Episodes

  • BONUS: Muscle Matters: Transforming Metabolic Health for Weight Control with Bronson Dant | Metabolic Health, Weight Control, Muscle Matters

    BONUS: Muscle Matters: Transforming Metabolic Health for Weight Control with Bronson Dant | Metabolic Health, Weight Control, Muscle Matters
    Jul 6 2026
    I am happy to connect with Coach Bronson Dant today. He has spent over a decade guiding and training people in health and fitness. He discovered the benefits of a whole-food, animal-based ketogenic diet for optimizing metabolic health and performance, and wrote The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Book. In our discussion today, we dive into the powerful story of Coach Bronson’s pain-to-purpose journey. We explore the value of mindset and look at how age-related changes affect muscle, inflammation, and metabolic flexibility. He shares his three pillars of muscle health related to nutrient density, bioavailability, and satiety, and we examine the importance of sleep, the impact of extremes in exercise, and the value of stress management. We also unravel the complexities of weight-loss resistance, and Coach Bronson discusses his research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health Science, sharing his perspective on macros and functional movement in menopausal women. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Coach Bronson shares his three pillars for nutrition The limitations of basing nutrition on calories alone How the hormone piece impacts effective weight management How to avoid physical deterioration through fitness and nutrition Why Coach Bronson advocates for living life to the fullest and dying quickly How does muscle mass impact metabolic health? The importance of taking a balanced approach to weight loss How sleep aids muscle recovery and growth Stress management, nutrition, and fitness for overall well-being How alcohol affects our health and fitness The benefits of combining functional movement training and proper nutrition for older adults 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Bronson Dant On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Bundle⁠
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ep. 615 The Adrenals Masterclass: The Science of Resilience & "High-Functioning" Burnout | Menopause, Perimenopause & Adrenal Health

    Ep. 615 The Adrenals Masterclass: The Science of Resilience & "High-Functioning" Burnout | Menopause, Perimenopause & Adrenal Health
    Jul 4 2026
    Today, I’m delighted to share a compilation of adrenal-centric discussions with experts Drs. Sonya Jensen, Carrie Jones, Scott Sherr, and Will Bulsiewicz, and geneticist Dr. Yael Joffe, Nurse Practitioner Heather Quaile, and Physician's Assistant McCall McPherson. In this masterclass, we explore the effects of generational silence and how the thrifty genotype impacts the likelihood of poor metabolic health outcomes over time. We define the GABAergic system and the effects of decreased progesterone in perimenopause, and examine how our immune and nervous systems are impacted in midlife. We discuss the impact of GABA cofactors, the connection between adrenal and thyroid health, how stress affects ovarian aging, and the impact of genetics on our lifestyle choices and responses. We also unpack shift work and circadian rhythm disruption, and their influence on the gut microbiome. Join us for today’s action - and information-packed, adrenal-centric podcast. I know you will enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it all together. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The impact of generational trauma on stress resilience and metabolic health across generations How famine exposure, family history, and cultural background could contribute to our metabolic and hormonal health How estrogen metabolism pathways can influence hormone balance and long-term health The importance of B vitamins, magnesium, amino acids, protein, and overall nutritional status for healthy liver function and detoxification How ongoing fight-or-flight activation can impair energy production and contribute to a cycle of worsening stress and fatigue How hormones, sleep, toxins, infections, and insulin resistance can influence mitochondrial performance The importance of optimizing thyroid and adrenal dysfunction together How chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can influence ovarian aging How gut barrier dysfunction can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation How genetics and epigenetics can affect our appetite, hormone metabolism, mood, and treatment responses 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. Sonya Jensen On her book website: Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself Instagram Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On Instagram Estrogen Detox Made Easy Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones - Podcast Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr On his ⁠website⁠ Troscriptions ⁠Health Optimization Medicine One Base Health⁠⁠ Connect with McCall McPherson On Modern Thyroid Clinic Instagram and TikTok Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast Thyroid Lab Guide Connect with Heather Quaile On her website Instagram Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz On his website Connect with Yael Joffe On 3X4 Genetics Instagram Facebook Podcast Links: Ep. 559 Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself: Women's Health in Midlife with Dr. Sonya Jensen | Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormones Ep. 567 “Timing Is Everything” – The Best Way to Test Hormones, Cortisol & Thyroid for Real Answers with Dr. Carrie Jones BONUS: "The Sympathetic Spiral of Doom!” – The Fastest Way To Reset Your Nervous System & End Burnout with Dr. Scott Sherr Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson Ep. 498 Chronic Stress Is Aging Your Ovaries – The Shocking Link Between Trauma, Hormones & Menopause with Heather Quaile Ep. 537 The #1 Longevity Nutrient You’re Missing – How Fiber Supercharges Your Gut, Immunity & Sleep with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Ep. 558 Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny – The Most Actionable Way to Use Genetics for Weight Loss with Dr. Yael Joffe
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Ep. 614 "The Progesterone Conversation We've Been Missing" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Progesterone

    Ep. 614 "The Progesterone Conversation We've Been Missing" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Progesterone
    Jul 2 2026
    Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute. In this episode, we’re focusing on progesterone, exploring the differences between progesterone and progestins, how progesterone is used in clinical practice, and how individual responses can vary significantly. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins are not interchangeable How early synthetic progestin studies continue to shape how progesterone is viewed How different routes of progesterone administration produce different effects Why do some women experience stronger neurological or physical effects than others on the same progesterone dose How cyclical versus continuous use can affect how progesterone is used in the body Why some women experience sleep or mood changes on oral progesterone The importance of personalized decision-making 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources: The pharmacodynamics and safety of progesterone doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.002 Profiles of plasma estrogens, progesterone and their metabolites after oral or vaginal administration of estradiol or progesterone doi:10.1016/0378-5122(93)90064-O Pharmacokinetics of progesterone and its metabolites allopregnanolone and pregnanolone after oral administration of low-dose progesterone doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.11.005 Allopregnanolone and mood in the peripartum: a longitudinal assessment in healthy women doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104465 Behavior of Male Gamete Fusogen GCS1/HAP2 and the Regulation in Arabidopsis Double Fertilization doi:10.3390/biom13020208 Tolerance to allopregnanolone with focus on the GABA receptor doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01059.x Effects of exercise training on the cardiovascular system: pharmacological approaches doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.03.010 Sex steroid induced negative mood may be explained by the paradoxical effect mediated by GABA modulators doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.02.003 Paradoxical effects of GABA modulators may explain sex steroid induced negative mood symptoms in some persons doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.061 Progesterone selectively increases amygdala reactivity in women doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4002030 Progesterone and allopregnanolone neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02366-5 Allopregnanolone and mood disorders doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.005 GABA receptor plasticity and neurosteroid cell withdrawal during the estrous cycle doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2800-09.2009 Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study doi:10.1007/s10549-007-9523-x Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review doi:10.1001/jama.2022.24140 Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467611 Progesterone prevents sleep disturbances and modulates GH, TSH, and melatonin secretion in postmenopausal women doi:10.1210/jc.2010-2558
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    32 mins
  • Ep. 613 The Role of Peptides in Longevity and Midlife Health with Nathalie Niddam | Menopause, Perimenopause, Peptides

    Ep. 613 The Role of Peptides in Longevity and Midlife Health with Nathalie Niddam | Menopause, Perimenopause, Peptides
    Jul 1 2026
    Today, I am thrilled to connect with a friend and colleague, Nat Niddam. Nat is a certified holistic nutritionist and epigenetic coach, and host of the Longevity with Nat Niddam podcast. She has one of the most engaged professional and public communities focused on peptide education and longevity protocols. In today's discussion, we explain what peptides are and how they differ from HRT. We explore the differences between bioregulators and signaling peptides, clarify how peptides affect neurological and gut health, discuss beneficial peptides for muscle health and longevity, and examine the challenges surrounding peptide hype. We also explain why discernment is essential if you are considering peptides as part of a treatment plan with a licensed medical provider, and highlight specific topical peptides that can be helpful for aging skin. I look forward to having Nat back to continue our conversation about peptide therapies. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What are peptides? How signaling peptides differ from bioregulators Why it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable practitioner when considering peptides Why sleep, hormones, stress levels, and gut health must be optimized before utilizing peptides How peptides can support recovery, muscle maintenance, and heavy training periods The importance of finding trustworthy practitioners and being skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true Peptide compounds that can help people recover faster between workouts Peptides and bioregulators that can support the immune system as we age Topical peptides that can support collagen, elastin, wound healing, and skin repair Bio: Nathalie Niddam Nathalie Niddam, a holistic nutritionist and longevity educator, is dedicated to helping us all live joyful, vibrant lives well into our 50s, 60s, and beyond. She shares strategies—from health tech to ancestral health, to peptides and more on her podcast, Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam. She speaks internationally, sharing her deep expertise on bioregulators—leading-edge compounds with the power to awaken the body's innate rejuvenation systems. 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Nathalie Niddam On her website Longevity with Nathalie Niddam (Podcast) On Instagram
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • BONUS: Protein, Creatine and Training for Menopause and Beyond with Dr. Stacy Sims

