Épisodes

  • Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe

    Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe
    Feb 21 2026
    Today, I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Yael Joffe, a leading expert in nutrigenomics who speaks internationally at conferences on translating the science of genetics into clinical practice. She holds a PhD in nutrigenomics from the University of Cape Town, where her research focused on the genetics of obesity. I met Yael earlier this fall and decided to invite her on the podcast to explore the growing field of lifestyle genetics. In our conversation today, we dive into the effects of nutrigenomics, nutrition genetics, and SNPs, which she refers to as spelling changes in our DNA. We cover genetic testing in the industry, red flags, DNA health, and her polygenic approach to weight loss resistance. We also discuss both perimenopause and menopause from the perspective of genetics and epigenetics, and the role of insulin signalling and glucose. Yael’s insights are deeply informative. Her pioneering work on 36 metabolic pathways and her ability to make complex genetic information accessible and actionable make this a truly invaluable conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Women and gaining weight after starting HRT Neurotransmitters and what they reveal about mood, anxiety, and addiction tendencies Why do certain people break down dopamine and serotonin either too fast or too slowly? How touch and genuine connection can switch on feel-good genes Sunlight, weather, and environment affect genetic expression. What acupuncture and infrared therapies do at the gene level Why hormones are only part of the picture when addressing midlife weight gain How glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity shift through menopause Dr. Joffe’s polygenic testing model connects multiple pathways rather than single genes How Yael’s approach to genetic testing differs from that of others in the field Bio: YAEL JOFFE, PhD Yael is globally recognized as a leading expert in nutrigenomics. In 2000, she was part of the team that built the first lifestyle genetics test, and since then has been responsible for creating many others. She is the author of four books: The Power of Genetics, It’s Not Just Your Genes, Genes to Plate, and SNP Journal. Yael has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, hosts the Power of Genetics podcast, and is a highly regarded speaker in genetics. Yael built the first online nutrigenomics platform for clinician education and has developed and supervised genomics courses around the world. She has trained thousands of healthcare practitioners globally, also teaching at Rutgers University and the Maryland University of Integrative Health. In 2018, Yael founded 3X4 Genetics and now serves as its Chief Science Officer. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Yael Joffe 3X4 Genetics Instagram Facebook
    Voir plus Voir moins
    55 min
  • Ep. 557 “Your Hormones Are Hijacking Your Mood!” – The Shocking Way to Reduce Anxiety, Depression & Insomnia in Perimenopause

    Ep. 557 “Your Hormones Are Hijacking Your Mood!” – The Shocking Way to Reduce Anxiety, Depression & Insomnia in Perimenopause
    Feb 19 2026
    Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute episode. We’re focusing on the importance of having good mental health today. Statistics show that women are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts during midlife, yet the stigma around mental health remains surprisingly strong. Join me as I explore the science behind this, why it’s happening, and the importance of empowering yourself to demand better care. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The issues that contribute to the midlife mental health challenges women are experiencing How sleep disruptions in perimenopause increase anxiety, depression, and irritability The metabolic and endocrine factors that can compound mood instability in midlife Why perimenopause is a neurological as well as reproductive transition The evidence-based benefits of HRT for supporting mental health The role of estrogen in brain function and emotional regulation Why HRT is especially important for women experiencing abrupt or early menopause Some practical guidance for using HRT to support mental health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line References: Effects of Estradiol Withdrawal on Mood in Women With Past Perimenopausal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2298235) Efficacy of Estradiol in Perimenopausal Depression: So Much Promise and So Few Answers (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.22391) Effects of Hormone Therapy on Cognition and Mood (https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)00178-2/fulltext) Does Menopause Hormone Therapy Improve Symptoms of Depression? Findings From a Specialized Menopause Clinic A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy upon Depressed Mood (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453096000340?via%3Dihub) The Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Cognition and Mood (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.14856)
    Voir plus Voir moins
    20 min
  • Ep. 556 The Women's Bone Health Masterclass Part 2 | Menopause & Bone Health

    Ep. 556 The Women's Bone Health Masterclass Part 2 | Menopause & Bone Health
    Feb 18 2026
    We’re back with Episode 2 of our Bone Health Masterclass series—and this one is a powerhouse mashup featuring orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright, magnesium expert Carolyn Dean, researcher Barrie Tan, and bone coach Kevin Ellis. In this dynamic conversation, we break down what really happens to women’s bones during menopause—and what you can do about it. You’ll learn how strength training, grip strength, and smart fueling directly influence bone density, and finally understand the truth about osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and the constant remodeling happening inside your skeleton. We also go deep on the nutrients that matter most, especially magnesium, the surprising role of melatonin, how chronic stress and gut health impact your bones, and why building bone is about far more than just calcium. Plus, we unpack the science behind OsteoStrong and how targeted loading can stimulate stronger bones at any age. If you care about staying strong, active, and fracture-free for decades to come, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bone loss accelerates during menopause How tocotrienols effectively doubled the bone growth-to-loss ratio in osteopenic adults in a clinical trial How relative calorie deficiency, menstrual disruption, and excessive leanness in athletes and non-athletes alike are major, yet underrecognized, risk factors for early osteoporosis Why bone breakdown accelerates when estrogen drops, and how that can be countered How women’s bone health has been misunderstood for decades, with an excessive focus on calcium The critical importance of magnesium, which allows bones to be strong, flexible, and fracture-resistant The value of melatonin for supporting bone remodeling, promoting osteoblast activity, and protecting bone cells from oxidative stress and inflammation How elevated cortisol from chronic stress directly impairs bone health Why gut health is foundational to bone health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Barrie Tan On his website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Vonda Wright On her website Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn Leave a message on VIP Phone Number 407-232-2334 Connect with Dr. Carolyn Dean On her website (For educational resources) RnA ReSet Store website Podcast Magnesium: The Missing Link to Total Health by Dr. Carolyn Dean is available on Amazon Connect with Kevin Ellis On his website Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Kevin’s free Stronger Bones Masterclass Ep. 234 Metabolic Longevity and Vitamin E with Dr. Barrie Tan Ep. 386 Muscle Strength in Menopause: Key Tests & Lifestyle Measures with Dr. Vonda Wright Ep. 366 Magnesium Masterclass: Unveiling Its Role in Metabolic Function with Dr. Carolyn Dean Ep. 252 How To Optimize Your Bone Health with Bone Coach Kevin Ellis
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 5 min
  • BONUS: Lipid Masterclass: An Introduction to Lipids and Cholesterol with Dr. Thomas Dayspring

    BONUS: Lipid Masterclass: An Introduction to Lipids and Cholesterol with Dr. Thomas Dayspring
    Feb 16 2026
    Today, I am excited to share the first class in a series of lipid masterclasses with the amazing Dr. Thomas Dayspring! Dr. Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical epidemiology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He was previously the Educational Director of a nonprofit organization and has served as the Chief Academic Advisor for two major cardiovascular labs. Given the in-depth nature of my discussions with Dr. Dayspring over several sessions, each lasting nearly six hours, it seemed logical to present these masterclasses in segments to make them easier to understand. In our first class today, we dive into the fundamentals, exploring what lipids are and how lipids and fatty acids are classified. We cover the physiology and transport of cholesterol and the roles of apoptosis, apo-proteins, and apo-lipoproteins; we unravel the differences between HDL, LDL, IDL, and VLDL; and we explain how to calculate LDL and triglycerides to assess metabolic health. Dr. Dayspring also shares his preferences regarding lab values and indicators that help him assess the early risk of cardiovascular disease. We cover some detailed aspects of physical chemistry in this episode, so I highlight the main clinical points throughout our conversation to make it easier to follow. Be sure to join Dr. Dayspring and me for our next episode in the lipid masterclass series. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are lipids, and why are they important? Dr. Dayspring explains what triglycerides are. How lipids get absorbed and transported throughout the body What lipoproteins are, and how they get classified How cholesterols get calculated The impact of triglycerides on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health How high triglyceride levels can indicate early insulin resistance or increased ASCVD risk What is the role of HDL particles? How metabolic syndrome impacts cardiovascular health Bio: Thomas Dayspring MD is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association and is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. After practicing in New Jersey for 37 years, he moved to Virginia in 2012. He served as an educational director for a nonprofit cardiovascular foundation and, until mid-2019, as a Chief Academic Advisor for two major CV laboratories. Since then, he has served as a virtual cardiovascular / lipidology educator. Career-wise he has given over 4000 domestic (in all 50 states) and several international lectures, including over 600 CME programs on atherothrombosis, lipids/lipoproteins (and their treatment), vascular biology, biomarker testing, and women’s cardiovascular issues. He has authored several manuscripts and lipid textbook chapters and performed several podcasts. For several years, he was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He was the recipient of the 2011 National Lipid Association’s Presidents Award for services to clinical lipidology and the 2023 Foundation of NLA Clinician/Educator Award. He has over 34K followers on his educational Twitter (X) feed (@Drlipid). He has Gold Heart Member status as a professional member of the American Heart Association and serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring ⁠Twitter⁠ (@DrLipid) ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Books written by Gary Taubes⁠
    Voir plus Voir moins
    45 min
  • Ep. 555 “It’s Not Just Hot Flashes” – The Most Overlooked Heart Disease Risks in Menopause with Dr. Jayne Morgan | Menopause & Heart Disease

    Ep. 555 “It’s Not Just Hot Flashes” – The Most Overlooked Heart Disease Risks in Menopause with Dr. Jayne Morgan | Menopause & Heart Disease
    Feb 14 2026
    I am excited to welcome Dr. Jayne Morgan as my guest today. She is a cardiologist and the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, specializing in women's health and cardiovascular research. In our conversation, we look at the gaps in clinicians’ training around perimenopause and menopause, also discussing gender neutral training, and how men and women are treated differently in the medical system. Dr. Morgan shares her preferred areas of focus when educating middle-aged women about hormone replacement therapy and clusters of diagnoses, which include diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and weight-loss resistance. We examine how myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) tend to manifest differently in women, often with microvascular disease, atypical chest pain, and less obvious symptom patterns. We also explore screening recommendations, such as EKGs, Lp(a) assessments, and mammography for microcalcifications, which might indicate an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. This fun and lively conversation with Dr. Morgan offers valuable, practical insights into women’s heart health. I look forward to recording future podcast episodes with her. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: One-size-fits-all treatment of women during medical training in the ’90s and early 2000s Speaking up in the exam room when something doesn’t feel right When hormone therapy was labeled dangerous, and the fallout that followed Medicine’s uncomfortable truth: clinicians must keep learning or fall behind Gender-neutral cardiology and the women it left behind The midlife risk-factor pileup no one prepared women for Why not taking blood pressure or cholesterol medications is risky rather than healthy Heart attacks often mistaken for anxiety, especially in women Slow change, real progress in women’s cardiology care Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Jayne Morgan On Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn
    Voir plus Voir moins
    51 min
  • Ep. 554 Why Digestive Rest Matters in Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow, NP | Menopause, Perimenopause & Fasting

    Ep. 554 Why Digestive Rest Matters in Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow, NP | Menopause, Perimenopause & Fasting
    Feb 12 2026
    Today, I’ll be unpacking some of the research and science surrounding digestive rest and intermittent fasting. In this episode, I am transparent about the fact that what works for me now may not be what worked five or ten years ago. I explain what happens in your body when you’re not eating, explore ways to approach intermittent fasting, and highlight why your goals, life stage, and metabolic health should guide your choices. Whether you’re focused on building muscle, improving metabolic flexibility, or supporting fat loss, I hope that you walk away with a clearer understanding of how long you should go without eating, while honoring your current stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How everything changed after 10 years of intermittent fasting How digestive rest differs from intermittent fasting Why intermittent fasting works better as a metabolic strategy How digestive rest supports healing The metabolic value of intermittent fasting How perimenopause and menopause impact the gut microbiome How to determine whether digestive rest or intermittent fasting is more appropriate in different life stages Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line
    Voir plus Voir moins
    38 min
  • Ep. 553 The Ultimate Bone Health Masterclass Series Part 1 | Menopause & Bone Health

