Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ - Everyday Wellness™

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 612 Why Perimenopause Affects More Than Your Cycle with Emily Sadri, NP | Menopause, Perimenopause, Estrogen Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

Today, I am delighted to welcome Emily Sadri, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife, also trained in functional medicine. Emily is the founder of Aurelia Health, a private women’s health practice in the Van Aken district of Shaker Heights, Ohio, offering telehealth services specializing in hormone therapy and weight-loss support for women ages 35 to 55. As a leading hormone expert, she has built her practice around a hormones-first approach.

In today’s conversation, Emily explains the differences between being a nurse practitioner and a midwife, and we discuss nurse practitioner training, scope of practice, professional support, anticipatory guidance, and the limitations of conventional midlife care. Emily also shares why she prioritizes precision-oriented, personalized care, the value of Mira monitoring for precision hormone replacement therapy management in perimenopause, key hormonal changes she sees in early perimenopause, the impact of cyclic, static, and physiologic dosing of HRT, the influence of progestin IUDs, trends in healthcare, and less common reasons why women in midlife tend to become weight loss resistant.

Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on hormones, precision care, and supporting women through perimenopause and midlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How women's health nurse practitioner training differs from midwifery, and how midwifery shaped Emily’s professional philosophy and ethics
Why women need to take ownership of their health throughout every life stage
The importance of moving beyond treating symptoms by using comprehensive lab work to identify broader hormonal and metabolic patterns
The value of using Mira, an at-home hormone monitoring system, to follow hormone patterns throughout an entire menstrual cycle, rather than relying on isolated laboratory measurements
Why Emily believes in looking at hormone patterns rather than progesterone decline or isolated estrogen levels when making hormone replacement therapy decisions
How static, cyclic, and physiologic HRT differ, and why Emily believes physiologic dosing deserves greater consideration.
Why treating hormones in isolation often fails to address the bigger picture, particularly during perimenopause
The importance of women being fully informed when considering hormonal birth control and intrauterine devices
Factors beyond sarcopenia, nutrition, sleep, and stress that could contribute to weight loss resistance

Bio: Emily Sadri

Emily Sadri is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and hormone expert who founded Aurelia Health, a modern concierge telehealth company that serves women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Emily's areas of expertise include metabolic health, precision hormone care, and longevity medicine. Her mission is to advance comprehensive care in midlife, create a model that fills in the gaps where primary care is failing women, and to recenter care around the relationship AS the medicine.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, four children, and two dogs.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Emily Sadri

Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute.

Today, we’re discussing how oral contraceptives and Depo Provera can impact women’s bone health over time.Stay tuned as I walk you through the research, prescribing trends, and ways women can support their bone health.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How peak bone mass in adolescence affects bone health later in life
How oral contraceptives can interfere with the bone development of young women
The lack of informed conversations about the bone health risks associated with long-term contraceptive use
Why Depo Provera may have a stronger impact on bone density than oral contraceptives
The importance of nutrition and strength training for supporting bone health
How hormonal contraceptives can affect the gut microbiome and immune system
What you need to consider regarding your bone density and long-term health if you’ve been using oral contraceptives or Depo for many years

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Resources:

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.07.005

Oral Contraceptive Use and Bone Density Change in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Prospective Study of Age, Hormone Dose, and Discontinuation doi:10.1210/jc.2010-3027
Adolescent use of combined hormonal contraception and peak bone mineral density accrual: A meta-analysis of international prospective controlled studies doi:10.1111/cen.13932

No need to specialize: reproductive health is for all adolescents doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2006.01.055

Injectable Hormone Contraception and Bone Density: Results from a Prospective Study doi:10.1097/00001648-200209000-00015

Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065

Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362

Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosusdoi:10.1002/art.24398

Oral Contraceptives and Multiple Sclerosis/Clinically Isolated Syndrome Susceptibility doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149094

The Experience of Surviving a High-Risk Pregnancy doi:10.1080/23293691.2016.1166104

Effects of 0.9 mg Recombinant Human Thyrotropin on Thyroid Size and Function in Normal Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial doi:10.1210/jc.2004-0914

Ep. 610 Protein, Muscle, and Metabolic Health After Menopause with Craig Emmerich | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Craig Emmerich as my guest. He's an electrical engineer and bestselling author who works closely with his wonderful wife, Maria. Craig has been following a keto diet for over 17 years and a carnivore diet for over six years to help him overcome chronic Lyme disease and inflammatory response syndrome. Focusing on the science of human nutrition, he has helped thousands of clients regain their health and vitality.

In today’s discussion, we explore the principles of metabolic health, the role of ultra-processed foods, the bliss point, and the loss of nutrient density. We examine midlife changes in metabolic health and body composition, and highlight the critical importance of metabolic flexibility and adequate protein intake. Craig clarifies why body composition should be considered rather than the scale and explains how he determines carbohydrate tolerance. We also examine the research on the gut microbiome, the insulin-fat cell relationship, insulin resistance, fasting, and the protein-sparing modified fast as strategies for weight loss, and discuss leptin resistance, alcohol, the effects of cortisol and sleep on the hormone cascade, and troubleshooting women’s midlife challenges around HRT, hydration, electrolytes, and body composition shifts.

Stay tuned for today’s informative discussion with Craig Emmerich, who has recently launched a new book, The Art of Metabolic Health, that he and his wife co-authored.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The importance of consuming whole foods and prioritizing your protein intake
How companies engineer foods to encourage overeating
Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale
How building and maintaining muscle helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health
Why adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining and improving bone density
How your carbohydrate intake should be tailored to suit your personal goals, health status, and your response to different foods
How insulin resistance develops
Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss efforts
How inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance

Bio: Craig Emmerich

Craig Emmerich, who graduated in Electrical Engineering, has spent the last 16-plus years researching nutrition and working with thousands of clients alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich. He is an international bestselling author of “Keto: The Complete Guide” and “The Carnivore Cookbook”. He uses his knowledge of how our bodies work to help clients heal and lose weight, leveraging their biology to make it easier.

Craig has helped hundreds of thousands of people regain their health and vitality with a strong focus on the science of human nutrition.

Craig has been keto for over 17 years and carnivore for over 6 years to help treat his chronic Lyme disease and CIRS pain.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Craig Emmerich

On his website

BONUS: Is Obesity Really Genetic? Debunking the Myths with Dr. Ken Berry Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

I am delighted to have Dr. Ken Berry returning to the podcast for his fourth appearance today. He is a physician, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for health, known for his no-nonsense approach to wellness. Dr. Berry has practiced at the Berry Clinic since 2003 and is an active community member. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for patients.

In our discussion today, we explore a recent Time news article and the growing concerns around the declining trustworthiness of media sources. We dive into the limitations of observational research, the problem with celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed foods, rising obesity rates in children and teens, and whether genetic factors are actually behind obesity, as highlighted recently in a 60 Minutes segment. We also discuss the impact of sugar, grains, and seed oils, as well as the significance of visceral fat.

You will not want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Ken Berry.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Berry breaks down some deeper issues surrounding the recent Time article, where a lone registered dietitian claimed that ultra-processed foods are acceptable.
How media sources are losing their credibility
The vital part social media plays in changing the narrative and holding media sources accountable
Why consumers must stay informed and be proactive in their health choices
The health implications of eating ultra-processed foods
Dr. Berry shares his concerns about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending drugs like Ozempic for children.
The benefits of eating whole foods
Dr. Berry shares his three rules for a healthy diet.
Why we need to avoid sugar and seed oils
How following a low-carb diet can help reduce visceral fat.
Dr. Berry introduces the American Diabetes Society and explains its mission.

Bio:

Dr. Ken D. Berry, MD, is a licensed family physician, best-selling author, and leading advocate for the Proper Human Diet (PHD). With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Berry specializes in helping patients improve their health through low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense eating. His best-selling book, "Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health," and his popular YouTube channel, which has over 3 million subscribers, provide accessible, evidence-based guidance on nutrition and wellness. Dr. Berry's mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their health by debunking common medical myths and promoting sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. He is also a member of the Diet Doctor low-carb expert panel and an active participant in the keto and low-carb communities. Dr. Berry lives with his wife Neisha and their children on a farm in Holladay, Tennessee.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book,The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Ken Berry

⁠The American Diabetes Society ⁠

Ep. 609 How Light Shapes Hormones, Sleep, and Metabolism with Dr. Catherine Clinton | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton today. She’s a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body’s intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Clinton explains what quantum biology is and how light shapes circadian rhythms and hormone balance. We discuss the emerging science of structured water, grounding, fascia, mitochondrial health, and the gut's energetic environment, also exploring practical ways to support your health by paying attention to your body's relationship with its surroundings.

Join us for a truly fascinating discussion on how light, water, energy, and environment can influence our health in ways we have never even considered.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How quantum biology differs from conventional biology
Why is natural morning light so important for our bodies?
The disruptive effects of LED lighting
Dr. Clinton explains what structured water is and the important role it may play in cellular function.
How healthy mitochondria support cellular energy production, hydration, overall health, and longevity
In addition to producing ATP, how the mitochondria can contribute to cellular hydration
How the minerals in drinking water can help the water move into and around cells
The value of grounding to support the electrical systems within the body
Why fascia is increasingly viewed as an active communication network within the body

Bio: Dr. Catherine Clinton

Dr. Catherine Clinton, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician, author, and the Founder and Chair of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. With more than 18 years of clinical and educational experience, she helps wellness seekers and healthcare practitioners understand health through a systems-based, quantum biology lens.

While in naturopathic medical school, her diagnosis of two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease reshaped her understanding of healing and led her beyond conventional models.

Dr. Clinton has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, teaches internationally, and maintains a small clinical practice in Eugene, Oregon. Her work is dedicated to expanding our understanding of health by honoring the body’s intelligence and its relationship with light, water, and the environment.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton

Ep. 608 "Beyond Protein and Exercise" — What Actually Supports Muscle Growth in Midlife | Menopause, Perimenopause, Muscle Growth Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute.

Today, we’re exploring the benefits of creatine monohydrate, essential aminos, grass-fed beef liver, and Yolked (fortotropin). I explain how these products work together, the importance of resistance training and hormone optimization as foundational factors in midlife, and how supplements fit in.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The benefits of using creatine monohydrate when training
The value of essential aminos for muscle protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown
The nutrients provided by grass-fed beef liver
What research suggests about how Yolked may relate to myostatin modulation, muscle hypertrophy pathways, and growth factor signaling
Why I recommend using creatine, essential aminos, beef liver, and Yolked together as a stacked approach
Why resistance exercise remains the primary signal for muscle growth
The importance of hormone optimization for energy, muscle building, executive function, motivation, and recovery

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Resources:

Visit getkion.com/cynthia for 20% off.

Yolked: Use the code CYNTHIA for 20% off

Ancestral Supplements: Use the affiliate code CYNTHIA

Ep. 607 How Connective Tissue Disorders Affect Women's Health with Dr. Linda Bluestein | Menopause, Perimenopause, Connective Tissue Health Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein, a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician specializing in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, including POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain.

In our discussion, we discuss the invisible illness problem and complex medical illnesses, and Dr. Bluestein shares how being diagnosed with EDS in her 40s prompted her to pivot her career to focus on what is missing in medicine regarding those complex illnesses. We explore different types of hypermobility conditions and why women are disproportionately more affected by those conditions than men. We clarify what hypermobility means, the cluster of EDS, POTS, and MCAS, what to do when you have unexplained multi-system symptoms, and how AI can be beneficial. We also examine pain science, hypermobility, sympathetic overdrive, kinesiophobia, anesthesia considerations in connective tissue disorders, and the impact of midlife transitions, HRT, medical gaslighting, nervous system regulation, movement, nutrition, and validation and hope for patients with complex medical illnesses.

I am delighted to share this informative conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein with the Everyday Wellness community, and look forward to having Dr. Bluestein back to explore this topic further.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How patients with complex symptoms often go from specialist to specialist, yet none of them connect the dots.
How patients tend to be blamed when treatments fail
How POTS diagnosis is often based on heart rate changes, even though it’s not primarily a heart rate condition
How dysautonomia affects multiple body systems
How, apart from joint flexibility, hypermobility can also involve skin, tissues, organs, and multiple body systems.
How EDS, POTS, and MCAS can overlap
The value of AI tools for helping patients organize complex symptom histories
How sympathetic overdrive and kinesiophobia can worsen chronic pain
The impact of medical gaslighting

Bio: Dr. Linda Bluestein

Dr. Linda Bluestein is a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician who specializes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, such as POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain.

She is the founder of Hypermobility MD and the host of the internationally recognized Bendy Bodies Podcast, where she bridges the gap between patients and clinicians by unpacking complex medicine through a pattern-based, whole-person lens. Dr. Bluestein is also an EDS patient herself, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to conversations about diagnostic delays, medical gaslighting, and compassionate, effective care.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein

BONUS: Menopausal Toolkit: Heart, Brain and Hormonal Health with Dr. Deb Matthew Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

I am delighted to have the privilege of reconnecting with Dr. Deb Matthew today. She joined me once before on Episode 259. She is a distinguished best-selling author, international speaker, and dedicated educator known as the Happy Hormone Doctor.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, causing one of every 3.2 deaths among women annually. In our conversation today, Dr. Matthew and I delve into the realm of cardiovascular disease, exploring the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, essential laboratory testing, medications, and the neurocognitive changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. We also focus on lifestyle, gut testing, and the all-time favorite topic: weight-loss resistance.

Stay tuned for today’s engaging, enriching, and enlightening discussion with Dr. Deb Matthew.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How HRT reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
How long-term use of estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease over time
Why you should do a hormone panel before starting HRT
How cortisol levels impact cardiovascular health
How the coronary calcium score helps to predict heart attack risk
Cholesterol markers and their significance in cardiovascular risk assessment
Managing cholesterol levels in perimenopausal women
The importance of addressing underlying hormonal imbalances in women to mitigate cognitive decline and lipid disorders
The connection between gut health and brain fog
How women’s testosterone levels impact their cognition and motivation
Hormone imbalance and weight loss resistance in women

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book,The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Deb Matthew

Dr. Deb Matthew’s book This is Not Normal on Amazon⁠

Previous Episode featuring Dr. Matthew

⁠Ep. 295: HRT’s Impact on Women’s Health Through Time with Dr. Deb Matthew⁠

Ep. 606 The Vagus Nerve's Role in Stress Resilience with Dr. Navaz Habib | Menopause, Perimenopause, Nervous System Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

I am honored to connect with Dr. Navaz Habib today. He is the Vagus Nerve Doc, a bestselling author, and host of the Health Upgrade podcast.

In our discussion today, we look at what it takes to upgrade the vagus nerve, exploring how it is regulated, the role of vagal tone, and how it can be damaged with chronic stress. We examine the impact of allostatic load and dysregulation, and how midlife physiology compels us to proactively address our vagal tone. We cover the impact of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters, and why key nutrients like choline and omega-3s are necessary for proper vagal tone, and we dive into hormetic stressors and safety, how HRV and vagal tone are assessed, and targeted strategies to enhance vagus nerve performance. Dr. Habib also discusses his Vagus Program, which provides tools to improve vagal tone.

Stay tuned for this informative conversation with Dr. Habib. I look forward to inviting him back to continue the discussion.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Habib describes the vagus nerve as the brake system of the autonomic nervous system, and explains how it connects to most major organs, working as a central communication highway
What vagal tone is
Dr. Habib frames allostatic load in the context of a combined stress burden
How “little t” trauma influences vagus nerve function and creates stress response patterns later in life
Why midlife can be a period of increased stress sensitivity and autonomic dysregulation
The key biochemical drivers of vagus nerve signaling and immune regulation
How diaphragmatic breathing can directly influence vagus nerve activity
What HRV actually measures, and how to interpret it correctly
A practical framework of small interventions to build long-term autonomic flexibility

Bio: Dr. Navaz Habib

Dr. Navaz Habib, aka "The Vagus Nerve Doc," is a best-selling author of 2 books - “Activate Your Vagus Nerve” and “Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve” and host of The Health Upgrade Podcast.

After using functional medicine to overcome his own health challenges, Dr. Habib built Health Upgraded, an online health program implementing his VAGUS protocol, to guide parents and professionals to enhance their health by unlocking the healing power of the Vagus nerve to reduce the effects of stress and inflammation.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Navaz Habib

On Instagram

The Vagus Nerve Doc on YouTube

Learn more about Dr. Habib’s Vagus Protocol and become part of the online community.
Dr. Habib’s books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve

Ep. 605 "What Happens When You Stop the Pill in Midlife?" | Oral Contraceptives, Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormones Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute.

Today, I’m taking a closer look at oral contraceptive use in perimenopause and menopause, exploring how oral contraceptives work, how they suppress or blunt perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, alter hormone signaling and testing, what women may experience when they stop taking them, and why the gut microbiome is an essential part of the conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How oral contraceptives suppress certain key signaling hormones, making it difficult to assess women’s menopausal status accurately
What women may experience when transitioning off oral contraceptives
How long-term oral contraceptive use can alter gut microbial function and inflammatory pathways
The association between long-term oral contraceptive use and nutrient depletion
Why the standard reproductive hormone markers used to assess menopause (especially FSH/LH) are unreliable while on the pill
How the microbiome changes that occur as women age may compound the effects of previous oral contraceptive use
Helpful dietary, microbiome, and lifestyle strategies to support women navigating the post-pill transition

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website.
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut.
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Resources:

Sitruk-Ware R, Nath A. Characteristics and metabolic effects of estrogen and progestins contained in oral contraceptive pills. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;27(1):13–24. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.09.004
Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL. Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2016;21(5):347–355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327
Panzer C, Wise S, Fantini G, Kang D, Munarriz R, Guay A, Goldstein I. Impact of oral contraceptives on sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels: a retrospective study in women with sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2006;3(1):104–113. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00198.x
Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2013;17(13):1804–1813. PMID:23852908
Khalili H, Higuchi LM, Ananthakrishnan AN, Richter JM, Feskanich D, Fuchs CS, Chan AT. Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 2013;62(8):1153–1159. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362
Flores R, Shi J, Fuhrman B, Xu X, Veenstra TD, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Fecal microbial determinants of fecal and systemic estrogens and estrogen metabolites: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2012;10:253. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-10-253
Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017;103:45–53. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025
Hua X, Cao Y, Morgan DM, Miller K, Chin SM, Bellavance D, Khalili H. Longitudinal analysis of the impact of oral contraceptive use on the gut microbiome. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022;71(4):001512. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.001512
Mihajlovic J, Leutner M, Hausmann B, Kohl G, Schwarz J, et al. Combined hormonal contraceptives are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women. Environmental Microbiology. 2021;23(6):3037–3047. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.15461
Seelig MS. Increased magnesium need with use of combined oestrogen and calcium supplementation. Magnesium Research. 1990;3(3):197–215. PMID:2133742
Donders GGG, Bellen G, Mendling W. Management of recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis as a chronic illness. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010;70(4):306–321. doi:10.1159/000314022

Krog MC, Hugerth LW, Fransson E, et al. The healthy female microbiome across body sites: effect of hormonal contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. Human Reproduction. 2022;37(7):1525–1543. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac094

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