In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by massage therapist and somatic practitioner Audrey Burke to explore how the nervous system influences both physical and emotional health. Together, they discuss how chronic stress, trauma, and prolonged survival mode can contribute to symptoms such as digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, chronic pain, and other persistent health concerns—even when medical testing appears normal.

Audrey explains how somatic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy by focusing on the body's sensations and nervous system regulation rather than simply processing thoughts or revisiting past experiences. The conversation explores the science behind the gut-brain connection, developmental trauma, co-regulation, the vagus nerve, and why helping the body feel safe is often an essential step toward healing. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, recovering from trauma, or simply feeling stuck in a constant state of stress, this conversation offers practical, compassionate insights into the powerful connection between the body and the mind.

Quotes

• "With somatic therapy, we don't actually have to go back to the original event in order to heal from it." — Audrey Burke
• "We're not just looking at our thoughts or emotions, but also noticing what's happening in the body's experience." — Audrey Burke
• "Maybe you don't need another five supplements. We need to get your nervous system to feel safe." — Dr. Polly Watson

Connect with Audrey Burke

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Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

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Could your cholesterol and heart disease risk be changing during menopause without you realizing it? Have you been told hormone therapy protects your heart, but wondered what the research actually says?

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by integrative cardiologist Dr. Regina Druz to unpack the complicated relationship between lipoprotein(a), menopause, cardiovascular disease risk, and hormone therapy in women. Together, they explain what current research shows about genetics, inflammation, cholesterol markers, and emerging treatment options so women can make more informed decisions about their long-term health.

🌸 Lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a), is a largely genetic cholesterol particle linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk.

🌸 Women can experience spikes in Lp(a) during pregnancy and menopause, which may affect long-term heart health.

🌸 Oral estrogen may lower Lp(a) levels, but it can also increase inflammation and blood clot risk.

🌸 Transdermal hormone therapy appears safer for cardiovascular risk, but research is still evolving.

🌸 Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and muscle health remain some of the most important tools for protecting heart health during midlife.

🌸 Advanced testing like ApoB, coronary calcium scores, and genetic risk assessments may help personalize prevention strategies.

🌸 New treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors and future gene-editing therapies may change how elevated Lp(a) is managed in the coming years.

If you’ve been confused by mixed messages around cholesterol, menopause, and hormone therapy, this episode offers a more balanced and evidence-informed perspective. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what we know, what we still don’t know, and practical ways to support your long-term cardiovascular 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 or Alabama? Hormone Wellness MD provides expert, evidence-based hormone care for women across North Carolina and Alabama. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, and Birmingham.

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

📲 Follow Hormone Wellness MD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Podcast: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Have you ever wondered why symptoms like bloating, migraines, anxiety, rashes, dizziness, or food sensitivities seem to get worse during perimenopause? Have you been told your symptoms are “normal” even though your body feels like it’s reacting to everything?

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C break down mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, and the growing connection between immune dysregulation, hormones, and women’s health in midlife. They explain how these conditions may contribute to symptoms across multiple body systems and share practical strategies to help calm inflammation, support the nervous system, and improve quality of life.

🌸 Mast cells are part of the immune system and can affect the skin, gut, brain, heart, and nervous system when they become overactive.

🌸 Histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome are related, but they are not the same condition.

🌸 Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can trigger or worsen mast cell symptoms in some women.

🌸 Symptoms like migraines, IBS, anxiety, flushing, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue may all be connected through immune dysregulation.

🌸 Nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and trauma-informed healing can play a major role in calming mast cell activity.

🌸 Common triggers can include infections, mold exposure, alcohol, certain foods, environmental chemicals, and chronic stress.

🌸 Treatment options may include low-histamine nutrition, antihistamines, supplements, mast cell stabilizers, and lifestyle changes that support healing.

If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that don’t seem to fit neatly into one diagnosis, this episode will help you better understand what may be happening in your body. You’ll walk away with practical insights, validation, and hopeful next steps for supporting your health in midlife.

📘 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 or Alabama? Hormone Wellness MD provides expert, evidence-based hormone care for women across North Carolina and Alabama. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, and Birmingham.

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

📲 Follow Hormone Wellness MD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Podcast: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast