Why Your Doctor May Be Missing the Link Between Menopause and Autoimmune Disease

Episode Description: If you've been told your fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, joint pain, or sleep struggles are "just part of getting older," this episode may change the way you think about menopause and autoimmune health. In this interview, we explore the complex relationship between menopause, hormones, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. Our guest shares insights into why symptoms often worsen during midlife, the common mistakes women make when navigating this transition, and practical strategies to support energy, immune balance, and overall well-being. Whether you're living with Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or another autoimmune condition, you'll learn how menopause can impact your health—and what you can do to feel your best during this season of life. In this episode, you'll discover: Why menopause can trigger new or worsening autoimmune symptoms The connection between hormones and inflammation Common signs your symptoms may be more than "normal aging" Lifestyle strategies that can support both menopause and autoimmune wellness Questions to ask your healthcare provider If you've ever felt dismissed or confused by the changes happening in your body, this conversation offers knowledge, hope, and practical next steps. Cindy's been helping both men and women for over 20 years who were sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  She's a functional medicine practitioner/nutritionist whose specialty is digestion, thyroid, blood work, and women in their Pause years. It's her goal to educate and empower women to advocate for themselves. Cindy received her BS degree in Dietetics many moons ago and then found Functional Medicine over 23 years ago when she was going through a very difficult time in her life- her digestive system was rebelling like a teenager, and was thrown into an early menopause at the age of 43. Since that time, she's never looked back and has helped 100's of clients heal through the functional medicine lens.  One of Cindy's super powers is to research, connect the dots, listen and to teach. She likes to dig deep. She doesn't take things at face value. She's happiest when she's in front of an audience, even an audience of one. Along with helping her ladies in her 1:1 telehealth practice, she offers courses, lab work assessments and teaches yoga. She's also a mom and grandma. Her main goal is to help women have the ability to be their own healthcare advocate. Your Lab Checklist For the Pause Years - https://mailchi.mp/ec838eef0e74/lab-checklist Get your free copy of my pdf that shares the top things I've learned about healing autoimmune disorders in the over 3 years I've done this podcast. http://autoimmunerehab.com Autoimmune Wellness Consultation https://tidycal.com/annalaurabrown/autoimmune-wellness-consultation My youtube channel with videos of this podcast and more. https://youtube.com/c/annalaurabrownhealthcoach Autoimmune Healing Journal- Use this journal for tracking, writing down your thoughts and optimizing your autoimmune healing journey. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H3T87QVN