may experience when transitioning off oral contraceptives How long-term oral contraceptive use can alter gut microbial function and inflammatory pathways The association between long-term oral contraceptive use and nutrient depletion Why the standard reproductive hormone markers used to assess menopause (especially FSH/LH) are unreliable while on the pill How the microbiome changes that occur as women age may compound the effects of previous oral contraceptive use Helpful dietary, microbiome, and lifestyle strategies to support women navigating the post-pill transition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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 Resources:  Sitruk-Ware R, Nath A. Characteristics and metabolic effects of estrogen and progestins contained in oral contraceptive pills. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;27(1):13–24. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.09.004 Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL. Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2016;21(5):347–355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327 Panzer C, Wise S, Fantini G, Kang D, Munarriz R, Guay A, Goldstein I. Impact of oral contraceptives on sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels: a retrospective study in women with sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2006;3(1):104–113. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00198.x Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2013;17(13):1804–1813. PMID:23852908 Khalili H, Higuchi LM, Ananthakrishnan AN, Richter JM, Feskanich D, Fuchs CS, Chan AT. Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 2013;62(8):1153–1159. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Flores R, Shi J, Fuhrman B, Xu X, Veenstra TD, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Fecal microbial determinants of fecal and systemic estrogens and estrogen metabolites: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2012;10:253. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-10-253 Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017;103:45–53. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025 Hua X, Cao Y, Morgan DM, Miller K, Chin SM, Bellavance D, Khalili H. Longitudinal analysis of the impact of oral contraceptive use on the gut microbiome. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022;71(4):001512. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.001512 Mihajlovic J, Leutner M, Hausmann B, Kohl G, Schwarz J, et al. Combined hormonal contraceptives are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women. Environmental Microbiology. 2021;23(6):3037–3047. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.15461 Seelig MS. Increased magnesium need with use of combined oestrogen and calcium supplementation. Magnesium Research. 1990;3(3):197–215. PMID:2133742 Donders GGG, Bellen G, Mendling W. Management of recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis as a chronic illness. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010;70(4):306–321. doi:10.1159/000314022 Krog MC, Hugerth LW, Fransson E, et al. The healthy female microbiome across body sites: effect of hormonal contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. Human Reproduction. 2022;37(7):1525–1543. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac094

Today, I’m thrilled to connect with Rowan Jacobsen. Rowan writes about science, nature, and the world’s lesser-explored corners for publications including Harper’s, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, and The New York Times, among others. He is the author of nine books, has lectured at Harvard and Yale, and has appeared on CBS, NBC, and NPR. In today’s conversation, we discuss his unique and fascinating new book, In Defense of Sunlight, which explores the nuances surrounding light exposure. We look at the value of sun exposure and vitamin D, and Rowan explains why light acts as a master regulator in the body and how our modern lifestyles may be disrupting our natural biology more than we realize. We examine the effects of shift work, cortisol rhythm dysregulation, and the minimum effective dose of sunlight intensity and exposure, and Rowan breaks down how UVA and UVB wavelengths impact our physiology. We also cover the importance of nitric oxide production, and Rowan shares recommendations from his work. Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation on why sunlight may be one of the most overlooked foundations of human health. For those who enjoy reading about science, I highly recommend Rowan’s book! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people fear any sun exposure rather than aiming for sensible, moderate exposure How light acts as a master regulator for circadian biology Why does spending most of the day indoors with artificial lighting make it harder to maintain healthy circadian rhythms? How shift work disrupts the body’s normal repair processes How cortisol and melatonin work together as part of a coordinated daily rhythm What research shows about cloudy outdoor environments providing higher light levels than most indoor spaces  The differences between how UVA and UVB exposure impact the body How ultraviolet light can trigger nitric oxide release Practical ways to support your circadian health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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 Rowan Jacobsen On his website Rowan’s book, In Defense of Sunlight, will be available online and in bookstores on June 16th

