Episodes

  • BONUS: Hashimoto's: What Is It and How It Impacts Our Health with Dr. Anshul Gupta

    BONUS: Hashimoto's: What Is It and How It Impacts Our Health with Dr. Anshul Gupta
    Jun 16 2025
    I am delighted to connect with Dr. Anshul Gupta today! Dr. Gupta is a best-selling author, speaker, researcher, and world expert on Hashimoto’s. He educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto’s disease. He is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who worked at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic alongside Dr. Mark Hyman. In this episode, Dr. Gupta shares his personal story, and we discuss the root of autoimmunity, how Hashimoto’s disease causes the slow destruction of the thyroid gland, and the impact of chronic stress, diet, and an imbalanced gut microbiome. We also discuss toxins and infections, labs to watch out for, fasting and thyroid disease, as well as medication options, peptides, and the issues surrounding iodine supplementation. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Dr. Gupta as much as I did recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gupta’s personal health journey sparked his passion for thyroid issues. What is autoimmunity, and what is Hashimoto’s? How increasing doses of thyroid medication indicates a deterioration of the thyroid gland Dr. Gupta shares five major root causes of Hashimoto’s. Gluten and dairy, and how they impact the thyroid gland Why are heavy metals such a big issue? Impact of exposure to mold and mycotoxins. Epstein-Barr virus and how it interacts with the thyroid to make people more susceptible to Hashimoto’s. How does exposure to stress impact thyroid function? Natural ways to detoxify the body Dr. Gupta talks about lab testing for the thyroid and Hashimoto’s. Benefits of fasting for mitochondrial health, particularly for people with thyroid issues Different medication options for people with Hashimoto’s, including peptides and LDN (low-dose naltrexone) Dr. Gupta shares his thoughts on iodine. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Anshul Gupta On his ⁠website⁠ YouTube⁠ and other social media (@AnshulGuptaMD)
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep. 474 How Menopause Impacts Heart Health with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

    Ep. 474 How Menopause Impacts Heart Health with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj
    Jun 14 2025
    Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified interventional cardiologist turned functional medicine pioneer. After 15 years in conventional medicine, Dr. B realized that true healing goes beyond prescriptions alone and founded Well12, a transformational health program that helps millions rethink what it means to be healthy. In today’s conversation, the first in a series of discussions with Dr. B, we dive into the progression of heart disease in perimenopause and menopause, discussing the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, the physiology of the heart and blood vessels, endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We also explore the limitations of the standard lipid panel, advanced cardiovascular testing, statins as primary prevention, microvascular dysfunction in women, heart rate variability, wearables, and the autonomic nervous system. You won’t want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, and I look forward to having him back for a follow-up episode later this summer. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The need for doctors to recognize the risk of heart disease in women, especially during menopause How nitric oxide maintains cardiovascular health and regulates blood pressure Why atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process and not just plaque buildup Addressing inflammation and oxidative stress Benefits of HRT for improving women’s cardiovascular health Advanced lipid testing reveals more about heart disease risk than standard cholesterol panels What cardiologists are looking for when they do stress tests The challenges of treating microvascular dysfunction in women with medical interventions How heart rate variability can improve cardiovascular health How lifestyle changes and mindset interventions can lessen cardiovascular risk Bio: Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is a board-certified Interventional Cardiologist turned Functional Medicine pioneer. After 15 years in conventional practice, he realized that true healing is not found in prescriptions alone—it’s in the power of food, sleep, movement, and breath. He’s the founder of Well12, a transformational health program, and a leading voice online where his viral content is helping millions rethink what it means to be healthy. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj The Laguna Institute for Functional Medicine Well12 Health Optimization Program On Facebook and Instagram
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep. 473 The Truth About Perimenopause with Tamsen Fadal

    Ep. 473 The Truth About Perimenopause with Tamsen Fadal
    Jun 11 2025
    I am delighted and honored to connect with Tamsen Fadal today. She is a New York Times bestselling author, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, a menopause advocate, a documentary filmmaker, and a content creator. In our discussion, Tamsen explains why the anti-aging approach is outdated and potentially harmful, and how she advocates for a pro-aging or age-positive perspective instead. We explore the perimenopausal journey, looking at why so many women suffer in silence, feeling isolated or ashamed during the transition to menopause, and how that was entrenched by longstanding silence from both the media and medical communities. We also debunk common myths and misconceptions about this pivotal life stage, discussing the importance of advocacy and lifestyle choices. This invaluable conversation with Tamsen Fadal is rich and empowering, so you will likely want to listen to it again and share it with all the women in your life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why Tamsen is opposed to the anti-aging narrative and advocates for a pro-aging approach instead How Tamsen became comfortable with her age after getting to know herself Challenging ourselves intellectually and remaining socially connected as we age Tamsen shares her experience with the inadequate explanations she received from doctors about her menopausal symptoms. There is a need for further efforts and advocacy to raise more awareness about menopause. Common misconceptions about menopause. Misinterpreted data from a 2002 study led to fears around HRT Benefits of HRT and the challenges women face in accessing testosterone Tamsen discusses her successful menopause event that featured many experts and celebrities and prompted 65,000 people to sign up globally. Daily well-being practices. Bio: Tamsen Fadal is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, and social media’s “midlife mentor.” After more than three decades as a news anchor, Tamsen pivoted her career towards women’s advocacy, guiding her audience of 4+ million (50+ million monthly views) through midlife and beyond. She is the creator and executive producer of the PBS documentary, The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, which has been viewed by over 1 million women across 350+ cities and 42 countries, and the author of her new book, How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before (Hachette 2025). Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Tamsen Fadal On the How To Menopause website Her podcast, The Tamsen Show On social media: @TamsenFadal
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    37 mins
  • BONUS: Is this Normal? Understanding Sex, Hormones, Periods and More with Dr. Jolene Brighten

    BONUS: Is this Normal? Understanding Sex, Hormones, Periods and More with Dr. Jolene Brighten
    Jun 9 2025
    In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton! Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave. In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS. With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women. Why sex education should include the concept of consent. The impact of coming off oral contraceptives. Changing the narrative for all women. Why do women need more time to get aroused? The mind-body connection. How hormones and menopause influence women’s sexuality. Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond. How to avoid endocrine disruptors. Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program. Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD. Bio: Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgmental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate, Dr. Brighten is completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances. She empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and hormones through her website and social media channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten On her ⁠website⁠ Find Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene Brighten Order your copy of⁠ Is This Normal⁠ Dr. Brighten’s ⁠digital cookbook⁠
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Ep. 472 What Women Aren’t Told About Menopause & HRT with Jaclyn "Jackie" Piasta

    Ep. 472 What Women Aren’t Told About Menopause & HRT with Jaclyn "Jackie" Piasta
    Jun 7 2025
    Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Jackie Piasta. Jackie is a Vanderbilt-trained nurse practitioner. She is board-certified in women's and gender health, and has been practicing since 2010. She serves on medical advisory committees for several foundations and co-hosts the justASK Podcast. In our discussion today, we dive into the challenges menopausal women face with hormone replacement therapy due to the lack of provider education on the effects of oral estrogen, the importance of bio-individuality, and how nuanced messaging can make all the difference for women. Jackie unpacks the latest guidelines from the American Urological Society, which address vulvovaginal, urinary, and sexual health symptoms, and explains the importance of addressing those issues proactively. We also explore fertility tracking in perimenopause, especially for women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), and the latest trends in hormone testing. You will not want to miss this insightful conversation where Jackie sheds light and offers practical guidance on the often-missed details of women’s health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bio-individuality is essential in menopause treatments The challenges OB-GYNs and other clinicians face in staying updated on menopause treatments. Why healthcare providers must become more educated about hormone therapy Jackie explains the historical context surrounding the vilification of oral estrogen. How the new American Urological Society guidelines are now addressing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause Why vaginal laser therapy might be harmful for some individuals Why diagnosing menopause in women using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is so challenging Why hormone level labs are needed to guide clinical decision-making on menopause treatments Jackie highlights the need for more research to understand the hormone levels that protect bone health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jaclyn Piasta Monarch Health Jackie on all social media: Jackiep_gynnp The justASK Podcast
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Ep. 471 Self-Regulation & Trauma: How Perception Shapes You with Dr. John Demartini

    Ep. 471 Self-Regulation & Trauma: How Perception Shapes You with Dr. John Demartini
    Jun 4 2025
    I am honored to speak with Dr. John Demartini today. He is an international speaker, philosopher, and bestselling author who founded the Demartini Method, a revolutionary tool in modern psychology. In our discussion, we break down the anatomy and physiology of self-regulation, examining the impact of trauma and perception, and how to reframe those experiences. We explore dissociation, the moral licensing effect, moral hypocrisy, and how delusion can disempower us. We also dive into the power of prioritization, the role of values, and what it truly means to live authentically. You will love today's valuable, thought-provoking, and insightful conversation with Dr. Demartini. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Demartini explains self-regulation The importance of being accountable, self-regulated, and living by your highest values Ways we can transform trauma by changing our perceptions and attitudes How the brain creates anti-memories to balance traumatic experiences The freeze response and dissociation as survival mechanisms How the moral licensing effect relates to shame and pride Why we must compare our actions with our highest values rather than comparing ourselves with others Living more authentically Dr. Demartini has an exercise on his website to help identify your highest values and prioritize your actions. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. John Demartini On his website
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • BONUS: Optimizing Mental Health with Myo-Inositol: Evidence-Based Strategies with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

    BONUS: Optimizing Mental Health with Myo-Inositol: Evidence-Based Strategies with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
    Jun 2 2025
    I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She joined me previously on Episode 174. Dr. Roseann is an exceptional pediatric mental health expert who utilizes a combination of traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We delve into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and brain connect through the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also discuss Dr. Roseann’s unique approaches to calming the autonomic nervous system and reducing brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Benefits of Myo-inositol Impact of having low magnesium in the body Protecting yourself from microbiome depletion Why is it essential to listen to your body? Connection between the gut and the vagus nerve The magic in mental health lies in the micro-changes. Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression Importance of reframing negative thoughts What’s happening when the brain is dysregulated? Examining the brain under stress Root cause of mental illness Ways to improve your brain health The role of trauma in mood disorders Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge On her ⁠website⁠ Dr. Roseann’s podcast, ⁠It’s Gonna Be OK!⁠ Ep. 174 Identifying and Treating Your Children's Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 470 Your Midlife Hormone Survival Guide with Dr. Amy Killen

    Ep. 470 Your Midlife Hormone Survival Guide with Dr. Amy Killen
    May 31 2025
    Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Amy B. Killen, a board-certified physician with expertise in bioidentical hormones, personalized medication, and cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques. In our conversation, we dive into the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity, exploring why estrogen is considered the best longevity drug available and how it reduces the risk of heart disease. We discuss bone health and bioidenticals, outline ways to improve cognition, brain function, and cardiovascular health, and examine the ongoing debate around oral estrogen therapy. Dr. Amy also sheds light on slowing ovarian aging, explains the concept of hair pause and how to address it proactively, and offers her take on overrated or ineffective strategies for navigating perimenopause and beyond. You will not want to miss this insightful episode with Dr. Amy Killen, and I look forward to having her back for another conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Amy sheds light on the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity. Progesterone treatment options for women with progesterone sensitivity Why estrogen is crucial for longevity How estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease When is the best time to start taking estrogen for optimal cardiovascular benefits? Estrogen and bone strength and flexibility Can starting estrogen treatments early help prevent dementia and cognitive decline? Pros and cons of using a combination of estriol and estradiol Slow ovarian senescence and prevent hormonal changes from affecting your hair health. Bio: Dr. Amy B. Killen, M.D., is a leading physician in regenerative and hormone optimization medicine, specializing in women's health and helping patients navigate their "Queen PhaseTM" with evidence-based interventions. As a board-certified emergency physician turned longevity specialist, she combines cutting-edge treatments, such as stem cell therapy, hormone optimization, and peptides, with practical lifestyle wisdom at her clinics in Utah and Texas, while sharing her expertise through international speaking engagements and educational content creation. Dr. Killen is the Chief Medical Officer of Humanaut Health, a longevity clinic franchise, and founder of the Human Optimization Project (HOP), a female-focused supplement company. She lives in Salt Lake City with her family of five. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Amy Killen On her website HopBox (Supplement Company) Subscribe to Dr. Amy’s Substack
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    56 mins
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