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If you’ve ever been told, “Once you have a hysterectomy, you’ll go straight into menopause,” this episode is for you — because that statement is not always true. Today we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: hysterectomy, surgical menopause, and what actually happens to your hormones — without fear, confusion, or outdated advice. This episode was inspired by a powerful listener story and tackles the questions women are rarely given clear answers to: • Does removing the uterus automatically cause menopause? • Do ovaries still make hormones after hysterectomy? • What’s the difference between surgical menopause and natural menopause? • Why do symptoms after ovary removal feel so intense — and why are they often undertreated? We explain why hysterectomy is not one single surgery, and why lumping all procedures together causes unnecessary fear and misinformation. We break down: • What menopause actually is (hint: it’s about ovaries, not periods) • Why losing your period does NOT automatically mean menopause • The difference between hysterectomy with ovaries left in place vs ovaries removed • Why surgical menopause feels more abrupt and severe than natural menopause • How sudden estrogen loss affects the brain, joints, sleep, mood, sex, and metabolism • Why many women in surgical menopause are excellent candidates for hormone therapy • What “replacement-level” estrogen really means for younger women • Why “lowest dose for the shortest time” doesn’t make sense for everyone • How labs, symptoms, and history should guide care — not fear We also talk honestly about: • Why hormone needs after surgical menopause are different • Why underdosing is so common — and so harmful • What major medical societies actually recommend • How to know if you’re truly in menopause when you no longer have periods If you’ve had a hysterectomy… If you’re facing ovary removal… Or if you’ve been told “this is just how it is now” after surgery… This episode is here to remind you: Your uterus is not the hormone factory — your ovaries are. Surgical menopause is real. And your symptoms deserve real treatment. Fear should never replace facts — and menopause care should never stop at dismissal. If this episode helps you, share it with a woman who’s been given more warnings than answers.

If your joints ache when you get out of bed… If your hands hurt opening jars that never used to be a problem… If your muscles feel weaker, softer, or harder to maintain — even though you’re trying… You’re not imagining it. You’re not broken. And no — this is not “just aging.” Today on Hump Day Hormones, we’re talking about joint pain and sarcopenia — two of the most common (and dismissed) complaints in perimenopause and menopause. This episode is part of our Head-to-Toe Menopause Series, and it tackles what’s now being recognized as the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. We break down: 🔥 Why up to 70% of midlife women experience new or worsening joint and muscle pain 🔥 Why perimenopause is a uniquely vulnerable time for musculoskeletal symptoms 🔥 How fluctuating and declining estrogen affects bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, and muscle 🔥 Why inflammation increases — and recovery slows 🔥 Why muscle loss accelerates in menopause (and why that matters for metabolism and insulin resistance) 🔥 Why symptoms often worsen with poor sleep, stress, or under-fueling 🔥 How to tell hormone-related pain from red flags that need further workup If your knees, hips, hands, shoulders, or feet suddenly hurt — this is a real, recognizable pattern. And then we get practical about what actually helps. We talk about: ✔ Why resistance training is non-negotiable in menopause ✔ How much protein women actually need to preserve muscle ✔ Why even distribution of protein matters more than total grams ✔ Creatine and collagen — what the evidence actually shows ✔ How estrogen therapy can reduce joint pain for some women ✔ The role of testosterone in preserving lean mass (and why it’s not magic on its own) ✔ Why thyroid, vitamin D, iron, and inflammation labs matter ✔ When pain is not hormonal — and should not be ignored Joint pain and muscle loss in menopause are not: A personal failure A lack of motivation Something you should “just get used to” They are: A physiologic transition Influenced by hormones, inflammation, sleep, nutrition, and stress Highly responsive to the right, layered strategy If you’ve been told, “This is just aging,” that’s outdated medicine. Your body isn’t betraying you. It’s asking for a different approach. And the good news? This is a season where small, consistent changes make a big difference — in strength, function, and how you feel in your body.

