The MSing Link

Latest Episodes:

295. MS & Menopause: Are Your Symptoms Changing…or Are Your Hormones? | Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

If you're a woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) and you've noticed your fatigue, brain fog, or word-finding trouble getting worse in your 40s or 50s… you're not imagining it. And you're not alone in this.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a leading MS neurologist and menopause researcher from UCLA, to talk about something the MS community rarely hears explained clearly: what menopause is actually doing to your brain, and why it can look and feel so much like an MS flare.

Here's the part that surprised me most. Your MRI can come back completely clean… no new lesions… and you can still feel like your cognition is slipping. That doesn't mean nothing is happening. It means we need to look at what's happening at the cellular level, not just the lesion level.

Here's what we cover 🔑:

Why estrogen matters for your brain, not just your reproductive system. Estrogen receptors sit on neurons and on the cells that support them. When estrogen drops during perimenopause and menopause, those cells lose a signal they've been relying on for decades. That's one reason cognition and energy can shift so noticeably during this window.

What is the difference between smoldering MS vs. menopause-related change? These two can produce similar symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, slower processing) through very different mechanisms. Dr. Voskuhl explains how to tell them apart and why your neurologist may not have brought this up.

Why "your MRI looks fine" isn't the whole story? MRI shows lesions. It doesn't show gray matter atrophy well, and it doesn't show what's happening inside cells that are still alive but struggling. Your symptoms are real data.

What is estriol, the pregnancy estrogen, and why it's different? Many women with MS notice their symptoms quiet down during the third trimester. Estriol is a big part of why. Dr. Voskuhl walks through the research on estriol as a potential MS treatment and how it differs from traditional hormone replacement therapy.

Why this conversation matters

So many women with MS are told their symptoms are "just MS" or "just menopause" and sent on their way with no plan. Both answers leave you stuck. What you deserve is a clear explanation of what's happening in your body and options you can actually act on.

If you've been quietly wondering whether hormones are part of your picture, this one's for you. And if you're the type of person who wants to understand the why behind your symptoms before you change anything… you're going to get a lot out of Dr. Voskuhl's explanations.

About Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl is a professor of neurology at UCLA, director of the UCLA MS Program, and the faculty neurologist for the UCLA Comprehensive Menopause Care Program. She has spent over 25 years researching how sex hormones affect the brain with continuous NIH funding and over 200 publications in journals like Nature and Lancet Neurology. She's also the inventor behind the treatment that is now available through CleopatraRx, a company that she co-founded to bring this research directly to patients across the country.

Where to reach Dr. Voskuhl:

Instagram for Cleopatra RX: https://www.instagram.com/cleopatra_menopause_care/

LinkedIn for Cleopatra RX: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleopatrarx/

LinkedIn for Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rhonda-voskuhl/

Instagram for Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl:https://www.instagram.com/dr_rhonda_voskuhl/

Website: https://cleopatrarx.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify&utm_campaign=msinglink

Book a consultation: https://cleopatrarx.com/start-your-treatment/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify&utm_campaign=msinglink

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Article on Menopause and MS: https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/features/menopause-and-multiple-sclerosis-neurologic-manifestations/%20'

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

294. Why Your Core Is More Important Than You Think (Especially With MS) Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

If MS has left you feeling like your body is folding forward… this episode is for you.

In this episode, I'm walking you through the connection between posture, core strength, and daily function for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Not in a textbook way, in a "here's what's actually happening in your body and here's what to do about it" way.

Here's what we cover 🔑:

Does your core matter? Your core isn't just abs. It's the group of muscles that stabilizes your trunk so your arms and legs have something solid to work from. When that stability is missing, your body compensates… and that shows up as unsteady walking, poor balance, and low back pain that won't quit.

How posture changes your breathing. When your ribcage collapses forward, your diaphragm can't move through its full range. Less air in means less oxygen available for your muscles, which means more fatigue doing the same activities. Sitting taller isn't about looking better. It's about giving your lungs room to work.

What are common posture imbalances I see in people with MS? Forward head position, rounded shoulders, an anterior pelvic tilt (your pelvis tipping forward, arching your low back), and the compensations that build on top of them. I'll explain why they happen and what they're costing you day to day.

Targeted core and back exercises. Specific movements you can start with, why each one works, and how to modify them whether you're standing, seated, or working from a wheelchair.

Neuroplasticity and functional exercise. Your brain can build new pathways to your muscles at any age… that wifi connection between your brain and your body can get stronger with the right practice. I'll explain what "the right practice" actually means and why repetition with intention beats hard workouts every time.

What posture products are worth it? Braces, cushions, supports, gadgets. Some help. Some just do the work your muscles should be doing, which makes those muscles weaker over time. I'll tell you which is which.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You've noticed you're slumping more than you used to
✅ Low back pain has become part of your daily life
✅ You feel out of breath doing things that never used to wind you
✅ You're tripping more, or your walking feels less steady
✅ You want to understand why something works, not just be told to do it

You don't need long workouts or an hour a day. You need the right exercises for your symptoms, done consistently. Progress, not perfection.

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

293. Your MS Routine Might Not Be Working Anymore (Here's Why) Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a lightbulb moment I had recently... one that made me realize how easy it is to slip into autopilot with our routines when we're living with multiple sclerosis.

You know the feeling. You're doing the same 10 exercises you've done for the last two years. Same stretches. Same breakfast. Same everything. Not because it's what your body needs right now, but because it's what you started doing back when you first got serious about your MS.

Here's the thing... your MS isn't the same as it was two years ago. Your strength isn't. Your goals probably aren't either. So why is your routine?

In this episode, I walk through:

✅ Why autopilot happens (and why it's not a willpower problem)

✅ How to tell the difference between a habit that's still working and one you've outgrown

✅ The specific questions to ask yourself when reassessing your MS exercise routine

I also talk about why "just keep going" isn't always the right advice. Consistency matters — but consistency with the wrong thing keeps you stuck in a really convincing way.

This isn't about starting over. It's about checking in. Your movement still counts... but it counts more when it's pointed at the goals you actually have today.

Progress, not perfection. You've got this. 🧡

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

292. MS Mindset Shifts with Damian Washington Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Okay, I've been looking forward to sharing this one with you.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Damian Washington about something I know so many of you wrestle with... how do you stay motivated when you're working toward goals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the progress feels slow, or a setback knocks you back a few steps?

Damian and I get into the good stuff. We talk about the power of repetition (spoiler: it matters way more than pushing yourself to the max), and why you really need both short-term and long-term goals working together. We dig into how to build healthy habits that support your mobility, strength, and daily function... the kind of habits that actually stick, even on the days when MS makes everything harder.

We also talk about the role of affirmations, how to build in real accountability, and how to make room for both your wins AND your setbacks. Because here's the thing: forward motion doesn't mean every day is a good day. It means you keep going anyway.

You're going to walk away from this one with actual tools. Not vague "just stay positive" stuff, but real, doable tips and mindset shifts you can use to strengthen your body and your mind, feel better in your daily life with MS, and stay consistent even when your motivation dips.

Whether you're focused on your exercises, drinking more water, or just trying to build a routine that works with your real life... this conversation is full of encouragement, honest insight, and examples you can actually relate to.

You've got this. And I think this episode is going to remind you of that.

In this episode, I share:

→ Why repetition beats intensity when you're building strength and mobility with MS

→ Short-term vs. long-term goals, and why you need both

→ How to build habits that stick, even through fatigue and brain fog

→ The role of affirmations and shifting how you talk to yourself

→ Building accountability so you actually stay consistent

→ How to hold space for wins and setbacks without losing momentum

→ Keeping yourself moving forward on the tough days

→ Hydration and the small daily habits that support your progress

→ Creating sustainable routines instead of rigid, all-or-nothing rules

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

291. You're Stronger Than You Think: Dr. Gretchen's Birth Story Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

I'm back, and this is my first episode recording since going on maternity leave and welcoming my second daughter into the world. So many of you in The MSing Link and on social media have been asking about my birth story, and I wanted to share part of it with you. But this episode is about so much more than childbirth.

It's about realizing how strong you already are… even if you've forgotten it. Especially if you don't feel it.

In this episode, I share:

→ The arrival of Scarlett Townsend, and the special meaning behind her name (her middle name honors my husband's mom, who we lost this past November)

→ The decision that weighed on me my entire pregnancy: C-section or VBAC? And why I felt so much shame around the choice I ultimately made

→ Why staying local turned out to be exactly the right call, especially when my heart rate dropped into the 40s for nearly 24 hours after delivery

→ The chaos of those first weeks home: cluster feeding, two-kids-at-once mornings, a new puppy (ask me why… I honestly don't know), and my old friend, noise sensitivity

→ The ordinary moment on my couch (feeding Scarlett, singing "The Wheels on the Bus" into a toy microphone, and shooing the puppy away with one foot) when it hit me: Wait, I'm doing it. Look at me go.

I want to be clear: I'm not comparing my experience to living with MS. But I think this is something universal. We don't always find out what we're capable of until something asks us to rise.

Strength doesn't always look the way we imagine. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes it looks like accepting the C-section instead of carrying shame about it. And sometimes it looks like getting out of bed, getting dressed, and walking around your home, all of which take real emotional and physical strength.

So this is your reminder: you are so much stronger than you think. And so much stronger than you feel. More likely than not, you did something hard today and didn't even stop to notice. Your movement still counts.

You've got this. 🧡

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

290. From Me to You: Pep Talk Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

If you're someone with MS who knows exercise matters but can't seem to stay consistent… this episode is your pep talk.

We've all been there. You start the week with the best intentions, then by Wednesday the negative self-talk creeps in: "I'm too tired." "It's not working." "What's the point?" Sound familiar?

