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
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
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
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Dr. Polly Watson sits down with Dr. Terri Peña, a board-certified physician and functional medicine expert, to explore how women can reclaim their health and energy in midlife and beyond. Dr. Peña introduces her 4M Method - Metrics, Metabolism, Muscle, and Mojo - a framework that empowers women to move from feeling dismissed and depleted to strong, vital, and confident. They discuss why traditional medicine often fails midlife women, how to get real answers when labs look “normal” but you still feel off, and why building muscle is essential for longevity. Plus, Dr. Peña shares powerful nervous system tools like box breathing to help regulate stress, and talks about how knowing your energy and action style can improve self-care and healthcare outcomes.
Quotes
“I tell my patients I don’t want them to end up feeble, frail or forgetful.” - Dr. Terri Peña
“We create health in the second half of life by setting boundaries and saying yes to ourselves.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Just because your labs are in normal ranges doesn’t mean they’re optimal.” - Dr. Terri Peña
Connect with Dr. Terri Peña
Website: https://www.terripenamd.com
New Patient: https://www.terripenamd.com/contact-us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ever.well.woman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/EverWell-Woman/61566033042007/
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 Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by functional medicine nurse practitioner Kate Willis to unpack the real reasons behind perimenopausal fatigue. Together, they explore how hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic stress all converge to drain energy during midlife. Rather than accepting fatigue as “just part of aging,” Dr. Watson and Kate take a root-cause, whole-body approach. They discuss actionable strategies - from hormone testing and mitochondrial support to building muscle and managing stress - that help women reclaim their energy and vitality. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, burnout, or broken sleep, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a clear roadmap to feel like yourself again.
Quotes
"Fatigue is one of the top complaints we hear from women in perimenopause - you’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head." - Kate Willis NP-C
"I remember putting on that estrogen patch and two days later thinking, 'She’s back.' It was like flipping a switch." - Dr. Polly Watson
"Listening to women is key - not just checking boxes or writing prescriptions. We have to ask what’s really going on beneath the fatigue." - Kate Willis NP-C
Resources
Kate Willis NP-C and Niki D’Agostino on Primal Trust for Nervous System Healing
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 Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson welcomes integrative cardiologist and functional medicine expert Dr. Regina Druz for an eye-opening conversation about the often overlooked intersection of heart health and menopause. Together, they unpack how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause can cause unexpected changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, fat distribution and heart rhythm. Dr. Druz explains why traditional risk calculators often miss the mark for women, what new markers like ApoB and Lp(a) really tell us, and how wearable tech and advanced imaging can offer deeper insights. Whether you're already tracking your health closely or just starting to ask questions, this episode will give you the tools to take charge of your cardiovascular future and advocate for the care you deserve.
Quotes
“More women die of heart disease than of breast cancer.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Menopause doesn't create new risk factors - it amplifies the ones that are already there.” - Dr. Regina Druz
“We spend 40% of our lives in post-menopause. Do we want to be vibrant or in the ER with hypertensive urgency?” - Dr. Regina Druz
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz
New Patient: https://holisticheartcenters.com/steps-one-two-three/
Podcast: https://holisticheartcenters.com/own-your-heart-health-podcast-with-dr-regina-druz/
Website: https://holisticheartcenters.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters
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 Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Kate Willis NP-C to debunk fitness myths and deliver real-world guidance on how women can build and preserve muscle during perimenopause and menopause. From progressive overload to protein needs, creatine, stress recovery, and smarter training, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you feel stronger, not just skinnier. Whether you're brand new to strength training or looking to break through a plateau, you'll find science-backed insights and empowering advice to support your midlife health journey.
Quotes
"Exercise is a stressor and if it’s not dosed correctly, it can make you feel worse, not better." - Kate Willis NP-C
“If we're trying to build muscle, we need to be having adequate nutrition to feed muscle.” - Dr. Polly Watson
"You're not going to bulk up with physiologic levels of testosterone - you’re going to get toned and strong." - Kate Willis NP-C
Resources
Protein Cheat Sheet
Evlo Fitness
Dr. Stacy Sims - Power Happens
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 Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
In this insightful episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Dr. Ami Ingram, a functional medicine physician with a specialty in mold-related illness. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked health impacts of mold exposure by highlighting how its symptoms can closely mimic or overlap with conditions like perimenopause, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances. The conversation covers everything from recognizing the signs of mold toxicity to effective diagnostic strategies and the critical role of home testing. Both doctors share their personal experiences with mold, shedding light on how isolating the journey can be and emphasizing the power of community in the healing process. Dr. Ingram also introduces her accessible educational resources designed to empower individuals facing mold-related health issues - offering practical guidance, support, and most importantly, hope.
Quotes
“We all have mold. But it’s the type, the load, and how your body handles it that matters.” Dr. Ami Ingram
“Healing from mold isn’t just about the body - it’s about calming the brain and rebuilding connection.” Dr. Polly Watson
“We all have a toxic barrel - some have big spigots, some small. When it overflows, symptoms appear.” Dr. Ami Ingram
Resources
Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test
ISEAI Resources: Designed by experts for patients and clinicians treating mold-related illness.
Connect with Dr. Ami Ingram
Online Courses: https://family-functional-medicine.teachable.com/
Website: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/
New Patient: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/discovery-consult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyfunctional_med/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyfunctionalmed/
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 May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C discuss the most common supplements they recommend for women in various hormonal stages, particularly during menopause. They emphasize the importance of quality and sourcing when buying supplements. From demystifying magnesium types to explaining the synergy between vitamin D and K2, this conversation offers clarity and actionable advice for anyone looking to support their health with evidence-based supplementation.
Quotes
“You can never out-supplement an unhealthy lifestyle.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“We think a lot about calcium for bone health and Vitamin D, but magnesium is actually really essential for good bone density.” - Kate Willis NP-C
“Berberine is great but it is not going to do what a GLP-1 injectable medication does for weight loss.” - Kate Willis NP-C
Resources
Supplements for Women’s Hormone Balance Infographic
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 May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson explores the groundbreaking LIFTMOR Study by Dr. Belinda Beck, which demonstrates how high-intensity resistance training can significantly improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women - even those already diagnosed with osteoporosis. Dr. Watson breaks down the study’s key findings, safety measures, and practical takeaways, offering listeners an empowering perspective on strength, aging, and reclaiming physical confidence. This episode is ideal for anyone looking to approach midlife with grit and resilience.
Quotes
“Let’s stop talking to ourselves like we are fragile and about to be broken.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“Just eight months of 30 minutes a week, twice a week with weighted exercises… showed improvement in both the spine and the hip.” - Dr. Polly Watson
“This isn’t just about muscles. It’s about quality of life, independence, and confidence.” - Dr. Polly Watson
Resources
The LIFTMOR Study
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 May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson explores osteoporosis in women over 50, shedding light on why it's a critical yet often overlooked aspect of women’s health during and after menopause. Dr. Watson shares personal experiences and expert insights on the complex factors that affect bone health, including hormonal changes, medications, lifestyle habits, and nutrition.
Listeners will learn about effective osteoporosis prevention strategies, such as weight-bearing exercises, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene. The episode also uncovers the limitations of DEXA scans in diagnosing osteoporosis and emphasizes the role of community support and informed decision-making in maintaining strong bones. Whether you're approaching menopause or well into it, this episode empowers women to take control of their bone health through practical, science-backed information.
Quotes
"Osteoporosis affects nearly half of women over 50. And it's not just a bone issue—it's a whole person issue." Dr. Polly Watson
“Calcium alone has not been shown to improve bone mineral density.” Dr. Polly Watson
“This is a time to not just focus on preventing fractures, but to move through your life with energy, strength, and confidence.” Dr. Polly Watson
Resources
EWG’s Water Filter Guide
EWG’s Guide to Air Filters
Calcium and Vitamin K Foods Handout
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 Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Polly Watson and Kate Willis discuss the increasing rates of ADHD diagnoses among midlife women and the role of lithium as a potential treatment. They explore how hormonal changes can impact attention and behavior, the benefits of low-dose lithium compared to traditional ADHD medications, and the importance of lifestyle factors in managing attention issues. The conversation also touches on the potential of lithium in preventing dementia and practical tips for evaluating its effectiveness.
Quotes
“Hormone fluctuations in midlife really impact attention—and many women feel like they’re unraveling.” - Kate Willis
“Lithium increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, helping to protect and regenerate neurons.” - Kate Willis
“Losing your filter at midlife isn’t always about attitude—it’s a sign your nervous system is overwhelmed.” - Polly Watson
Product Links
Pure Encapsulations Lithium Orotate 5mg
Seeking Health Lithium Orotate
Biotics Research ADHS®
Check out other episodes with Kate!
Why Is Glucose Control So Important in Midlife Health?
A Functional Approach to Hair Loss
5 Opportunities for Women to Optimize Health
What Does Your Women's Healthcare Expert Use at Home?
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