Despite the numerous well known benefits of menopausal hormone therapy, it's important to talk about some common side effects. The most common frustrating side effect that we seen our practice is a new onset of bleeding, which affects about 5% of patients. The good news this is very rarely anything to worry about. It is certainly a major annoyance that needs to be addressed. Today I'll discuss why this happens in both menopausal and perimenopausal patients, how to evaluate it and most importantly how to make it stop!

During the last decades of confusion about menopausal hormone therapy, many well-meaning solutions were offered to patients claiming to be safer than the feared traditional HRT. These include combinations of estrogens, progesterone and testosterone in the form of topical creams and sublingual preparations. Now that we are emerging from this fog of confusion, and understand that estradiol, progesterone and testosterone are not only safe, but also provide numerous health benefits for women, it's important to reevaluate whether compounded estrogen products still have a place. Today I’m discussing the different types of estrogen that are available in compounded form, why progesterone cream is not a safe solution for patients who have a uterus, and why at the current time we need to rely on testosterone in compounded form, and how to ensure that we're getting the safe and most beneficial dose.

Managing the time leading up to menopause, known as "peri-menopause," can be particularly challenging due to fluctuating hormone levels and their often unpleasant side effects. These years can feel like an unpredictable roller coaster, making it difficult for both patients and providers to find balance. However, understanding what's happening in your body during this period is key. With the right knowledge, we can develop a treatment plan that includes effective options to alleviate symptoms and bring your life back into balance, helping you navigate through these challenging years with greater ease.

As science progresses, it's so important to recognize when we got something wrong and tell patients that we have learned something new and better. Too often, doctors are stuck in their old ways and are not up-to-date in the latest science, and are continuing to practice out-of-date medicine without recognizing that they were wrong. Today I'm addressing the top five things that I personally got wrong, and I told patients these things for years before learning that there was a better way based on modern science. Even what we tell patients today no doubt will change as our understanding progresses, so it's important to see medicine (and science in general) as an ever-changing growing body of knowledge. As patients it's so important for us to stay educated and advocate for ourselves if we hear that our providers are giving information that is out-of-date or incorrect. If we learned anything at all from the debacle about menopausal hormone therapy, it's that we get things wrong sometimes, and we need to accept that, learn from it and move forward with a better way of practicing to take great care of our patients.

With metabolic dysfunction on the rise (including everything on the insulin resistance/pre-diabetes and diabetes spectrum) it's critical to understand how we are metabolizing glucose and carbohydrates. When you come to the doctor's office, we typically check glucose, insulin and other markers in a fasting state, but we have no idea what happens later in the day. Until recently, continuous glucose monitors have only been approved by insurance for diabetic patients and have required a prescription. Recently Dexcom released an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor called Stelo, which measure is your glucose every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. Today I'm talking about my experience with Stelo and why it might be something to consider, especially if you're struggling with weight gain or if you simply want to be educated about how different foods affect your metabolism.

Now that we are all aware of the multiple health benefits of taking menopausal hormone therapy, let's dig into some of the questions regarding timing, particularly for estrogen. There's no doubt that starting estradiol as soon as possible after menopause helps keep our blood vessels healthy, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as multiple other diseases, including Alzheimer's. But what if you were not offered hormones and you are now more than 10 years past menopause? Today I'll be talking about what studies have shown regarding the possible risks of starting estrogen later in life, and why these risks may have been overblown and don't apply to everybody. I'll also talk about the myth that hormones should be stopped at some point, and discuss why this idea ever became popular.

This has been an exciting year with much more attention being paid to midlife women's hormonal health. Finally perimenopause/menopause is getting a voice, and the use of MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) is becoming widely accepted. Once we have decided to take menopausal hormone therapy, there are multiple options of products and routes of administration. Today I'll be discussing the different options for bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy, and the pros and cons of each. It's also important to understand why the doses are vastly different for the various different products, and why it's important to have your blood drawn to make sure that you are reaching optimal levels, because absorption is highly variable between patients. In the end, reaching the appropriate blood levels is much more important than the route of administration, which is really just a matter of personal choice and lifestyle. While the vital hormone testosterone continues to be controversial, in my practice we consider "optimal" for female testosterone to be in the upper range of what is physiologic for women (restoring levels to the high end of what they were when we were younger). Multiple studies have shown that these levels safely provide benefits for sexual wellness as well as muscle and bone conservation, sleep and mood. We recognize that long-term very high levels of testosterone put patients at risk of not only nuisance symptoms, but also irreversible masculinizing effects, which is why we never dose at that level, and why we have developed a novel dosing protocol which has proven to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, the practice of "Supra-physiologic dosing" continues elsewhere in the community, and is at the root of many people's misunderstanding about the safety of testosterone . We set ourselves apart from others who put their patients at risk with levels that are too high, and we pay the utmost attention to making sure we keep hormone levels optimal, without elevating risk.

Vitamin D is the subject of a lot of controversy right now after the Endocrine Society made new recommendations in June 2024 suggesting that routine screening for vitamin D was not necessary, and routine supplementation was not beneficial for the average person. Today I'm looking into how they came up with this recommendation and what hundreds of studies have shown over the years, to put this recommendation in context. Everyone agrees that vitamin D is critical for life and no one is suggesting that we don't need it, but questions remain around whether we need to take a supplement or if we can find it naturally, and if so, whether we need to measure blood levels and what the optimal blood level should be.

Creatine is a naturally occurring peptide consistent of 3 amino acids, and has been widely studied for its numerous benefits and low side effect profile. In fact creatine is the most studied supplement in the world. Well known to improve muscle mass and sports performance, creatine is particularly relevant in midlife when losing muscle and bone accelerate, and gaining muscle can be more challenging. As well as the numerous health benefits related to muscle and bone, creatine also has important implications for brain health including improving memory, dementia risk and recovery from brain injury. In short, creatine is one supplement that I recommend for just about everyone!

Creatine is a naturally occurring peptide consistent of 3 amino acids, and has been widely studied for its numerous benefits and low side effect profile. In fact creatine is the most studied supplement in the world. Well known to improve muscle mass and sports performance, creatine is particularly relevant in midlife when losing muscle and bone accelerate, and gaining muscle can be more challenging. As well as the numerous health benefits related to muscle and bone, creatine also has important implications for brain health including improving memory, dementia risk and recovery from brain injury. In short, creatine is one supplement that I recommend for just about everyone!

Most of us have heard a lot about insulin resistance but many of us still don't understand why it should be considered a disease in and of itself, separate from diabetes. Insulin resistance affects more than 50% of our patients and causes weight gain around the middle, as well as increasing heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and of course, diabetes and its related complications. My hope is that with a better understanding of how this process works we can each get more involved in doing the things that are necessary to cure insulin resistance. This can almost always be cured with nutrition and exercise alone, without medications. Once we truly understand how the process works, we can become internally motivated with a clear reason WHY to stick to our healthy nutrition and exercise program.

Today I'm back with my partner, Dr. Leah Antoniewicz, discussing Nitric oxide. This fascinating molecule is made of one nitrogen and one oxygen atom (NO), and reduction in nitric oxide has been shown to be associated with an increase in multiple diseases as we age. Today, I'll be talking to you about the science of how nitric oxide works, as well as how to naturally increase it and some things to avoid that might be decreasing it.

Our understanding of the vital importance of the gut biome has skyrocketed in the past 10 years, yet we are still just beginning to learn all of the incredible functions of these healthy bacteria. Today I'll be reviewing the role of healthy gut bacteria in the prevention of multiple disease processes, including the most common diseases that affect American women- obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. I will particularly be talking about a really interesting key bacteria called Akkermansia, and a growing body of research suggesting its importance in weight maintenance and insulin sensitivity, amongst other things. Since learning about this, I have started taking the Pendulum brand Akkermansia product myself (I'll explain why I prefer this brand in the video though I have no affiliation with the company), and recommend it to many of our patients. I think after listening to this, you will consider it too!

Iron is a vital micronutrient that is sub-optimal in more than 50% of women. This is frequently missed because it masks as many other things, and most doctors don't check the labs that are necessary to evaluate this completely. Today I'll be talking about where we find iron in our diet, how to diagnose low iron and how to address it by evaluating our input, absorption, and ruling out any sources of blood loss. I'll also tell you about my own story with low iron, how I corrected it, and how both my patients and I feel so much better when our iron is optimized!

We all know that alcohol is a toxin with numerous effects on our health - from weight gain, to sleep and mood disruption as well as causing multiple cancers, diabetes, heart disease, gut dysbiosis, liver damage and dementia - even at "socially acceptable levels." Many of us drink in moderation and don't consider it to be a "problem"- but today I'm discussing an interesting way of reframing your relationship with alcohol and being very clear about where it might be causing problems in your life. I came across an amazing community called "One Year No Beer" (link and tag on social) and joined their 28 day alcohol free challenge. This challenge is supported with emails, videos and connecting with others on the same journey, and invites you to experience how you feel without alcohol for a prolonged period. Like me- a break from drinking makes most people realize that we are being held back by alcohol, and without it many things improve! My personal goal is to be someone who drinks "as much as I like as often as I like"- which will amount to very little, and not very often.

The most common killer of both men and women is heart attack, so understanding how to reduce our risk could not be more important. Since the 1980's, studies have consistently shown that menopausal hormone therapy (particularly estrogen) reduces the risk of heart disease in women. The now infamous Women's Health Initiative study surprised the medical community in 2002 by suggesting that hormone therapy increased the risk of heart attack in a small subset of women. After 22 years of gathering more data, multiple large studies have now confirmed what we previously understood, which is that estrogen has a highly beneficial effect for the heart if it's started in the first 10 years after menopause, and benefit seems to be negligible if it's started later (but not harmful). We no longer recommend taking the lowest dose for the shortest time, but rather suggest starting menopausal hormone therapy as early as possible and continuing it long term. For the great majority of patients the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.

Many people have strong opinions about compounding pharmacies, although few people know what they really are, how they are regulated and what the difference is between one type of compounding pharmacy and another. There is a perception that compounded drugs are not FDA approved, not regulated or somehow not safe or reliable. Today I'm going to explain what these pharmacies are, why we might choose to use them (or not) and why the perception that compounding is inferior or not safe is quite inaccurate.

This past two decades has brought so much confusion about menopausal hormone replacement and breast cancer risk, but we now are entering a modern time with a much better understanding of how all this works. Today I'm going to review how this controversy ever started and what the modern understanding is regarding estrogen and breast cancer. You may be surprised that we are now flipping the script and realizing that estrogen not only has no effect on increasing breast cancer risk, but actually reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer if it's started early. Not only that, but estrogen also undeniably reduces the risk of colon cancer, osteoporosis, and particularly cardiovascular disease when it is started shortly after menopause. We no longer recommend taking hormone replacement only for treatment of hot flashes and night sweats, or stopping it after any defined time period. The health benefits of starting it as soon as possible after menopause and taking it for life outweigh any risks for most women. ~ Dr. Susan

While the safety and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are becoming widely accepted, hot debate continues around dosing, delivery methods and how to monitor levels. Advisory boards including the American College of Ob/Gyn and the Menopause Society support the use of (MHT), but much confusion continues regarding ideal blood levels, whether to check blood levels at all, and optimal route of delivery. The dosing of both estradiol and testosterone varies 5-10 fold between methods such as patches, gels, sublingual methods or pellets. Both doctors and patients need to understand the dose that they are prescribing to make an educated decision. Today I will help to shed light on the differences between these options, and why my strong opinion is that blood levels are critical to ensure that levels are not too high or low for your optimal health.

Sometimes we have to be our own advocate and ask for the tests that we need since many doctors don't offer very high-level labs that can be critical to maximizing your healthspan and helping you to feel great. Today I'm going to go through a real patient's lab panel and show you what we look for in our office during a hormone consultation. I'll be discussing the difference between "reference ranges" and "optimal ranges" so that you can interpret your own lab values with a critical eye and make sure that you're not missing any opportunities for wellness. I'll include an actual copy of this patient's labs so that you can ask for exactly the same thing when you go to your doctor and you'll be empowered with everything you need to start on your wellness journey! LINK - https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/private-practice/womens-fasting-panel/ If you do get these labs done, we can also discuss them with you virtually -or in person if you find your way to Houston!

So much has changed in our understanding of cholesterol and how it affects our risk for heart disease since I was in med school! Until recently we talked about "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol" with very little understanding of what those words actually meant. Today I'll attempt to unwind a little bit about what cholesterol does in our body, how to test for the particular lipoproteins that put us at highest risk for heart disease, the importance of ApoB, and most importantly what we can do to reduce our risk of heart disease based on this information. While this is often a largely forgotten subject for women, it's important to remember that the number one killer of both men and women is cardiovascular disease, and it is critical that we understand our own heart health, and how to optimize it!

Have you been as confused as me about all the controversy that you hear about which fats are the healthiest? Which ones we should avoid and which we should consume more of? What does MUFA, PUFA, trans fat or saturated fat mean? Is a low-fat diet healthy or should we aim for 30% fat or higher? Today I'll go through a basic introduction to the types of fat that are available in foods, which ones appear scientifically to be the most healthy, and which ones we should avoid.

Last month my video with Dr. Antoniewicz (@drleahatoz) started the discussion about the importance of diagnosing and treating insulin resistance, not only for weight management but for lifelong health and disease reduction. Today we are digging more into this really important and complex topic, and highlighting some more details about what IR is, why it’s important, how we diagnose it and how we can treat it with simple concepts surrounding Nutrition, Movement, Rest and Stress (emotional and physical) management. If you didn’t catch Part 1, you can find here! If you struggle with your weight, sugar addiction or just feel stuck, as Dr. Leah says, "you are not a bad person trying to get good, you are a sick person trying to get well”. While up to 40% of American women suffer with IR (largely undiagnosed) only a small fraction are getting the help that they need. My hope is that the information you will hear today will inspire you on your wellness journey, and we are here to help you. The recipe for success in healing IR is clear, it works for our patients, and it can work for you too!

Today I'm discussing a fantastic option for dealing with one of the most difficult problems that we experience in menopause, which is vaginal dryness and pain, as well as decreased sexual sensation. While hormone therapy is the mainstay for restoring vaginal health, vaginal laser therapy is another tool in the toolbox that is safe for patients who cannot take estrogen due to current or recent breast cancer, or even for patients like myself who just want a little extra boost! This week was time for my annual laser treatment and I will be taking you to the office to watch my laser treatment done live by Dr. Leah. Along with the Juliet vaginal laser, I am having an o-shot with umbilical-derived growth factors, and I will walk you through the pros and cons of all of the options and show you what the experience is like for a real-life patient!

I am delighted to see more attention paid every month to issues regarding menopause and perimenopause, with articles popping up in every magazine and newspaper, often with celebrities talking about their experiences. We're finally starting to have a voice in the world about this critical time in life. While this is a fantastic development, one of the dark sides is that it has opened up a market for companies to sell products that claim to help with menopause symptoms, but have no scientific backing. This is particularly worrisome because it preys on women in a very vulnerable time in life who may be experiencing truly devastating symptoms that have serious future health ramifications. Marketing products that are not proven to be helpful, is not only unethical, but is harming women. Today I'm talking about the business of supplements sold to improve menopause symptoms, and discussing the fact that not one single supplement has any scientific backing to support the claims that menopause symptoms are reduced. In the meantime, bioidentical hormone replacement has been rigorously studied and shown not only to be safe, but to have very important health benefits that should not be ignored because of unfounded fears. Each of us can make her own decision but today I'm inviting you to think and be smart, and not let people pray on our vulnerability, or assume that we are not smart enough to understand scientific studies. While the ingredients in many menopause symptoms products are very good for numerous things, none of them has been shown to help with the symptoms of menopause. This is an invitation to be very careful and not to believe everything that you are told by celebrities who are being paid to deliver a message that is potentially harmful.

Every day I am asked several times if the HORMONE REPLACEMENT causes WEIGHT LOSS, and the answer is a little bit complex - but generally YES! The important thing to know is that it is not the hormone replacement itself that causes weight loss, but the different ways in which it increases your energy, improves with sleep, improves mental outlook, muscle mass, physical strength, and all of those things that we need in order to move more and stick to our healthy nutrition plan. Apart from ovarian hormones, it's also critical to optimize thyroid and cortisol, which are both hormones that dramatically affect our ability to lose weight. Overall, it's absolutely true that optimizing hormones can help with weight loss - by helping us to stick to our healthy nutrition, exercise, and sleep protocols ....which ultimately are the cause of weight optimization.

Discover the untold story of testosterone in women and join the call for equitable healthcare options. This video describes how testosterone occurs naturally in women, how to safely replace it, and some curious history of how testosterone replacement for women has been overlooked. 💡 Why is testosterone treatment for women overlooked? Uncover the biases & advocate for change. Learn about crucial hormonal health and why we need FDA-approved testosterone therapies for women now more than ever—especially for those over 50. Insightful, empowering, and a real eye-opener!

We have SO many requests to join our weight loss optimization program from outside of Houston, or even outside of Texas or the United States - and finally, we have created a plan that can make this work for you no matter where you live! Today I'll be describing how our weight loss optimization plan works, reminding you about the "six pillars for success" over our 12-week program, and how this could work for you if you live in Texas... or anywhere!

Most of us know now that all calories are not the same, and the old model of calorie deprivation for weight loss simply doesn't work long-term. Especially in midlife, we can turn into fat storing machines due to hormone change: most importantly, insulin resistance. Today I'm talking to Dr. Leah Antoniewicz all about insulin resistance- what is it, why does it happen and how do we overcome it with several simple and easy to implement lifestyle changes. Her positive message will show you how you CAN be successful and achieve your optimally healthy body composition, and keep it for the rest of your life.

Do you ever feel like there is just way too much information to absorb about how to be healthy that it can sometimes leave us paralyzed and not knowing where to start? Everyday we get more information about what to do and what not to do to be healthy, so today I'm focusing on what I call the "low hanging fruit". If we start with just one or two of these things (or a little bit of each of them), we will start moving forward in a positive direction. You don't need to be stuck feeling paralyzed because you can't be perfect. Even if you do a little bit of some of these, your health will improve, and if you do a little bit of all of them, your health will dramatically improve! There are literally hundreds of things that we could do to improve our health, but today I am attempting to simplify it by narrowing it down to 10....which is still a lot! You might think about picking two or three to commit to, or just do a little bit of each of them, and add more as you can. But any positive movement is better than none!

Decreased sexual desire is the most common complaint I hear regarding our changing sexuality in perimenopause and menopause. Today I'm talking about the diagnosis, causes and potential treatments of decreased sexual desire in women. I'll go over 5 categories of potential treatments, including the science as well as my own personal experience (and that of my thousands of patients) regarding what works and what doesn't. Most importantly, this is not something that we need to just accept as part of getting older, and there are truly effective ways to make it better if you want to!

Today I'm sitting down with my partner Dr. Leah Antoniewicz to discuss one of our new service lines, which is holistic nutrition consultation. Dr. Leah has specialty training in nutrition as well as being a menopausal gynecologic specialist, and has a 10-part approach to creating the ideal nutrition plan for each of our patients. Whether the goal is losing fat, gaining muscle or simply improving health and longevity, she will discuss how we create an individualized plan that will allow you to maximize your success. Book your nutrition consult here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-nutrition-consultation/

Vasomotor symptoms, commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats, affect the great majority of women in perimenopause and menopause, and are a direct result of estrogen depletion. So it stands to reason that replacing estrogen is the number one (FDA approved) way to address these often highly unpleasant symptoms at their root. Today I'll talk about the cause of these symptoms as well as describing the many ways they can be extremely disruptive, and will share not only why estrogen remains the best treatment, but also mention 9 other options that have been shown in clinical studies to work better than placebo.

Today I'm talking about a fascinating supplement that really walks the line between being a supplement and a drug, since it has remarkable efficacy for lowering LDL cholesterol and ApoB. Red yeast rice contains small amounts of monacolin K, which in fact is a statin. Although this supplement is safe if it comes from a reputable manufacturer, I will talk about why it's very important to be monitored by a physician and follow the same guidelines that you would use if you were taking a prescription statin. I'll talk about the pros and cons of red yeast rice, the dosing, potential side effects, and why you may (or may not) choose to take this over a prescription statin.

After more than 21 years, I still get multiple questions a week about hormone replacement risks, specifically regarding breast cancer, but also fears of other disease risks. Today my partner Dr. Leah Antoniewicz and I are revising the risks and benefits of hormone replacement, and the curious history of the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study. We'll be discussing the science behind this very emotional topic, and I hope to lay it all out there for you so that you will have the best information to present to your own doctor and make your own informed choices! We frequently referred to the book "Estrogen Matters" by Dr.Avrum Blooming and Dr. Carol Tavris and will put a link to that here, as well as a fascinating conversation between Dr. Peter Attia the authors on Peter's podcast. Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives -- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer https://a.co/d/gk2hd62 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/

Now almost 2 years into our holistic weight management program we have been overjoyed with the success of our patients. I am excited to be chatting with my partner Dr. Gracia Wynne Duncan regarding not only our own experience with GLP-1 agonist drugs for weight loss (specifically Semaglutide) - but also reviewing the pros and cons, the history and possible future of these drugs, and everything that you might need to know in order to make an educated decision about whether this might be a good choice for you. You can see the details about our weight optimization program here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program/ Book your appointment here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/book-your-appointment/

Now just a short time after our second Empowering Midlife Wellness retreat focusing on Activating Happiness, I'm sitting down with co-facilitators Meg Ellis and Kelley Workman to tell you all about our experience and the magic that happened in Costa Rica! In this episode we go through the details of this magical, fun and connecting 4-day weekend, as well as sharing what our guests told us, and unveiling brand new plans for our next retreat in April 2024! I can honestly tell you this was the happiest weekend of my life, and I can hardly wait to do it again! We are delighted to share this experience with a brave group of women who are willing to step out of their comfort zones to risk becoming the best version of themselves (and have more fun that you can imagine at the same time.) The upcoming retreat is April 19th-23rd, 2024 at El Mangroove Resort in Costa Rica, and it will not go on sale to the public until January. But for those who have an interest in getting on the VIP list, we are offering a $500 discount for those who sign up prior to February 1. Please email [email protected] if you would like to be on that list! Like all of our retreats, we expect this to sell out quickly and we only have 25 spots - so email us today and we will save a spot for you!

Today I'm sharing my experience visiting Composition ID in Houston, which offers two really important tests that can help improve your health and longevity. I've talked a lot about body composition (which we can measure in my office), but the most accurate way to measure it is with a DEXA scan. A DEXA scan for a body composition picks up more data than an in-office test, since it will not only measure your body fat percentage, but will also identify exactly where the body fat is located. Not all body fat is the same, and fat around the middle and particularly inside our abdominal cavity (visceral fat) is the most significant for causing metabolic health issues. DEXA also accurately measures your muscle mass and where that muscle is located, as well as bone density. Another important test is VO2 max which measures the amount of oxygen that you are able to use as fuel, and accurately assesses your cardiovascular fitness and establishes your personal target training heart rate zones. In well less than an hour you can obtain both of these really important metrics, which tell you where you're starting and allow you and your provider to set up a plan to move towards optimal health. As the saying goes, "what gets measured, gets managed!" Visit Composition ID in Houston: https://www.compositionid.com

Urine leakage is one of the more annoying and embarrassing things that can happen to us after childbirth, especially in midlife. Today I'm talking about the most common forms of urinary leakage, and especially focusing on nonsurgical ways to manage this difficult problem. I'll be introducing you to the Emsella chair, which is a fantastic option to strengthen pelvic floor muscles without the effort and exhaustion of doing Kegel exercises yourself. The Emsella chair electrically stimulates your pelvic floor muscles for 30 minutes- which is way more than any human could complete on their own -and over the course of six treatments we see up to 80% of mild stress urinary incontinence cases completely resolve or significantly improve. Having had this procedure myself, it allowed me to avoid having surgery, so I'm excited to share my story with you and also show you how the machine works!

This week I'm chatting again with one of my new partners, menopause specialist Dr. Leah Antoneiwicz. Dr. Leah has a particular interest in perimenopause since she is experiencing this time in life herself and has some fantastic advice for other women in this confusing and misunderstood phase of hormone change. She will share some secrets that have worked not only for her patients but also for herself, including hormonal optimization, healthy nutrition and exercise, optimizing sleep, and use of specific supplements.

To celebrate Menopause Awareness Month, and today being World Menopause Day, I'm sharing my collaboration with @dominiquesachsetv ! This was a very special podcast episode where I went live to answer menopause-related questions from viewers. We tackled an array of subjects... breast cancer, estrogen replacement, why some women deal with menopause symptoms and others don't, different ways to take hormones, sleep loss, hysterectomies, and MORE! I hope you enjoyed this episode, and that you learned something by watching or listening. If you did, share the knowledge! And Happy World Menopause Day!

October is menopause month so I'm focusing again on everything to do with hormones, and one of the most frustrating problems that can occur with estrogen depletion, which is vaginal dryness and pain with intimacy. Today I'm talking about different options for eradicating this annoying problem and restoring a healthy and enjoyable, intimate life! Want to try the Juliet laser treatment for yourself? Come visit us at Complete Midlife Wellness Center this month, and enjoy $1000 off of our Juliet Laser treatment packages! Book your appointment with our team of dedicated practitioners here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/book-your-appointment/ Happy Menopause Awareness Month!

I get so many questions about the latest issues in midlife women's health, and today I compiled 10 of my favorite questions that have answers that might surprise you! From hormonal health, to interpreting lab values, to supplements, Alzheimer's prevention, lipid analysis and more ... this week's conversation covers some of the most important up-to-date science that will help us to live a long, healthy and vibrant second half of life.

Science is pretty clear about this one thing. To have a long, healthy life, the MOST important intervention is exercise, and specifically weight-bearing exercise. Today I have my dear friend, Kelley Workman, master personal trainer, and midlife women herself back with me. As many of you know, Kelley is my personal trainer and has improved my health dramatically with some very simple lifestyle changes that she will discuss today. Not only does exercise improve things that might sound obvious like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes; but we are now learning that exercise is also very important in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as many cancers. By maintaining and building muscle mass, as well as protecting our cardiovascular system, we simply get fewer diseases and live longer. Kelley will also explain the importance of eating enough protein in order to support all muscles and hell small changes in your daily nutrition. Plan can make a dramatic difference to not only how you feel now, but literally two how long and how well you will live in the second half of life. Kelley is also a co-facilitator at our upcoming retreat in Costa Rica in November! Learn more about Kelley: http://kelleymoves.com/ Register for the Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat: https://tri.ps/J68Pw

This week I have my dear friend Meg Ellis back, and we are chatting about the science of creating the life that you want! Meg is a Conscious Life Coach and Neurolinguistic Programming Expert, as well as a co-facilitator for our upcoming midlife wellness retreat taking place November 10-13th in Costa Rica. In this fascinating conversation, we talk about how to create the environment to make your best life possible. Understanding our own psychology we can create the energy which makes positive outcomes more likely. I will tell you how I've used these techniques in my own life and watched my children do the same, and have truly found these practices transformational! Meg also shares what she will be offering at the retreat, and we're so excited to be co-hosting another fantastic event! Register for the Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat: https://tri.ps/J68Pw Take the Enneagram test: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test Lucky Girl song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWBnxd6pRAE FREE Manifesting 101 Masterclass: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=SgjejZ&g=UYLvD7 TEDXTalk - What I learned from 100 days of rejection by Jia Jiang https://youtu.be/-vZXgApsPCQ?si=uWIjdjAzLsHE0MdT The Truth About Lucky Girl Syndrome with Meg Ellis - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep97-the-truth-about-lucky-girl-syndrome/id1589873893?i=1000613486457 Connect with Meg Ellis! Check out Meg’s website: www.letscreateyourfate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letscreateyourfate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letscreateyourfate/

It's finally here! Like many of you, I'm a brand new empty nester having sent my last two kids to college this month. I've been preparing myself for this moment for years, but now faced with the reality of the situation I have put together some hopefully helpful thoughts about how to not only survive, but thrive in this unique life transition. I'm not going to tell you all the reasons why an empty nest is great and rosy- even though that is also true! Today I'm focusing on some of the difficult moments and recognizing that this can be truly painful at times, and sharing some thoughts that have helped me to feel less alone, at least so far!

Most of us don't think much about brain aneurysms, but 2-5% of us have an asymptotic brain aneurysm, which is a weakening of the wall of a critical blood vessel, often not detected until it ruptures. Ruptured aneurysms are a relatively common cause of stroke or even sudden death, but can be quite easily treated in a non invasive way if caught prior to rupture. Today I'm sharing my personal health story following an incidental finding of a significant brain aneurysm, which was treated last week by Dr. Omar Tanweer at Baylor College of Medicine. Just a few days after the surgery I am back at work and feeling 100% fine! Educating ourselves and our families about aneurysms is critical and can prevent permanent brain injury and death. This video not only follows my story, but also includes an interview with Dr. Tanweer talking about aneurysm symptoms, risk factors and treatment options, which is something all of us need to know!

As many of you know our "Activating Happiness in Midlife" retreat is coming up soon. Today I'm sitting down with my friend Yaniv Shanti, who has been such a huge inspiration to me on my personal development journey, and will be one of the co-facilitators of this incredible event. After attending one of Yaniv's "Happiness Activation" programs myself, I was so inspired to offer it to others. Yaniv runs a "Happiness School" in San Jose, Costa Rica and describes himself as a happiness activist! His teachings are purely experiential (meaning try it for yourself and experience what happens), don't require any particular belief system, and are open to all spiritual traditions. Today Yaniv explains what he will be offering at the retreat, and why these practices can truly transform your life and help to reclaim the happiness that is already inside you. Happiness is our basic nature, and through simple, fun, enjoyable practices we can reconnect with the positive emotions that fill our lives with joy. His practical four part process starts with intention, activation, inspiration and integration, and we will be immersing ourselves in these throughout our three days together in Costa Rica. You can connect with Shanti through his website below, and follow the links to sign up for this amazing event, which is limited to only 25 guests and is currently being offered for a special price through the end of August! We can't wait to see you there, November 10-13 in Costa Rica! Learn more about the Happiness School: https://eldespertadorcr.com Register here for the Empowering Midlife Wellness retreat: https://tri.ps/J68Pw View the retreat brochure: http://bit.ly/44Dca74

Today I'm sitting down with my dear friend Mary Jo Rapini, who is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in sex therapy for individuals and couples. Mary Jo is an author, speaker, frequent guest on national TV and audio platforms, and also has a fantastic YouTube channel and social media presence focusing on sexual wellness, particularly for women in Midlife. Today we are talking about the importance of connection for rejuvenating sexual energy, either in relationships or individually, and some practical ways that you can truly have the deepest and most connected relationship at any stage or age in life. Stay connected with Mary Jo Rapini: www.MaryjoRapini.com

I am so excited to announce that registration for the second Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat is now open! This time we’re going to beautiful Costa Rica for a relaxing, engaging, and transformative weekend. Because this is an international trip, we were able to significantly reduce the cost to an all-inclusive price starting at $2685. And as an added bonus we are also offering an early bird discount if you’re able to sign up before August 31! Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your well-being and unlock your potential for happiness. Join us at the Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat and embrace the magic of midlife! Register here: https://tri.ps/J68Pw View our brochure: http://bit.ly/44Dca74

I know almost everyone listening has a personal experience with Alzheimer's disease, and many of us in midlife are facing taking care of parents or loved ones suffering with this devastating form of dementia. Today I'll be talking about lifestyle changes, supplements, and other interventions that have been shown to decrease the incidence of Alzheimer's, and also discussing the conflicting information around the subject of hormone replacement and Alzheimer's disease. I'll also be discussing the APOE gene and how knowing your APOE status can help you to understand your risk and act on it.

Today I’m sharing all about my relationship with alcohol and why I decided to limit my own alcohol use. I’ll be discussing many reasons why alcohol is just not good for our health. We all know that excessive alcohol can damage the liver, but most of us are not aware that even moderate alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of many cancers (not just liver cancer), and has even been linked to dementia, gut dysbiosis and other serious issues including damaging relationships and causing accidents! Even if you don't consider yourself to be a “problem drinker,” plenty of research supports limiting alcohol significantly if we want to increase our health-span and improve our quality of life. I challenge you to start by taking an alcohol inventory, and to be very honest about how much you are consuming and how it might be creating problems that we could avoid.

When talking about women's health, we cannot ignore that the most common killer of both men and women is heart disease, and we are 10 times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer -- yet traditional medicine places very little emphasis on preventative tests especially for women. Today I'm going to share some simple and relatively inexpensive tests that every person should ask their doctor to do in order to establish her risk of heart disease, and to allow early detection of problems before symptoms would lead you to the doctor. The basic lipid panel that most doctors offer during your annual exam is not nearly enough! Today I'll teach you what to ask for, and some of these tests you can order yourself. Of course, lifestyle changes, including keeping a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking and keeping blood pressure optimal are all incredibly important- but I will explain why doing a heart scan is arguably more important than doing a mammogram, as well as some simple blood tests that can give you actionable information that could literally add decades of healthy years to your life! Outlive by Peter Attia - https://peterattiamd.com/outlive Advanced Body Scan - www.advancedbodyscan.com Fasting blood tests: Standard Lipid/wellness panel PLUS Apo-B Lp-a APOE gene HS-CRP Homocysteine Insulin

For generations moms have intuitively known to tell their kids to eat their vegetables, but medical science is now supporting so many reasons why getting adequate fiber is vital for health in more ways than you might think. Fiber, which is the indigestible type of carbohydrate found in plants, is critical not only for having regular bowel movements, but for preventing colon cancer, breast, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune disease, general inflammation and more...and it's even implicated in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Today I'm going to be talking about the exciting subject of fiber and gut health, different types of fiber, how much we need, where you can find them and what benefits you can't expect.

Exciting news in women's healthcare is that a new non-hormonal drug named Veozah was FDA approved in May to treat vasomotor symptoms (also known as hot flashes and night sweats) for menopausal women. While this is no doubt an exciting development, I will be discussing who this might be appropriate for, and why it is not nearly as beneficial as estradiol for patients who are candidates for hormone replacement.

Over the years, so many people have asked me why I continue doing long-distance triathlons, and after putting a lot of thought into this question, I realized that I have learned so much about how to get through difficult things in real life through this sport. Doing hard things -which in my case might be athletic events, or could be as simple as having a difficult conversation, picking up a new hobby, or changing a relationship- teaches us that we CAN do hard things. Only though practicing doing hard things can we learn the extent of our inner strength and resilience. While it might sound counterintuitive to do hard things on purpose, my experience is that we can develop expertise only through practicing, and this is no different. Today I'm honing in on three really important life lessons that we can apply when taking on difficult challenges that can serve us in every facet of life.

There are many opinions and a lot of controversy about the ideal levels for postmenopausal hormone replacement, so today I'm going to share what I've learned from the science, as well as my own personal experience as a patient and from thousands of patients in our own practice. I'll be talking about ideal levels for estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as discussing thyroid and cortisol levels. Enjoy! Rebecca Glaser, MD - www.hormonebalance.org Oura Ring - www.ouraring.com

Having just returned from the very first "Empowering Midlife Wellness" retreat, I'm still reflecting on one of my breakout sessions, which was about how to have great sex in the second half of life. This talk was really well received, and today I want to share some of the things that we discussed-- which might not be what you were thinking! While this may be obvious, we often don't think enough about the mindset that sets the foundation for having a healthy sex life. I'll be talking again about the secrets of the sexually woke that led to my book "Sexually Woke" as well as some actionable tips and tricks for you to take to improve your sex life at any age, but especially after 50! Get my best-selling book, Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU

Continuing from last week's discussion about easy things that can bring us peace and joy, today I'm talking about a simple practice of generosity, and how that can completely change the flavor of our experience. An act of generosity as small as an offering a smile to a stranger, or giving of ourselves in any way (rather than keeping everything close to our chests) can completely disempower our stories about not being enough. If you think about it, generosity proves that story wrong, because we can only give to others when we have abundance, and practicing generosity is an easy way to undo those old limiting beliefs- the ones that keep us feeling alone, separate and not enough. Try it for yourself and see what happens! Read the blog “The Practice of Generosity & Joy” - https://drsusan.com/the-practice-of-generosity-and-joy/

Last week I was lucky enough to experience a silent meditation retreat, and the first question most people ask is “why one earth would you want to do that?” While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I have several key takeaways from this and other retreats that I have attended over the years that can really improve our quality of life in immeasurable ways. While hormonal and nutritional wellness are so important, we don’t want to forget about our mental wellbeing, which possibly is the MOST important element in midlife (or any stage of life) wellness. Today I'll be sharing some easy things that you can do at home, at work or any time during the day to bring ourselves back into alignment with our core values and to find some peace and contentment in our busy (anxious, worried, depressed, stressed) lives.

Vitamin D3 is one of the most common supplements that I recommend in my practice, but science has been disappointing about the benefits that we once thought were offered by high doses of vitamin D. As is usually the case in medicine and in life, too little of something may be harmful, but too much can be equally harmful. Today I’m reviewing where science stands on the optimal levels of this important vitamin, how to know if you need it at all, how much to take, and what benefits we can truly expect.

Today I’m talking about why I chose hormone pellets as my own form of hormone replacement for estradiol and testosterone, as well as the pros and cons of other delivery options. Pellets, patches, creams, troches or other options are all available, but which one is best for you? I”ll be discussing all of those options and sharing some tips about how to find a provider, and what to ask them when you go to your appointment!

Today I'm sharing some interesting facts about testosterone for women, including the surprising fact that we actually produce more than five times more testosterone than estradiol throughout our lives. Around menopause, testosterone (along with estradiol) drop to levels close to zero- and not coincidentally a number of health conditions begin to increase. I'm sharing exciting data supporting the fact that replacing testosterone significantly decreases the incidence of breast cancer, as well as other important diseases including osteoporosis and heart disease, while improving sexual wellness and general wellbeing. Rebecca Glaser M.D. - www.Hormonebalance.org Testosterone: Strong Enough For A Man, Made For A Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Testosterone-Strong-Enough-Made-Woman/dp/0998365505

The Empowering Midlife Wellness retreat is right around the corner! Before you know it May 5-8th will be here! Join me, an array of incredible hosts (Dominique Sachse, Elaine Turner, Elizabeth Irvine and more), as well as 30 like-minded women for a beautiful transformative weekend of connection and celebration of midlife at Miraval Austin Resort & Spa! Keep watching to hear the details from each host on what they will be offering at the retreat. Once you're confirmed to attend, my team will reach out a few weeks in advance so that you can book your space for the breakout sessions. Book now and mention this video to receive $500 off! More information about the retreat: https://bit.ly/3YwBTLv Retreat agreement - https://bit.ly/3TukxNz View the schedule of events: https://bit.ly/3TyP0dp

I’ve been talking a lot lately about menopause, but the years immediately before menopause are probably the most difficult ones to manage for both patient and provider, since they are characterized by highly fluctuating hormone levels, and frequently associated with lots of nasty side effects. Today I’ll be focusing on those years before menopause that we call “peri-menopause” - when we are still producing ovarian hormones, but in levels that are fluctuating and unpredictable, and sometimes make us feel like we are on a roller coaster of highs and lows that feel impossible to control. The good news is that once you understand what’s happening, we can create a treatment plan with effective options to alleviate these symptoms and put life back into balance, getting you through those really difficult years.

Every week I receive so many questions about whether it’s safe to take hormones after age 60, if it’s safe to start them more than 10 years after menopause, or when I have a family history of breast cancer, amongst others. Today I’ll be answering some of the most common questions regarding timing of hormone replacement and the science behind statements that we should stop them at a certain age, and similar recommendations that are still made by many physicians. Also, don’t forget if you want an opportunity to meet with me in person and discuss your particular situation, and you’re not able to visit me in the office in Houston, please join me at our “Empowering Midlife Wellness” retreat May 5-8th at Miraval Austin! Visit this link for more information: https://bit.ly/3YwBTLv

Today I’m back with my dear friend Meg Ellis, conscious life coach, and founder of Phoenix 8 consulting. I’m talking with Meg about what conscious life coaching involves, and her three pillars for transformation; including the Enneagram personality test, bringing consciousness to our thought patterns and stories, and the “law of attraction.” I’ll be sharing some real stories about how this coaching system has transformed my own life and how it could do the same for you!Meg Ellis: https://www.phoenix8consulting.com/about-us/our-team Create your Fate podcast: https://www.phoenix8consulting.com/podcast Enneagram test - https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

The menopause world (and midlife women) have been buzzing this week about a recent New York Times article by Susan Dominus entitled “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause.” This is a truly brilliant article which brings to light a number of incredibly important issues about the lack of menopause education for both physicians and patients. Dominus digs into the details of exactly why we were fed so much misinformation after the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study was stopped prematurely due to fear of cancer and other diseases -which has since turned out to be some of the most inaccurate and misunderstood information ever published. Now over 20 years later, this article paints a picture of not only how this happened, but where we are now and how women‘s menopausal health is still not given nearly the attention that it should. This is a must-read for every woman, and gives great information that you can use to take to your own doctor to advocate for your own health. You will likely be much more educated than your doctor after you listen to this talk! Women Have Been Misled About Menopause NYT Article - https://bit.ly/40X8sUh IG Live with Stacy London - https://www.instagram.com/p/CodjWwLPiqL/ Menopause Symptom Checker - https://bit.ly/3EaarLr Learn more about the Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat by visiting www.completemidlifewellness.com

I frequently hear about the counter -cultural idea that some men want sex more than their female partners. In fact, being rejected by our heterosexual partner is one of the most painful forms of rejection that we can experience. Naturally we feel it’s our fault….but it’s NOT! There is nothing wrong with you and the problem lies with him. Today I will discuss some of the most common reasons for male lack of sexual desire, and hopefully ease your pain about the shame and rejection that can cripple us.

We still have a few spots left for Empowering Midlife Wellness retreat, and some of you have understandably wondered exactly what it’s going to be like before you make your decision! This weekend I had the opportunity to visit Miraval Austin Spa & Resort, and today I’ll explain all the details about the retreat as well as all of the amazing goodies that are included, so that you can picture exactly what you will experience for this magical weekend! We can’t wait to see you there. It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime!

I’m so excited to announce that we now have Morpheus8 radio frequency skin tightening technology in our office! Following my normal policy, I never offer anything that I haven’t had done myself - and having had this procedure several times I can personally tell you that it does make a significant difference for those annoying areas of wrinkly skin, especially under the chin, over the knees, and really just about anywhere! Today I’ll be talking about how Morpheus8 works and what to expect when you have the procedure.

Bone loss accelerates around the time of menopause, which makes it so important to understand if we are at risk for developing significant bone loss or osteoporosis, which increases our risk of serious fractures. Today I’m talking about how to assess our bone health, as well as what interventions we can take to reduce our risk of bone loss and prevent osteoporosis, as well as how to treat osteoporosis if it’s already present.

With New Year’s resolutions in the air, most of us are actively thinking about ways to move towards the best version of ourselves. Just like Aristotle describe the inevitability of an acorn becoming an oak tree with the right nutrition, I believe that we are destined to become the best version of ourselves if we surround ourselves with the right people and things to help us to move in that direction. Perhaps we could be less aggressive about resolutions and instead allow ourselves to move in a positive direction with some kindness. One of the best ways to support positive transition is surrounding ourselves with others who are doing the same thing. In this video I’m sharing information about an exciting upcoming women’s retreat that I’m offering with some amazing cohosts, May 5-8 at the Miraval Austin Spa and Resort. For more information click this link. https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Empowering-Midlife-Wellness-Retreat-Information-nov19.pdf

I always love sharing good news from patient success stories, and this amazing patient not only lost 56 pounds this year, but no longer has diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and other health issues! After 2 failed bariatric surgeries she had given up hope that anything would work, but at 72 years old she is now healthier than she’s been in the past 30 years. This program truly can work for any patient, and hearing this story you will be inspired not to give up your dream of getting to your goal healthy weight! CMWC Weight Loss Program - https://www.completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program/

The holidays can be a scary and confusing time when we are trying to stick to a healthy eating or weight loss plan. Today I’m back with Functional Medicine doctor Nashat Latib who will share 7 easy tips for enjoying holiday meals without blowing your nutrition plan. Simple substitutions like switching canola oil to avocado oil, or using gluten-free flour will allow you to enjoy the foods you love without the harmful consequences! Scout & Cellar wines - https://scoutandcellar.com/ NuNaturals Liquid Stevia - https://amzn.to/3VWdX2X Connect with Dr. Nashat Latib here: Website: https://drnashatlatib.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfunctionaldoc/

When it comes to assessing hormone replacement, the terminology can be incredibly confusing. Terms like natural, synthetic, plant-based, bio-identical, compounded, or FDA approved are used regularly (mostly as marketing terms) and often don’t have much real meaning. Today I’ll do my best to make sense of all of that terminology and simplify it for you, and let you know what is important and what isn’t!

In recent years, medicine has seen an incredible increase in understanding of the importance of a healthy gut for prevention of countless diseases, and less than optimal well-being. Today I’m talking with functional medicine doctor Nashat Latib about the importance of a healthy gut biome, as well as how to test for and treat gut dysbiosis, including leaky gut syndrome and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.) This is incredibly important information to understand, since it affects almost all of us in ways that we may not expect, including seemingly unrelated conditions like depression, brain fog, weight gain, diabetes and hormonal imbalance… to name just a few! Grab a spot on her Signature Detox program waitlist - launching soon for January start date! https://resources.drnashatlatib.com/28-day-detox-waitlist-ig Connect with Dr. Nashat Latib here: https://www.instagram.com/yourfunctionaldoc/ Grab her FREE 10 Steps to Balance Your Hormones: https://resources.drnashatlatib.com/dr-nashat-10-steps-landing Check out her website on ways to work with her: www.drnashatlatib.com

Many of us struggle with comparing Thanksgivings of the past, missing family members who are no longer here or otherwise wishing things to be different. Meanwhile, is there a way to find happiness in whatever situation we find ourselves, as “imperfect” as it may seem? Today I’m chatting with conscious life coach Meg Ellis about dedicating a day to gratitude, no matter what our situation. Phoenix 8 consulting - www.letscreateyourfate.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letscreateyourfate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letscreateyourfate Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat: https://bit.ly/3EWcgfz

Peptide science is on the cutting edge of anti-aging and longevity medicine, and today I will share some basic information about what peptides are, as well as digging into one particular popular combination called Ipamorelin/CJC-1295. Is this really the fountain of youth that some people claim or just another hoax? I’ll share what the science says about this popular peptide combination, as well as my own experience with using it for the past 30 days!

All of us know the feeling of having harmful patterns of behavior that seem to repeat over and over again, seemingly out of our control. Perhaps especially in midlife when transition is almost characteristic of every part of our lives, learning how to break these destructive habits is more important than ever. In doing so, we can finally live a life that is peaceful and within our control, and move towards living as the best version of ourselves. Today I’m talking about an incredibly helpful psychological model called “Internal family systems” that can dramatically and quite quickly transform your life and free yourself from repetitive harmful behaviors. “No Bad Parts” by Richard Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/No-Bad-Parts-Restoring-Wholeness/dp/1683646681

So frequently when our female patients start feeling better with hormone balance their male partners tell me they need some of what she has! Today I’m talking about options for testosterone replacement for men, including the pros and cons of different delivery methods. I’ll also be getting into details about how hormone pellets are delivered in male patients, including the risks and of course the many benefits!

Today I’m celebrating by reviewing some basics but often misunderstood facts about menopause, and giving you my four most important tips for not just surviving, but thriving in midlife and beyond! Oura ring - https://ouraring.com/ Sexually Woke book - https://www.amazon.com/Sexually-Woke-Awaken-Secrets-Midlife/dp/1950934446 No Bad Parts book - https://www.amazon.com/No-Bad-Parts-Restoring-Wholeness/dp/1683646681

There’s so much science these days about how important it is to have a healthy gut biome (bacterial population) for optimal health, and real science about how many diseases are caused by dysbiosis (having an unhealthy gut bacterial population). Today I am digging into some common terms that many of us don’t understand, including “pre-biotics” and “probiotics” and whether we need to take them, or if we can find them in our diet. Most importantly, what does the science say about whether these actually help?

Traditional medical approaches are generally very adamant against taking any form of hormone replacement when we have had breast cancer. Today I am discussing the pros and cons of this very important decision, and offering food for thought that it should ultimately be YOUR decision, not one that is made for you. I’ll be discussing the pros and cons of taking anti-estrogen medications after a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer, as well as offering options to improve quality of life- even including hormone replacement with estrogen and/or testosterone, as well as vaginal laser therapy. A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be in the end to a great quality of life!

Omega-3 supplements have been claimed to help prevent almost every imaginable ailment, from cancer to ADHD, heart attack/stroke, pregnancy problems and countless more. But what does science really support about taking Omega-3 supplements, and what’s the best source and dose if we do take them? I’ll be sharing all of that and more today to help get to the bottom of what’s fact and fiction regarding this popular supplement!

We all know that some people struggle more with weight loss than others, and losing weight is certainly not as easy as just dieting and exercising. Hormones including leptin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptides and others control our brain's desire to eat or to feel full. And while we may have a genetic predisposition to have certain levels of these hormones, there are things we can do to modify them in a positive way. Other emerging science suggests that the bacterial makeup of our gut can also determine how easily we store fat. Today I’ll be talking about this new understanding of weight management, as well as ways to improve it and reach a healthy weight despite your genetics! Learn more about our Holistic Medical Weight Optimization Program: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program Watch my previous video on HRT and Weight Gain: https://youtu.be/7Ohv1nhivFo

We spend about 1/3 of our lives asleep, yet most of us (including me, until recently) don’t give it nearly enough attention. Today I’ll remind you not only about the multiple health benefits of sleep, but I'll also discuss how to track it, and what to do if sleep doesn’t come easily. Sometimes, right when we finally have the space to sleep well, menopausal hormone changes throw another major sleep challenge at us, but there’s a solution to that, too. As a seasoned insomniac who is now sleeping 7-9 hours a night, I promise you, if I can do it, anyone can!

Lowering our “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and elevating our “good” cholesterol (HDL) is something most of us know is important for heart health. But most of us are taught that the best way to do this is with cholesterol lowering medications called statins, which are strong chemicals with lots of potentially nasty side effects. Today I’m talking about scientifically proven ways to improve your lipid panel with nutrition and plant-based supplements, so you can have a healthy heart without the drugs!

It’s the end of August and most of our kids are back in school and college, and many of us in midlife are watching our children become independent adults and leave home. The so-called “empty nest syndrome” can be experienced as a huge range of emotions- from joy, relief and pride; to grief, lack of purpose and depression. Today I’m talking about my own ongoing experience with becoming an empty nester, as well as sharing what I’ve learned from talking to thousands of women in our age group, and normalizing some of these feelings so we don’t feel alone!

Today I’m continuing the conversation about the importance of optimal thyroid function, so make sure you check out part one from last week! This episode delves into the optimal values for important labs that you should make sure that your provider checks, as well as looking at the details of all the different treatment options!

Our thyroid gland is one of the most important and under-appreciated organs in our body, controlling our metabolism and vital for every cell to function optimally! Today is Part 1 of a 2-part series, where I"ll be talking about how our thyroid works, what it needs to function optimally, why low thyroid is so frequently misdiagnosed and under treated, and what labs to request to advocate for your own thyroid optimization. Tune in next week to hear more about optimal lab values and different treatment options.

Most of us (including most doctors) don’t know that iodine is vital for our health, and deficiency in iodine is almost universal in the US. I’ll explain why iodine deficiency is becoming increasingly common and leads to thyroid disorders as well as certain cancers, and what you can do about it!

I’m often asked how to find a doctor outside of Houston who practices a similar style of medicine to mine. Today I’m offering some suggestions of how to navigate finding the right doctor. I’ll tell you what I look for in a midlife specialist and what questions to ask to make sure that you have the right person to walk with you through this really important journey!

Today I’m speaking with elite personal trainer Kelly Workman, who happens to be my trainer, as well as a woman over 50 with six children! We will be talking about my own health journey as well as sharing the most important tips for stay fit and healthy over 50, including consuming adequate protein, intermittent fasting, portion control, and a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Kelly’s most important advice is to take one thing at a time and create a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable and achievable by absolutely anybody!

Here’s a really easy way to improve connection in your relationships, taught to me by one of the women quoted in my book “Sexually Woke.” Find out the top 5 things that the special people in your life really want, and give it to them! Really it’s that simple- and comes with a free dose of happiness from being generous. I challenge you to try this today - it’s so easy and costs nothing (we are not talking about Ferraris or diamond rings here, just simple things that you can do right now.) And tell your partner your 5 things as well, then commit to doing it! I can’t wait to hear what happens!

The most common annoying side effect from hormone replacement is unwanted bleeding. Today I’ll talk about why this can happen, how to evaluate it, and most importantly how to make it stop!

Most of us have heard about intermittent fasting and its benefits for weight loss and health, but many of us don’t really know why it works. Today I’m talking about my personal experience with intermittent fasting as well as the way it has worked for so many of my patients. I’ll also explore the science behind this revolutionary lifestyle change that really can shake you out of a weight loss plateau while helping you to live longer and reduce multiple diseases.

Many of us struggle with getting enough protein in our diet- especially healthy proteins that don’t elevate our cholesterol. Today I’m going to share some of my favorite high-protein foods and snacks, and show you how easy it is to get your ideal amount of daily protein. Adequate protein is critical for weight maintenance and gaining muscle especially as we age, and I’ll show you how I do it in a way that’s easy and not time-consuming!

Erectile dysfunction or ED is incredibly common, affecting more than 70% of men by the time they reach age 70-yet we rarely talk about it. This week I’ll be exploring ways that (at the same time is seeking treatment) we can use this as an opportunity to learn how to spice up our sex life and communicate better than ever. I’ll be reflecting on my book “Sexually Woke” and the way the sexually woke women approached “problems” such as ED in a different way that leads to the growth and renewed connection. Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter... Get my best-selling book, Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU Follow me on social media: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3guuEg4 Facebook: https://bit.ly/300hzbW Podcast: https://apple.co/3ePe5NJ Learn more about me: https://drsusan.com/

Only 50% of women know that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Did you know that one in three of us will die from heart disease?- Even though it is almost always preventable! Today, I’ll share the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and add years to your life!

I get so many questions about the food supplement DIM, what it does in relation to our hormones and if we really need to take it. Is it sham or science? Today I’ll go through everything you need to know about the science behind this mysterious plant extract, and why growing evidence supports it being beneficial in several common settings including perimenopause, and in combination with testosterone supplementation.

This week I’m touching base again on the holistic medical weight loss program. We introduced this program back in January and I'm back to update you on the fantastic success that we’ve seen over the past five months. I will review the six pillars of success that make up this unique program and the results that our patients have achieved so far! Even if you don’t live in Houston and you can’t join us in person, I’ll share the secrets of how and why a holistic weight-loss program works. These are things that each of us can do with the right mindset!

Today is my 55th birthday! And in the spirit of empowering midlife wellness, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned so far, and how I might use those lessons to make the second half of life even better!

This week I’m sharing another testimonial of a real patient whose life was dramatically improved with hormone optimization. As a busy executive and mother of adult teenagers in her early 50s, she was feeling run down, lacking energy and noticed her athletic body changing. With hormone pellet therapy, she explains how she was able to decrease body fat and increase muscle mass, and also to gain an overall sense of motivation to try new things and to live her best life as an empty nester.

One of the most common and worrisome complaints that I hear in my office surrounds thinning hair, or loss of hair. In this episode I’ll go through the major categories of hair loss, and how to diagnose hair loss correctly so we can create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause. The good news is that in the great majority of cases, thinning hair or even sudden hair loss can be treated effectively!

I’m always so excited to share real patient testimonials. This week you can hear another real life story of how a patient’s life has been so positively changed with bio-identical hormone replacement. Not only were all of her menopause symptoms resolved, but her sex life is improved, her pre-diabetic condition completely resolved, and she is thrilled to have lost over 20 pounds and still losing!

Today I’m delving into the beautiful and complex anatomy of the clitoris and how we can learn more about it in order to teach our partners where our pleasure zones are! Even if we don’t have a partner this information will greatly help you to understand your own body and experiment with self pleasure. I’ll also be sharing ways to improve clitoral sensation especially around the time of menopause, with hormone optimization and platelet rich plasma amongst other things!

This week one of my patients opens up about her experience with Juliet laser for ending painful sex and vaginal dryness. Not surprisingly, her husband is really happy too!

I love to share stories from real patients who are feeling better and living their best lives with hormone optimization! Check out this episode and see how hormone pellets can change your life!

I receive so many questions about hormone replacement through the “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE” platform that we decided to answer the most common ones all at once today! If you have questions about hormone replacement, I bet they are answered here! If you have any questions pertaining to midlife I am here to help! You can talk to me anonymously through my YouTube channel where I'm answering all questions about menopause, middle-aged experiences, intimacy, relationships, and more! Click here to ask: https://bit.ly/3bRdcT9

Life coach and fitness professional Meg Ellis is back this week talking with me about how to incorporate movement into your life and optimize your weight loss goals. Movement is one of the six pillars of our weight loss program CMWC, and we will be talking about how to make it not only doable, but even fun!

This week’s caller on "Ask Dr. Susan LIVE, has more questions about estrogen, breast tenderness and breast cancer, as well as injections vs. pellets. You won’t want to miss it! If you have any questions pertaining to midlife I am here to help! You can talk to me anonymously through my YouTube channel where I'm answering all questions about menopause, middle-aged experiences, intimacy, relationships, and more! Click here to ask: https://bit.ly/3bRdcT9

Today I am dispelling the old myths about estrogen and breast cancer, and reviewing the literature about estrogen’s many health benefits. You can not only feel better, but you can live longer, and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and colon cancer, as well as restoring sexual function. I take it, and in the great majority of cases you should too! Order Estrogen Matters: https://amzn.to/3szss01 If you have any questions pertaining to midlife I am here to help! You can talk to me anonymously through my YouTube channel where I'm answering all questions about menopause, middle-aged experiences, intimacy, relationships, and more! Click here to ask: https://bit.ly/3bRdcT9 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter... Follow me on social media: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3guuEg4 Facebook: https://bit.ly/300hzbW

When we are trying to effect lasting change and abandon or adopt a habit, a positive mindset may be the most important aspect to master. This week I am talking again with life coach and fitness professional, Meg Ellis, about how a healthy mindset is key when adopting a weight loss program. In the episode titled, "How to Lose Weight Over 40+", we discussed the 6 pillars of my weight loss program, one of which is mindset. Today we decided to address mindset first, since without it, the other 5 pillars will be lacking a foundation. To connect with Meg Ellis you can go to https://www.phoenix8consulting.com/ or head on over to her Instagram page - @letscreateyourfate Click here for more information on my weight loss program: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program/

This week on "Ask Dr. Susan Live", we’re talking about the difficult decision of having a hysterectomy when periods are extremely painful. When is the right time to make that decision? What are the pros and cons of whether to keep the ovaries? Or is it better to just wait for menopause when periods will stop on their own? I’ll give you tips on the right questions to ask, and the way to find the best doctor to navigate with you through this process. If you have any questions pertaining to midlife I am here to help! You can talk to me anonymously through my YouTube channel where I'm answering all questions about menopause, middle-aged experiences, intimacy, relationships, and more! Click here to ask: https://bit.ly/3bRdcT9

This week I'm sharing an overview of my new holistic weight loss program which has six important pillars. This body-mind-medicine approach will ensure that you CAN reach your vision for your physical body in 2022. I can't wait to share them with you, and we will expand on each one over the next few weeks! Click here for more information on the program: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program/ Prefer to watch? Head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the episode: https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

Is there a certain age when it's no longer appropriate to take hormones, especially for improving sex drive, and how do other medications like anti-depressants complicate the picture? Should we just give up on having a good sex life after a certain age? My answer is absolutely not! If you have any questions pertaining to midlife I am here to help! You can talk to me anonymously through my YouTube channel where I'm answering all questions about menopause, middle-aged experiences, intimacy, relationships, and more! Click here to ask: https://bit.ly/3bRdcT9

This week I'm getting into all of the details about perimenopausal hormone changes, and why they can make us feel so off-kilter! I will be talking about how each of the three ovarian hormones changes during perimenopause, what symptoms these changes cause for most women... and more importantly, what we can do about it!

This week we’re talking in more detail about vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse, which is a deal breaker to a healthy sex life! I’ll explain not only why this happens but how to correct it so you can enjoy pain-free sex again. Have your own question to ask? Go to drsusan.com/ask and fill out the form for a chance to be featured. Prefer to watch? Head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the episode: https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

Do you know how long a woman can be taking estrogen? Do you know if there's a time period or a cut-off window for it? In this episode, we're talking to Michelle about how long she should take estrogen, and why she was told by her doctor that she should stop it after a certain period. We're discussing the benefits of taking hormones long-term, and why we don't want to stop them just because we've been on them for a certain number of years. Have your own question to ask? Go to drsusan.com/ask and fill out the form for a chance to be featured. Prefer to watch? Head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the episode: https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

Today I am excited to be speaking with Dr. Shelly Burns, a Chiropractor with over 20 years of experience as well as a fitness expert, life coach, and creator of the FIT Menopause Blueprint. Her new book called “Menopause Tsunami: How to Ride the Hormone Waves like a BADASS” will be coming out next month. We talk about her personal journey as an athlete suffering with perimenopause, and how she created her 4 pillars for success for women to regain their ideal weight and confidence in midlife. You can follow the links below to join her community through social media or one of her customized fitness programs. Website: DrShellyBurns.com Private FB Group Maneuvering Menopause Community and the Meno-poss: https://www.facebook.com/groups/527410538362882 "I'm Over This Hormone Sh*t" 6 Week Blueprint starting Jan 3rd: https://perimenopausesurvivalchallenge.com/6weekblueprint

Today, I'm talking about the 3 main categories of ricks and complications of hormone pellets, especially if they are not managed properly. I'll discuss what to look out for and what to ask about when you visit a hormone pellet provider to maximize the chance of having a great experience!

This week I'm acknowledging that sometimes empty nesters (like me) are not always celebrating the joys of the freedom of midlife, and that the holidays can be really hard with loved ones not being with us. It's okay to sit in the grief, and then create an intention to move forward into your new phase of life.

Today I'm speaking again with weight loss expert, Dr. Rapul Mathur, about the reasons why the old fashion "calories in/calories out" equation just doesn't work anymore, and we have to consider other things! She shares with us the secrets of why we struggle with weight even in times of calorie deprivation, and discusses new medications that can help us to turn the corner with weight loss. To connect with Dr. Rupal Mathur you can go to https://www.lifelongweightloss.com or head on over to her Instagram page for more weight loss tips – @lifelongweightloss

On today's episode, I’m sharing the audio portion of my YouTube talk show, “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE”, where you can ask your own question about anything to do with midlife, hormones or sexual wellness! This week listeners are asking questions ranging from hormone therapy and weight gain to the safety of testosterone for breast cancer patients and more. To submit your own questions, go to drsusan.com/ask. To watch the show go to my YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

It's Thanksgiving! This week I'm being inspired again by the women interviewed for my book "Sexually Woke." One of the things these women shared was a deep understanding of how to treat their relationships with intention and attention, and how to bring generosity and gratitude into the relationship every day.

Today I'm talking about four different approaches to vaginal rejuvenation including surgical and nonsurgical approaches. These procedures can enhance your sexual sensation, as well as eliminate symptoms such a stress urinary incontinence caused by muscle damage from childbirth.

In this episode, I am chatting with Dr. Nashat Latib, a Functional Medicine physician. We discuss the difference between traditional and functional medicine, and getting to the root cause of what's causing so many of us to be sick and tired. We talk about the importance of customized nutrition, detox programs, sleep and weight management, what supplements to take, and much more. Dr. Latib sees patients here in Houston at the Sydenham Clinic and if you are interested in working with her 1:1: go to: www.sydenhamclinic.com. Check out her website and opt in for a freebie at www.drnashatlatib.com and download her free "10 steps to optimize hormone balance and health". Plus you can sign up to get on the waitlist for her next detox program after you download the freebie! To get in touch with Dr. Nashat you can email her at [email protected] and follow her on Instagram at--yourfunctionaldoc Lastly, if you are interested in the clean-crafted wines we talked about in this episode, you can find them here: Scout & Cellar - https://scoutandcellar.com/ Dry Farm Wines - https://www.dryfarmwines.com/

On today's episode, I’m sharing the audio portion of my new “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE” talk show, where you can ask your own question about anything to do with midlife, hormones or sexual wellness! This week listeners are asking questions ranging from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair restoration to what the best delivery methods for bioidentical hormones are. To submit your own questions, go to drsusan.com/ask. To watch the show go to my YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

In this episode, I'm speaking again with my friend and fellow life coach Meg Ellis about how to manifest (or create) what you want in life, simply by changing your mindset. We discuss how training your mind to pay attention to what you DO want, rather than what you don't want, and believing that it exists, can transform every outcome in your life. Just like the time and repetition that it takes to build physical muscles, repeatedly practicing these techniques can literally rewire your brain to create positive outcomes in all areas of your life. This simple but countercultural technique applies not only to personal and career goals, but also to intimate and sexual relationships. What resonated most with me in this discussion is that it takes us out of the victim position of leading an accidental life- a life with things "happening to me" - to instead being 100% responsible for the outcomes in my life because of my own choices. I hope you enjoy this powerful conversation!

On today's episode, I’m sharing the audio portion of my new “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE” talk show, where you can ask your own question about anything to do with midlife, hormones or sexual wellness! This week listeners are asking questions ranging from how to tell if you are in perimenopause to curing vaginal dryness when you cannot safely take HRT. To submit your own questions, go to drsusan.com/ask. To watch the show go to my YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3G1gb9z

This week I am delighted to be talking with Dr. Barbara Taylor, also known as “Menopause Taylor” and author of “Menopause: Your Management Your Way.” Barbie is a retired gynecologist who now focuses solely on educating women about menopause, though her book, her popular YouTube channel, webinars and private consultations. We talk about her personal journey to becoming a menopause educator, and our combined passion about the importance of educating women about menopause. Starting from the basics of female anatomy, Barbie and I discuss the huge gap in education about menopause, not only for women but also health care providers. We talk about the importance for each of us to educate ourselves fully, so that we can be armed with knowledge when we visit our health care providers and optimize our health in midlife and beyond. I talk to Barbie about all the ways that she offers menopause education in a fun, memorable and accessible way, recognizing that each woman is unique and different.

On today's episode, I’m sharing the audio portion of my new “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE” talk show, where you can ask your own question about anything to do with midlife, hormones or sexual wellness! This week listeners are asking questions ranging from if hormone replacement therapy causes cancer to what specific tests or treatments there are for postpartum depression. To submit your own questions, go to drsusan.com/ask. To watch the show go to my YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/2Ykgwmv

Today I'm talking about how to deepen your intimate relationships by making the brave choice to tell the truth. Of course we don't lie, but I will talk about all the ways that we withhold, bend, manipulate and stretch the truth to get what we want and hide who we really are. Telling the truth doesn't mean blurting out what you feel, but rather finding the appropriate time to kindly and carefully let your partner know what you truly feel. In this way, we can break down the walls of our stories of being "not good enough" and allow ourselves to be fully seen, so that we can experience the deepest level of intimacy without resentment or withholding.

On today's episode, I’m sharing the audio portion of my new “Ask Dr. Susan LIVE” talk show, where you can ask your own question about anything to do with midlife, hormones or sexual wellness! This week listeners are asking questions ranging from how old you can be to take a hormone replacement to getting pregnant in our 40s. To submit your own questions, go to drsusan.com/ask. To watch the show go to my YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3yVrziD.

Today I'm talking about the often embarrassing, scary and "unsexy" problem of hair loss, which often accelerates around menopause. I'll be talking about my multiple step approach to help with hair loss, investigating everything from hormones, to stress, diet, and innovations such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, medications including Propecia, Minoxidil, Spironolactone, Nutrafol...and the nitty gritty of what really works.

On today's "encore episode," I will revisit a subject I get asked about all of the time: the secrets of the sexually woke. During my research study on a group of over 1,000 women in midlife, I discovered a group of women who are enjoying the most vibrant sex of their lives at 40, 50, and beyond. In today's episode, I will share the three secrets to sexual reawakening that I write about in my book, Sexually Woke and how you too can become sexually woke.

Today I am discussing how for many or most of us, sex was fun when we were young, and at some point turned into work, or one more thing on the "to-do" list that we would just as soon avoid. How can we turn sex from work back into fun? I'll share some secrets from my own experience and from the research that led to my book "Sexually Woke."

On today's episode, I am chatting with style icon Stacy London, who we all know and love from TLC's "What not to Wear." Stacy is now the CEO of "State of Menopause" (www.stateofmenopause.com), a menopause-specific product line supporting midlife wellness and relief of common menopause related conditions. She shares her own inspiring journey with menopause starting at age 47, and how she learned to reframe midlife as a time of opportunity and rebirth. She describes her passion with State of Menopause as "not only taking the stigma away from menopause, but creating solutions for people to experience this as a midlife renaissance instead of a crisis." With a new and rapidly growing company, Stacy describes her plan to grow "State of Menopause" to provide not only products, but also to be a center for education and discussion about all things menopause.

Today I'm talking to my good friend and colleague Dr. Rupal Mathur, Harvard trained internal medicine physician and weight loss specialist. Rupal is the owner of Lifelong Weight Loss in Houston and has dedicated her career to figuring out the science behind losing weight safely and keeping it off throughout your life. We are talking about the complex physiology of weight loss, including why we gain fat in perimenopause and menopause, as well as how much to exercise, how to balance protein and carbs, and which weight loss drugs are safe and effective. She also shares her expertise about intermittent fasting, and discusses the importance of developing a customized nutrition plan that will work for your lifestyle and allow you to reach your goal weight and stay there for life. Head on over to Dr. Mathur's Instagram page for more weight loss tips--@lifelongweightloss

On today's "encore episode," I will revisit some of the latest procedures and solutions we can do for one of the most common symptoms that I hear from women in menopause - and before menopause - which is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This, along with other issues that arise during midlife, can lead to an unfulfilling sex life for ourselves and our partners. The good news is that we can optimize these parts of our body that change as we age so that we can continue having a vibrant, pain-free sex life and fulfilling relationship. From products to procedures, enjoy learning about these solutions that are available to you.

On today's episode I am sharing some really important information about how to interpret your lab results, and how commonly healthcare providers will overlook results that are not optimal simply because they still fall within the "normal range." I'll be teaching you what the "normal range" really means and why that may have nothing to do with what is optimal for you. This episode will give you the information that you need to be your own advocate when you know your hormones are sub-optimal but you are told that "everything is fine."

Today, I’m discussing the touchy topic of whether or not women should elect to have gynecologic cosmetic surgery and how this affects our sense of freedom. Some may argue that the pressure to change ourselves when our culture tells us we aren’t good enough seems like a lack of freedom. While I understand this viewpoint, I would also argue that when constant discomfort restricts us from doing things we enjoy, gynecologic cosmetic surgery can open up so many opportunities and can free us to live our full aliveness. During this episode, I will talk about these two viewpoints and share my personal experience with cosmetic surgery after childbirth. Don’t miss this informative episode where I’ll talk through gynecologic cosmetic surgery and provide clarity on whether this may be a good option for you (or any woman).

Today on Sexually Woke, we are discussing a topic that is not very sexy: urine leakage. Unfortunately, so many women continue to suffer from urine leakage because we’ve learned to accept it as part of life at this age. Sometimes, we are able to laugh it off, but when it starts to impact the way we live our lives, whether that’s withdrawing from social activities, wearing specific clothing colors or changing our vacations, it can be quite devastating. On today’s episode, I hope to educate you on the types of urine leakage and what we can do to correct it. We will discuss the differences between stress incontinence and urge incontinence as well as the different methods that can be used to treat each. Tune in to learn more about how to address the underlying problems so that you can live in your full aliveness.

Today’s episode is with a dear friend of mine who has been on the show before, Rachel Gower. She is the CEO of award-winning salon network, The Upper Hand, and mother of twin girls. We are talking about how to feel fabulous after 50 and will be opening up about our own personal experiences in this unique phase of life. We will discuss the various changes women experience as they age and the amazing impact of hormonal optimization. Hormone replacement therapy has allowed us both to improve our quality-of-life post menopause, and we will be sharing the details of both of our experiences with testosterone replacement therapy at my office. Join us as we dive into what it looks like to optimize your changing hormones and feel your very best after 50.

Today, I am joined by a friend and regular guest on the podcast, Meg Ellis. Meg is an incredible life coach with Phoenix 8 Consulting and a fitness professional. In this episode, we challenge the pursuit of happiness, a founding aspect of our culture today, and talk instead about a different concept, which is the pursuit of wholeness and being fulfilled long-term. We find that the frantic pursuit of happiness, or instant gratification, ultimately does not lead us to a fully alive life. We will focus on what it looks like to live in wholeness and the value of being comfortable sitting in discomfort and processing painful emotions, which does not come naturally. Meg and I will give personal examples of what this has looked like in our lives, and we hope this episode will leave you feeling inspired to pursue wholeness over temporary happiness in your own life!

On today's "encore episode," I will revisit an important topic from March 2020: codependence. Codependence can often go unrecognized, so this episode is incredibly important for everyone to hear. It is all about understanding codependence in primary romantic relationships – when we place the responsibility of our happiness on someone else, we are putting ourselves in a precarious situation. A key part of recognizing the issue is understanding the drama triangle and the roles within it. Once we recognize codependence as well as the roles we take on within our own relationships, we are able to move away from unhealthy behaviors, expectations, and patterns that couples fall into. Tune in to gain better awareness of potentially unhealthy behaviors in your own relationship.

Today, I’m answering one of the most common questions asked in my office: why do we get fat around the middle during perimenopause and menopause? If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. I experienced this myself when I entered perimenopause and felt like it was something so far out of my control. In this episode, I will explain exactly why women experience weight gain during midlife and why that extra weight tends to be stored around the middle section of our bodies. There are various steps you can take to turn this negative symptom around! You can feel confident about your body again while still optimizing your overall health and well-being.

Today’s episode is with a special friend of mine, Christella McCall, who is one of the “original gangsters” interviewed for my book, “Sexually Woke.” We discuss the importance of not living in a place of blame and knowing your own self-worth as well as the power of positive thinking. We also talk about the importance of having and enforcing high standards in your relationships and refusing to allow men or culture dictate how you view yourself. Christella addresses the challenges of being a woman of color as it pertains to sexuality and feelings of worthiness. Don’t miss this honest conversation about the importance of showing up as your authentic self, telling the truth and practicing self-love so that you can feel sexy and open yourself up to all kinds of opportunities for connection.

Today’s episode is part two of my conversation last week with Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and relationship and intimacy expert. We are excited to continue our discussion about how to have intimate conversations with your partner, and this week, we focus on how to heal the hurt in relationships. We will discuss what happens when hurt isn’t healed and the effect it can have on your relationship as a whole if left unresolved as well as what it takes to forgive others. Often times, women may struggle with identifying these feelings, and we hope this conversation will empower you to have difficult conversations with your partner when you have experienced hurt of any kind so that you can move forward with a more full, loving relationship. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Today, I am joined by my friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and sex and intimacy expert based in Houston. This podcast is part 1 of a 2-part series about how honest communication and vulnerability can deepen your relationships, particularly when it comes to how our bodies change during menopause. During this conversation, we discuss how your inner critic can impact your relationships as well as the risk and reward that comes with letting your guard down. Join us as we discover how being generous with your truth allows you to be truly seen.

Today I’m discussing and debunking the common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy. I will kick off the discussion by breaking down what happens to our hormones during menopause before explaining how these changes impact our lives, where the most common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy stemmed from, and why this treatment is so beneficial after menopause. Due to the lack of education on the topic, I’ll also discuss the importance of being your own advocate when determining what treatment is best for you and arm you with the knowledge you need when managing menopause and discussing your hormones. Join me as I guide you through the facts and myths of hormone replacement therapy so that you can be healthy and happy after 50.

On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by Meg Ellis, an incredible life coach with Phoenix 8 Consulting and fitness professional who has become a good friend and a regular guest of the podcast. Today, we are talking about how to have unconditional confidence and trust in yourself. As Meg says, there’s no magic light bulb that goes off; trusting yourself requires constant work. We talk about the connection between confidence and peace and how the belief that everything is workable will lead to a sense of peace that will ultimately allow you to be unconditionally confident. Don’t miss this conversation where we discuss the importance of showing up as your authentic self and believing that “what is for you will find you and what is for you will never leave you.”

Today, I am speaking with Houston-based designer, author, speaker, coach and self-proclaimed enneagram junkie, Elaine Turner, whose greatest passion is to guide women to believe, "You are worthy." We also delve into the topics reflected in Elaine's book, Breaking the Glass Slipper: Debunking the Myths that Hold Women Back. This includes owning the truth of who you are and knowing you are worthy regardless of external factors as well as how accomplishing these things may be challenging for women and the importance of giving ourselves grace.

Today’s episode is Part 2 of my conversation last week with Dr. Carolyn DeLucia, board-certified OB/GYN based in New York and New Jersey and one of the most distinguished experts in the field of sexual wellness in the country. She, like me, specializes in helping women in midlife revive their sex lives by providing solutions and treatments for the natural changes we experience as we age. Today we are talking about the important subject of vaginal laxity, that feeling that your vagina has become more relaxed after having children, and how it can affect our comfort, confidence and our ability to feel sexy and enjoy intimacy. We also talk through the various procedures offered at each of our practices to treat this common concern that will restore your freedom to do the things you want to do again and take control of your own sexuality. Don’t miss this informative conversation on a topic that is kept private far too often.

Today's very special guest is Dr. Carolyn DeLucia, a board certified OB/GYN based in New York and New Jersey. Dr DeLucia has over 30 years of experience, and she, like me, now specializes in helping women in midlife revive their sex lives by providing solutions and treatments for the natural changes we experience as we age. She is also the author of an incredible book called "Ultimate Intimacy: The Revolutionary Science of Female Sexual Health," which reveals how we as women can understand and choose the best treatments for our bodies so that we do not have to suffer from an unfulfilling or painful sex life. Enjoy this conversation as we talk about the procedures that we offer at our practices to ensure that you can rediscover ultimate intimacy.

Today's podcast is with a fascinating guest, Dr. Marco Pelosi III, a world-renowned cosmetic gynecologist. We explore the history, evolution, and controversy of cosmetic gynecology, facts and safety of vaginal surgery, and finding the balance between loving yourself as you are and seeking treatments to feel free and confident in your body.

Today's podcast guest is Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a prominent OB/GYN based in Dallas who shares my passion for sexual wellness. We dive into the importance of offering sexual health as part of our holistic medical practices, and how we as doctors are dedicated to learning about sexual wellness in a way that was never taught to us in medical school. Dr. Shepherd has an amazing practice called Sanctum Med + Wellness in Dallas where she merges Eastern and Western medicine to provide nurturing, holistic care for her patients. I hope you enjoy our conversation and learn more about our unique approach to women's health.

I'm joined today by a special guest Dr. Johnny Peet who is a friend of mine as well as an amazing gynecologist and pioneer in sexual wellness for both women and men. We chat about the myths and truths of bio identical hormone therapy, the importance of testosterone for optimal aging, the risks of *not* taking hormones, and cutting edge new treatments including platelet rich plasma laser therapy and stem cells. If you've ever been curious about hormone therapy, don't miss this informative episode!

Today's episode is Part 2 from my conversation last week with Meg Ellis, an amazing fitness instructor and life coach who also happens to be my favorite SoulCycle instructor. We're talking about the steps you can take to get what you want – from believing that you deserve it to being open to getting something even *better* than what you have envisioned for yourself. Don't miss this transformational and inspiring conversation!

I'm very excited to share part 1 of a 2-part podcast series with Meg Ellis, a fitness instructor and life coach who is also *the* best SoulCycle instructor. Today we're covering three big topics – resistance, trust, and fear – and how we can empower ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and live from a place of curiosity and trust rather than a fear of failure. We talk about how to turn up the resistance, not only in your physical activity but also in your daily life, and to shift your mindset from fear of failure to "expect great things and they will happen."

Today's episode is an open and honest conversation with my friend and colleague Mary Jo Rapini, a renowned psychotherapist who specializes in relationships and sexuality. We dive into everything from how men have been affected by the pandemic (not well), to dating in midlife and how to reconnect with our long-term partners during this uncertain time. We also discuss our mutual belief that the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.

On today's episode I'm speaking with my friend and fellow midlife wellness enthusiast Amanda Thebe, author of "Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!" Amanda - a fitness and health expert with over 30 years of experience - shares her personal story of struggling with perimenopause and menopause, and how women can support their bodies through nutrition and fitness to reclaim their health and thrive in midlife.

I'm very excited to share with you some of the latest procedures and solutions we can do for one of the most common symptoms that I hear from women in menopause - and before menopause - which is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This, along with other issues that arise during midlife, can lead to an unfulfilling sex life for ourselves and our partners. The good news is that we can optimize these parts of our body that change as we age so that we can continue having a vibrant, pain-free sex life and fulfilling relationship. From products to procedures, enjoy learning about these solutions that are available to you.

Today I'm sharing my recent thoughts about how the secrets of the sexually woke apply to every aspect of your life, not just sex. This includes financial, career, family, and life in general. As a gyncecologist, I often look at life through the lens of sex, but I also understand that sex isn't a top priority or top of mind for everyone at this particular moment. Join me as I discuss the secrets of the sexually woke and how you can apply them to all areas of your life in order to feel fully alive and fulfilled.

Today I'm speaking with Houston icon Rachel Gower, the CEO of award-winning salon network, The Upper Hand, and mother to twin girls. We talk about navigating careers, relationships, and motherhood – and how to find time for self-care in the middle of all of it.

Today's podcast guest is Christine Mason, the Founder & CEO of Rosebud Woman, a beautiful line of women's intimate wellness products. She is also the author of The Invitation: Daily Love for Your Intimate Self, which is a manifesto for women to accept and cherish their bodies. In this episode we dive into honoring and embracing our feminine sexual beings at every age so that we can experience self-love, playfulness, reverence, and joy.

Today I'm talking with entrepreneur, author, and former literary agent Nina Lorez Collins, who founded The Woolfer – a vibrant community of women centered on disrupting social norms around aging. We talk about the importance of opening up about our health and sex lives with a supportive community, asking for what you want in the bedroom, why you should own a vibrator, and more.

One of the best parts about my job is that I get to have intimate conversations with women from all around the world. Every day I hear women describing their symptoms and experiences with menopause, and in today's episode I am sharing with you a list of the most common topics that come up. My hope is that this episode will help normalize these symptoms and release you from that isolating feeling that something is wrong with you. When I went through menopause, I was worried that something was wrong with me, which is a terrible feeling. The good news is that you are not alone, there is nothing wrong with you, and women around the world are all going through the same thing. Let's dive in and explore why these changes to our bodies are happening, and what you can do about them.

During her research study on a group of over 1,000 women in midlife, Dr. Susan discovered a group of women who are enjoying the most vibrant sex of their lives at 40, 50, and beyond. She divulges their three secrets to sexual reawakening in her best-selling book Sexually Woke. In today's episode she shares these three secrets and how you too can become sexually woke.

Dr. Susan explains how bio identical hormone therapy pellets can enhance your relationships and restore sexual function in women who are approaching menopause as well as for those whose bodies have begun changing. Early is better than late! Let her tell you why....

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan discusses vaginal relaxation after child birth, what we can do about it and how it effects our sex lives, our self esteem and our physical wellness.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks hormone replacement as it is such a big topic with so many questions and often not so many answers.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex and intimacy and the common barriers to sex and intimacy.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and relationship and intimacy expert based in Houston, about relationship dynamics and family dynamics during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Meditation… How do you do it? Why would you do it?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Now we are almost 4 months into this Coronavirus pandemic, and Dr. Susan feels there is a universal sense of fear. In this episode, she talks about facing fear with compassion.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Now 3+ months into the Coronavirus pandemic, is it possible that there is some beauty in this slowing down?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex and intimacy and the common barriers to sex and intimacy.

Only 7 percent of older women are happy with their sex lives. Dr. Susan discusses treatments and health management strategies for staying sexually active for the other 93 percent who want to know their secrets.

Dr. Susan talks about improving your primary romantic relationship by stepping away from unhealthy behaviors and expectation patterns that couples fall into that make things worse over time instead of better. Get our of your drama triangle now!