Are you wondering why your body seems to change during midlife even when your habits haven’t? Do you feel unsure whether your “normal” labs are actually telling the full story of your health?

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis break down how menopause, metabolism, and heart health are connected. Together, they show how understanding your labs, lifestyle, and hormones can help you stay healthier and stronger through midlife.

🌸 Many women experience rising cholesterol and blood pressure in menopause even without changing their diet or exercise. 🌸 Triglycerides can reveal early metabolic problems long before blood sugar becomes abnormal. 🌸 Stress alone can spike blood sugar levels, even without eating any food. 🌸 Alcohol intake as low as eight drinks per week can raise heart disease risk by 45% in midlife women. 🌸 Whole-food proteins, leafy greens, and fiber-rich meals support heart and metabolic health better than processed protein snacks. 🌸 Continuous glucose monitors help women understand how foods, sleep, and stress affect their blood sugar in real time. 🌸 A history of gestational diabetes, PCOS, or early menopause increases long-term cardiovascular risk and should be part of every woman’s health plan.

If you’re navigating midlife changes and want clear, compassionate guidance, this episode gives you the tools and reassurance you need. You’ll walk away with simple steps that help you feel informed, empowered, and in control of your 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? Hormone Wellness MD serves women across North Carolina. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greensboro, with virtual visits available statewide. 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

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In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), shedding light on common issues like abnormal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, skin irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge. With a focus on reassurance and practical solutions, Dr. Watson emphasizes that many of these side effects are temporary and manageable. Tune in for expert advice on navigating HRT and fostering open communication with your healthcare provider.

Quotes

• “Almost 40% of hormone replacement therapy users are gonna have some sort of unexpected bleeding, especially in the first three to six months.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Perimenopause is puberty in reverse.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “About 3% of people have the opposite reaction to progesterone — instead of getting calm, they get super agitated.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Resources

• Menopause Rescue Ep 13: Postmenopausal Bleeding
• Menopause Rescue Ep 40: Understanding Melasma: Dermatologist Insights on Causes, Triggers, and Treatments
• Menopause Rescue Ep 42: Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know
• British Menopause Society - Management of unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

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

Hashtags

#menopauserescue #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #hormonereplacementtherapy #medication #perimenopause #womenshealth #menopausesociety #hormonalhealth #midlife #wellness #healthcare #sexualhealth #menopausemanagement

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the significance of hormone therapy for women over 60, breaking down common misconceptions and barriers to treatment. She highlights the importance of personalized care and the benefits of hormone therapy in alleviating symptoms, safeguarding bone health, and enhancing sleep quality. Dr. Watson also addresses the risks, clarifying how modern hormone formulations differ from past studies, and reassures listeners about the safety of hormone therapy when used appropriately. Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of hormone therapy's role in improving quality of life for women beyond menopause.

Quotes

• "Hormones around the time of menopause transition are going to provide the greatest benefit for cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain health." - Dr. Polly Watson
• "Almost half of women are still symptomatic at that age. If we look at women who are in their 70s, 10 to 15% of them still have vasomotor symptoms." - Dr. Polly Watson
• “One in two postmenopausal women will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Let that sink in for a minute.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “There is system-wide discouragement to prescribing hormones to women over 60, which is not evidence-based.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Withdrawal of hormones is followed by significant bone loss — after four years off, your bones look like you never took it.” - Dr. Polly Watson

Resources

References for Starting Hormones Over 60

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