Show Notes

Dr. Ernesto Medina joins us to talk about Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition caused by toxins like mold, and how it can mimic or worsen menopause symptoms.

He explains why some of us are more sensitive to these toxins, how they trigger inflammation, and what practical steps you can take to identify and eliminate them. If you’ve tried everything and still feel like something’s missing, tune in to uncover what could be going on behind the scenes.

For mold testing, check out these tools: ERMI Testing and HERTSMI-2 Testing to identify potential issues in your home.

Timestamps:

(00:00:02) How Toxins Affect Menopause

(00:01:04) What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)?

(00:04:32) Hormonal Imbalances and Their Connection to CIRS

(00:07:35) How to Identify Mold Exposure

(00:12:44) Common Household Toxins Affecting Women's Health

(00:18:32) Steps for Mold Detection and Remediation

(00:23:32) New Insights in CIRS Research

About The Guest

Find out more about Dr. Ernesto by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Additional Resources

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Show Notes

Why do so many women experience brain fog and mood swings during menopause, and what can you do about it?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cat Brown, a board-certified OB-GYN and Medical Director of Winona, to discuss the connection between menopause and cognitive changes like brain fog and mood swings.

She explores the science behind how reduced estrogen levels can affect concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. Dr. Cat also shares insights on the importance of tailored hormone therapy, tips for tracking symptoms, and why staying informed is essential for advocating for your well-being.

Timestamps:

(00:04:59) Estrogen Loss Impact on the Brain

(00:10:38) Hormones' Effects on Brain Function

(00:16:21) Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT): What You Need to Know

(00:22:05) Addressing Gender Disparity in Women’s Health Care

(00:27:35) Key Takeaways for Navigating Menopause

About The Guest

Find out more about Dr. Cat by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Additional Resources

• Help us make a difference in women’s healthcare. Take a few minutes and complete this survey.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.

Show Notes

Have you ever felt like something was off with your health but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? In this episode, Marci Nettles, a former law enforcement officer, faced that same struggle—until she discovered that her breast implants were the hidden cause behind her brain fog, chronic pain, and constant exhaustion.

Marci opens up about the toxic risks of both silicone and saline implants, sharing her journey of connecting the dots between her symptoms and her implants. She explains why self-advocacy and education are crucial and how you can confidently talk to doctors and find the right support when facing similar issues.

Through her story and practical advice, Marci encourages you to listen to your body, ask the tough questions, and prioritize your health above all else.

Timestamps:

(00:02:32) Toxicity of Breast Implants

(00:05:27) How to Advocate for Yourself

(00:11:21) What Happened in Marci’s Journey

(00:16:54) Signs of Breast Implant Illness

(00:22:10) What Changes to Expect After Removal

(00:27:31) Personal Stories of Illness

About The Guest

Find out more about Marci by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Additional Resources

• Help us make a difference in women’s healthcare. Take a few minutes and complete this survey.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.

Are you exercising in a way that truly supports your body and mind during midlife, or could your routine (or lack of one) be holding you back? In today’s episode, I talked with fitness expert Debra Atkinson, founder of Flipping 50, about how exercise during menopause can transform not just your body, but also your mind and energy levels. She discusses common mistakes women make, why walking is good but not enough, and how adding high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training can unlock big benefits for your brain.

Deborah also explains why it’s important to adjust your workouts as you age and how to balance exercise with stress management—because life’s demands don’t slow down.

If you’re unsure what exercise fits you best or just need a little motivation, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay sharp, energized, and support your health long-term. Tune in!

Timestamps:

(00:01:00) Common Exercise Mistakes & Brain Benefits

(00:03:00) Hormonal Changes & Fitness During Menopause

(00:08:00) Misconceptions About Exercise in Midlife

(00:12:30) Exercise for Long-Term Health

(00:16:46) Protein and Routine for Women Over 50

(00:28:53) What Movement Means for Blood Sugar

(00:33:57) How to Fit Exercise into a Busy Lifestyle

About The Guest

Find out more about Debra by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Additional Resources

• For curated products and services tailored to midlife women, visit our shop here.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.
• Listen to my limited series podcast "Christian Women and Menopause" for Bible-based strategies on dealing with menopause symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Show Notes

In today’s episode, Dr. Anna Marie Frank addresses an important question for many women: How can you rewire your brain to enhance your mental and emotional well-being without turning to medication?

Dr. Frank shares her journey and offers practical tips for boosting brain health naturally. She discusses the role of nutrition—what to eat to support your mind and lift your mood—and how to shift negative thought patterns.

She also talks about the unique challenges women face, like hormonal changes and everyday stress, and provides easy techniques, such as acupressure, that you can use at home. Tune in for helpful insights and simple steps to feel more balanced and empowered on your mental wellness journey!