    BONUS: Protein, Creatine and Training for Menopause and Beyond with Dr. Stacy Sims
    Jun 29 2026
    I am honored to connect with Dr. Stacy Sims today. She is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist on a mission to revolutionize exercise and nutrition performance- particularly for women. In our conversation, we discussed the exclusion of women from research in the modern science era and how gender differences begin in utero. We look into the importance of tracking our menstrual cycles, the differences between follicular and luteal phases, and problematic ovulatory cycles, exploring the current research on oral contraceptives, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative, and the kind of training that is essential for women in perimenopause and menopause. We also cover the physiologic changes that occur in perimenopause and menopause, and Dr. Sims shares her thoughts on weight loss resistance, SECO, undereating, the importance of protein, and essential supplements for middle-aged women. I know you will love this invaluable conversation with Dr. Stacy Sims. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why are women still excluded from many studies? How the physiological differences between men and women begin in utero and continue through adulthood How stress during pregnancy affects the developing fetus How the muscle morphology of women differs from that of men Why girls need to learn new ways to move and build strength during puberty How tracking menstrual cycle phases helps women optimize their training The potential long-term effects of using oral contraceptives Why a diverse diet is essential for supporting gut health Common misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy Why Dr. Sims recommends creatine for women in perimenopause and menopause 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims On her⁠ website⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠TikTok
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Ep. 612 Why Perimenopause Affects More Than Your Cycle with Emily Sadri, NP | Menopause, Perimenopause, Estrogen

    Ep. 612 Why Perimenopause Affects More Than Your Cycle with Emily Sadri, NP | Menopause, Perimenopause, Estrogen
    Jun 27 2026
    Today, I am delighted to welcome Emily Sadri, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife, also trained in functional medicine. Emily is the founder of Aurelia Health, a private women’s health practice in the Van Aken district of Shaker Heights, Ohio, offering telehealth services specializing in hormone therapy and weight-loss support for women ages 35 to 55. As a leading hormone expert, she has built her practice around a hormones-first approach. In today’s conversation, Emily explains the differences between being a nurse practitioner and a midwife, and we discuss nurse practitioner training, scope of practice, professional support, anticipatory guidance, and the limitations of conventional midlife care. Emily also shares why she prioritizes precision-oriented, personalized care, the value of Mira monitoring for precision hormone replacement therapy management in perimenopause, key hormonal changes she sees in early perimenopause, the impact of cyclic, static, and physiologic dosing of HRT, the influence of progestin IUDs, trends in healthcare, and less common reasons why women in midlife tend to become weight loss resistant. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on hormones, precision care, and supporting women through perimenopause and midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How women's health nurse practitioner training differs from midwifery, and how midwifery shaped Emily’s professional philosophy and ethics Why women need to take ownership of their health throughout every life stage The importance of moving beyond treating symptoms by using comprehensive lab work to identify broader hormonal and metabolic patterns The value of using Mira, an at-home hormone monitoring system, to follow hormone patterns throughout an entire menstrual cycle, rather than relying on isolated laboratory measurements Why Emily believes in looking at hormone patterns rather than progesterone decline or isolated estrogen levels when making hormone replacement therapy decisions How static, cyclic, and physiologic HRT differ, and why Emily believes physiologic dosing deserves greater consideration. Why treating hormones in isolation often fails to address the bigger picture, particularly during perimenopause The importance of women being fully informed when considering hormonal birth control and intrauterine devices Factors beyond sarcopenia, nutrition, sleep, and stress that could contribute to weight loss resistance Bio: Emily Sadri Emily Sadri is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and hormone expert who founded Aurelia Health, a modern concierge telehealth company that serves women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Emily's areas of expertise include metabolic health, precision hormone care, and longevity medicine. Her mission is to advance comprehensive care in midlife, create a model that fills in the gaps where primary care is failing women, and to recenter care around the relationship AS the medicine. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, four children, and two dogs. 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Emily Sadri On her website Instagram Aurelia Health
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health

    Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health
    Jun 25 2026
    Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, we’re discussing how oral contraceptives and Depo Provera can impact women’s bone health over time.Stay tuned as I walk you through the research, prescribing trends, and ways women can support their bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How peak bone mass in adolescence affects bone health later in life How oral contraceptives can interfere with the bone development of young women The lack of informed conversations about the bone health risks associated with long-term contraceptive use Why Depo Provera may have a stronger impact on bone density than oral contraceptives The importance of nutrition and strength training for supporting bone health How hormonal contraceptives can affect the gut microbiome and immune system What you need to consider regarding your bone density and long-term health if you’ve been using oral contraceptives or Depo for many years 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.07.005 Oral Contraceptive Use and Bone Density Change in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Prospective Study of Age, Hormone Dose, and Discontinuation doi:10.1210/jc.2010-3027 Adolescent use of combined hormonal contraception and peak bone mineral density accrual: A meta-analysis of international prospective controlled studies doi:10.1111/cen.13932 No need to specialize: reproductive health is for all adolescents doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2006.01.055 Injectable Hormone Contraception and Bone Density: Results from a Prospective Study doi:10.1097/00001648-200209000-00015 Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065 Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus doi:10.1002/art.24398 Oral Contraceptives and Multiple Sclerosis/Clinically Isolated Syndrome Susceptibility doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149094 The Experience of Surviving a High-Risk Pregnancy doi:10.1080/23293691.2016.1166104 Effects of 0.9 mg Recombinant Human Thyrotropin on Thyroid Size and Function in Normal Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial doi:10.1210/jc.2004-0914
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    43 mins
  • Ep. 610 Protein, Muscle, and Metabolic Health After Menopause with Craig Emmerich | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

    Ep. 610 Protein, Muscle, and Metabolic Health After Menopause with Craig Emmerich | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health
    Jun 24 2026
    Today, I’m delighted to welcome Craig Emmerich as my guest. He's an electrical engineer and bestselling author who works closely with his wonderful wife, Maria. Craig has been following a keto diet for over 17 years and a carnivore diet for over six years to help him overcome chronic Lyme disease and inflammatory response syndrome. Focusing on the science of human nutrition, he has helped thousands of clients regain their health and vitality. In today’s discussion, we explore the principles of metabolic health, the role of ultra-processed foods, the bliss point, and the loss of nutrient density. We examine midlife changes in metabolic health and body composition, and highlight the critical importance of metabolic flexibility and adequate protein intake. Craig clarifies why body composition should be considered rather than the scale and explains how he determines carbohydrate tolerance. We also examine the research on the gut microbiome, the insulin-fat cell relationship, insulin resistance, fasting, and the protein-sparing modified fast as strategies for weight loss, and discuss leptin resistance, alcohol, the effects of cortisol and sleep on the hormone cascade, and troubleshooting women’s midlife challenges around HRT, hydration, electrolytes, and body composition shifts. Stay tuned for today’s informative discussion with Craig Emmerich, who has recently launched a new book, The Art of Metabolic Health, that he and his wife co-authored. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of consuming whole foods and prioritizing your protein intake How companies engineer foods to encourage overeating Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale How building and maintaining muscle helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health Why adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining and improving bone density How your carbohydrate intake should be tailored to suit your personal goals, health status, and your response to different foods How insulin resistance develops Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss efforts How inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance Bio: Craig Emmerich Craig Emmerich, who graduated in Electrical Engineering, has spent the last 16-plus years researching nutrition and working with thousands of clients alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich. He is an international bestselling author of “Keto: The Complete Guide” and “The Carnivore Cookbook”. He uses his knowledge of how our bodies work to help clients heal and lose weight, leveraging their biology to make it easier. Craig has helped hundreds of thousands of people regain their health and vitality with a strong focus on the science of human nutrition. Craig has been keto for over 17 years and carnivore for over 6 years to help treat his chronic Lyme disease and CIRS pain. 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. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Craig Emmerich On his website
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    57 mins