I had the honor of reconnecting with Chris Irvin today! (He was with me once before, on ⁠Episode 175⁠.) Chris is a nutrition researcher, writer, and educator specializing in low-carb dieting for metabolic health and human performance. He is the author of Keto Answers, The Carnivore Diet for Beginners, and Mommy, Do I Have to Eat This? He is also the Chief Marketing Officer at BioCoach, a company dedicated to taking down prediabetes and diabetes. Chris is an incredible resource on the value of keto and low-carb diets! His book, Keto Answers, is one of my favorite keto resources to recommend to clients! In this episode, Chris and I discuss the differences between micro- and macronutrients. We talk about the therapeutic uses of keto, low-carb, hormesis, and carnivore diets; the role of metabolic health; the value of protein; balancing longevity and sarcopenia; and the results of over-fasting, over-restricting, and creating too much stress on the body. We also dive into questions from listeners about the impact of low-carb and ketogenic diets on cholesterol panels and endurance, how to troubleshoot digestive distress, protein excess, and Chris’s favorite gadgets and supplements.  I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The therapeutic benefits of keto, carnivore, low-carb diets, and fasting. The value of protein. How much protein should you eat? The importance of having muscle. The benefits of eating grass-fed red meat. The problem with over-restricting, over-exercising, and over-fasting. Changing things up occasionally and using reverse dieting for optimum health. Adding more protein to your diet will make you feel better, and you won't gain weight. How will a low-carb or keto diet impact your overall cholesterol? Chris explains how a low-carb or keto diet affects the performance of endurance athletes. Products you can use to optimize endurance performance. Chris explains why digestive distress could occur with keto and shares his recommendations for overcoming it.  The impact of a low-carb diet on thyroid function. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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 Chris Irvin On his ⁠website⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/TheKetologist⁠  ⁠Thinking Health Newsletter⁠  ⁠The Keto Answers Podcast

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. William Davis. He’s a cardiologist, New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly book series, and author of Super Gut. He is also the founder and Medical Director of the Infinite Health Program and the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Realize Therapeutics Corp, which is developing innovative solutions to restore and support the human microbiome. In our conversation, we explore the microbiome and how it is influenced by key changes in a woman’s life, including pregnancy and premature delivery, as well as how modern lifestyle factors disrupt our microbiome. Dr. Davis discusses endotoxemia and dysbiosis in fertility, uterine health, and cardiovascular disease, as well as antibiotic use, statins, atrial fibrillation, the role of blood glycocalyx, TMAO, and the dietary approach he considers important. He also discusses appropriate prescribed antibiotic use in the context of microbiome disruption. Stay tuned for another fascinating discussion with Dr William Davis on the far-reaching impact of the microbiome on women's health, heart health, and longevity. I look forward to having Dr. Davis back on the show! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and microbiome health may affect pregnancy outcomes. How microbial health extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract and can influence multiple organ systems The disruptive effects of antibiotics, glyphosate, food preservatives, and emulsifiers on the microbiome Dr. Davis describes how endotoxemia can affect the brain, skin, joints, metabolism, and cardiovascular system. How endotoxemia influences multiple cardiovascular risk markers How endotoxemia and glycation can contribute to atrial fibrillation The role of the glycocalyx, and how damage to the integrity of the glycocalyx could influence arterial function and cardiovascular risk Why fermented foods remain a key strategy for microbiome diversity Dr. Davis shares his dietary choices and his approach to microbiome support  Bio: William Davis, MD  William Davis, MD, is a cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books, as well as Undoctored and Super Gut. Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose fat weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition, findings that inspired the writing of Bulge. Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp., which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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. William Davis On his website Join Dr Davis’s Inner Circle Dr. Davis’s books

Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute. Today, I’m focusing on all the questions I received about gallbladder health, including HRT-provoking symptoms, supplements that improve gallbladder health, and evidence-based food interventions. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why the risk of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation increases during the menopause transition How estrogen and progesterone HRT have different effects on gallbladder functioning The differences in risk between transdermal and oral HRT How the progesterone in HRT can cause gallbladder issues in some women What TUDCA is, and how it supports gallbladder health The value of TUDCA for women who have had their gallbladders removed How various nutrients and supplements support bile flow and gallbladder health What can contribute to gallstone formation Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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 Gallbladder Research: Cabrera D, Arab JP, Arrese M. UDCA, NorUDCA, and TUDCA in liver diseases: a review of their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Seminars in Liver Disease. 2019;39(4):397–404. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1696799  Vang S, Longley K, Steer CJ, Low WC. The unexpected uses of urso- and tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of non-liver diseases. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2014;3(3):58–69. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.017  Bai M, Yang L, Liao H, et al. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2024;72(41):22655–22668. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04630  Simon JA, Hudes ES. Relation of serum ascorbic acid to serum vitamin B12, serum ferritin, and kidney stones in US adults. *Archives of Internal Medicine.*1999;159(6):619–624. doi:10.1001/archinte.159.6.619  Walcher T, Haenle MM, Kron M, et al. Vitamin C supplement use may protect against gallstones: an observational study on a randomly selected population. BMC Gastroenterology. 2009;9:74. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-74  Tsai CJ, Leitzmann MF, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Long-term intake of dietary fiber and decreased risk of cholecystectomy in women. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004;99(7):1364–1370. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.30281.x  Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Spiegelman D, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Coffee intake is associated with lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease in women. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(6):1823–1830. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.37085  Moerman CJ, Smeets FW, Kromhout D. Dietary risk factors for clinically diagnosed gallstones in middle-aged men — a 25-year follow-up study. Annals of Epidemiology. 1994;4(3):248–254. doi:10.1016/1047-2797(94)90099-x Association between dietary magnesium intake and gallstones: the mediating role of atherogenic index of plasma. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2024;23(1):82. doi:10.1186/s12944-024-02074-4  Pitt HA, Doty JE, Murphy MM, Schwarz MB. Progesterone alters biliary flow dynamics. Annals of Surgery. 1999;229(2):205–209. doi:10.1097/00000658-199902000-00008

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Nicole LePera today. Trained in clinical psychology, she is a holistic psychologist whose work explores the interconnections among the mind, body, and soul, incorporating holistic lifestyle and psychological wellness practices. She has written multiple New York Times bestselling books, most recently Reparenting the Inner Child. In today’s conversation, we unpack what the inner child really means from a clinical perspective. We explore how understanding your childhood wounds intellectually differs from truly re-parenting yourself at the nervous system level, and how perimenopause and menopause influence the way we view the world. We look at ACE scores and the biology of childhood adversity, how ACE scores measure what happened to us, but fail to measure resilience, protective factors, or the capacity for healing. We examine how reactive parents shape our nervous system, and how that shows up as hypervigilance, emotional scanning, and self-erasure, and how the fawn response can lead to chronic people-pleasing, relentless accommodation, and an inability to say no. We also cover how epigenetics and lifestyles influence behavioral patterns, critical parenting, stress addiction, gut-brain dysregulation, and the disruptive effects of vagal tone gadgets. This is truly one of those must-listen conversations! I love Dr. LePera’s grounded and practical approach to helping people work through their childhood experiences and advocate for themselves. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How childhood wounds become stored in the nervous system rather than just the mind Why understanding your dysfunctional habits intellectually will not change the emotional patterns that drive them How perimenopause and menopause can magnify unresolved emotional patterns What ACE scores measure and what they fail to capture How reactive parenting can lead to hypervigilance and emotional scanning, even in safe environments Dr. LePera describes the fawn response and explains how children learn to over-accommodate others, suppress their own needs, and avoid conflict. How chronic stress becomes a learned response, and how stress responses can be passed across generations   How chronic stress and a dysregulated nervous system can influence gut function and microbiome balance Why it’s essential to return your attention to your body in the present moment to begin healing Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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. Nicole LePera Website Social media platforms: @The Holistic Psychologist  Self Healers Circle (Membership community) Purchase a copy of Dr. Pera’s latest book, Reparenting the Inner Child.

Today, I am excited to welcome you to the eagerly awaited third installment of Ask Me Anything!  In this episode, I shine a spotlight on a universal challenge that affects the lives of countless women over 35 as I delve into the heart of the problems of weight-loss resistance, plateaus, and the notorious belly fat that seems to cling for dear life.  The flood of questions that keep pouring in speaks volumes and is a testament to the exasperation we all feel! Join me on a journey to navigate that landscape, unravel the mysteries, confront misconceptions, and uncover strategies to overcome, decode, and dismantle the common issue of shedding those unwanted, stubborn pounds! I urge all of you, particularly those older than 35, to know you are not alone in your struggle! Stay tuned for the treasure trove of insights that awaits! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why should you know what your fasting insulin is?  The importance of stress management Helpful supplements for those who have had their gallbladders removed How to deal with cravings and weight gain during the week before your period The first thing to work on if you are struggling with plateaus or weight loss resistance The importance of mitigating stress Managing your macronutrients The loss of muscle as we get older Physical activity and weight loss How important is body set weight?  How trauma impacts weight loss resistance Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish today. She is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, specializing in complex chronic illness with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold exposure, gut dysfunction, and women’s midlife health. In our conversation, we explore how perimenopause and menopause affect the brain, as well as the roles of genetics and epigenetics. Dr. Cornish explains limbic lock, SPECT imaging, the impact of tick-borne illnesses, and co-infections, and how brain health issues can influence mental health. We also dive into the role of mold in testing, the gut-brain-immune-hormone axis, vagal tone, the estrobolome, leptin, the MTHFR mutation, and how Dr. Cornish prefers to have it tested and treated in her patients. Stay tuned for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation on brain health and women’s midlife wellness. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why women may experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and cognitive slowing as estrogen declines How declining estrogen could make the brain more vulnerable to toxins, infections, and leaky brain How disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of oxygen (from issues like sleep apnea) can negatively affect cognition and brain health The value of continuing to learn and staying socially connected to support your cognitive health as you age How genetics can help to identify women who may be at higher risk for cognitive decline later in life. What limbic lock means How toxin overload, mold, Lyme disease, and co-infections, and unresolved stress can create a state of limbic lock  How SPECT imaging helps to explain why some people fail to improve despite multiple treatments The benefits of progesterone for supporting relaxation and improving sleep during perimenopause How declining estrogen and gut dysbiosis during perimenopause can affect the gut-brain axis Bio: Dr. Eboni Cornish Dr. Eboni Cornish is the Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics and President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. She specializes in complex chronic illness, with expertise in brain health, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, mold toxicity, gut dysfunction, and women’s midlife health. Known for her NeuroLongevity framework, Dr. Cornish takes a root-cause, brain-first approach to helping patients optimize cognitive resilience, hormone balance, and long-term wellness. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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. Eboni Cornish Amen Clinics On her website Instagram

