Menopause Rescue
Women may spend over a decade of their lives experiencing symptoms around menopause transition, while just over 10% of women’s healthcare professionals feel comfortable treating menopause. The conversation around menopause has evolved beyond hot flashes and night sweats to include how hormonal changes affect bone, brain, mood, heart and mental health. Midlife women can feel like they are drowning in symptoms. Many of them are not well served by health care providers who haven’t updated their knowledge on hormones since the WHI 20 years ago and influencers who are peddling potions and lotions which may not be effective. Menopause Rescue is here to give you a hand up. I’m a board certified gynecologist with certification in menopausal medicine as well as functional medicine. My goal is to revolutionize the menopause dialogue, using the transition as a spark to ignite health promotion. Secondly, we will discuss solutions for low libido, weight gain, mood changes, brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia and sexual pain and dive into the nuances of each topic, empowering women to determine what is uniquely relevant for them. This podcast is for women who are curious about their health and curate a mindset around menopause as an opportunity for growth. Many of us at this time in our lives are at a high point in our relationships and our careers. We know ourselves and know how to create boundaries and have defined our values in a way that we simply didn’t have the wisdom to do in our 20 and 30s. Women in their 40s and 50s are at the perfect moment to take up some space in their lives and step into this transition with strength. Every other week we will gather to review topics that are relevant to menopause and take you behind the scenes with hormone specialists to help you cull and decipher health recommendations to find your unique solution.
Listen on:
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
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
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
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
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
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
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
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
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
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
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis discuss their favorite resources to support women's health during perimenopause and menopause. They explore fitness programs that emphasize the importance of mobility and injury prevention, and introduce the concept of 'exercise snacks' for daily movement. They discuss meal prep hacks for families with different lifestyle needs and the use of blood glucose monitors for metabolic health. Kate and Dr. Watson emphasize the importance of nervous system health, recommending Primal Trust as a tool for holistic well-being. They also discuss the benefits of the Femmenessence supplement and addressing vaginal health with Intrarosa. Packed with practical advice and personal insights, this episode empowers women to take charge of their health and well-being during this transformative phase.
Quotes
“As we're really getting stronger, we really want to make sure we're emphasizing mobility, injury prevention and just not feeling so creaky.” Dr. Polly Watson
“An exercise snack is just like it sounds. It's a small bit of exercise. These are things that really we can fit in through the day.” Kate Willis NP-C
“We've done all this sort of shame and blame of I'm not trying hard enough and I'm not counting my macros enough. Well, maybe the stress from all that is actually counterproductive.” Dr. Polly Watson
“The longer I do this work and the more I have life experience being a human, the more I realize that our nervous systems are really, really foundational to our health and our healing. We live in a world that really assaults our nervous system on a minute by minute basis.” Kate Willis NP-C
Links
Movement:
Evlo Fitness
Katie Bowman
Jill Miller Yoga
Nutrition
The Real Food Dieticians
Nom Nom Paleo
Primal Kitchen
Gotham Greens
Banza Pasta
Lifestyle
Standing Desk Riser and Walking Pad
Primal Trust
Femmenessence
Stelo Continuous Glucose Monitor
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
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the importance of making small, manageable changes to improve health during midlife. She emphasizes the need to let go of perfectionism and focus on incremental progress. This conversation covers foundational aspects of health, including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management, while encouraging listeners to identify their unique paths to wellness. Dr. Watson also highlights the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care amidst the challenges of midlife.
Quotes
“Everybody's health goals don't have to look the same. We're all on this journey to get better, and your version of good could look really different than my version of good. As long as we're both moving towards our version of better, that's all that you need.”
“Stress management isn't something we do only when we're feeling uptight. Stress management is one other part of how we care for our bodies and our minds so that hopefully, when life throws us a curveball, we have some tools and are more resilient to handle that change.”
“Doing it all is an absolute fairy tale.”
Resources
Goal Setting Target
Easy Food Ideas
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
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
In this conversation, Heather Boykin joins Dr. Polly Watson to discuss the essential aspects of palliative care, emphasizing its role in improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses both for themselves and family members. She highlights the importance of advanced care planning, navigating conversations about personal preferences, and redefining hope in the context of serious illness. Heather gives practical resources for normalizing these conversations with loved ones and planning for future healthcare decisions.
Quotes
“A lot of people think about advanced care planning as being purely document preparation, but you know, that's only one part of it. It is really reflecting on as we ourselves get along in this journey of life, what's important to us about our medical care.”
“Palliative care is a partner with you on the journey. If you have received some news that you know is going to impact your life, it is always a good time, the earlier the better.”
“Embracing other ways to care for us when we're sick, redefining hope means that things like hospice or end-of-life care can become an important tool.”
Links
The Conversation Project - National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) — April 16
Begin the Conversation: Healthcare planning
Palliative Care | Serious Illness | Get Palliative Care
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
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
In this conversation, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the lack of focus and brain fog that many women experience during perimenopause and menopause. She explores various factors that can contribute to these symptoms, including hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions. Dr. Watson emphasizes the importance of addressing the basics, such as thyroid function, blood sugar levels, vitamin deficiencies, and sleep apnea. She also suggests herbal and nutraceutical options that may help improve cognitive function. This episode provides practical tips for enhancing focus and mental clarity during menopause.
Quotes
“Our brains are not designed to do multiple things at once. Multitasking is a myth. So many of us do much better by block scheduling. Create an environment where it's easier for you to focus.”
“Reset your mind by resetting your body. That can be so powerful for women that are maybe like me, maybe a little bit type A, a little bit in your head.”
“Holy Basil is neuroprotectant as well as helping with anxiety. It also is an adaptogen, meaning it helps us manage our cortisol, manage our stress a little bit.”
Links
https://us.fullscript.com/plans/hormonewellnessmd-finding-focus
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
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Dr. Polly Watson discusses why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may stop working and explores common factors that contribute to changes in effectiveness. She highlights the impact of blood sugar fluctuations, alcohol consumption, medication formulations, liver and gut health, stress, and thyroid hormone levels on HRT. Dr. Watson emphasizes the importance of communication with healthcare providers, monitoring hormone levels, and considering lifestyle factors when experiencing changes in hormone therapy.
Quotes
“Blood sugar fluctuations are a huge reason why hot flashes and night sweats kind of come back.”
"I think of alcohol as a special occasion thing... The metabolites of the alcohol can wake us up and can certainly precipitate hot flashes and night sweats."
“If someone starts you on hormones, they need to check your estrogen and progesterone levels, and they also need to check your thyroid levels.”
Links
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