592: Menopause, HRT, and Breast Cancer + How to Advocate for Yourself with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz

Are you waking up feeling exhausted—even after a full night's sleep?  It’s one of the top complaints I hear from women and something I’ve personally struggled with, too. Which can be especially frustrating when you know you’re doing everything else right. You’re eating clean. Walking after meals. Taking supplements…  So, what else could be causing it? Meet your circadian rhythm (aka your biological clock).  In this episode, I sat down with award-winning science journalist and circadian rhythm expert, Lynne Peeples—to help you get to the bottom of your morning sluggishness and start waking up energized. Lynne shared powerful tips from her new book (The Inner Clock) about how simple daily habits—like getting morning light and avoiding late meals—can reset your internal clock, balance hormones, and give you all-day energy.  We also discussed the importance of wearables—with specific recommendations for optimizing your body’s natural rhythms.  Tune in for the crucial steps you NEED to take to reset your circadian rhythm and feel better today!  IN THIS EPISODE Why circadian rhythm matters for women’s health, especially during perimenopause How morning light exposure sets your biological clock for the day The role of consistency in sleep, eating times, and daily routines for optimal health Why time-restricted eating and meal timing matter for your metabolism Practical ways to dim lights, avoid screens, and create an evening routine that supports sleep The impact of alcohol on your circadian rhythm and sleep quality Lynne’s personal experiences and what she learned from tracking her internal clock Visit podcast episode here: https://drmariza.com/episode599 QUOTES “Circadian rhythms affect so much more than just sleep. They’re tied to our hormones, metabolism, mood, and even our gut health. Keeping these rhythms in sync can make a world of difference for your overall well-being.” "Getting outside within the first couple hours of waking up is key. Just 10 to 15 minutes of natural light—even on a cloudy day—helps set your circadian rhythm and sets you up for better sleep that night."  "Our digestive system is tied to our biological clock. Eating late at night spikes your blood sugar more, raises your core temperature, and disrupts sleep. Keeping meals within a 10-hour window—earlier in the day—helps support metabolism and balance."  “Morning light is critical for setting your internal clock. Even on cloudy days, get outside—natural light is still much stronger than indoor light and it helps you stay in sync with your body’s natural rhythm.” "The consistency piece is huge—eating, sleeping, and exercising at the same time every day. That keeps your body's clocks in sync and makes it easier to fall asleep, wake up refreshed, and maintain your energy throughout the day."  RESOURCES MENTIONED Lynne’s book: The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms Lynne’s Website  Register for FREE in my upcoming Thriving in Perimenopause & Menopause Summit. RELATED EPISODES  #488: The Benefits of Circadian-Based Intermittent Fasting + How to Implement with Ease #567: The Top 5 Pillars of Deep Restorative Sleep + How to Relax Your Nervous System and Reduce Anxiety Before Bed with Dr. Peter Martone 580: Mastering Your Sleep, Metabolism and Overall, Health in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all heard the saying, “Follow your heart.” But what if I told you that your heart holds even more power than we’ve been led to believe? In just a few minutes per day, you can learn to tap into that power and break free from the cycle of burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm—and completely transform your mind, body, and soul.  It’s called heart coherence. And in today’s episode, I sit down with multiple-time New York Times best-selling author, holistic wellness expert, and meditation teacher Kimberly Snyder to show you how it works.  Kimberly blends ancient wisdom with modern science—and guides you through the five heart stages:  Dark; Propelled; Steady; Devoted; and Clear.  She also shares SIMPLE, heart-centered practices that can dramatically reduce stress, boost your energy levels, and even improve your gut health, hormone balance, and relationships. Whether you're at work, at home, or in the midst of chaos, you can do these practices with ease—and the results can be life-changing.  Tune in here and get ready to open your heart for rapid healing! IN THIS EPISODE The five heart stages that shape your emotional and physical well-being Practical tools to shift into heart coherence, even during stressful moments How heart coherence boosts energy, gut health, and hormone balance The science behind heart coherence and its role in reducing stress and anxiety Real-life examples of how heart-centered living strengthens relationships How to tap into your heart’s wisdom for greater intuition and clarity And more! QUOTES “The heart is actually another brain—it sends more messages to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. It controls so much around our health, vitality, and emotional well-being. When we learn to tap into this power, it can transform everything.” “These aren’t long meditations or complicated rituals—just quick, simple practices that take a few seconds. Even in the middle of chaos, you can realign and come back to a centered place in 3 to 10 seconds.” “Once you start living from your heart, you’ll notice a shift. You’ll have more energy, better communication, and deeper intuition. It’s like opening up to a new way of living, where everything feels more in flow.