Here's the thing, exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving mobility, strength, and independence with multiple sclerosis (MS). But the way you talk to yourself about it? That matters just as much as the workout itself.

In this episode, I'm breaking down:

→ Why mindset is the missing piece in most MS exercise routines

→ The common thoughts that keep you stuck before you even start

→ How to shift your mental habits so they support your goals instead of sabotaging them

→ Practical strategies for building an exercise plan that actually fits your life

→ Phrases you can borrow to boost your motivation on the hard days

This isn't about pretending everything is fine or forcing toxic positivity. It's about honest, research-backed strategies for people with MS who want to feel stronger, move better, and believe in what's possible again.

You've got this. 🧡

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

289. Clonus with MS: Why It Happens + How to Calm It Down Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever been sitting on the couch, just minding your business, and suddenly your leg starts bouncing like it has a mind of its own… you're not imagining it. That's clonus. And it's one of the most misunderstood symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I'm walking you through everything you need to know about clonus with MS… what it actually is, why it happens (hint: it's that wifi connection between your brain and your muscles getting a little staticky), and the small adjustments that can make a big difference in your daily life.

We'll talk about:

→ What clonus is and why people with MS experience it

→ The everyday moments it tends to show up (sitting, biking, standing in the shower… sound familiar?)

→ Simple positioning and movement strategies you can try today to calm the bouncing

→ Why "just push through it" isn't the answer… and what actually helps

As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I've worked with so many people in The MSing Link community who've felt frustrated, embarrassed, or just plain confused by clonus. You're not alone in this. And there's more you can do about it than you've probably been told.

If your legs have ever shaken in a way that felt impossible to control, this one's for you. You've got this. 🧡

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

288. Why Your Movement Isn’t Improving (And What to Do Instead) Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Ever feel like you're getting stronger… but your walking, your balance, your daily movement just isn't catching up? You're not imagining it. And you're definitely not alone.

In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most common frustrations I hear from people with multiple sclerosis (MS): you're putting in the work — biking, lifting, going to physical therapy — but it's not translating to the things that actually matter in your day. Walking to the mailbox. Standing up from a chair without plopping. Getting through the grocery store without your legs giving out.

Here's the missing piece: functional exercise.

I'll walk you through what functional exercise actually means, why it matters so much for people with MS, and how to take a big goal (like walking more steadily) and break it down into smaller, specific movements your body can actually practice and improve. This is the wifi connection between your brain and your muscles — and it's what makes the difference between getting stronger on paper and feeling stronger in real life.

You'll walk away with:

→ A clearer understanding of why traditional exercise often falls short for people with MS

→ How to identify the specific movements you want to improve

→ Practical ways to build strength that actually shows up in your daily life

Whether you're newly diagnosed or you've been living with MS for years, this one's for you. Your movement still counts — and there's a smarter way to make it count more.

You've got this. 🧡

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Gretchen Hawley’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorGretchenHawley

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

In this solo episode, I'm getting into one of the most common (and most misunderstood) multiple sclerosis symptoms… MS spasticity.

If your legs feel heavy, your muscles lock up, or you've been told it's "just tightness"… this one is for you.

I'll walk you through what spasticity actually is, what's happening in your body when it shows up, and why it can have such a big impact on your daily life and mobility.

We'll cover:

→ The Modified Ashworth Scale (and what those numbers really mean)

→ The difference between spasms, cramps, and true spasticity

→ Common triggers like fatigue, infection, heat, and stress

→ What actually helps… including physical therapy-based strategies, stretching, medications, and the latest research on cannabis and electrical stimulation

Press play and let's get into it.

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

286. Foot Drop Explained May 27, 2026

Show notes

If MS has ever made your toe catch on the carpet, or you've felt that frustrating slap of your foot hitting the floor before you meant it to… this episode is for you. I'm walking you through what foot drop actually is, why it happens with multiple sclerosis (MS), and how it shows up in your walking and your fall risk.

As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I'm breaking down the most common causes I see in my members — weakness in the ankle muscles, tight calves, sensory changes, and limited ankle range of motion. Each one matters, and each one responds to a slightly different approach.

You'll learn specific exercises to strengthen the right muscles, stretches that actually move the needle, and sensory tools that help reconnect the connection between your brain and your foot. I'm also covering the products people ask me about all the time — insoles, AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), and electrical stimulation, and how to know which might be a good fit for you.

Here's the piece most people miss… supportive devices work best when they're paired with the right strength work. One without the other leaves progress on the table. I'll show you how to combine them so the changes you're working for actually stick.

Whether you're trying to trip less, walk further, or just feel steadier on your feet, this one's packed with practical, MS-specific guidance you can start using today. You've got this. 🧡

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Cadence shoes - Use code DRGRETCHEN10 for a 10% discount

The MSing Link Episode 271, Toe Exercises for MS: Improve Balance, Foot Drop & Walking - Apple Podcast || Spotify

The MSing Link Episode 280, - Apple Podcast || Spotify

The MSing Link Online Program - https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social:

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1