Are you wondering why your body seems to change during midlife even when your habits haven’t? Do you feel unsure whether your “normal” labs are actually telling the full story of your health?

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis break down how menopause, metabolism, and heart health are connected. Together, they show how understanding your labs, lifestyle, and hormones can help you stay healthier and stronger through midlife.

🌸 Many women experience rising cholesterol and blood pressure in menopause even without changing their diet or exercise. 🌸 Triglycerides can reveal early metabolic problems long before blood sugar becomes abnormal. 🌸 Stress alone can spike blood sugar levels, even without eating any food. 🌸 Alcohol intake as low as eight drinks per week can raise heart disease risk by 45% in midlife women. 🌸 Whole-food proteins, leafy greens, and fiber-rich meals support heart and metabolic health better than processed protein snacks. 🌸 Continuous glucose monitors help women understand how foods, sleep, and stress affect their blood sugar in real time. 🌸 A history of gestational diabetes, PCOS, or early menopause increases long-term cardiovascular risk and should be part of every woman’s health plan.

If you’re navigating midlife changes and want clear, compassionate guidance, this episode gives you the tools and reassurance you need. You’ll walk away with simple steps that help you feel informed, empowered, and in control of your health.

📘 Try our 10-minute new patient intro course: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

🩺 Looking for Personalized Hormone Care in North Carolina? Hormone Wellness MD serves women across North Carolina. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greensboro, with virtual visits available statewide. If you’re ready for expert care rooted in evidence and empathy, we’d love to support you.

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com Email: info@hormonewellnessmd.com Call: (919) 364-3430

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In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), shedding light on common issues like abnormal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, skin irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge. With a focus on reassurance and practical solutions, Dr. Watson emphasizes that many of these side effects are temporary and manageable. Tune in for expert advice on navigating HRT and fostering open communication with your healthcare provider.

Quotes

• “Almost 40% of hormone replacement therapy users are gonna have some sort of unexpected bleeding, especially in the first three to six months.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Perimenopause is puberty in reverse.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “About 3% of people have the opposite reaction to progesterone — instead of getting calm, they get super agitated.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Resources

• Menopause Rescue Ep 13: Postmenopausal Bleeding
• Menopause Rescue Ep 40: Understanding Melasma: Dermatologist Insights on Causes, Triggers, and Treatments
• Menopause Rescue Ep 42: Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know
• British Menopause Society - Management of unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

Hashtags

#menopauserescue #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #hormonereplacementtherapy #medication #perimenopause #womenshealth #menopausesociety #hormonalhealth #midlife #wellness #healthcare #sexualhealth #menopausemanagement

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the significance of hormone therapy for women over 60, breaking down common misconceptions and barriers to treatment. She highlights the importance of personalized care and the benefits of hormone therapy in alleviating symptoms, safeguarding bone health, and enhancing sleep quality. Dr. Watson also addresses the risks, clarifying how modern hormone formulations differ from past studies, and reassures listeners about the safety of hormone therapy when used appropriately. Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of hormone therapy's role in improving quality of life for women beyond menopause.

Quotes

• "Hormones around the time of menopause transition are going to provide the greatest benefit for cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain health." - Dr. Polly Watson
• "Almost half of women are still symptomatic at that age. If we look at women who are in their 70s, 10 to 15% of them still have vasomotor symptoms." - Dr. Polly Watson
• “One in two postmenopausal women will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Let that sink in for a minute.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “There is system-wide discouragement to prescribing hormones to women over 60, which is not evidence-based.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Withdrawal of hormones is followed by significant bone loss — after four years off, your bones look like you never took it.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Resources

References for Starting Hormones Over 60

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this empowering episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson welcomes back Kate Willis, NP for an in-depth look at two of the most frustrating issues women face during midlife — rosacea and hair loss — and how custom-compounded treatments can make all the difference. Together, they unpack the root causes behind these issues and explore both functional medicine and evidence-based dermatologic treatments to help women restore healthy, radiant skin and stronger, fuller hair. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how compounded therapies, gut health, and lifestyle changes can work together to restore your confidence, improve skin tone, and revive healthy hair growth during menopause.

Quotes

• “I love that we can now use compounding to personalize skincare and hair loss treatments for each woman’s needs.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Rosacea is frustrating, and we see it emerge or worsen during midlife — it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that demands a personalized approach.” – Kate Willis
• “The skin barrier is everything — it keeps moisture in and irritation out. Protecting it is the foundation of healthy skin at any age.” – Kate Willis

Resources

Episode 26: A Functional Approach to Hair Loss

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C continue their skin and hair series, focusing on melasma, a chronic skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation. Together, they unpack the underlying causes, treatment options, and long-term strategies to manage this frustrating and often recurrent condition. Kate explains why melasma is so difficult to treat, the role of hormones, genetics, and UV exposure, and highlights both traditional therapies and exciting newer options like oral and topical tranexamic acid. The conversation also covers layering therapies, the importance of sun protection, and how patients can make practical decisions about short-term versus maintenance treatments.

Quotes

• “Melasma is a tough and chronic pigment condition that’s triggered by UV, heat, hormones, and genetics.” - Kate Willis NP-C
• “We’re not just treating the surface of the skin. Melasma has deeper layers and even a vascular component.” - Kate Willis NP-C
• “Melasma is not a one-and-done condition. It requires lifelong prevention, ongoing treatment, and a long-term mindset.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to cut through the noise of anti-aging skincare. Together, they explore science-backed strategies for midlife skin health, from topical estrogen and retinoids to vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreen. Whether you’re curious about estrogen creams, frustrated with retinol irritation, or just want a clear guide to midlife skincare, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based advice to help your skin stay healthy, resilient, and radiant through menopause and beyond. This is the first in a three-part series with Kate covering skin and hair concerns in midlife.

Quotes

• “We’re not trying to make everyone look like Barbie. We want to help people feel comfortable in the skin they’re in.” – Dr. Polly Watson
• “Consistency is key. Skincare is not a six-month project — it’s daily maintenance for the long haul.” – Kate Willis NP-C
• “Both estradiol and estriol creams showed improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, collagen, and hydration — without changing systemic hormone levels.” – Kate Willis NP-C

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Dr. Joanna Hooten of Clara Dermatology as she delves into melasma, a prevalent skin condition marked by brown discoloration that often affects women undergoing hormonal changes. Dr. Hooten unpacks the multifaceted causes and triggers of melasma, highlighting factors such as sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and genetic predisposition. She underscores the critical role of sun protection in prevention and navigates through an array of effective treatment options. Learn about topical treatments like hydroquinone, the benefits of oral medications such as tranexamic acid, and the potential of procedures like micro needling and laser treatments. With actionable insights and a hopeful perspective, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to manage melasma successfully.

Quotes

• “The single most important factor for people who have melasma, and I like to say for everybody, because we all have skin and live on the earth, is sun protection.” - Dr. Joanna Hooten
• "It's important to be aware of potential triggers like heat from hot yoga or saunas, which can affect melasma." - Dr. Joanna Hooten
• "Hormonal fluctuations, such as those from hormone replacement therapy or birth control, can really turn on a light switch for melasma." - Dr. Joanna Hooten

Connect with Dr. Joanna Hooten

Website: https://claradermatology.com/

New Patient: https://claradermatology.com/consult/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clara.derm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clara.derm

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clara.derm

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

Feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or the changes that come with midlife and menopause? In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson talks with embodiment expert Mary Stokes, founder of Embody Being, about how reconnecting with the body can bring clarity, balance, and resilience. Together, they explore practical tools rooted in somatic awareness that help women heal, regulate their nervous systems, and discover new strength during life’s biggest transitions.

Mary shares her personal journey of navigating chronic illness, trauma, and menopause, and how embodiment practices like mindful breathing, shifting posture, and broadening awareness can transform both emotional and physical health. She highlights the difference between traditional psychotherapy and somatic work, emphasizing the body as a teacher and guide rather than something to “fix.”

Quotes

• “Trauma is an experience we couldn’t fully digest in the moment—and life will present it again until we do.” - Mary Stokes
• “We’re taught in Western medicine to label and blame disease, but embodiment looks at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Instead of focusing on what’s broken, we can regulate toward what’s working.” - Mary Stokes

Connect with Mary Stokes, MS

Website: https://www.embodybeing.com/

New Patient: marystokes@gmail.com

Phone: 919-601-7121 (call or text)

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer