Energized with Dr. Mariza

You’re exhausted by 2 or 3 PM. Your workouts suddenly wipe you out. Your hair is shedding, your brain feels foggy, and even climbing a flight of stairs leaves you more winded than it used to. Then you finally ask for help and hear: “Your labs are normal.” In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza breaks down one of the most commonly missed contributors to persistent fatigue in women: iron deficiency, even before anemia develops. She explains newly released American Society of Hematology ferritin thresholds and why women who were previously told their iron was “normal” may deserve a closer look. But iron is only one part of the conversation. Dr. Mariza walks through the bigger clinical picture she considers when a woman says, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” including thyroid function, mitochondrial energy production, blood sugar, sleep, nutrition, stress physiology, and HPA-axis regulation. Most importantly, she explains why fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis and why neither stress, aging, nor perimenopause should automatically become the explanation for everything you’re experiencing. Listen now to learn what may be hiding behind your exhaustion and how to have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider. IN THIS EPISODE Why iron deficiency can exist before you become anemic The new ferritin thresholds women should know about Why a lab’s reference range and a diagnostic threshold are not always the same thing Why heavy perimenopausal periods can increase your risk of depleted iron stores The fatigue, brain fog, headaches, hair shedding, and exercise intolerance that can overlap with perimenopause How iron, thyroid hormones, nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, and recovery influence mitochondrial energy production Why “adrenal fatigue” oversimplifies what may actually be happening with the HPA axis How under-fueling, over-training, poor sleep, circadian disruption, illness, and caffeine can add to the body’s total stress load The questions to ask when you know something has changed but your labs keep coming back “normal” QUOTES “You can be iron deficient before you ever become anemic.” “Two things can be true at once.” “I don’t want mitochondrial dysfunction to become another vague label we give an exhausted woman.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclub Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution http://drmariza.com/book Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial RELATED EPISODES  769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 664: The Hidden Reason You’re Exhausted: How to Fix Cortisol and Boost Stress Resilience in Perimenopause 661: When “Normal” Isn’t Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor’s Office 755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodbury

What happens when the woman who has always been able to handle everything suddenly realizes her body won’t let her operate that way anymore? In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with functional diagnostic nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, bestselling author, and women’s health educator Jenn Pike for a deeply personal conversation about the capacity shift that can happen in perimenopause. Jenn shares the subtle signs she noticed in her late 30s: alcohol suddenly disrupting her sleep, slower workout recovery, increased soreness, less patience, and a shorter emotional fuse. Eventually, she realized she wasn’t simply stressed. Her body needed her to operate differently. They unpack what happened when Jenn stopped forcing intense workouts, began respecting her changing energy, reduced her workload, asked for help, and started saying no, even when disappointing people felt uncomfortable. But this conversation goes even deeper into the identity so many high-functioning women carry: “I’ve got this. I don’t need help.” Listen now to discover why perimenopause may be an invitation to protect your energy, trust your body, and stop treating exhaustion as the price of a full life. JENN PIKE Jenn Pike is a functional diagnostic nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, bestselling author, and women’s health educator who has spent years helping women in perimenopause and menopause better understand their hormones and bodies. She is also the host of The Simplicity Sessions podcast. In this conversation, Jenn shares her own experience of entering perimenopause in her late 30s and how it forced her to rethink exercise, work, motherhood, boundaries, identity, and the belief that she always had to be the one who could handle everything. IN THIS EPISODE The subtle perimenopause signs Jenn started noticing before age 40 Why intense workouts stopped feeling good and how she changed her training What overstimulation and a shorter emotional fuse revealed about her capacity How overcommitment and constantly being needed contributed to burnout Why Jenn had to dramatically rethink how much she could put on her calendar Learning to ask for help, delegate, and disappoint people without falling apart Why perimenopause can bring your deepest patterns around productivity and self-worth back up for review How Jenn moved from being “smart” to feeling wiser, calmer, and more trusting of herself QUOTES “The nutrient is actually doing less, and figuring out how to do less better.” “I taught people to expect that of me.” “I don't have to be that person to be loved.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution: https://drmariza.com/book Join my brand new Substack: for the woman everyone depends on who is wondering why everything feels harder in midlife >> https://drmariza.substack.com/ The Simplicity Sessions Podcast: https://jennpike.com/podcast/ Jenn Pike Website https://jennpike.com/ Jenn Pike Instagram RELATED EPISODES  776: What Changes When Your Body Can’t Keep Pushing Like It Used To? With Dr. Taz Bhatia 775: Wide Awake at 3 A.M.? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep in Midlife with Morgan Adams 774: Training for Your Grandma Self: How to Build a Body That Lasts 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza

What if perimenopause isn’t simply changing your hormones, but revealing everything your body has been compensating for for years? In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with integrative medicine physician and women’s health expert Dr. Taz Bhatia for an incredibly personal conversation about what happens when the strategies that helped high-functioning women push through for decades suddenly stop working. Dr. Taz shares how her own perimenopause began with incredibly heavy periods, fatigue, anemia, hair loss, mood changes, and unexpected weight gain. But one of her biggest surprises came later: as progesterone and estrogen declined, her blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, A1C, and liver enzymes began creeping upward, revealing just how interconnected hormones and metabolic health really are. They also explore the emotional transformation of midlife: letting go of people-pleasing, protecting your energy, releasing the need to be the “good girl,” and becoming clearer about who you are and what deserves your attention. Listen now to rethink perimenopause as an opportunity to understand your body, protect your health, and step powerfully into what comes next. DR. TAZ BHATIA Dr. Taz Bhatia is a board-certified integrative medicine physician, women’s health expert, and bestselling author of several books, including The Hormone Shift. Her work explores the connections between hormones, metabolism, stress, nutrition, and whole-body health. Through her Whole Plus clinics and podcast, Dr. Taz advocates for a more collaborative approach to women’s health that looks beyond symptoms to cognitive, metabolic, cardiovascular, bone, mental, and hormonal health. IN THIS EPISODE How extremely heavy periods became Dr. Taz’s first undeniable sign of perimenopause Why weight gain in midlife isn’t necessarily something women simply have to accept How estrogen and progesterone shifts can intersect with blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, and visceral fat Why the “silent” cardiometabolic changes of menopause deserve more attention Why your body may stop tolerating the stress, sleep debt, and depletion you once pushed through How perimenopause helped Dr. Taz stop people-pleasing and build stronger boundaries Why knowing your own patterns and tracking changes can help you advocate for yourself How midlife can become an opportunity to redefine your identity, purpose, and power QUOTES Perimenopause is really where women come into their own.” “These are not my battles. This is not my fight.” “We gotta redefine what fine is.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads: Join my Soulful Shelf Book Club (no cost) here: https://drmariza.com/bookclub Join my brand-new Substack: for the woman everyone depends on who is wondering why everything feels harder in midlife: https://drmariza.substack.com/ The Hormone Shift by Dr. Taz Bhatia: https://amzn.to/4xJ5VfK The Superwoman Rx by Dr. Taz Bhatia: https://amzn.to/4hHkZpn Dr. Taz Website: https://doctortaz.com/ Dr. Taz Instagram Hol+ Wellness Podcast RELATED EPISODES  775: Wide Awake at 3 A.M.? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep in Midlife with Morgan Adams 774: Training for Your Grandma Self: How to Build a Body That Lasts 771: Beyond Hot Flashes: The 103 Symptoms of Perimenopause No One Talks About with Andrea Donsky 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza

If you keep waking up at 2:00, 3:00, or 4:00 AM and can’t fall back asleep, your hormones may only be one piece of the puzzle. In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with sleep expert Morgan Adams to unpack why sleep can suddenly fall apart in midlife and what you can actually do about it. Morgan explains three major forces affecting women’s sleep: declining estrogen and progesterone, rising anxiety and depression, and the enormous demands of being part of the “sandwich generation,” often juggling a career, children, and aging parents simultaneously. They dig into one of the biggest complaints among midlife women: middle-of-the-night wake-ups. From blood sugar dysregulation and overheating to overlooked breathing issues, Morgan reveals why repeatedly waking at the same time deserves a closer look. You’ll also learn what not to do when you wake up, the cognitive trick that may interrupt 3 AM rumination, why your wearable can’t replace a sleep study, and whether sleeping separately from your partner could actually protect your health and your relationship. Listen now for practical strategies to finally get the deeper, more restorative sleep your body needs. MORGAN ADAMS Morgan Adams is a sleep coach who helps women struggling with insomnia and disrupted sleep improve their sleep using evidence-based behavioral strategies. Her work includes cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) principles and practical approaches to middle-of-the-night wake-ups, rumination, evening routines, and sleep optimization. In the episode, she also offers listeners a guide specifically for 3 AM wake-ups and an opportunity to connect with her about insomnia support. IN THIS EPISODE Why sleep can suddenly fall apart for women in midlife What “revenge bedtime procrastination” is and why busy women do it The surprising reasons you may keep waking up around 3 AM How blood sugar dysregulation may contribute to nighttime wake-ups Why overheating may be disrupting your sleep even without night sweats The overlooked breathing problems that can leave healthy women exhausted What to do when your brain starts spiraling in the middle of the night Why a “sleep divorce” might actually become a sleep alliance QUOTES“My big thing is mindfulness snacks.” “Sleeping separately doesn’t mean the marriage has failed.” “It’s not a template. It’s really an individualized kind of puzzle that you kinda have to put together for yourself.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! Awake Again at 3am by Morgan Adams Morgan Adams Website Morgan Adams Instagram RELATED EPISODES  774: Training for Your Grandma Self: How to Build a Body That Lasts 771: Beyond Hot Flashes: The 103 Symptoms of Perimenopause No One Talks About with Andrea Donsky 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if one of the biggest questions of perimenopause isn’t simply “How do I feel better right now?” but “Who do I want to be 20, 30, or 40 years from now?” In this deeply personal conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with women’s health expert Dr. Stephanie Estima to talk about the side of midlife that rarely makes it into conversations about hormones. They explore what happens when the high-functioning woman who has always been able to handle everything begins to notice that her capacity has changed. Stephanie shares how she can no longer work the same 10- or 12-hour days she once could, why movement has become essential for her mental clarity, and how perimenopause has made her more discerning about where she puts her energy. But this conversation goes much deeper than symptoms. From female friendship and motherhood to living according to your values, Stephanie and Mariza ask what it actually means to build a life and body capable of carrying you through the second half of your life. You’ll also hear Stephanie’s non-negotiables for longevity, including strength, mobility, joint health, pelvic floor health, and the small habits that compound over decades. Listen now and start training for the woman you still want to become. DR. STEPHANIE ESTIMA Dr. Stephanie Estima is a women’s health expert, chiropractor, bestselling author of The Betty Body, and host of the Better with Dr. Stephanie podcast. Her work focuses on helping women understand their bodies, optimize health and performance, and build strength and resilience throughout the different stages of life. In this conversation, Stephanie gets especially personal about her own experience of midlife, motherhood, changing capacity, friendship, fitness, and becoming increasingly comfortable being fully herself. IN THIS EPISODE Why your mental and work capacity can feel different in perimenopause The emotional reality of motherhood as your children grow up Why female friendship and connection matter more in midlife The powerful realization that your mid-40s may represent your halfway point How to tell if your calendar actually reflects what you say you value Why strength training is one of Stephanie’s longevity non-negotiables The overlooked role of mobility and joint health as you age Why pelvic floor health deserves your attention long before older age QUOTES“I think I have, like, lactic acid of the soul.” “I really do need people.” “Are you living in alignment with the things that you say are important to you?” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now The Betty Body by Dr. Stephanie Estima Better with Dr. Stephanie Podcast Stephanie Estima Website Stephanie Estima Facebook Stephanie Estima Instagram RELATED EPISODES  773: What’s Really Driving How Fast You Age? The Science of Biological Aging with Nikolina Lauc 771: Beyond Hot Flashes: The 103 Symptoms of Perimenopause No One Talks About with Andrea Donsky 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if perimenopause isn’t only changing your hormones, but also changing how your body is aging underneath the surface? In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Nikolina Lauc, CEO and co-founder of GlycanAge, to explore emerging research on immune aging, chronic low-grade inflammation, and the menopause transition. Nikolina shares research showing just how dramatically markers of “inflammaging” can shift when estrogen declines. In one hormone-blocking study, women gained 9.1 years on GlycanAge markers within six months, while research following twins found the rate of immune aging accelerated during the transition from perimenopause to menopause. They unpack why this inflammation may be happening even when your traditional labs look normal, what glycans can reveal about how your immune system is functioning, and why biological age is more complex than a single number. They also explore the research around HRT, exercise, weight loss, fasting, GLP-1 medications, nutrition, and why the same intervention doesn’t work the same way for every woman. Listen now to discover what may be happening beneath the surface in perimenopause and how better data could help you become more proactive about how you age. NIKOLINA LAUC Nikolina Lauc is the CEO and co-founder of GlycanAge, a longevity biotechnology company focused on glycans, immune aging, chronic inflammation, and biological age. GlycanAge’s research focuses specifically on “inflammaging,” the chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation associated with aging. Its work examines glycan structures on antibodies to better understand whether the immune system is behaving in a more pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory way. IN THIS EPISODE What biological age actually means and why there isn’t one universal biological-age number How chronic low-grade inflammation can develop without obvious symptoms Why immune-aging markers may accelerate during the menopause transition How declining estrogen influences inflammation and immune function Why your hormone and traditional inflammatory labs can look normal while something is shifting What glycans can reveal about your immune system and inflammaging What the research suggests about HRT, exercise, weight loss, fasting, and GLP-1s Why interventions for healthy aging need to be personalized QUOTES “There’s never going to be one biological age.” “Not everybody experiences perimenopause in the same way.” “There’s no universal diet.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use Code ENERGIZED and Get 10% Off on your GlycanAge Single Order or Subscription https://www.glycanage.com/dashboard/shop GlycanAge Website GlycanAge Instagram GlycanAge LinkedIn RELATED EPISODES  771: Beyond Hot Flashes: The 103 Symptoms of Perimenopause No One Talks About with Andrea Donsky 770: The Heart Disease Risk Factor Most Women Aren’t Watching: What Your Blood Sugar and Insulin Can Reveal with Dr. Philip Ovadia 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

Have you ever looked at the same life you were managing a year ago and wondered, “Why does everything suddenly feel so hard?” You’re still ambitious. You’re still capable. You’re still the woman everyone depends on. But the stress you once brushed off gets under your skin. Your brain doesn’t feel as sharp. Sleep is changing. Your patience is shorter. And keeping all those plates spinning suddenly requires far more energy. In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza explores what happens when the profound hormonal and neurological changes of perimenopause collide with decades of over-functioning. She introduces what she calls the midlife capacity gap: the disconnect between the enormous load many women are carrying and the biological capacity they currently have to sustain it. You’ll learn why simply pushing harder may widen that gap, how Dr. Mariza is redefining resilience, and why supporting your hormones, brain, metabolism, muscle, and sleep is only part of the conversation. Because the goal isn’t to make your life smaller. It’s to build a body capable of sustaining the life you actually want while becoming far more discerning about what deserves your energy. Listen now to rethink what resilience looks like in midlife and start protecting your capacity for what truly matters. IN THIS EPISODE Why high-functioning women can feel blindsided by perimenopause What happens when the woman who always handles everything suddenly has less capacity How estrogen and progesterone shifts can affect your brain, sleep, mood, and stress response What over-functioning looks like and why it often gets rewarded The midlife capacity gap between the load you carry and your biological capacity Why pushing harder and becoming more disciplined may not be the answer How to redefine resilience around adapting, recovering, restoring, and thriving The question Dr. Mariza wants you asking: “Is this actually mine to carry?” QUOTES “Perimenopause doesn’t arrive in a vacuum.” “Endurance is not resilience.” “Doing less isn’t the same as caring less.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now The High Functioning Woman on Substack RELATED EPISODES  771: Beyond Hot Flashes: The 103 Symptoms of Perimenopause No One Talks About with Andrea Donsky 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if the symptoms disrupting your life are connected to perimenopause, even if you’ve never had a hot flash? Andrea Donsky spent 14 years in perimenopause and 11 of them with no idea what was happening to her body. Now, as a seven-time published menopause researcher, nutritionist, and bestselling author of Nourishing Menopause, she’s helping women put language to experiences that have been overlooked for far too long. In this episode, Andrea joins Dr. Mariza to unpack her research into 103+ reported symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and why hot flashes aren’t even among the most common. Fatigue ranks #1, while nine of the top 10 symptoms are cognitive or mental-health related. They also discuss why women are still being dismissed by healthcare providers, the foundational role of nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, movement, and stress management, and why perimenopause deserves to be viewed as an opportunity to protect your long-term health. Most importantly, you’ll learn why this transition rarely looks the same from one woman to the next and why having the right vocabulary can completely change how you advocate for yourself. Listen now to better understand what your changing body may be trying to tell you and the tools that can help you feel like yourself again. ANDREA DONSKY Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist, menopause researcher, bestselling author, and co-founder of We Are Morphus. She has worked in health and wellness for 26 years and has spent nearly a decade focused specifically on perimenopause and menopause. Her research explores women’s real-world experiences during the menopause transition, including more than 100 reported symptoms and women’s experiences seeking care. She is the author of Nourishing Menopause, a research-backed guide combining nutrition, lifestyle, holistic health, and conventional approaches to help women feel their best through this transition. IN THIS EPISODE Why Andrea spent 11 years in perimenopause without realizing it The 103+ symptoms women have reported during perimenopause and menopause Why fatigue is the #1 reported symptom, not hot flashes The surprising dominance of brain, cognitive, and mental-health symptoms Why 40% of women in Andrea’s research reported feeling dismissed by healthcare providers How nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, movement, and stress support women through this transition Why HRT can be one valuable tool alongside foundational lifestyle strategies How perimenopause can become a window of opportunity for protecting long-term health QUOTES “I was in perimenopause for 14 years total, 11 of which I had no idea.” “We know that there’s 103 different symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.” “The number one symptom across the board is fatigue.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order Nourishing Menopause by Andrea Donsky Sign up now to receive your bonus: "The Nourishing Menopause Bonuses" Andrea Donsky Website Andrea Donsky Instagram Andrea Donsky Youtube RELATED EPISODES  770: The Heart Disease Risk Factor Most Women Aren’t Watching: What Your Blood Sugar and Insulin Can Reveal with Dr. Philip Ovadia 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 768: Why Your Period Gets So Weird in Perimenopause + What Actually Helps with Kaya and Yasmin Purohit 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if the cholesterol numbers you’ve been watching aren’t telling you the whole story about your heart? In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia to explore why he believes metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance deserve far more attention when assessing cardiovascular risk, especially for women entering perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Ovadia shares what he’s learned after 25 years in heart surgery, including why he’s now routinely operating on patients in their 40s and even 30s. They break down the metabolic warning signs that can appear decades before advanced heart disease, from rising blood pressure and waist circumference to fasting insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and HDL. You’ll also hear their discussion about cholesterol and advanced lipid testing, how changing hormones can affect women’s cardiometabolic health, and why resistance training, real food, muscle, sleep, and blood sugar stability matter. Plus, Dr. Ovadia explains how continuous glucose monitors can provide real-time insight into your metabolic health and the heart imaging he recommends women discuss with their healthcare providers. Listen now to discover the metabolic clues your body may be giving you today and how to start protecting your heart for decades to come. DR. PHILIP OVADIA Dr. Philip Ovadia is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, founder of Ovadia Heart Health Center, and author of Stay Off My Operating Table and Stay Off My Kitchen Table. After performing thousands of heart surgeries, Dr. Ovadia shifted part of his work toward prevention, helping patients identify and address metabolic dysfunction before it progresses to advanced cardiovascular disease. His virtual practice focuses on improving metabolic health as a strategy for reducing heart disease risk. IN THIS EPISODE Why Dr. Ovadia believes insulin resistance deserves more attention in heart disease prevention The five basic metabolic markers he wants women tracking Why your personal blood pressure baseline matters in midlife What fasting insulin can reveal before blood sugar becomes obviously abnormal Why cholesterol alone may not give you the complete picture of cardiovascular risk How muscle and resistance training support metabolic and heart health What a continuous glucose monitor can teach you about food, energy, and blood sugar When Dr. Ovadia recommends considering coronary artery calcium imaging QUOTES “It's never too early to start thinking about this, but it's also never too late.” “Cholesterol is not the main thing driving heart disease.” “Low-fat diets, they simply don't work.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution http://drmariza.com/book Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial Stay Off My Operating Table by Dr. Philip Ovadia Dr. Ovadia Website Dr. Ovadia Facebook Dr. Ovadia Instagram Dr. Ovadia Youtube RELATED EPISODES 769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman 650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

Is this perimenopause… or is something else going on? It’s one of the most common questions Dr. Mariza hears from women in their late 30s and early 40s, especially when their periods are still regular and they’ve never experienced a hot flash. In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza breaks down why early perimenopause can be so difficult to recognize and the less obvious signs that often appear first, including exhaustion, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, sleep changes, worsening PMS, migraines, and changes in stress tolerance. She shares three important clues for identifying a possible perimenopause pattern: looking for clusters of symptoms, noticing changes from your normal baseline, and tracking how symptoms change throughout your cycle. But hormones aren’t always the entire story. Dr. Mariza also explains why thyroid dysfunction, low iron, metabolic issues, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems, and other conditions deserve investigation, even when perimenopause is part of the picture. Plus, you’ll learn how to track your symptoms and walk into your next healthcare appointment prepared to ask better questions. Listen now to connect the dots, understand what your body is telling you, and get clearer on your next steps. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women over 35 aren’t sure whether they’re in perimenopause The early perimenopause symptoms women often mistake for stress or burnout Why you can be in perimenopause while still having regular periods The three clues Dr. Mariza uses to recognize a perimenopause pattern Why tracking changes from your personal baseline matters How your menstrual cycle can reveal patterns in mood, sleep, migraines, and energy What else to investigate, including thyroid, iron, metabolic health, and sleep How to advocate for yourself when your labs look “normal” but you don’t feel like yourself QUOTES “Stop looking at the one symptom that proves you’re in perimenopause. Start looking at the collection of clues and patterns that your body is exposing.” “Perimenopause doesn’t usually show up with a giant flashing sign.” “Hormones may be a huge part of the picture without being the entire picture.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution http://drmariza.com/book Comprehensive Perimenopause Lab Guide Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial RELATED EPISODES  768: Why Your Period Gets So Weird in Perimenopause + What Actually Helps with Kaya and Yasmin Purohit 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman 650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

Has your period suddenly started behaving completely differently? Maybe your cycles are shorter or longer. PMS hits harder. Your breasts are sore, cravings are stronger, your mood changes dramatically, or your libido seems to have disappeared. In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Beeya co-founders Kaya and Yasmin Purohit to explore what your changing cycle may be telling you, especially as you move into your late 30s and 40s. Yasmin shares her experience coming off birth control after 15 years and struggling for two years with anxiety, painful cramps, breast tenderness, and acne. Together, they explore why these symptoms deserve attention and how foundational habits like sleep, movement, whole foods, and blood sugar stability can support hormone health. They also unpack seed cycling, including exactly how it works, the nutrients different seeds provide throughout the menstrual cycle, what the research currently supports, and why women in perimenopause have become an especially important part of Beeya’s community. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that your changing cycle is information. Listen now to learn how to recognize the clues your body is giving you and support your hormones without making wellness another overwhelming job. KAYA & YASMIN PUROHIT Kaya and Yasmin Purohit are the co-founders of Beeya, a women’s wellness brand focused on helping women support their bodies through PMS, perimenopause, irregular cycles, fertility, and beyond. After Yasmin struggled with severe symptoms following 15 years on birth control, she and Kaya discovered seed cycling and set out to make the practice simpler and more accessible for modern women. Their work combines nutrition, education, and practical daily rituals designed to help women better understand and support their cycles. IN THIS EPISODE Why changing periods can be an early clue that you’re entering perimenopause Yasmin’s experience after coming off birth control following 15 years on the pill How sleep, movement, and whole-food nutrition can affect your cycle The surprising connection between blood sugar, progesterone, PMS, anxiety, and rage What seed cycling is and how to use different seeds throughout your cycle Why women in perimenopause may benefit from additional nutritional support How postpartum and perimenopause can overlap for women having children later Why community, joy, and flexibility belong in the conversation about women’s health QUOTES “Your cycle is information. It’s always giving you information.” “Not every day is going to be a winner.” “Annoyance is the price you pay for community.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial Beeya Wellness Website Beeya Wellness Instagram Beeya Wellness Youtube RELATED EPISODES  767: The Longevity Secret We Rarely Talk About: The Healing Power of Friendship, Joy & Being Fully Expressed with Samantha Hollingsworth 766: The Weight You Lose Isn’t Always the Biggest Transformation: The Part of GLP-1s Nobody Talks About with Dr. Alexandra Sowa 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 763: Why So Many High-Functing and Achieving Women Miss the Signs of Hormone Imbalance with Anastasia Sartan

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I miss me”? Somewhere between taking care of everyone else, keeping life moving, and getting everything done, it’s easy to lose touch with the parts of yourself that make you feel creative, connected, joyful, and fully alive. In this deeply personal conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with one of her best friends, artist, jewelry designer, and Fully Expressed co-host Samantha Hollingsworth, to explore female friendship, creativity, and what it means to become fully expressed. They talk about why women need friendships where they can stop performing and feel completely seen, what makes a relationship feel safe and reciprocal, and why deeper connections become especially meaningful in midlife. Samantha also shares her unconventional journey through multiple careers and creative pursuits, and why women don’t have to choose one passion or stay on one path forever. Plus, she and Dr. Mariza dive into their shared love of fiction and how books can reconnect us with imagination, possibility, and joy. If you’re craving deeper friendships, more creativity, or simply want to feel more like you again, this episode is for you. Listen now for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, creativity, and finding your way back to yourself. SAMANTHA HOLLINGSWORTH Samantha Hollingsworth is an artist, creative, jewelry designer, Pilates instructor, and co-host of the Fully Expressed podcast and community. After exploring careers in film, movement, voiceover, and other creative fields, Samantha found her way into jewelry design and now creates custom pieces while preparing to launch her own line, Slater by Samantha. At the heart of her work is a passion for storytelling, creativity, deep female friendship, and creating spaces where women feel truly seen. IN THIS EPISODE What it actually means to live a fully expressed life Why you don’t have to choose just one passion or path How safe female friendships help us become more ourselves What to look for when building deeper friendships in midlife Why friendship requires vulnerability, discernment, and accountability How books can provide escape, imagination, and connection Why creativity belongs to everyone, not just artists Giving yourself permission to start over and write a new story at any age QUOTES“Women need women. Like, that’s how we thrive.” “Friendship is messy.” “You can make whatever life you want.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclub Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA The Fully Expressed Website The Fully Expressed Community The Fully Expressed Podcast Samantha Hollingsworth Instagram Samantha Hollingsworth Website RELATED EPISODES  766: The Weight You Lose Isn’t Always the Biggest Transformation: The Part of GLP-1s Nobody Talks About with Dr. Alexandra Sowa 765: How Do You Hold It Together When You’re Falling Apart Inside with Amy Morin 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa

What if the hardest part of living with obesity was never actually the weight? For so many women, it's the years of dieting, judgment, doctor's appointments, body comments, weight stigma, and quietly believing that if they could finally lose the weight, then they could start living. And when the weight finally does come off? The emotional transformation doesn't necessarily happen at the same speed. In this deeply compassionate conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with double board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician Dr. Alexandra Sowa to explore the side of GLP-1 medications that almost nobody is talking about: what happens after they start working. Dr. Sowa has spent 15 years treating obesity and was one of the earliest physicians using GLP-1 medications for obesity management. She explains why medication can be an extraordinary tool while still being only one piece of a much bigger healing process. Together, they unpack what happens when your body changes faster than your identity, why compliments about weight loss can unexpectedly trigger grief or shame, and how decades of weight stigma and childhood experiences can continue influencing the way you see yourself long after the number on the scale changes. They also explore the surprising ways GLP-1s can change relationships, friendships, food preferences, social routines, and even the amount of mental space women have available when constant food noise begins to quiet. Dr. Sowa shares the foundational practices she uses with her own patients, including logging food and feelings without obsessively tracking calories, prioritizing protein, meeting yourself where you are with movement, preserving muscle, and doing the deeper emotional work when trauma begins to surface. And for women in midlife, they tackle an especially important conversation: why changing hormones and metabolic health deserve to be taken seriously instead of dismissed as laziness or lack of willpower. Because losing weight can change your health, your mobility, and your life. But the greatest transformation may be the freedom to finally stop organizing your entire life around your weight. DR. ALEXANDRA SOWA Dr. Alexandra Sowa is a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine, bestselling author of The Ozempic Revolution, and one of the country's leading experts in metabolic health and GLP-1 medications. She has practiced obesity medicine for 15 years and was one of the earliest physicians to incorporate GLP-1 medications into obesity treatment. She is also the founder of SoWell, where she provides education, community, and nutritional support specifically designed for people using GLP-1 medications. Her work goes far beyond weight loss, helping patients build sustainable habits while addressing the emotional, behavioral, and metabolic complexities of obesity. IN THIS EPISODE Why losing weight doesn't automatically heal years of weight stigma and shame What happens when your body changes faster than your identity can catch up Why GLP-1 medications can change friendships, marriages, and social routines How reducing food noise can give women valuable mental space back The connection between childhood trauma, obesity, and chronic disease Dr. Sowa's non-negotiables for protein, logging, movement, and preserving muscle Why exercise doesn't have to mean an intense 45-minute gym workout Why midlife weight changes deserve better care than "eat less and move more" QUOTES “Weight loss doesn't make you happier.” “We have mistaken thinness for health.” “Start where you are. Move as much as you can, and then beyond that, we try to grow our muscles.” “I want you to mom yourself like you mom your kid.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclub The Ozempic Revolution by Dr. Alexandra Sowa SoWell Website Alexandra Sowa Website Alexandra Sowa Instagram Alexandra Sowa Tiktok RELATED EPISODES  765: How Do You Hold It Together When You’re Falling Apart Inside with Amy Morin 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 763: Why So Many High-Functing and Achieving Women Miss the Signs of Hormone Imbalance with Anastasia Sartan 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if real mental strength isn't about pushing through—but knowing when you no longer have to? So many women become the person everyone depends on. They lead at work, care for their families, keep everything running, and somehow continue smiling while quietly carrying more than anyone realizes. In this deeply validating conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with psychotherapist, bestselling author, and mental strength expert Amy Morin to redefine what it truly means to be mentally strong. Drawing from her own profound experiences of losing both her mother and her husband unexpectedly, Amy shares how resilience isn't built by suppressing emotions or pretending everything is okay. Instead, it's developed through learning how to manage our thoughts, regulate our emotions, and take intentional actions that move us forward, even during life's hardest seasons. Together, they discuss why high-functioning women are especially vulnerable to burnout, how perfectionism and the inner critic keep us stuck, why "good enough" is often exactly what our families need, and how small daily resets can dramatically improve emotional resilience. Amy also shares practical tools for interrupting rumination, quieting negative self-talk, building self-compassion, reconnecting with your values, and creating simple habits that strengthen your mental health over time. If you've been holding everything together for everyone else while quietly wondering how much longer you can keep going, this conversation is the reminder that true strength isn't about carrying more. It's about knowing when it's safe to put some of it down. AMY MORIN Amy Morin is a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. She is one of the world's leading experts on mental strength, and her TEDx Talk has been viewed millions of times. Her books, including 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do and The Mental Strength Playbook, have been translated into more than 50 languages. Through her work, Amy helps people build resilience, manage emotions, and develop healthier habits for navigating life's biggest challenges. IN THIS EPISODE What mental strength really is—and what it isn't Why high-functioning women are especially vulnerable to burnout How to quiet your inner critic with self-compassion Practical ways to interrupt rumination and negative thought loops Why your values should guide your decisions, not your to-do list The truth about mom guilt and "good enough" parenting Simple daily resets that strengthen emotional resilience Practical tools to build mental strength one small step at a time QUOTES“Real strength is being able to experience your emotions and express them.” “You don't have to believe everything you think.” “Being the strong one doesn't mean carrying everything by yourself.” “Sometimes mental strength is about what you don't do.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclubUse code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA The Mental Strength Playbook by Amy MorinAmy Morin Website Amy Morin Instagram Amy Morin on X Amy Morin Spotify Podcast Amy Moring Apple Podcast RELATED EPISODES  764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago

Why is it so hard to relax… even when everything is finally done? You finish work. The dishes are clean. The kids are asleep. The house is quiet. Yet your shoulders are still tight, your jaw is clenched, and your mind is already scanning for the next thing that needs your attention. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with clinical psychologist and nervous system expert Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to unpack why so many high-performing women feel trapped in survival mode, even when there's no immediate crisis. Together, they explore how years of chronic stress, caregiving, perfectionism, trauma, and constantly being "the one who holds everything together" can leave the nervous system stuck in a state of protection. The result? Irritability, anxiety, poor sleep, overwhelm, brain fog, and the feeling that you can never truly switch off. Dr. Roseann explains the difference between everyday stress and nervous system dysregulation, why being highly productive doesn't necessarily mean you're regulated, and how your "stress cup" gradually fills until even small challenges feel overwhelming. Most importantly, she shares practical, science-backed techniques that help retrain the nervous system to recognize safety again, from diaphragmatic breathing and somatic exercises to micro-moments of regulation throughout the day. If you've ever wondered why you can't seem to relax, even when life is technically under control, this conversation will help you understand what's happening inside your body and how to begin creating more calm, resilience, and joy. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed clinical psychologist, mental health educator, author, and expert in nervous system regulation. With more than three decades of clinical experience, she specializes in helping children and adults overcome anxiety, ADHD, trauma, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and chronic stress using evidence-based neuroscience and holistic approaches. She is the author of The Dysregulated Kid and founder of DrRoseann.com. IN THIS EPISODE Why high-performing women often live in chronic survival mode The difference between stress and true nervous system dysregulation How perfectionism, trauma, and caregiving overload your "stress cup" Why your body struggles to relax, even when life feels under control Simple nervous system resets you can practice throughout the day How micro-moments of regulation build long-term resilience Why awareness alone isn't enough to create lasting change The "Love Pause" technique for reducing reactivity and improving relationships QUOTES “Just because you're high-performing doesn't mean your nervous system is regulated.” “You can't heal when you don't feel safe.” “We're leaving our kids emotional wealth, not just financial wealth.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial The Dysregulated Kid by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge The Power Struggle Reset Plan Dr Roseann Website Dr. Roseann Instagram Dr. Roseann Youtube Dr. Roseann Facebook RELATED EPISODES  763: Why So Many High-Functing and Achieving Women Miss the Signs of Hormone Imbalance with Anastasia Sartan 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago

Have you ever felt like you become a completely different person during the second half of your cycle? One week you're energized, focused, and confident. The next, you're battling brain fog, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, and wondering what happened to the version of yourself from just a few days ago. In this live conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, and founder of The Cycle, Anastasia Sartan, to explore the overlooked realities of PMDD, hormone fluctuations, and why women's changing biology has been largely ignored by the wellness industry. After struggling with debilitating PMDD while working in the high-pressure tech world, Anastasia set out to create the first functional beverage specifically designed to support women through every stage of their hormonal journey—from the luteal phase and menstruation to perimenopause and menopause. Together, they discuss how chronic stress, motherhood, the invisible mental load, nervous system dysregulation, and modern work culture amplify hormonal symptoms, leaving many women feeling like they're constantly pushing through instead of truly thriving. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your changing hormones aren't a personal failure. They are an invitation to better understand your body, prioritize rest, and finally embrace products, habits, and support systems that were designed with women in mind. ANASTASIA SARTAN Anastasia Sartan is an entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, data scientist, and founder of The Cycle, the first functional beverage brand created to support women throughout every phase of their hormonal cycle. Inspired by her personal journey with PMDD, she is on a mission to close the gap in women's wellness by creating innovative products that help women feel supported, understood, and empowered. IN THIS EPISODE What PMDD really is and why so many women are misdiagnosed Why hormone fluctuations dramatically impact mood, energy, and resilience The hidden connection between chronic stress, motherhood, and hormonal symptoms How nervous system regulation supports women's hormonal health Why women's wellness products have historically overlooked hormonal cycles The inspiration behind creating The Cycle functional beverage Why rest may be one of the most powerful tools for hormone health How honoring your body's changing needs helps you thrive through every season QUOTES“Periods are a lifestyle, not a medical condition.” “We had the hormones to scaffold us... until we didn't.” “Women deserve products that are designed for women's biology.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 5% off on The Cycle Functional Drinks https://onthecycle.com/s/312c05 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED The Cycle Website Anastasia Sartan Instagram RELATED EPISODES  762: Why Women Need to Stop Being “Good Patients” and Start Advocating for Better Healthcare with Dr. Mariza 761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

How many times have you been told, "Your labs are normal," even though you know something doesn't feel right? In this empowering solo episode, Dr. Mariza challenges one of the biggest beliefs women have been conditioned to accept: that being a "good patient" means staying quiet, pushing through symptoms, and trusting a healthcare system that has historically overlooked women's biology. She explores how decades of research gaps, delayed recognition of perimenopause, and outdated medical training have left millions of women feeling dismissed, unheard, and convinced that exhaustion, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, and hormone changes are simply part of getting older. Dr. Mariza explains why perimenopause is far more than a reproductive transition. It's a neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and whole-body transition that deserves proactive care—not years of unnecessary suffering. Most importantly, she shares practical strategies for becoming an active partner in your healthcare, including how to prepare for appointments, ask better questions, understand your symptoms, and advocate for the care you deserve. If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling unheard or wondering if it's "all in your head," this episode will remind you that your symptoms matter, your intuition matters, and you deserve answers. IN THIS EPISODE Why women have been conditioned to become "good patients" The hidden impact of research gaps in women's healthcare Why "your labs are normal" isn't always the full story How perimenopause affects the brain, metabolism, heart, and hormones The questions every woman should ask at her medical appointments How to prepare for appointments so you become an active partner in your care The difference between normal lab ranges and optimal health Why you deserve evidence-based care that prioritizes your long-term health QUOTES “You are the CEO of your health.” “Symptoms are not inconveniences to silence. They are signals to understand.” “Normal isn't always the same as optimal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order http://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution Thriving in Perimenopause Survival Guide: https://go.drmariza.com/lp/perimenopause-survival-guide/ Joy & Blokes Lab Testing: https://joiandblokes.com/labs-with-dr-mariza-snyder/ RELATED EPISODES  761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

Have you ever looked around at your life and wondered: "When did I stop feeling like myself?" Maybe you're checking all the boxes, taking care of everyone else, managing your career, your family, your home, and your health—but somewhere along the way, joy, curiosity, desire, and pleasure started to disappear. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with Gabriella Espinosa, women's wellness expert, host of the Pleasure in the Pause podcast, and advocate for redefining pleasure and connection in midlife. Gabriella shares her own journey through perimenopause, where anxiety, overwhelm, brain fog, low libido, and feeling disconnected from herself led her to explore the missing conversation around pleasure, body awareness, intimacy, and nervous system safety. Together, they discuss why so many women lose connection with their bodies after years of caregiving, striving, and putting everyone else first—and why pleasure isn't a luxury, but an essential part of feeling alive, energized, and connected. They also explore how changing hormones, stress, and survival mode impact desire, why intimacy can be rebuilt at any age, and how simple daily moments of joy and sensation can help women reconnect with themselves. If you've been feeling like the version of you who felt vibrant, playful, confident, or deeply connected has disappeared, this conversation will remind you that she isn't gone—and it's never too late to rediscover her. GABRIELLA ESPINOSA Gabriella Espinosa is a women's wellness and pleasure advocate, yoga and breathwork teacher, host of the Pleasure in the Pause podcast, and executive producer of the upcoming documentary Hot. Through her work, she helps women reconnect with their bodies, redefine pleasure, and navigate midlife with greater confidence, connection, and vitality. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves during midlife How perimenopause can impact desire, intimacy, and confidence Why pleasure is an important signal of safety, vitality, and wellbeing How chronic stress and survival mode affect connection with your body The importance of learning the language of your own needs and desires Why intimacy and pleasure can be rebuilt at any age Simple practices to reconnect with your body through sensation How to advocate for your pleasure, health, and relationships QUOTES “Pleasure has no age limit or expiration date.” “Pleasure is actually information.” “Perimenopause doesn't mean the end of pleasure. It can be the beginning of a new exciting chapter.” “What feels good in my body?” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/firecollective Pleasure in the Pause Podcast Get the 7-Day Pleasure Body Journal Pleasure in the Pause Website Gabriella Espinosa Website  Gabriella Espinosa Instagram Gabriella Espinosa Youtube RELATED EPISODES  760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Why do so many women reach midlife and suddenly feel like everything is harder than it used to be? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with nationally recognized clinical psychologist, behavioral change expert, and author Dr. Rachel Goldman to explore why so many women feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and stuck during major life transitions. Dr. Rachel explains how stress, changing responsibilities, shifting identities, motherhood, career demands, and body changes can create a sense of losing yourself—and why the answer isn't pushing harder, but learning how to respond differently. Together, they discuss the mindset shifts that help women navigate change with more self-compassion, flexibility, and resilience. They also explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how simple tools from cognitive behavioral therapy can help break patterns that keep us stuck. Dr. Rachel also shares why self-care doesn't have to mean adding another overwhelming task to your list. Instead, small intentional moments like movement, breathing, time outside, connection, and creating a reset can completely shift how you show up in your life. If you've been wondering whether you'll ever feel like yourself again, this episode is a reminder that change doesn't mean you've lost who you are—it may be an invitation to step into your next chapter with more strength and confidence. DR. RACHEL GOLDMAN Dr. Rachel Goldman is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, behavioral change expert, speaker, and author of When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free. She helps people manage stress, improve mindset, navigate life transitions, and build confidence through practical, evidence-based tools rooted in psychology and behavioral change. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves in midlife How mindset impacts stress, emotions, confidence, and behavior The importance of self-compassion during seasons of change Why routines and small habits help create stability during stressful times How to stop all-or-nothing thinking and create realistic solutions The connection between body image, aging, and identity shifts Why resilience comes from building tools before life gets difficult How to create a personalized stress management toolbox QUOTES “Life can be challenging, but it doesn't have to feel so challenging.” “We have to create the time.” “Feeling stuck isn't who you are. It's a signal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized Grab the “When Life Happens” book by Dr. Rachel Goldman https://amzn.to/4aBRJwq Goldman Website Dr. Rachel Goldman Instagram Dr. Rachel Goldman Facebook Dr. Rachel Goldman Youtube RELATED EPISODES  759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner

Why do so many women suddenly start waking up at 3:00 a.m. during perimenopause? In this practical and science-backed conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with renowned sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus to unpack why sleep changes so dramatically during perimenopause and menopause, and what women can do to finally get restorative sleep again. Dr. Breus explains how fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, melatonin, cortisol, body temperature, and blood sugar all collide during midlife, creating the perfect storm for middle-of-the-night awakenings. He shares why waking up at 3:00 a.m. is incredibly common, how modern habits often make it worse, and why women need a layered approach instead of relying on a single solution. Together, they discuss everything from sleep apnea, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol, caffeine, blood sugar, and evening routines to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), breathwork, thermoregulation, and supplementation. Most importantly, Dr. Breus offers practical strategies women can begin implementing immediately to improve sleep quality, reduce nighttime wakeups, and build a foundation for better health through every stage of menopause. If you've been lying awake at 3:00 a.m. wondering what's happening to your body, this episode is packed with answers and actionable solutions. DR. MICHAEL BREUS Dr. Michael Breus is a board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, bestselling author, and founder of The Sleep Doctor. For more than two decades, he has helped millions of people improve their sleep through science-backed strategies focused on circadian rhythms, sleep disorders, behavioral sleep medicine, and overall wellness. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, including Sleep, Drink, Breathe. IN THIS EPISODE Why women commonly wake up around 3:00 a.m. during perimenopause How estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and blood sugar affect sleep The biggest mistakes women make before bedtime Why sleep apnea is often overlooked in midlife women How CBT-I can help retrain the brain for better sleep The role of caffeine, alcohol, fiber, and evening nutrition Why cooling the body improves sleep quality Practical habits that create a healthier nighttime routine QUOTES “Everything we do, we do better with a good night's sleep.” “Sleep is the currency of attention.” “You need runway to land the plane.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Get the “Sleep Drink Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-Term Health” book by Dr. Michael Breus. https://amzn.to/4b6OM75 Take the Chronoquiz nowGet the Home Sleep Study - The at-home sleep study measures key sleep metrics The Sleep Doctor Website The Sleep Doctor Instagram The Sleep Doctor Youtube RELATED EPISODES  758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 757: The Hidden Emotional Shift of Perimenopause (No One Prepared Us For) with Dr. Melinda Ring 756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodburry

What if the reason you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected, or stuck isn't because you're broken—but because your nervous system no longer feels safe? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with psychiatrist, neuroscientist, inventor, and author Dr. Dave Rabin to explore the science of safety, nervous system regulation, emotional healing, resilience, and what it truly means to be alive. Drawing from decades of work treating patients with PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and chronic stress, Dr. Rabin shares why many traditional mental health approaches often fall short and why healing begins by helping the body relearn safety. Together, they discuss how modern life, chronic overstimulation, smartphones, loneliness, and constant stress have created what Dr. Rabin calls a "habitat crisis" that is overwhelming our nervous systems and contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and chronic disease. Dr. Rabin also explains why feeling must come before thinking, how many of our limiting beliefs become subconscious programs during childhood, and how simple practices can help rewrite those stories in real time. The conversation dives into heart rate variability (HRV), vagus nerve health, emotional processing, play, connection, and the remarkable science behind Apollo Neuro—a wearable technology designed to help the body feel safer, sleep better, and recover more effectively from stress. If you've ever felt trapped in survival mode, disconnected from joy, or exhausted from constantly pushing through, this episode offers a hopeful roadmap back to safety, resilience, and healing. Dr. Dave Rabin Dr. Dave Rabin is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, inventor, and mental health innovator. He is the co-founder of Apollo Neuro, a wearable technology designed to improve stress resilience, sleep, focus, and recovery through gentle vibrations that activate the body's safety response system. He is also the author of A Simple Guide to Being Alive, which explores the neuroscience of safety, healing, emotional well-being, and human flourishing. IN THIS EPISODE Why nervous system dysregulation is driving so many modern health challenges How chronic stress, smartphones, and overstimulation contribute to a "habitat crisis" Why feeling emotions is essential for healing and resilience How subconscious childhood programming shapes adult behavior and beliefs The connection between vagus nerve function, HRV, and long-term health Why sleep quality may be one of the most powerful tools for nervous system recovery The science behind Apollo Neuro and how it supports safety and resilience How play, connection, and joy help create lasting healing QUOTES“Feeling is required for healing.” “Pleasure and joy remind us that we are safe.” “We all have the ability to heal ourselves.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 30% off on your first BATCH order http://hellobatch.com/ENERGIZED Get the “A Simple Guide to Being Alive” book by Dr. Dave Rabin now https://apolloneuro.com/pages/a-simple-guide-to-being-alive Apollo Neuro Website The Board of Medicine Dr. Dave Rabin Instagram Dr. Dave Rabin Facebook RELATED EPISODES  756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Why do so many women enter perimenopause feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under them? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with integrative medicine physician and menopause expert Dr. Melinda Ring to explore why perimenopause often feels so destabilizing and why so many women feel blindsided by symptoms they were never warned about. Together, they unpack the profound neuroendocrine changes happening during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms like sleep disruption, anxiety, brain fog, overwhelm, stress sensitivity, and feeling "not like yourself" often become some of the earliest signs that something is shifting. Dr. Ring explains the critical connection between hormones, the stress response system, sleep quality, nervous system regulation, and long-term health outcomes. They also discuss why traditional medical approaches have historically fallen short for women, the growing role of hormone replacement therapy, and why individualized care matters more than ever. The conversation dives deep into HPA axis dysfunction, trauma, chronic stress, self-compassion, resilience, and the importance of helping women feel safe in their bodies during a time of tremendous change. If you've ever wondered whether what you're experiencing is normal—or if you've found yourself saying, "I don't feel like myself anymore"—this episode offers both validation and practical guidance. Dr. Melinda Ring Dr. Melinda Ring is a board-certified physician, integrative medicine expert, educator, and internationally recognized leader in women's health and menopause care. She serves as Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health and is passionate about helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause through evidence-based, whole-person care that addresses hormones, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and long-term health optimization. IN THIS EPISODE Why perimenopause often feels so overwhelming and unexpected The connection between sleep disruption, hormones, and brain health Why many women feel like they "don't feel like themselves" anymore The role of HPA axis dysfunction and chronic stress during midlife How trauma and long-term stress influence the menopause transition The evolving conversation around hormone replacement therapy Why individualized hormone care matters more than one-size-fits-all protocols How women can build resilience, safety, and self-compassion during perimenopause QUOTES“Sleep is the force multiplier.” “You can't heal in survival mode.” “The brain is reorganizing, not just the ovaries.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Sign Up Now for the "Advanced Integrative Menopause Care for Clinicians" Course Training with Dr. Melinda Dr. Melinda Website https://www.drmelindaring.com/signup Dr. Melinda Instagram Dr. Melinda Facebook Dr. Melinda Tiktok Dr. Melinda Youtube RELATED EPISODES  756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodburry 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

What if inflammation is the missing link behind so many of the symptoms women experience after 40? In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza breaks down the powerful connection between low-grade chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormone changes, brain health, energy production, and accelerated aging. She explains why inflammation is far more than an immune system issue and how it silently influences nearly every aspect of health during perimenopause and menopause. Many women assume that fatigue, brain fog, stubborn belly fat, poor sleep, anxiety, joint pain, cravings, and declining energy are separate issues requiring separate solutions. But Dr. Mariza reveals how these symptoms are often interconnected through one common underlying process: inflammation. She also explores why perimenopause is not simply a hormone transition but a metabolic, vascular, and neuroendocrine transition that increases inflammatory burden and changes how the body responds to stress, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disruption, and hormonal shifts. Most importantly, Dr. Mariza shares the practical lifestyle pillars she uses to lower inflammation, improve metabolic flexibility, support hormone health, and create the internal environment needed for healthy aging and long-term vitality. If you've been feeling like your body is changing but can't quite connect the dots, this episode will help you understand what inflammation may be trying to tell you. IN THIS EPISODE Why low-grade inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of symptoms after 40 The connection between inflammation, metabolism, hormones, and aging How perimenopause increases inflammatory burden throughout the body The labs Dr. Mariza recommends to assess inflammation and metabolic health Why blood sugar regulation is one of the fastest ways to lower inflammation The critical role of muscle, movement, sleep, and nervous system regulation How gut health influences inflammation, immunity, and metabolism Practical daily habits that help reduce inflammation and support healthy aging QUOTES“The goal isn't simply to lose weight. The goal is creating an internal environment where the body no longer feels the need to stay inflamed.” “One workout cannot undo eight hours of sitting.” “When inflammation comes down, everything goes up.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 ⁠Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Fix Your Metabolism Masterclass Joi & Blokes Lab Testing Blood Sugar Hacks Guide RELATED EPISODES  755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodburry 753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner 751: Bloating, Brain Fog & Hormone Chaos? Your Gut May Be the Root Cause with Dr. Cassie Smith 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel

What if one of the biggest missing pieces of perimenopause isn't hormones at all? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with Ryan Woodbury, co-founder and co-CEO of Needed, to explore why nutrient deficiencies may be one of the most overlooked drivers of fatigue, brain fog, low energy, poor stress resilience, and other common symptoms women experience during perimenopause. Ryan shares the surprising personal experience that led her into the world of nutritional science and supplementation, including discovering her own nutrient deficiencies despite following a highly nutrient-dense diet. Together, they unpack the alarming research showing that most women are entering pregnancy, postpartum, and eventually perimenopause already running on depleted nutritional reserves. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional nutritional recommendations, why so many women remain deficient despite taking standard multivitamins, and how decades of stress, caregiving, disrupted sleep, pregnancies, and modern environmental demands create a perfect storm for depletion. Dr. Mariza and Ryan also dive into the critical role nutrients play in supporting hormone production, brain function, metabolism, cellular energy, blood sugar regulation, and healthy aging. Most importantly, they offer practical guidance for building a stronger nutritional foundation so women can thrive through midlife and beyond. If you've ever wondered why you still feel depleted despite doing "all the right things," this conversation will help connect the dots. RYAN WOODBURY Ryan Woodbury is the co-founder and co-CEO of Needed, a company dedicated to improving nutritional support for women across every stage of life. With a background in environmental science, nutrition, and food systems, Ryan has become a leading advocate for evidence-based nutrient support for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. Her mission is to help women move beyond bare-minimum nutrition and build the foundation needed for lifelong vitality. IN THIS EPISODE Why nutrient deficiencies are so common among women entering perimenopause The hidden impact of stress, caregiving, pregnancy, and postpartum depletion Why traditional multivitamins often fail to meet women's nutritional needs The critical role of vitamin D, magnesium, choline, omega-3s, and B vitamins How nutrient deficiencies contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and metabolic dysfunction Why foundational nutrition matters before adding targeted interventions The connection between blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and hormonal health How women can build a stronger foundation for energy, cognition, and healthy aging QUOTES“95% of women have at least one nutrient deficiency in a very key nutrient.” “You deserve to get what your body actually needs, not the bare minimum.” “When women reclaim their energy, they don't just change themselves, they change the world.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Subscribe now and get 20% off + FREE Shipping on your first NEEDED Supplement Order http://thisisneeded.com/DrMarizaSnyder Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Needed Website Needed InstagramNeeded Facebook Needed Academy Instagram RELATED EPISODES 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 751: Bloating, Brain Fog & Hormone Chaos? Your Gut May Be the Root Cause with Dr. Cassie Smith 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan

What if resilience isn't about pushing harder, but about learning how to move forward with grace, courage, and joy when life doesn't go according to plan? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with bestselling author, speaker, coach, and podcast host Amberly Lago to discuss resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding purpose through life's most difficult challenges. After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly took her life, enduring dozens of surgeries, and being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Amberly faced years of chronic pain, uncertainty, and reinvention. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she chose to build a life rooted in resilience, gratitude, faith, community, and purpose. Together, they explore the mindset shifts that help women move through difficult seasons, the role of gratitude in healing, why joy is a daily practice rather than a destination, and how small habits can create profound transformation over time. Whether you're navigating health challenges, career transitions, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation offers practical tools and powerful encouragement to help you move forward with greater confidence and hope. AMBERLY LAGO Amberly Lago is a bestselling author, resilience coach, TEDx speaker, top-ranked podcast host, and motivational speaker. After surviving a catastrophic motorcycle accident and living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, she transformed her personal challenges into a mission to help others build resilience, find joy, and create meaningful lives despite adversity. She is the author of multiple books, including Joy Through the Journey and True Grit and Grace. IN THIS EPISODE How resilience is built through daily decisions and small actions Amberly's remarkable recovery journey after a life-changing accident Why gratitude can shift your mindset during difficult seasons The importance of acceptance when facing unexpected challenges How community helps accelerate growth and confidence Why joy is a strategy, not just an emotion The role of habits, discipline, and non-negotiables in long-term success How to move forward when life feels uncertain or overwhelming QUOTES “You can't be grateful and miserable at the same time.” “Resilience isn't about bouncing back. It's about moving forward.” “When you've got grit, there is no quit.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA Joy Through the Journey Book by Amberly Lago True Grit and Grace Book by Amberly Lago The Amberly Lago Show Amberly Lago Website Amberly Lago Facebook Amberly Lago Instagram Amberly Lago Youtube RELATED EPISODES  753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan

What if your chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, fatigue, IBS, or other persistent symptoms aren't permanent at all? In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with Dr. Howard Schubiner, physician, researcher, and leading expert in neuroplastic symptoms, to explore a groundbreaking approach that is helping people reverse chronic pain and other conditions long considered lifelong and irreversible. Dr. Schubiner explains how the brain creates pain as a protective danger signal, why emotional injuries can activate the same neural pathways as physical injuries, and how unresolved trauma, chronic stress, adverse childhood experiences, and self-silencing can contribute to chronic symptoms years or even decades later. Together, they discuss the growing body of research around neuroplastic pain, the connection between emotions and physical symptoms, and why many people continue suffering despite normal scans, medications, and conventional treatments. Dr. Mariza also shares her own experience with chronic migraines, leading to a powerful live demonstration of how pain reprocessing techniques can begin shifting the brain's expectations and neural patterns in real time. This conversation offers hope for anyone who has been told they simply need to manage their symptoms for the rest of their life. HOWARD SCHUBINER Dr. Howard Schubiner is a physician, researcher, educator, and one of the leading voices in the field of neuroplastic symptoms. He is the author of Unlearn Your Pain and has spent decades helping patients recover from chronic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and other conditions through evidence-based approaches rooted in neuroscience, emotional processing, and neuroplasticity. IN THIS EPISODE What neuroplastic symptoms are and why they are often misunderstood How childhood experiences, trauma, and chronic stress can contribute to chronic pain Why migraines, IBS, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and fatigue may share similar brain-based mechanisms The powerful connection between emotions and physical symptoms How pain reprocessing therapy helps retrain the brain's danger signals Why self-silencing and people-pleasing often show up in women with chronic symptoms The role of emotional awareness and expression in healing A live demonstration of changing neural pathways through visualization and safety signals QUOTES“Pain can be a message that our brain sends.” “Emotional injury causes the same parts of the brain to light up as physical injury.” “Chronic pain is not necessarily a life sentence.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 30% off on your first BATCH order http://hellobatch.com/ENERGIZED Get your copy of Dr. Howard Schubiner Newest Book now https://www.amazon.com/Unlearn-Your-Pain-Recovering-Depression/ Unlearn Your Pain Website The Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS) Howard Schubiner Instagram Howard Schubiner Facebook RELATED EPISODES  751: Bloating, Brain Fog & Hormone Chaos? Your Gut May Be the Root Cause with Dr. Cassie Smith 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel

What if the foods marketed as “healthy” are actually contributing to the very symptoms so many women are struggling with today? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with Julia Putzeys, certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and founder of the Trash Panda app, to expose the hidden reality of ultra-processed foods and how they impact energy, hormones, metabolism, mood, inflammation, and long-term health. Together, they unpack the confusing world of food marketing, ingredient labels, food additives, artificial flavors, seed oils, and the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the modern food supply. Julia shares her own journey from believing she was eating healthy to discovering how many seemingly nutritious products were filled with ingredients that offered little nourishment and often contributed to poor health outcomes. They also discuss the powerful mindset shift from calorie counting and restriction toward nourishment, nutrient density, and real food. As mothers, both Dr. Mariza and Julia share practical strategies for helping children develop a healthier relationship with food while avoiding the traps of hyper-palatable, addictive processed products. If you've ever felt overwhelmed at the grocery store or questioned whether the foods in your pantry are actually supporting your health, this episode offers practical guidance and empowering tools to help you make more informed choices. JULIA PUTZEYS Julia Putzeys is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, founder of the Trash Panda app, and mother of three. Combining her background in software product management with her passion for nutrition, Julia created Trash Panda to help consumers quickly identify potentially harmful ingredients in packaged foods and discover healthier alternatives. Her mission is to make ingredient transparency and healthier food choices more accessible to families everywhere. IN THIS EPISODE Why over 70% of grocery store products are considered ultra-processed foods The difference between processed foods and ultra-processed foods How food additives, flavorings, and dyes impact cravings, behavior, and long-term health Why calorie counting often distracts us from focusing on true nourishment The connection between ultra-processed foods, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic disease How food marketing creates confusion around what is actually healthy Practical strategies for helping children develop healthier eating habits How the Trash Panda app helps consumers identify healthier food swaps QUOTES“Eating whole food means reading the ingredients, not just the nutrition label.” “Your body becomes addicted to ultra-processed foods because they’re designed that way.” “When I started focusing on real food, I had so much less food noise.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get $10 off on annual membership for the Trash Panda App on IOS https://apps.apple.com/redeem Download the Trash Panda App now on IOS or Android https://trashpanda.app.link/AvwFh7mfG3b Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 Trash Panda App Website Trash Panda App Instagram Trash Panda App Facebook Trash Panda App Youtube RELATED EPISODES  751: Bloating, Brain Fog & Hormone Chaos? Your Gut May Be the Root Cause with Dr. Cassie Smith 741:Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

“What if your bloating, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, stubborn weight gain, and hormone symptoms are actually starting in your gut?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith — dual board-certified endocrinologist, founder of Modern Endocrine, and author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones — to unpack the powerful connection between gut health, hormone balance, stress, metabolism, inflammation, and reproductive health. Together, they dive into how chronic stress, poor gut health, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, and lifestyle overload silently impact everything from cortisol and insulin to estrogen, progesterone, thyroid function, and fertility. Dr. Cassie explains why so many women are told their labs are “normal” while still feeling exhausted, bloated, anxious, inflamed, and disconnected from their bodies — and why gut dysfunction is often the missing piece conventional medicine overlooks. They also explore the growing metabolic and hormonal crisis happening in younger women, the connection between PCOS, insulin resistance, gut dysfunction, and birth control, and why many women are struggling to restore healthy cycles and fertility later in life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that hormones do not work in isolation. Your gut, nervous system, metabolism, sleep, stress resilience, and hormones are all deeply interconnected. If you’ve been feeling like your body is trying to tell you something but nobody has connected the dots yet, this episode will help you understand where healing truly begins. DR. CASSIE SMITH Dr. Cassie Smith is a dual board-certified endocrinologist and the founder of Modern Endocrine. After becoming frustrated with the limitations of conventional medicine, she built a practice focused on uncovering the root causes behind hormone dysfunction, metabolic issues, fertility struggles, and gut-related symptoms. She is also the author of the book Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones. IN THIS EPISODE Why chronic stress has such a powerful impact on gut health and hormones How gut dysfunction contributes to fatigue, brain fog, bloating, anxiety, and weight resistance The connection between estrogen decline, microbiome diversity, and inflammation Why insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction are rising in younger women The hidden relationship between PCOS, gut health, cortisol, and fertility Why birth control is often used as a Band-Aid instead of addressing root causes The foundational lifestyle habits that support gut and hormone healing Why slowing down, resting, and reducing nervous system overload matters for recovery QUOTES “Your hormones are doing the best they can in the environment you give them.” “It doesn’t matter how many supplements or hormones we throw at you if the foundations aren’t in place.” “Your gut is where all healing begins.” “Your body cannot heal in survival mode.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Get your “Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones” Book by Dr. Cassie Smith https://guthormonefix.com/ ⁠Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Modern Endocrine Website Modern Endocrine Instagram Modern Endocrine Facebook Modern Endocrine Tiktok Modern Endocrine Youtube Hormones, Metabolism and You PodcastThe Menopause Gut Book by Cynthia Thurlow RELATED EPISODES  741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan 738: The Hidden Link Between Inflammation, Hormones & Fertility with Dr. Natalie Crawford  740: Why You’re Bloated, Gaining Weight & Feeling Off in Menopause (It Starts in Your Gut) with Cynthia Thurlow

“What if the exhaustion, brain fog, low libido, and metabolic changes women experience in midlife are actually rooted in a deeper cellular energy crisis?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Dr. Andrew Salzman — physician, inventor, biochemical engineer, and Chief Scientific Officer of Wonderfeel — to unpack the powerful connection between NAD, mitochondrial health, inflammation, ovarian aging, gut integrity, nitric oxide, and the dramatic energy shifts women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Salzman explains why menopause represents a major biological inflection point for women and how declining NAD levels may be contributing to fatigue, brain fog, poor recovery, metabolic dysfunction, sleep issues, reduced stress resilience, cardiovascular changes, and shifts in sexual health. Together, they explore the evolutionary role of menopause, why ovarian senescence accelerates aging pathways, how inflammation and the enzyme CD38 rapidly deplete NAD stores, and why the gut microbiome may be one of the biggest drivers of inflammation and energy decline in modern women. They also dive into nitric oxide production, cardiovascular health, the brain’s dependence on NAD for sleep and cognitive function, and why ingredients like NMN and creatine are gaining attention for supporting healthy aging and resilience in midlife. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” this conversation will help connect the dots between your symptoms, your mitochondria, and your long-term vitality. ANDREW SALZMAN Dr. Andrew Salzman is a physician, inventor, biochemical engineer, and the Chief Scientific Officer of Wonderfeel. With more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development, over 170 scientific publications, and more than 50 patents, Dr. Salzman has spent decades studying aging biology, inflammation, cellular resilience, nitric oxide signaling, and mitochondrial health IN THIS EPISODE Why menopause is a major biological inflection point for women How declining NAD levels impact energy, metabolism, sleep, and brain function Why CD38 accelerates inflammation and NAD depletion during aging The surprising connection between gut health, inflammation, and menopause symptoms How estrogen decline contributes to leaky gut and systemic inflammation Why nitric oxide is essential for circulation, libido, cardiovascular health, and cognition The role of NAD in circadian rhythm, sleep quality, and stress resilience Why NMN and creatine are gaining attention for healthy aging and vitality QUOTES“Menopause will happen, but the question is: how do we maintain vibrancy and resilience through it?” “NAD is the common currency that drives energy throughout the body.” “The gut is the foundational driver of inflammation as we age.” “Without NADPH, you don’t have nitric oxide production.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Subscribe and Save $15 on Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN: https://tidd.ly/4rPnckS Use code ENERGIZED and get 30% off on your first BATCH order https://hellobatch.com/ENERGIZED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Wonderfeel Website Wonderfeel Instagram Wonderfeel YouTube RELATED EPISODES  741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 691: The Fertility Crisis No One Talks About: Why Your Health Today Impacts Future Generations with Dr. Ann Shippy 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan

“What if the life you worked so hard to build is also the thing quietly burning you out?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Brooke Taylor to unpack the hidden emotional patterns driving burnout, overachievement, perfectionism, and chronic stress in high-performing women. Brooke shares her deeply personal story—from climbing the corporate ladder at Google while battling addiction, burnout, and health issues—to ultimately discovering what she now calls the “Success Wound.” Together, they explore how so many women unconsciously tie their worth, safety, belonging, and identity to achievement… until their body can no longer sustain the pressure. They dive into the emotional roots of over-functioning, the nervous system impact of constantly “doing,” and why midlife often becomes the moment women can no longer outrun themselves. Brooke also shares practical tools to identify your own success wound patterns, regulate your nervous system, reconnect to your true self, and move from manic ambition into aligned ambition. If you’ve ever felt exhausted despite accomplishing so much… if you’ve struggled to slow down, feel present, or believe you’re enough without constantly proving yourself… this conversation will hit deeply. BROOKE TAYLOR Brooke Taylor is a transformational career coach, speaker, and former Google marketing lead who has helped over 5,000 high-performing women redefine success on their own terms. After experiencing burnout, addiction, and deep emotional reckoning in her own life, Brooke developed the framework she now calls the “Success Wound” to help women break free from overachievement patterns and reconnect to fulfillment, purpose, and self-worth. IN THIS EPISODE What the “Success Wound” actually is—and how it develops Why high-achieving women often tie worthiness to productivity The hidden connection between burnout, perfectionism, and chronic stress How childhood conditioning shapes our relationship with achievement The 5 success wound archetypes: Grinder, Pleaser, Hider, Seeker, and Work Hard/Play Hard Why perimenopause can intensify emotional and nervous system burnout The difference between manic ambition and aligned ambition Practical tools to regulate your nervous system and reconnect to your true self Why healing your success wound is lifelong work—not a quick fix QUOTES“The more that I succeeded, the more love, belonging, and approval I would get.” “We don’t rise to the level of our confidence. We fall to the level of our self-worth.” “You are not working from the most powerful part of yourself when you’re working from fear.” “There is nothing wrong with your ambition. It’s the way your worth became tied to it that needs healing.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Grab Brooke’s new book The Success Wound https://amzn.to/3RoWBOC Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Order my new book The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Brooke Taylor Website Brooke Taylor Instagram Brooke Taylor Tiktok RELATED EPISODES  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel 733: Why We’re Still Exhausted in the Age of “Evidence-Based” Everything with Shawn Stevenson 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It