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. I’ve been getting many questions about viruses, bacterial vaginosis, and recurrent infections. So, today, I’m stepping a little outside our usual topics to explore how changes in the gut microbiome can directly influence the vaginal microbiome. Join me as I clarify what actually happens in the body during perimenopause and menopause, and explain why those shifts matter more than most women realize. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Three changes that occur simultaneously during perimenopause and menopause, and how those changes increase our susceptibility to viruses like herpes. Why declining estrogen weakens the vaginal microbiome How gut microbiome changes in midlife affect the ability to recycle estrogen via the estrobolome Why the gut barrier becomes less stable and more permeable during perimenopause and menopause, and how that can trigger immune responses and low-grade inflammation How hormonal fluctuations can trigger viral outbreaks and increase the likelihood of shingles What research shows about hormone replacement therapy and lower rates and recurrence of severe herpes simplex infections Why bacterial vaginosis is becoming more common in midlife How to balance and support the gut and vaginal microbiome in midlife Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected] 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 Links: 1. Menopausal shift on women’s health and microbial niches 2. The Effect of Menopause on the Innate Anti-Viral Activity of Cervicovaginal Lavage https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4519412/  3. Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights 4. Shingles and Menopause: Is There a Connection? 5. The Impact of Hormonal Replacement Therapy on Herpes Simplex Infection and Gingival Health in Post-Menopausal Women  6. The Menopause Transition, Vaginal Health, and Your Vaginal Microbiome 7. Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article 8. G. vaginalis increases HSV-2 infection by decreasing vaginal barrier integrity and increasing inflammation in vivo 9. Association between Acquisition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Women and Bacterial Vaginosis  10. Recalcitrance of bacterial vaginosis among HSV-2 seropositive women

I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Julia Haffner today. She’s a European-trained medical doctor who has worked in internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, esthetics, and hair transplant surgery, where she continuously saw patients struggling with symptoms their bodies were desperately trying to communicate, yet testing failed to provide answers. Today, we explore where stress lives in the body and why midlife can feel so different for women. We discuss the connection between postpartum experiences and perimenopausal symptoms, the nervous system’s relationship with fascia as a sensory organ, and how fascia responds to our personal experiences. We also examine trauma as highly bio-individual, lifestyle changes to support the nervous system during midlife, and how perimenopause impacts our adrenals. Dr. Haffner shares how she prefers to advocate for patients within the medical system, and talks about her app, which is free and available for listeners. We also cover how social media and technology influence our stress levels, Dr. Haffner’s meridian-related energetic facelift, and how our emotions connect to our bodies.  Stay tuned for today’s fascinating and insightful conversation with the delightful Dr. Julia Haffner, who also has a book coming out late this year. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The similarity between postpartum low-estrogen and perimenopausal symptoms How doctors often focus only on measurable lab data while overlooking nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress Dr. Haffner describes fascia as a sensory organ How Dr. Haffner learned to recognize patterns of tension, stress, emotional overwhelm, and physical trauma within the fascia Why trauma is not limited only to major events like war or abuse  Why women tend to become more sensitive to stress, relationships, and environmental pressures as their estrogen declines The value of gentler workouts in midlife to support stress reduction and nervous system regulation without increasing cortisol Why years of chronic stress can leave women feeling depleted during perimenopause  How constant scrolling can contribute to low-grade stress within the body Dr. Haffner introduces her menopause symptom tracking app Bio: Dr. Julia Haffner Dr. Julia Haffner is a European-trained medical doctor who worked across internal medicine, geriatrics, family practice, chronic pain therapy, aesthetic medicine, and hair transplant surgery — and kept seeing the same thing: bodies crying out for help that no test could hear. Life took her to Italy with her second daughter, where she discovered the ability to feel into any part of the body and sense what's stored there — a memory, a grief, a fear still frozen in the fascia decades later. What most people call limiting beliefs or self-doubt isn't a mind problem. It's stored in the body. In the tissue. In the fascia. And it stays there until someone helps it release. Over 1,000 remote sessions later: cancer in remission, chronic pain dissolved, self-doubt cleared from the body, the spark returning. She is the creator of the Energetic Facelift. Her message: You are your own best doctor. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to [email protected]  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. Julia Haffner On her website Dr. Haffner’s book, The State Before the Bite: Secrets of the Secret, will be released in late 2026