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kimberly’s Feel Good Podcast Kimberly’s NEW book: The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts Kimberly’s website, Solluna More about the HeartMath Institute on heart coherence and its impact RELATED EPISODES  #575: Transform Your Life Through Self Love, Trusting Your Heart and Raising Your Self Worth with Roxy Saffaie #360: The Most Important — Yet Little-Known — Secret to Align Your Goals with Your Heart’s Purpose with Dr. Benita Varnado #569: How to Build a Strong Emotional Connection with Your Partner and How to Transform Your Love Life with Vanessa and Xander Marin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to shatter the myths surrounding menopause and take control of your hormonal health at ANY age?  The truth is, the medical establishment has—and continues—to overlook viable holistic treatments for women in midlife, especially when it comes to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The focus has always been on symptoms—NOT the root cause. But that’s all about to change. Meet Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps. Two experts on a mission to help women educate themselves, advocate for their health, and seek out medical practitioners who can help.  I sat down with Kristin and Maria to discuss the benefits and complexities of HRT, especially the critical roles that progesterone and estrogen play in maintaining your long-term health.  We also shared simple solutions to ward off serious conditions, like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.  This episode is packed with invaluable information that every woman should hear—whether you’re just beginning to experience hormonal changes or are well into menopause. Tune in and learn how to thrive—into your 60s, 70s, and beyond! IN THIS EPISODE The common myths about menopause that are holding women back The critical roles of progesterone and estrogen in women’s health Why the current medical approach to menopause needs to change The benefits of hormone replacement therapy beyond symptom relief The importance of starting HRT sooner rather than later How to find a medical practitioner who truly understands women’s health The powerful impact of advocating for your own health during menopause View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode597 RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Maria and Kristen's new book: The Great Menopause Myth Stay tuned for more information on how to register for my FREE Thriving in Perimenopause and Menopause Summit!  RELATED EPISODES  593: Why EVERYONE Needs Progesterone in Perimenopause and Beyond and How We Are Getting Dosing All Wrong with Carol Petersen 592: Menopause, HRT, and Breast Cancer + How to Advocate for Yourself with Dr Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz 583: The Truth About Menopause That You Deserve to Know with Dr. Mary Claire Haver #404: Do Women Need to Wait Till Menopause to Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? with Esther Blum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Menopause always gets a bad rap. But let’s face it… as women,  menopause is inevitable.  So let’s quit overlooking its significance and use it as a time to reassess our priorities to enjoy a higher level of self-awareness and well-being! It’s time to highlight this beautiful transition into a new phase of life.   Menopause marks evolution– not an ending. That’s why I’ve invited Dr. Anna Cabeca to the podcast today to help YOU celebrate your menopause in midlife and feel exactly how you want to in your body.  As an expert in women’s health, integrative medicine, anti-aging techniques, and longevity– you won’t want to miss all the knowledge Dr. Anna shares in this episode to help you make the most of your life!  Join us here as we dive into hormone health during menopause and talk about all the pros and cons of bioidentical hormone replacement.  Plus, we’ll guide you on what you can do NOW to navigate your body’s changes with ease and grace as you age. Check it out!  Dr. Anna Cabeca  Dr. Anna Cabeca – known as the girlfriend doctor– is an OB/GYN who’s served 10,000+ women in her private practice, and millions more through her books, online videos, and articles. She’s been in practice for over 20 years, and it’s her personal and professional mission to give proven pragmatic solutions to women dealing with menopausal health challenges so they can lead the life they want, need, and deserve. IN THIS EPISODE Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms  Dr. Anna’s experience and research on HRT  Key benefits of estrogen and progesterone  Benefits and risks of vaginal hormones Lifestyle factors and tips for optimal hormone function Recommendations for naturally boosting oxytocin   Creating healthy boundaries for yourself  How to join our live Masterclass on hormone health!  View podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode596 RESOURCES MENTIONED Register for the Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass HERE! Dr. Anna’s Website  Dr. Anna’s Facebook Dr. Anna’s Instagram  RELATED EPISODES  579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum 592: Menopause, Hrt, And Breast Cancer + How to Advocate for Yourself with Dr Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz #558: The Science Behind Ozempic And Important Facts About Glp-1 Agonists + Hormone Replacement for Women 40+ With Dr. Tyna Moore #557: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Hormone Replacement in Their 40s And Beyond with Felice Gersh #404: Do Women Need to Wait till Menopause to Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling like you don’t have the mental capacity or physical energy to do the things you love lately?  You may have been told this is just a normal part of menopause and aging as a woman. But it DOESN’T have to be!  Midlife is a time for a serious health reflection. And we deserve a better method of healing to feel stronger, energized, and ah-mazing– no matter what stage of life we’re in.  This episode is all about optimizing your metabolic and brain health. Because symptoms of metabolic dysfunction can be silent, and we often excuse them away for being too busy, or just being a woman heading towards menopause.  My mission here is to help YOU create great energy and improve your metabolic health– especially in midlife when your body starts to shift.  So tune in here for all my top daily habits and recommendations on optimizing your cellular energy– for lasting brain, metabolic, and OVERALL health!  IN THIS EPISODE Building mental, emotional, and physical resilience  Understanding hormone changes to optimize metabolism  The 5 major reasons women experience metabolic health changes  Addressing the imbalance in female sex hormones   Navigating declining muscle mass in midlife  Symptoms of metabolic dysfunction driven by insulin resistance  How to deal with fat redistribution in midlife  The abrupt reduction in metabolic rate and energy expenditure in perimenopause and menopause  Metabolic markers and standard lab ranges for optimal health   My top recommendations for a rockin’ metabolism!  View the podcast episode here: https://drmariza.com/episode595 RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA to get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth >> Stay tuned for more information on how to register for my FREE Thriving in Perimenopause and Menopause Summit!  584: The Health Costs of Our Modern Life & How to Start Feeling Better with Dr. Casey Means #552: The Midlife Muscle Crisis: Why Maintaining Muscle Is Necessary for Fat Loss, Strength and Longevity with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon #546: How To Stay Lean, Energized, And Strong by Working with Your Physiology, Not Against It with Dr. Stacy Sims RELATED EPISODES  #531: How To Create Metabolism-Loving Meals That Can Fix Your Blood Sugar and Ward Off Chronic Disease  #545: How To Reverse Your Biological Age with Simple Lifestyle Habits and the Most Important Factors in Reversing Your Inner Age with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald 580: Mastering Your Sleep, Metabolism, And Overall, Health in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow #535: How To Effectively Reset Your Metabolism, Lose Weight, And Upgrade Your Hormones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last August, I was scared I’d never have the mental bandwidth to live my dreams, or even become the mom I’d always strived to be. I was severely struggling with a brain injury and post-concussion syndrome, uncertain of how my future would look.  Now– 1 year later– I’m feeling great, functioning 88% better than I was after my injury. So how did I transform, and tackle my symptoms HEAD-on? (no pun intended!) Despite perimenopausal symptoms, increased inflammation, and mold exposure I experienced all while on my road to recovery, a few things I’ve been doing have made all the difference… In this podcast, I give you my top tips– my non-negotiables and consistent habits that have helped me truly transform despite several health setbacks.  Regardless of if you’ve experienced a recent health scare or injury,  the recommendations in this podcast can be life-changing.  Tune into this episode to learn how YOU can become a woman who fires on all cylinders, living life with energy, ease, and grace! IN THIS EPISODE Navigating my recovery from post-concussion syndrome  Reducing brain inflammation with a concussion protocol  Top brain support supplements I took for recovery  Movement recommendations for healing from a brain injury  Metabolically healthy meals for ideal health and recovery  My top non-negotiables that help continue to heal my brain  Hormone replacement dosing to ease symptoms  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode594 RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA to get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth >> Midlife Metabolism & Hormone Reset Program Stay on the lookout for my Thriving In Perimenopause and Menopause Summit in October! RELATED EPISODES  #543: What I Am Doing to Overcome Post Concussion Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue and Low Thyroid Function and A Big Update About the Podcast 586: What You Can Do in Perimenopause to Optimize Your Energy, Resilience, And Brain Power with Dr. Mariza #564: This Is the Most Powerful Tool I Use to Heal My Body and Optimize My Health with Dr. Mariza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conversation around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is back on the table, which we love. But unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there.   