Cortisol, Collagen, and the Hormone Equation—Dr. Adrienne Denese on Aging, Estrogen Dominance, and the Hidden Triggers Behind Midlife Health Decline

This is StRest! In this episode, Kerstin Lindquist sits down with physician, anti-aging expert, and QVC’s #1 skincare founder Dr. Adrienne Denese for a deep dive into the biological roots of aging—and what women can actually do about it. You’ll discover why cortisol is the true enemy of longevity, how estrogen dominance quietly wreaks havoc even after menopause, and why thyroid and progesterone are non-negotiable after 45. Dr. Denese shares the exact supplement and lifestyle strategies she personally uses to stay sharp, radiant, and resilient—from ditching seed oils to boosting metabolic health with targeted B vitamins. This episode is a wake-up call for women navigating perimenopause, burnout, and chronic stress. It's packed with practical guidance on hormones, diet, EMF exposure, and the systemic gaps in modern medicine. If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel off, this conversation will help you finally connect the dots. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ Cortisol as the root cause of aging, etc ✅ Estrogen dominance in postmenopausal women ✅ Thyroid support can dramatically improve weight, mood, and memory ✅ The hidden dangers of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and seed oils ✅ Why progesterone must be bioidentical—and paired with vitamin E ✅ How EMFs elevate cortisol and disrupt cellular calcium balance ✅ Leaky gut, serotonin, and the estrogen-cortisol feedback loop ✅ Thyroid, progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA, B vitamins ✅ Why fasting raises cortisol—and what to do instead ✅ How to interpret “normal” labs with a critical eye ✅ Reducing systemic inflammation as the key to preventing disease ✅ The skincare-supplement connection to mitochondrial health and ATP Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – The Real Reason We Age 03:30 – Dr. Denese’s Journey 07:45 – Hormones 101 13:56 – Cortisol’s Cascade 21:45 – Pregnenolone and DHEA 27:24 – Hidden Stressors 30:27 – Food as Hormone Disruptor 38:10 – Low-Tech Healing Tools 45:32 – Supplement Protocols 1:06:08 – The Mitochondria Connection Work with Kerstin Workshops & Events – Join upcoming events & retreats. Health Coaching with Kerstin – 1:1 coaching for stress reduction & wellness. Resources & Recommendations Vita Hustle Protein  or  https://bit.ly/KERSTIN20 Use code KERSTIN20 for 20% off your first order Dr. Denese Skincare –   Use code STREST  Partner Links & Discounts Boost your wellness journey with tools Kerstin personally uses and recommends: Apollo Neuro – Wearable touch therapy to help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance recovery. Discount Code: KERSTINLINDQUISTLLC Lumen – Real-time metabolism tracking to guide your nutrition and fuel your goals.Discount Code: CoachKL Ultrahuman – Continuous glucose monitoring and metabolic health insights.Discount Code: KERSTIN10 Connect with Dr. Adrienne Denese Website: drdenese.com Instagram: @drdeneseskincare Facebook: Dr. Denese SkinCare LinkedIn (Brand): SkinScience Labs – Dr. Denese Skincare LinkedIn (Personal): Adrienne Denese, M.D. Skincare Products: Shop Now More about Kerstin Website: kerstin-lindquist.com Instagram: @kerstin.lindquist Facebook: Kerstin Lindquist YouTube: @Kerstin.lindquist TikTok: @kerstin.lindquist Production, Distribution, and Marketing: Massif Studio & Production The Tallawah Group LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices