Menopause Rescue

Psychiatrist’s Insights to ADHD, Focus & Brain Fog in Midlife Women

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Dr. Elizabeth Cox dive deep into how hormonal changes impact brain health during midlife. They focus on ADHD, brain fog, and other cognitive challenges many women face during menopause and perimenopause. This conversation uncovers the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in women, the intersection of ADHD and anxiety, and how cardiovascular health plays a crucial role in managing attention disorders. They discuss practical lifestyle strategies, essential tools for symptom management, and how cultural biases affect ADHD diagnosis in women. Plus, they highlight the pivotal role of nutrition, sleep, and self-care in supporting cognitive function. Tune in to learn how to empower yourself with knowledge and explore effective treatment options to regain mental clarity and well-being!
 
Quotes
"A stimulant can help some women, but for others, it can make anxiety worse—getting the right diagnosis is critical." - Dr. Elizabeth Cox
"Having a little bit of poor recall is different than a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder." - Dr. Elizabeth Cox
"My patient told me, ‘My phone is robbing me from investing in myself, my family, and my community,’ and that really stuck with me." - Dr. Polly Watson
 
Listen to more expert insights from Dr. Cox on past episodes of Menopause Rescue:
Psychiatrist’s Guide to Mood During Menopause (Part 1)
Psychiatrist’s Guide to Reproductive Psychiatry During Menopause (Part 2)
 
Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Cox:
Website: https://www.resetyourhealthandwellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reset_healthandwellness/
Facebook: Reset Health & Wellness, PLLC
 
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

No Expiration Date! Continuing Hormone Replacement After 65

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the evolving understanding of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and its implications for women's health. She emphasizes that HRT does not have a strict expiration date and that personalized medicine is crucial in managing menopausal symptoms. The conversation covers the historical context of HRT, the importance of considering individual health factors, and the need for a nuanced discussion around risks, particularly concerning breast cancer. Dr. Watson advocates for a shift in perspective towards extending health span and improving quality of life for women in menopause.
 
Quotes
“This idea that once you're 60 or once you're 65, you're no longer having to manage menopausal symptoms is just simply not true." - Dr. Polly Watson
"We used to say use the dose for the shortest amount of time. And now we're really in an era of personalized medicine and shared decision-making." - Dr. Polly Watson
"We’re shifting this idea that we’re only using hormone replacement therapy for hot flashes and night sweats to thinking about extending health span—extending the time of our lives where we are feeling vital, healthy, and active." - Dr. Polly Watson
 
Resources
Menopause Society 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
 
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

A Functional Approach to Hair Loss with Kate Willis NP-C

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis delve into the complex topic of hair loss in women, particularly during menopause. They discuss the different types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium and androgenic alopecia, and explore the underlying causes, testing methods, and treatment options. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual health histories, lifestyle factors, and the role of nutrition in managing hair health. In this conversation, Kate and Polly discuss various treatments, both conventional and holistic, as well as practical hair care advice for maintaining scalp health.
 
Quotes
"I think it's important to be paying attention to patients and be really moving forward with a solution before they're seeing visible hair loss or hair thinning." - Kate Willis NP-C
"We don't actually notice hair thinning until about 50% of our scalp density is lost, which is a lot." - Kate Willis NP-C
"Maybe stress management doesn't have to be complicated. Maybe it means you just walk around the block in your neighborhood and listen to the birds and just unplug for 20 minutes." - Dr. Polly Watson
"Everybody deserves to feel heard - when people really start to notice a clinical difference, they've already lost quite a bit of hair." - Dr. Polly Watson
 
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

The Future of Breast Cancer Screening: Insights from the WISDOM Study

Description
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson with guests Dr. Tamandra Morgan (UCSF Breast Surgery & Survivorship Fellow) and Allison Fiskalini (WISDOM Director) discuss the WISDOM Study, which aims to revolutionize breast cancer screening through personalized risk assessment and genetic testing. They explore current screening practices, the importance of understanding individual risk factors, and the need for diversity in research. The conversation emphasizes empowering women with knowledge about their health and the significance of participating in studies like WISDOM for better outcomes in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
 
Quotes
"Close to 70% of participants did not have a first-degree relative with cancer but were found to be carriers of a mutation. These are individuals who may not have been tested under traditional guidelines." - Dr. Tamandra Morgan
"We’re moving beyond the 'one-size-fits-all' approach by incorporating factors like age, family history, breast density, BMI, menopausal status, and genetic testing into personalized screenings." - Allison Fiscalini
"This study isn’t just about helping yourself. It’s about contributing to research that will change guidelines, improve practices, and bring breast cancer prevention into the 21st century." - Allison Fiscalini
 
Connect with the WISDOM Study
Website: https://www.thewisdomstudy.org/
Join the Study: https://www.athena-wisdom.org/portal/WsdWelcome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinwisdom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewisdomstudy.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGvjrhh8_5Ml-YyCdMfF0ew
 
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

An Honest Conversation About GLP Medications Empowering Patients and Avoiding Pitfalls with Dr. Jill Valerius

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson and Dr. Jill Valerius explore the mechanisms of GLP-1 Medications, the impact of chronic inflammation on health and the cultural biases surrounding weight management. This conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the side effects of these medications, particularly concerning muscle loss, and the need for proper patient monitoring and support. They advocate for empathy in healthcare, recognizing the challenges patients face, and provide practical tips for managing nutrition and exercise while using these medications.
 