The majority of women dosing with progesterone are not getting enough to be effective. So what do we need to do to avoid this?  Compounding pharmacist and expert in the hormone replacement field Carol Petersen joins the podcast today to guide us on how to ensure effective progesterone dosing to treat hormone-related symptoms and conditions.  Progesterone is key in estrogen metabolism and estrogen dominance–  AND it protects the uterus and supports overall health. Even if you don’t have a uterus, it still can be beneficial for women’s health.  Ready to find out if you’re getting enough progesterone?  Listen here to learn how progesterone can be your solution to a symptom-free perimenopause and menopause!  Carol Petersen  Carol Petersen is a compounding pharmacist with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She’s a Certified Nutritional Practitioner involved in multiple organizations, including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries, the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), the American Pharmacists Association, and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. She co-hosts a radio program “Take Charge of Your Health” and she’s on the Medical Advisory Boards for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR.ca) and the Institute for Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM.org). She also writes and edits for A4M’s website www.worldhealth.net and is a co-producer of “Immortality Now” podcasts.  IN THIS EPISODE The role of progesterone and why it’s needed for women’s health Addressing progesterone deficiency in women  How progesterone is important even without a uterus  Proper dosing of progesterone and forms of supplementation Hormone testing methods  How to identify symptom improvement with hormone therapy  Lab testing and blood work levels for hormone balance  Hormonal birth control and progesterone IUD options RESOURCES MENTIONED Book Your Free 15 meeting on Carol’s Website! The Wellness by Design Project Website Carol’s YouTube RELATED EPISODES  579: Hormone Replacement Options and Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #572: How To Know You Are in Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated with Declining Hormones #479: 8 Superpowers of Progesterone #403: 5 Big Benefits of the Powerhouse Hormone: Progesterone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dealing with menopause symptoms is rough enough, but navigating a cancer diagnosis at the same time causes even more stress and anxiety.  As a holistic-focused physician going through menopause, a diagnosis of breast cancer put a bump in the road for Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, leading to concerns about how she would navigate her own journey.  It can be hard to feel heard by your physician, and advocating for things like holistic healing options, lab testing, and hormone replacement therapy can become an endless battle. But as a women’s empowerment advocate and a public educator, Dr. Suzanne is here today to help YOU advocate for your needs and to speak up about your situation because you deserve to be heard.  Hearing Dr. Suzanne’s story can help you get through any tough times you’re facing. Especially for the breast cancer community– there are ways you can manage your longevity and your health now going forward for the better. Check out this podcast to find out how!  Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD  Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz earned her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She frequently appears as an expert in women’s health and integrative medicine in print, online, and on TV, where she’s the Chief Medical Correspondent for the Drew Barrymore Show. She’s the author of MENOPAUSE BOOTCAMP: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age.  IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Suzanne’s perimenopause and menopause journey  Opening up about a breast cancer diagnosis Recognizing symptoms of perimenopause vs. other health issues  Non-negotiables for women’s health in our 40s and beyond  Hormone therapy options in midlife  Advocating for yourself with your primary physician  Adaptogenic herbs that are helpful in midlife  Stress, sleep, and cardiometabolic tips for optimal health  Grassroots and community building via the Menopause Bootcamp Facilitator Certification  RESOURCES MENTIONED Menopause Bootcamp Certification Course  Get 20% off with Code: Energized20 Get Dr. Suzanne’s book HERE: Menopause Bootcamp  Dr. Suzanne’s Website  Dr. Suzanne’s Socials:  Facebook Instagram  TikTok YouTube  RELATED EPISODES  #590: Dispelling Myths About Breast Cancer and Mammograms + Navigating Hrt After Breast Cancer with Dr. Jenn Simmons 579: Hormone Replacement Options and Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #547: What You Need to Know About the Opill and Hormone Changes in Perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones #404: Do Women Need to Wait till Menopause to Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COVID might seem like old news, but if you’re a woman in midlife who’s had COVID in the past, it could still be majorly affecting you.  Your perimenopause or menopause symptoms may actually be heightened because of your history of a viral illness like COVID.  COVID still is absolutely dysregulating women’s menstrual cycles, fertility, and perimenopause/menopause experiences. That’s why Dr. Jessica Drummond joins me today to help you navigate the ups and downs as you transition into perimenopause or menopause– all while keeping your immune system in check.  People who are most at risk for long COVID are perimenopausal women– or women in their mid to late thirties to mid-fifties. And unfortunately, post-viral syndromes can make it difficult to tolerate hormone therapies, which can be really helpful during this transition.  So it’s essential to know if the menopause symptoms you’re facing are in part due to long-COVID or another viral infection.  Listen to the podcast here to learn how you can support yourself hormonally with neuroinflammatory strategies and tools to feel like your best self in midlife– even after illness! Dr. Jessica Drummond DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC  Dr. Jessica Drummond is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute. With 25 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, licensed clinical nutritionist, and board-certified health coach, she’s passionate about caring for and empowering women in all things women’s health and pelvic health. She helps women overcome hormonal imbalances and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Drummond was educated at the University of Virginia, Emory University, Duke Integrative Medicine, and Maryland University of Integrative Health. IN THIS EPISODE What are post-viral syndromes and why are they so common? Addressing long-term effects of COVID-19  How COVID impacts hormones and the immune health of women in their 40s and 50s Distinguishing the symptoms of long-COVID from those of perimenopause or menopause Tools for combating post-viral fatigue in perimenopause and menopause  Hormone replacement options for managing symptoms  Non-negotiables for optimizing your immune resilience  RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Dr. Drummond’s FREE workshop for women's health and wellness professionals on functional nutrition - including immune and hormone health The Integrative Women’s Health Institute Website  Dr. Drummond’s Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #574: The Connection Between Trauma, The Immune System, And Autoimmune Disease: Lab Testing and Solutions with Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried 579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #572: How To Know You Are In Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated With Declining Hormones #334: 3 Immune-Boosting Habits That Are Non-Negotiable Right Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a whirlwind of emotions that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. But it doesn’t have to be a punishment.  Integrative Oncologist Dr. Jenn Simmons works as a breast cancer expert to help thousands of women see their breast cancer diagnosis as an opportunity to reclaim their health, and she’s here today to explain why.  PLUS, she’s ready to debunk the myth that hormone replacement after breast cancer can cause recurrence– because this is NOT the case! In fact, long-term outcomes are better for women who’ve had breast cancer and go on hormone replacement than ones who don’t.  There’s a survival benefit to going on hormone replacement after cancer, and an added quality of life benefit too.  So if you or anyone you know is struggling with ANY concerns about breast cancer, this episode is for YOU. It’s time to reclaim your health and tackle your breast cancer diagnosis head on to take charge of your life!  Dr. Jenn Simmons Dr. Jenn Simmons is an Integrative Oncologist, author, podcast host, and the founder of PerfeQTion Imaging, which has redefined breast cancer screening nationwide. She’s also the founder of Real Health MD– a practice dedicated to holistic healing for breast cancer. Dr. Jenn’s mission is to create a lasting impact on all women who desire optimal breast health.  IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Jenn’s story and how she got into the breast cancer field  Dealing with menopause symptoms if you have breast cancer  The correlation between stress and developing breast cancer  What to look for in breast cancer screenings & all about QT scans  Inflammatory lab markers and tests for breast cancer screening  How hormone replacement after breast cancer is beneficial  Applying Functional medicine to your breast cancer diagnosis  Addressing hormone replacement therapy with your doctor  RESOURCES MENTIONED Get Dr. Jenn’s Book: The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer Dr. Jenn’s Website Dr. Jenn’s Podcast Dr. Jenn’s Socials:  Instagram Facebook  YouTube Get the Book: Estrogen Matters  RELATED EPISODES  #443: How To End Painful, Lumpy Breasts Once and for All with Magdalena Wszelaki #387: The Most Common Reason for Heavy, Painful Periods, Lumpy Breast and Uncomfortable Bloating 579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #106: Never Fear Breast Cancer Again with Dr. Veronique Desaulniers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices