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