591: Post Viral Syndromes, Your Immune System, and Your Hormones in Midlife with Dr. Jessica Drummond

COVID might seem like old news, but if you’re a woman in midlife who’s had COVID in the past, it could still be majorly affecting you.  Your perimenopause or menopause symptoms may actually be heightened because of your history of a viral illness like COVID.  COVID still is absolutely dysregulating women’s menstrual cycles, fertility, and perimenopause/menopause experiences. That’s why Dr. Jessica Drummond joins me today to help you navigate the ups and downs as you transition into perimenopause or menopause– all while keeping your immune system in check.  People who are most at risk for long COVID are perimenopausal women– or women in their mid to late thirties to mid-fifties. And unfortunately, post-viral syndromes can make it difficult to tolerate hormone therapies, which can be really helpful during this transition.  So it’s essential to know if the menopause symptoms you’re facing are in part due to long-COVID or another viral infection.  Listen to the podcast here to learn how you can support yourself hormonally with neuroinflammatory strategies and tools to feel like your best self in midlife– even after illness! Dr. Jessica Drummond DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC  Dr. Jessica Drummond is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute. With 25 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, licensed clinical nutritionist, and board-certified health coach, she’s passionate about caring for and empowering women in all things women’s health and pelvic health. She helps women overcome hormonal imbalances and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Drummond was educated at the University of Virginia, Emory University, Duke Integrative Medicine, and Maryland University of Integrative Health. IN THIS EPISODE What are post-viral syndromes and why are they so common? Addressing long-term effects of COVID-19  How COVID impacts hormones and the immune health of women in their 40s and 50s Distinguishing the symptoms of long-COVID from those of perimenopause or menopause Tools for combating post-viral fatigue in perimenopause and menopause  Hormone replacement options for managing symptoms  Non-negotiables for optimizing your immune resilience  RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Dr. Drummond’s FREE workshop for women's health and wellness professionals on functional nutrition - including immune and hormone health The Integrative Women’s Health Institute Website  Dr. Drummond’s Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #574: The Connection Between Trauma, The Immune System, And Autoimmune Disease: Lab Testing and Solutions with Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried 579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #572: How To Know You Are In Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated With Declining Hormones #334: 3 Immune-Boosting Habits That Are Non-Negotiable Right Now