This episode is part of our Head-to-Toe Menopause Series, and it tackles one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated menopause conditions out there — GSM. This is a menopause symptom that’s incredibly common, highly treatable, and somehow still whispered about like it’s a secret. If you’ve ever thought: “Why does sex suddenly feel like sandpaper?” “Why am I peeing all the time?” “Why do I feel irritated down there for no reason?” You’re not broken. You’re not “just getting older.” You may have Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) — and today, we’re talking all about it. We break down: • What GSM actually is (and why it replaced the outdated term “vaginal atrophy”) • Why symptoms often persist and worsen without treatment • How low estrogen changes vaginal, vulvar, and urinary tissue at a structural level • Why this is about collagen, blood flow, pH, and microbiome — not “just dryness” • Why GSM can affect sex, bladder control, UTIs, irritation, and pelvic floor health • Why common doesn’t mean normal — and why we should be talking about this more And then we get very clear about what actually helps. We talk about: • The difference between lubricants and vaginal moisturizers • Why vaginal estrogen is not a lubricant — and why that matters • Why low-dose vaginal estrogen is the gold standard for GSM • What the research really says about systemic absorption and safety • Vaginal estrogen vs DHEA — and why “not estrogen” doesn’t mean safer • What ACOG, AUA, and menopause societies actually recommend • When pelvic floor physical therapy can be a game changer • Why lasers and energy-based devices deserve a cautious conversation GSM is not: • Rare • A personal failure • Something you just have to live with It is: • Common • Progressive without treatment • One of the most treatable menopause conditions we see If you’re dealing with dryness, irritation, pain with sex, urinary urgency, or recurrent UTIs — bring it up. If your clinician doesn’t ask, you can. And if your symptoms are dismissed, it’s okay to get a second opinion. Menopause symptoms don’t need to be miserable — and this one is especially fixable.

New Episode of Hump Day Hormones is LIVE! You didn’t suddenly lose discipline. You didn’t forget how to eat or move. And no — this is not a willpower problem. If you’ve hit midlife and thought: “I eat the same. I move the same. Why is everything going to my stomach?” This episode is for you. 👖➡️😩 Today on Hump Day Hormones, we’re talking about menopause metabolism — and why fat suddenly packs up and moves straight to your belly. This episode is a deeper, science-backed follow-up to our fan-favorite Menopause and Muffin Tops, because this topic deserves more than “eat less and move more.” We break down: 🔥 Why perimenopause is the phase when women gain the most weight (yes, it’s proven) 🔥 Why estrogen loss alone is an independent risk factor for weight gain 🔥 Why menopause shifts fat toward the belly (visceral fat) — and why that matters 🔥 Why this fat is metabolically active and inflammatory (not the pinchable kind) 🔥 How cortisol, insulin resistance, and sleep disruption fuel the belly-fat loop 🔥 Why muscle loss quietly slows your metabolism behind the scenes 🔥 The evolutionary reason your body is choosing hormone survival over a flat stomach And then we get real about solutions — not punishment. We talk about: ✔ Why strength training is non-negotiable in menopause ✔ How protein becomes a hormonal tool, not a diet trend ✔ Why chronic calorie restriction backfires (hard) ✔ How sleep and stress directly influence belly fat storage ✔ How estrogen, testosterone, and properly dosed HRT can support metabolic health ✔ Why transdermal estrogen matters more than most people realize And yes — we go there. Belly fat in menopause is not: ❌ A personal failure ❌ Proof you’re “doing it wrong” ❌ Something you fix by eating less It is: ✅ A hormonal adaptation ✅ A metabolic signal ✅ A clue about insulin, cortisol, muscle, and estrogen Menopause doesn’t break your metabolism. It changes the game. And when the rules change, the strategy has to change too. If this episode hit home, share it with the woman who keeps asking: “Why is it all going to my stomach?” Because now — you know. 💥

It may be freezing outside — but if you’re in midlife, it might feel like your body is on fire. 🔥 In this episode of Hump Day Hormones, we continue our Head-to-Toe Menopause Series by turning up the heat and tackling one of the most misunderstood (and dismissed) menopause symptoms: hot flashes. If you’ve ever gone from “I’m fine” to “why am I radiating like a space heater?” in under 30 seconds — this episode is for you. We break down: • Why hot flashes start in the brain, not just the ovaries • How estrogen stabilizes your internal thermostat — and what happens when it drops • Why hot flashes are neurologic and vascular events, not just “being warm” • The role of KNDy neurons and why they’re the real stars of the show • Why you can swing from sweating to shivering within minutes • The difference between hot flashes and histamine flushing • Why night sweats are especially disruptive to sleep, cortisol, and metabolism And here’s where it gets really important: Hot flashes may be an early signal of vascular stress. They don’t cause heart disease — but growing evidence shows they may act like a check-engine light for cardiovascular health during menopause. We also cover: • The connection between hot flashes, cortisol, insulin resistance, and inflammation • Why more severe or frequent hot flashes deserve attention — not dismissal • FDA-approved hormonal treatments and why they work so well • Non-hormonal treatment options (SSRIs, gabapentin, and newer neurokinin-3 receptor antagonists) • What lifestyle strategies help — and what won’t fix the root cause Bottom line: Hot flashes are real, biologically meaningful, and treatable. They are not “just in your head,” not something you have to live with, and not a rite of passage you’re meant to suffer through. Your body is communicating with you — and it deserves to be listened to.

We’re smack dab in the middle of Menopause Awareness Month (and yes, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month) — so today, we’re taking things back to the basics. No studies, no medical jargon, just an honest, relatable conversation about something every woman eventually faces: how to actually talk to your provider about perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health. If you’ve ever left your appointment thinking, “That was… not helpful,” or felt brushed off when you brought up hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, or the sudden mood swings that seem to appear out of nowhere — you are not alone. Women everywhere are having the same frustrating experience, and it’s time to change that. This week, we’re unpacking what makes these conversations so difficult — from the lack of provider training in menopause management to the old-school medical biases that still label women as “emotional” or “overreacting.” Spoiler alert: it’s not you. The system has a lot of catching up to do. We’re giving you a clear, actionable framework to help you walk into your next appointment confident and prepared. We’ll cover: *How to schedule the right kind of appointment (and why an annual exam isn’t always the time for hormone talk) *What to ask when choosing your provider — and how to find one who truly understands perimenopause and menopause *How to track and articulate your symptoms like a mini hormone detective (because vague complaints get vague answers) *How to set clear goals and expectations before you even step into the room

Happy Menopause Month! This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re wrapping up our deep-dive into the perimenopause–estrogen–liver–gut connection with one seriously underrated superstar: your estrobolome — the gut bacteria squad that manages how estrogen moves through your body. Think of it as your hormone recycling center — deciding whether estrogen gets shipped out for good or sneaks back in for a second round. When it’s balanced, life feels smooth: your mood is stable, your sleep makes sense, and your jeans fit the same two days in a row. But when it’s off? Cue bloating, irritability, and that lovely estrogen dominance storm we all know too well. In this episode, we unpack how your gut influences everything from estrogen balance and thyroid health to inflammation, metabolism, and mood. You’ll learn why gut bacteria shifts during menopause can increase stubborn belly fat, trigger hot flashes, and even alter your mental clarity — and what you can do to fix it. We’re talking probiotics, fiber, liver detox support, and the science-backed foods and supplements that actually help your body work with your hormones, not against them. It’s the perfect mix of nerdy, necessary, and just a little bit sassy — because who said hormone education had to be boring? Tune in, take notes, and let’s keep breaking down the stigma around women’s health one Wednesday at a time.

Your liver does more than help you survive margarita night—it’s the ultimate hormone traffic controller. From clearing out extra estrogen to converting thyroid hormones and even sweeping away excess cortisol, your liver keeps hormone chaos from piling up. But when it gets sluggish? That’s when the real drama begins. Think heavy, painful periods, stubborn belly fat, 2 a.m. wakeups, PMS meltdowns, and even that one glass of wine hitting you like a freight train. Yep—your liver might be whispering “help me out here!” In this week’s episode of Hump Day Hormones, we’re diving into: ✨ Why estrogen metabolism matters more than you think ✨ How a “congested” liver backs up hormones and fuels perimenopause mayhem ✨ The clinical signs your liver is waving a white flag (hello bloating, fatigue, and mood swings) ✨ What slows down liver detox—like stress, sugar, alcohol, and everyday toxins ✨ The two-step process of hormone detox (Phase 1 & Phase 2) and how food + lifestyle make all the difference ✨ Practical, science-backed ways to support your liver so your hormones stay balanced and your body feels like yours again Think of it as a crash course in why your liver is the unsung hero of hormone balance—and why kale, beets, fiber, and maybe skipping that extra glass of rosé might just change your life.

Ever feel like your hormones are on a rollercoaster with no seatbelt? Welcome to perimenopause – or as some have called it, “puberty in reverse.” In honor of Perimenopause Awareness Month, we’re back with part two of our special series, and this week it’s all about estrogen: the multitasking, drama-filled hormone that keeps your brain, bones, heart, and skin in balance... until it doesn’t. Last week, Jackie Piasta helped us unpack why perimenopause is finally getting the attention it deserves as millennials begin “hitting the pause.” Today, we dive into why estrogen is so unpredictable during this transition and why progesterone seems to skip the invite altogether. From heavy periods one month to hot flashes and night sweats the next, estrogen’s highs and lows can leave women feeling like they’re living in hormonal whiplash. We’ll break down the stages of perimenopause, talk through what estrogen dominance really means (and why mainstream medicine side-eyes the term), and explore the real-life symptoms women face daily—brain fog, anxiety, sleep struggles, mood swings, libido changes, and more. Think of it as decoding the chaos so you can finally understand what’s happening inside your body. This episode is fun, raw, and empowering, with practical takeaways that will leave you feeling less alone and more equipped to handle this transition. Because perimenopause isn’t just about periods—it’s a full-body journey. And understanding estrogen’s drama is the first step in taking back control.

Episode 41: Fresh Out of the Millennial Pause and Into Perimenopause This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re tackling a conversation that every millennial woman needs to hear: when the “millennial pause” meets perimenopause. September is Perimenopause Awareness Month, and we’re digging into what it really means to enter this “zone of chaos” long before full menopause sets in. While menopause finally gets the recognition it deserves, perimenopause is still under-discussed, under-researched, and often dismissed—even though it can affect women as early as their 30s. We’re joined by the amazing Jackie Piasta, DNP, MSN, WHNP, a nationally recognized expert in perimenopause and midlife health, with a massive social media presence dedicated to breaking the stigma and spreading real education. Jackie helps us unpack: ✨ Why perimenopause symptoms are often ignored or misdiagnosed ✨ The cultural myths around being “too young” for menopause ✨ How over half of women ages 30–35 already experience moderate to severe symptoms ✨ Why it’s critical to seek help before full menopause hits Jackie also shares her own professional journey, from New Jersey to Vanderbilt to Little Rock to founding Monarch Health, a clinic dedicated to midlife and menopause care. With her blend of expertise and down-to-earth communication, she shows us why perimenopause is more than hot flashes—it’s a pivotal time to take charge of your long-term health and aging well. Whether you’re a millennial just starting to feel the shifts or a provider trying to better understand this rollercoaster phase, this episode is full of insights, relatable laughs, and practical takeaways.

This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re welcoming a brand-new face to the clinic and to the mic — Dr. Victoria Helton. Fresh out of residency, Dr. Helton brings a rare, up-to-the-minute perspective on hormone education, women’s health, and what it really feels like to transition from years of training into private practice. We talk about the highs and lows of residency, what’s changing (and what still isn’t) in how providers are trained to manage perimenopause and menopause, and why patients are often more educated than their own providers thanks to TikTok and Instagram. Dr. Helton opens up about her journey from Texas to Arkansas, balancing life as a physician and new mom, and what it means to step into a clinic culture built on collaboration and support. It’s candid, relatable, and a reminder of how the next generation of providers could help transform the future of hormone care.

Have you ever wondered why two women can walk into the same clinic with the exact same symptoms… and walk out with entirely different experiences, diagnoses, and outcomes simply because of the color of their skin? This week, we are confronting the urgent reality of racial disparities in women’s healthcare. Research shows that Black women face higher maternal mortality rates, more aggressive disease outcomes, and longer-lasting, more severe menopause symptoms compared to white women. These differences are not about education or income; they are rooted in systemic bias, gaps in research, and chronic stress that impacts health on a biological level. Dr. Leticia Jones bravely shares her journey as a Black physician, the systemic barriers she has witnessed firsthand, and the ways women of color can advocate for themselves when the system doesn’t listen. Together, we show how these inequities show up in both reproductive health and menopause, and what needs to change so that all women are truly seen, heard, and cared for. This is not just about statistics; it is about lived experiences and the urgency of building a healthcare system that works for every woman. 👉 Tune in to this powerful conversation, share it with your friends, and be part of the growing community advocating for awareness, advocacy, and equity in women’s health.

This week's episode is a little less science, a lot more sisterhood. Recorded lakeside with my four lifelong besties, we dive into the raw, hilarious, and very real parts of perimenopause and midlife mayhem. From anxiety and insomnia to joint pain and dry eyes (yes, even itchy skin and surprise tears in Walmart), we're peeling back the layers of what it's like to hit our 40s together. You'll find our experiences so relatable, you might even laugh along with us. We're not in the studio, we're at the lake, wine and fiber supplements in hand. It's year 12 of our annual girls' getaway, and between us, we've got 14 kids, a lot of hormones, and even more love. We're talking friendship, fatigue, hormone havoc, and the things we wish we knew at 35. This one's less PubMed, more pajamas, but packed with the wisdom only time and authentic connection can bring. So whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or just mood-swinging your way through midlife, grab your coffee, your estrogen cream, or your favorite orthopaedic pillow and tune in. Because hormones are wild, aging is weird, and having your girls by your side makes all the difference. 👇 Don't miss out on this unique episode. Tap play and join us in our laughter and shared experiences. You'll feel better just knowing you're not alone.

Ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you were there? Or stared at your to-do list like it was written in a foreign language? You’re not alone, and no, it’s not always just “getting older” or “mom brain.” This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s been blowing up in conversations lately: ADHD in women and how it can show up with a vengeance during perimenopause and menopause. For instance, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity are some common symptoms. We’ll break down: 💡 What ADHD actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s not all bouncing off the walls) 💡 How hormone shifts, especially dropping estrogen, turn ADHD symptoms up to full volume 💡 The surprising ways progesterone and testosterone play into focus, mood, and motivation 💡 Why some women only get diagnosed in midlife 💡 How ADHD symptoms are often overlooked in women because the diagnostic tools were made for men 💡 The difference between menopause brain fog and ADHD inattention and why it matters 💡 How your ADHD medication may feel “off” during certain phases of your cycle (and what research says about adjusting) 💡 What you can do right now to support your brain, from cycle tracking and optimizing hormones to nutrition, movement, and supplements that have evidence behind them We’ll also dive into fascinating new research on estrogen’s role in dopamine production and receptor sensitivity. This research suggests that estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates significantly during perimenopause and menopause, plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system, affecting mood, motivation, and focus. This is why scientists are calling brain fog, mood swings, and focus issues neurological, not just hormonal. If you’ve been feeling like your brain went from Google Fiber to dial-up speed, or wondering why your once-manageable ADHD feels unmanageable, this episode is for you. We’re here with the science, the strategies, and the “OMG that’s me” moments you’ve been looking for. Because you deserve more than “deal with it”, you deserve answers, tools, and a whole lot of compassion.

Most people do not think about their bones until something breaks. But what if protecting your bones could be as much about your hormones as your calcium intake? Understanding the crucial role that hormones play in bone health can enlighten you and give you a deeper knowledge of your body's functions. On this episode, we dive into one of the most underappreciated parts of women’s health: the intricate link between menopause, hormones, and osteoporosis. We unravel why bone health matters long before your first fracture and why hormone replacement therapy is not just a remedy for hot flashes; it's a significant factor in preserving your skeleton's strength. Did you know that a woman’s risk of breaking a bone from osteoporosis is as high as her risk for heart disease? Or that bone loss is fastest in the first five years of menopause, when estrogen levels drop? We are sharing the facts behind the stats, the silent impact of fractures, and the crucial window where hormones can make the most significant difference. By understanding these facts, you can take proactive steps to prevent bone loss and fractures, empowering you to take control of your health. From the biology of bone remodeling to the importance of being proactive, and from what screening and prevention truly entail, we cover it all. If you’ve ever wondered when to start thinking about bone health, if hormones are right for you, or how osteoporosis could impact your independence later in life, this episode will leave you empowered and informed. No matter where you are on your menopause journey, your bones are worth your attention. Tune in and take control of your health because strong bones build a strong future.