Show Notes

Have you noticed unexpected shifts in your mood or anxiety levels lately? Menopause could be the reason behind it. In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma, a seasoned psychiatrist, joins us to explain the often-overlooked connection between menopause and mental health.

Dr. Allie explores why hormonal changes—like drops in estrogen and progesterone—can bring on symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and even brain fog.

She shares her expert insights on recognizing these signs, navigating treatment options, and advocating for the support you need from healthcare providers. Plus, we discuss how to talk with family members about these changes so they can better understand and support you through this life stage.

About The Guest

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

Additional Resources

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Show Notes

Did you know that chronic stress can increase cravings and even lead to weight gain by disrupting your body's hormone balance?

In today’s episode, Dr. Priyanka Venugopal, OB-GYN, turned stress and health coach, shares how stress influences our brain's reward system, sparking cravings and emotional eating, and she explains down why common habits—like reaching for snacks after a long day—are often driven by more than just hunger.

Dr. Priyanka explains how understanding our "stress types" (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn) can help us rewire our responses and take control of our choices. Get ready to discover practical ways to interrupt these patterns and achieve a healthier mind-body balance.

(00:01:35) The Food Industry's Role in Stress-Induced Weight Gain

(00:04:01) Can We Rewire Our Brains? The Power of Neuroplasticity

(00:07:06) Identifying Your Stress Triggers

(00:13:16) The Role of Cortisol in Weight Gain

(00:19:01) Holistic Weight Loss Approach: Science and Mindset

(00:23:18) Breaking the Blame Game Cycle: Accountability and Choice

About The Guest

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

Additional Resources

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Show Notes

In today’s episode, registered dietitian Dawn Palacios joins us to discuss practical ways to tackle midlife fatigue and regain lasting energy. Dawn shares her journey through burnout and how it transformed her approach to wellness.

She shares her favorite strategies for boosting energy, starting with the basics: staying hydrated, swapping processed foods for nutrient-rich whole foods, and keeping your gut healthy.

Dawn explains how small dietary changes—like adding more fiber and avoiding inflammatory foods—can make a big difference in how energized you feel each day. She also discusses why it’s essential to listen to your body’s needs and shares her “test, don’t guess” approach to identifying what’s really going on beneath the surface.

If you’re looking to break free from the cycle of midlife fatigue, this episode is packed with relatable insights and easy-to-implement tips.

Timestamps:

00:00:57 How Dawn Advocated for Herself

00:02:47 What Nutrition Does for Menopause

00:04:12 How to Beat Fatigue with Dietary Changes

00:06:03 The Importance of Gut Health

00:12:54 Common Nutrient Deficiencies

00:19:37 Mindset & Self-Care in Midlife

About The Guest

Find out more about Dawn 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

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

• 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

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.