Quotes
"These drugs are not the answer, but they are a tool…like exercise, diet, and nutrition. These are all tools in our toolbox." - Dr. Jill Valerius
"If you haven’t experienced food noise, you don’t have a real appreciation for how much headspace it takes." - Dr. Polly Watson
“One thing that this kind of type of drug is really highlighting to us is how prevalent chronic disease, obesity, these kinds of things have become.” - Dr. Jill Valerius
 
Connect with Dr. Jill Valerius
Webcast: https://www.knowewell.com/webinar/empowering-patients-toward-healthier-tomorrow-menopause-myths
New Patient: https://nowhealthpalmer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillvalerius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCINJ_OgF6JLRtG2kV8RkERg
Resources: https://linktr.ee/drvalerius?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c52fa83c-7089-4b19-a34b-bbad396aa92d
 
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

Breast Pain 101: Causes, Remedies, and Misconceptions

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson tackles the all-too-common challenge of breast pain during menopause and perimenopause. She delves into the culprits behind discomfort, such as poorly fitting bras, weight fluctuations, caffeine consumption, and hormonal shifts. Dr. Watson provides practical solutions for alleviating breast pain, such as moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and incorporating phytoestrogens like flax into the diet. She also highlights the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for any concerning changes in breast health. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice to help you find relief and restore comfort.
 
Quotes
“Many women are wearing bra sizes that are not correct for them, and that’s a huge reason why they have breast pain.”
“Caffeine makes breast pain worse for a lot of women, and it can take months for that caffeine effect to resolve.”
“A plant-based estrogen or phytoestrogen is weaker than your body's own estrogen and can help balance either too much or too little estrogen.”
 
Resources 
Hamama Microgreens Grow Kit
Vitanica Breast Cycle Blend
 
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

What to Know Before Stopping an Antidepressant

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the systems and strategies necessary for safely weaning off antidepressants. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with healthcare providers, the role of nutrition in mental health, and the significance of various vitamins and minerals in serotonin production. Dr. Watson provides practical advice on optimizing diet and supplements to support mental health during this transition, while also addressing the balance between holistic and conventional medicine.
 
Quotes
“If you are someone who’s benefited from antidepressants and they are working well for you, then I absolutely celebrate that.”
“When you wean off the medication, your brain has not been reminded how to make serotonin and you can actually have some pretty significant withdrawal symptoms if your brain doesn't have the precursors and the cofactors that it needs to make serotonin.”
“I would argue very strongly that [holistic providers] should not de-prescribe anything without communicating with the person who recommended it.”
 
Resources 
Rebecca Katz Triple Triple Brittle Recipe
 
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

5 Opportunities for Women to Optimize Health

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis discuss five key opportunities for women to optimize their health, particularly during menopause. They emphasize the importance of protein intake, quality sleep, strength training, effective stress management, and thoughtful hormone sourcing. The conversation provides practical tips and insights for women to enhance their well-being and navigate health challenges during this transitional phase of life.
 
Quotes
"If you're not fueling muscle, you can't build it. We need protein to fuel muscle. And as we age, we utilize protein less efficiently, making it crucial to prioritize quality protein and the right amount." Dr. Polly Watson
“When we don't sleep well, we have worse insulin sensitivity, higher blood sugars, more inflammation, and hormonal imbalances that impact overall health." Kate Willis NP-C
"Stress management is like brushing your teeth—a skill to develop daily. When life throws a curveball, you'll be more resilient and able to respond better." Dr. Polly Watson
 
Resources 
Protein Cheat Sheet 
 
Connect with Dr. Polly Watson & 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

Navigating Menopause: A Guide for Partners

In this conversation, Dr. Polly Watson and her husband Ben Watson discuss the challenges and changes that women face during perimenopause while focusing on how partners can provide support with compassion. They explore emotional fluctuations, sleep disruptions, and the importance of empathy and curiosity in maintaining a healthy relationship during this transition. Together they share personal anecdotes and practical advice for navigating these changes together, emphasizing the need for open communication and shared responsibilities.
 
Quotes
“If you're a partner and you're trying to support someone who's going through really big changes, responding with curiosity and with empathy is usually going to get you in a better situation with your family system, with your relationship with that person, better than with judgment and criticism. “ Dr. Polly Watson
“We share a lot of the domestic work and have figured out over time which parts fit our temperaments. I’m quite happy to do the cleanup, and you’re in control of the creative work in the kitchen.”​ Ben Watson
 
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

Midlife Muscle with Dr. Taylor and Caroline Pope

In this conversation, Dr. Taylor Pope and Caroline Pope, owners of Chain Effect in Raleigh, join Dr. Polly Watson for a discussion on the importance of strength training, nutrition, and stress management during perimenopause and menopause. They emphasize that individuals can continue to build strength at any age and highlight the significance of adequate protein intake for muscle development. The discussion also covers the impact of stress on sleep patterns and introduces vagal toning as a method to enhance relaxation. Additionally, they explore the challenges women face during perimenopause, including the effects of alcohol on health and sleep.
 
Quotes
“If you can maintain your muscle mass and have really solid blood sugar control, we could stop a lot of disease in its tracks before it happens.” Dr. Polly Watson
“You can get stronger at any age, so unless you're at your absolute top threshold, you have a lot of room to grow in strength every single year.” Dr. Taylor Pope
“You're not going to build muscle if you're not eating enough protein, enough fuel for the exercise.” Caroline Pope
 
Links
Vagal Toning Exercise handout
Vagus Nerve Explained
 
Connect with Chain Effect:
Website: https://www.chaineffect.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chain_effect/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chaineffect/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLIY-JYx9xzWSdH1TYPiA_g
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300953
 
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