    Ep. 553 The Ultimate Bone Health Masterclass Series Part 1 | Menopause & Bone Health
    Feb 11 2026
    Welcome to Part 1 of our special bone health mini-series, featuring Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, personal trainer Debra Atkinson, and PhD researcher Dr. Darren Candow. In this episode, we discuss the impact of contraceptive use on bone health, especially in young women, and explore how underfueling and relative energy deficiency can contribute to serious bone health issues early in life. We highlight the strong connection between thyroid health and bone health, and clarify how frequently, how much, and how intensely we should strength train to best support our bones. We examine the potential long-term benefits of vibration plates, address concerns with current osteoporosis screening guidelines, and explain why assessing women’s bone health earlier is crucial. Finally, we review the latest research on creatine monohydrate and its promising impact on bone health. I sincerely hope you enjoy Part 1 of this mini-series, which sets the stage for understanding lifelong bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How underfueling, overtraining, and oral contraceptives can limit bone development The value of strength training and impact-based exercise for preserving bone density, supporting metabolic health, and reducing fracture risk How even a few minutes of impact exercise per day can stimulate bone strength How vibration plates can complement strength and impact training Why declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures as women age The benefits of weight training, resistance exercises, Pilates, and water aerobics for improving bone density and maintaining muscle strength How creatine supplementation combined with resistance training or structured exercise can help preserve bone strength in postmenopausal women How creatine alone, without physical activity, shows no meaningful benefit Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein On the Duke Health website On Instagram The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, co-authored by Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, and Sydney Nitzkorski, MS, RD, is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble, and from most bookstores. Connect with Debra Atkinson On her website The Flipping 50 Podcast On Social Media: @flipping50tv Connect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd Sanctum Med and Wellness On Instagram: Jessica Shepherd or Modern Meno Dr. Shepherd’s new book, Generation M, is available in-store or online from Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. Connect with Dr. Darren Candow On Instagram On X University of Regina Featured Episodes Ep. 467 Bone & Joint Health Tips for Women 40+ with Jocelyn Wittstein Ep. 321 Muscle, Bone & Joint Health in Menopause with Debra Atkinson Ep. 424 Menopause 101: Symptoms, HRT, and a Bio-Individual Approach with Dr. Jessica Shepherd Ep. 301 Creatine: The Best Supplement for Better Bones & Brain Health with Dr. Darren Candow
    Voir plus Voir moins
    57 min
  • BONUS: Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried

    BONUS: Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried
    Feb 9 2026
    Today, I have the privilege of connecting with Dr. Sara Gottfried! Dr. Sara is a board-certified physician who graduated from Harvard and MIT. She practices evidence-based, integrative, precision, and functional medicine. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She has written four New York Times bestselling books, including her latest, Women, Food and Hormones. Dr. Sara is one of my favorite doctors in integrative medicine and GYN! In this episode, we dive into the infodemic, how stress impacts hormones, the impact of age-related changes on hormonal regulation, alcohol, and gender differences with ketogenic lifestyles. We discuss some lesser-known hormones, including growth hormone, and how to support them properly. We touch on disordered eating, how trauma influences our relationship with food, epigenetics, and the role of a lifetime relationship with food. We also look at methylation, glutathione, detox reactions, supporting physical detoxification, and our toxic diet culture. I hope you benefit as much from this episode as I did! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sara explains what an infodemic is and how it has affected how she communicates with her patients. What happens to our hormones as we age? The impact of stress on hormone regulation. Dr. Sara busts the myth that testosterone is a male hormone and discusses what testosterone means for women. How does alcohol consumption impact women’s hormones? Why do men tend to have an easier time with the ketogenic diet than women? The dramatic changes that occur in women’s bodies as they transition from perimenopause to menopause. Looking at the interrelationship between trauma, stress, and autoimmunity. The changes that occur with growth hormones as we age. How trauma affects the genes. How disordered eating impacts metabolism. How to support physical detoxification naturally, without going to extremes. How to address weight-loss plateaus. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Sara Gottfried On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ Dr. Sara’s books are available on https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/ and ⁠Amazon.⁠
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 8 min