Timestamps:

(00:04:55) How to Shift Your Mindset

(00:10:46) Top Brain Supplements to Choose

(00:15:54) How Does Energy Healing Help

(00:20:54) What Nutrient Deficiencies Affect Brain Health

(00:25:58) How to Listen to Your Body

(00:30:44) How to Rewire Your Brain

About The Guest

Find out more about Dr. Anna Marie by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Additional Resources

• Help us make a difference in women’s healthcare. Take a few minutes and complete this survey.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.

Today's episode is sponsored by Midi Health. The experts at Midi Health understand exactly what you’re going through because they specialize in menopause care. Their clinicians provide safe, effective, and FDA-approved solutions designed specifically for you. Plus, Midi care is covered by major insurance providers, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs or membership fees.

You deserve to feel great, and Midi can help you get there. Schedule a virtual visit today to discuss your symptoms in depth with their experts. You’ll leave feeling heard and with a personalized plan to start feeling better.

Visit JoinMidi.com and take the first step toward relief.

Show Notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrea Nakayama, a functional medicine nutritionist and expert in systems biology, to explore the hidden factors behind chronic health issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause. What if the solution to your symptoms lies deeper than you think?

Andrea introduces us to the concept of "root causes," revealing how three critical factors—genetics, digestion, and inflammation—often underpin chronic conditions. Rather than merely treating symptoms, she emphasizes the importance of a personalized, holistic approach to truly address these underlying issues.

We also discuss the limitations of the conventional medical model, which often prioritizes quick fixes over understanding each woman's unique biochemistry and story. You’ll gain practical tips on how to become an empowered advocate for your own health, tuning into your body’s signals and making lifestyle changes that get to the heart of your symptoms.

Timestamps:

(00:03:09) - What’s the Systems Biology Approach?

(00:05:37) - Ditching Quick Fixes for Real Solutions

(00:11:05) - Signs vs. Symptoms: What’s the Difference?

(00:16:50) - How Genes, Digestion, and Inflammation Matter

(00:22:33) - Three Simple Dietary Tips for Better Health

(00:27:36) - What You Need to Know About Healthcare Limits

To learn more about Andrea’s work and resources, click here.

Additional Resources

• Help us make a difference in women’s healthcare. Take a few minutes and complete this survey.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.

Show Notes

Are you that person who gets into bed, only to lie there for hours, just trying to fall asleep? In today’s episode, we’re keeping it real about the sleepless nights that come with perimenopause and menopause.

I sit down with Dr. Candice Seti, a psychologist and sleep expert, to chat about why your hormones (think estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol) might be the reason you can’t fall or stay asleep.

Dr. Seti breaks down simple, practical tips to help you get the sleep you need—whether it's managing your mindset (no more stressing about sleepless nights!), making a few lifestyle tweaks, or figuring out the right bedtime routine for you. It’s all about finding what works, so you can wake up feeling more rested.

Timestamps:

(00:02:36) - The Link Between Weight, Sleep, and Hormones

(00:06:04) - How Estrogen and Progesterone Impact Your Sleep

(00:11:39) - How Negative Thoughts Create Insomnia

(00:16:54) - Top Sleep Hygiene Practices and Treatment Options

(00:23:12) - Adjusting to New Sleep Patterns During Midlife

To learn more about Dr. Candice’s work and resources, click here.

Additional Resources

• Help us make a difference in women’s healthcare. Take a few minutes and complete this survey.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.

Show Notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor and a women’s health researcher, to explore a question many women face: how does our sexual health change during perimenopause and menopause?

She tackles common challenges during perimenopause, like mood swings, anxiety, and cognitive issues, and how they can affect sexual desire.

Dr. Brotto highlights the importance of having open conversations about sexual health with both healthcare providers and partners, offering tips to make these discussions easier. She dives into how trauma, self-esteem, and body image can play a role in sexual dysfunction, emphasizing the positive impact of therapy and mindfulness.

This episode aims to dispel myths surrounding aging and sexuality, empowering women to confidently advocate for their sexual health. Join us for a conversation that encourages women in midlife and beyond to embrace their sexuality!

Timestamps:

(00:01:41) How do psychological challenges affect midlife sexual dysfunction

(00:06:40) Is self-esteem and body image impacting satisfaction

(00:10:24) How important is sexual communication with your partner

(00:13:16) Does professional help improve sexual dysfunction

(00:15:42) How does trauma impact sexual health

(00:18:16) What myths about aging and sexuality should you know

(00:22:14) How to cope with shame around sexual dysfunction

About The Guest

Find out more about Dr. Brotto by visiting Hello Hot Flash.

Today's episode is sponsored by Midi Health. The experts at Midi Health understand exactly what you’re going through because they specialize in menopause care. Their clinicians provide safe, effective, and FDA-approved solutions designed specifically for you. Plus, Midi care is covered by major insurance providers, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs or membership fees.

You deserve to feel great, and Midi can help you get there. Schedule a virtual visit today to discuss your symptoms in depth with their experts. You’ll leave feeling heard and with a personalized plan to start feeling better.

Visit JoinMidi.com and take the first step toward relief.