“What if your body isn’t failing you… but asking for a different kind of support?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Mickey Trescott to unpack the powerful connection between inflammation, autoimmune disease, gut health, and perimenopause. Together, they explore why so many women are dismissed when labs look “normal” despite debilitating symptoms like fatigue, bloating, brain fog, joint pain, skin issues, and weight resistance. Mickey shares her personal journey with Hashimoto’s, celiac disease, and autoimmune recovery—and how the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) became a transformative tool for reducing inflammation and helping millions feel better in their bodies. They also dive into the evolution of AIP over the last 15 years, the newest research validating its effectiveness, and why perimenopause often becomes an inflammatory inflection point where hidden symptoms suddenly rise to the surface. If you’ve been struggling with chronic inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or feeling dismissed by conventional medicine, this conversation will help you connect the dots—and give you practical hope moving forward. MICKEY TRESCOTT Mickey Trescott is a nutritional therapy practitioner, cookbook author, and co-creator of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and celiac disease in her twenties, she dedicated her work to helping people navigate autoimmune disease through nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and inflammation support. She has helped shape the modern AIP movement and trained hundreds of healthcare practitioners around the world. IN THIS EPISODE Why autoimmune disease impacts women at significantly higher rates How inflammation often worsens during perimenopause and menopause The connection between gut health, food sensitivities, and immune regulation Why “normal labs” don’t always reflect how women actually feel The science and research behind the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) The difference between Core AIP and the newer Modified AIP approach Why food reintroductions and personalization are key for long-term healing QUOTES“Your body is not working against you. It’s asking for a different level of support.” “Three out of every four-ish people get clinical improvement from doing an elimination diet when you have autoimmune disease.” “When hormones begin to shift, the body becomes far less tolerant of underlying inflammation.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 30% off on your first BATCH order http://hellobatch.com/ENERGIZED Grab Mickey’s new AIP book  https://theautoimmuneprotocol.com/ Visit Autoimmune Wellness Website Autoimmune Wellness Instagram Mickey Trescott Instagram Mickey Trescott Facebook Mickey Trescott Youtube RELATED EPISODES  747: The Silent Shift: Why Perimenopause Changes Everything 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, and Metabolism with Siobhan Mitchell 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It

“Perimenopause is more than just hot flashes and mood swings—it’s a biological inflection point.” In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza discusses the deeper, often overlooked changes happening during perimenopause and menopause. It’s more than a reproductive shift; it’s a systemic change affecting the brain, metabolism, hormones, mitochondria, gut health, and more. Dr. Mariza delves into the silent shift that many women experience—feeling exhausted, stressed, and unproductive despite their best efforts. She explains how perimenopause accelerates aging processes, and why early intervention is key to reducing long-term health risks and preserving vitality. This episode focuses on actionable steps you can take to support your body during this critical transition—from stabilizing blood sugar and building muscle to optimizing sleep and protecting your brain. If you’ve been feeling “off” but can’t explain why, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to tune in! IN THIS EPISODE Why perimenopause is a biological and metabolic inflection point The connection between hormonal fluctuations, mitochondria, and energy How perimenopause accelerates aging and increases risk for chronic diseases Why "just pushing through" is not the solution for midlife women The importance of early intervention for better long-term health outcomes Simple strategies for building energy, optimizing brain function, and protecting your future health How stabilizing blood sugar, improving muscle mass, and prioritizing sleep can reduce inflammation and support resilience QUOTES“Perimenopause is more than just skipped periods or hot flashes. It’s a shift in every system of the body.” “You deserve so much better than being told to just survive this season.” “The moment to intervene is now—not when your health has deteriorated.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA Check out the Morning Metabolic Ignition Method for better energy and resilience RELATED EPISODES  744: The Midlife Brain Reset: How to Protect Your Memory, Focus & Mental Sharpness Starting Now 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 741: Estrogen, Gut Health, Mitochondria, and Cardiovascular Health: What Changes In Perimenopause with Dr. Siobhan Mitchel

“Is your nervous system stuck in overdrive?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Jenna Free, a counselor specializing in ADHD and nervous system regulation, to discuss why so many women in midlife feel overwhelmed, scattered, and exhausted despite their best efforts to stay organized. Together, they explore how the nervous system gets stuck in a chronic fight-or-flight state, the role of dysregulation in ADHD symptoms, and why traditional productivity hacks simply don’t work when your nervous system is running on empty. Jenna breaks down her approach to resetting the nervous system and explains how small, consistent changes can lead to massive improvements in mental clarity, energy, and overall well-being. This conversation offers new insights on how to break free from the cycle of rushing, crashing, and feeling burned out—and provides tangible steps to reclaim control over your brain and nervous system. JENNA FREE Jenna Free is a counselor specializing in ADHD, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness practices. She is passionate about helping women overcome the chaos of constant overwhelm and hypervigilance by teaching them how to regulate their nervous systems and achieve sustainable productivity. Jenna is the author of The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation and offers support to those struggling with ADHD and chronic stress IN THIS EPISODE How a dysregulated nervous system contributes to ADHD-like symptoms in midlife The link between survival mode (fight or flight) and chronic overwhelm Why traditional productivity hacks fail when your nervous system is stuck Practical tips to help interrupt dysregulation and shift into a more balanced state The importance of slowing down and creating space for mindful action How to reframe beliefs and thoughts to support nervous system regulation Why a regulated nervous system leads to more sustainable energy and better overall functioning QUOTES“Being in survival mode is a primal mechanism, but it’s not meant to be how we live in 2026.” “If you believe that being frantic and rushed is the way to be successful, you will never change.” “Regulation work isn’t about feeling nice—it’s about functioning better.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized  Order The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation https://www.jennafree.com/book ⁠Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution⁠⁠Jenna Free https://peri-revolution.com/ Jenna Free Website https://www.jennafree.com/ Jenna Free Instagram Jenna Free Youtube RELATED EPISODES  744: The Midlife Brain Reset: How to Protect Your Memory, Focus & Mental Sharpness Starting Now 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 693: Tired All the Time? It Might Be Hidden Problems With Your Mitochondria with Siobhan Mitchell

Why are so many women waking up exhausted… but unable to shut their brain off?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Scott Sherr to unpack the hidden nervous system and biochemical shifts driving sleep struggles, anxiety, exhaustion, and feeling “wired and tired” in midlife. Together, they explore why women in perimenopause often lose stress resilience, why the brain gets stuck in overdrive at night, and how neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, adenosine, and cortisol shape sleep quality, recovery, and mood. They also dive into the powerful connection between mitochondrial health, nervous system regulation, energy production, and why building more “reserve” may be the missing key to feeling calm, focused, and resilient again. If you’ve been struggling with middle-of-the-night wakeups, burnout, anxiety, or feeling like your brain never truly powers down, this episode will help connect the dots—and offer practical solutions that actually move the needle. Dr. Scott Sherr Dr. Scott Sherr is a physician, health optimization expert, and Chief Operating Officer of Troscriptions. His work focuses on nervous system regulation, mitochondrial health, hyperbaric medicine, sleep optimization, and performance medicine. He is passionate about helping people improve resilience, energy, recovery, and cognitive performance through science-backed strategies and targeted support. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel “wired and tired” in perimenopause The real reason behind 2–3 AM wakeups and racing thoughts How GABA, cortisol, serotonin, and adenosine impact sleep and stress Why nervous system regulation is essential for resilience and recovery The connection between mitochondrial health, energy, and brain function How chronic stress and sympathetic overload affect hormones and mood Practical tools to support sleep, focus, calm, and nervous system balance QUOTES “Sleep will make or break you the next day—especially in this season of life.” “To increase your performance is having more reserve.” “You’re not meant to live in a state of disruption, exhaustion, and feeling wired and tired all the time.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 Troscriptions Website Dr. Scott Sherr Instagram Dr. Scott Sherr Youtube RELATED EPISODES  744: The Midlife Brain Reset: How to Protect Your Memory, Focus & Mental Sharpness Starting Now 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 593: Why EVERYONE Needs Progesterone in Perimenopause & Beyond with Carol Petersen

“Is this brain fog… or something more?” In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza unpacks the hidden neurological and metabolic shifts happening during perimenopause and menopause—and why so many women suddenly feel mentally “off.” From brain fog and memory lapses to anxiety, overwhelm, and lower stress resilience, these symptoms are often dismissed as aging or stress. But Dr. Mariza explains that this is actually a neuroendocrine and metabolic transition driven by changing hormones, brain energy shifts, inflammation, and blood sugar instability. She breaks down what’s really happening inside the female brain during midlife, why women feel more sensitive to stress, and the most powerful lifestyle strategies to support long-term brain health, energy, mood, and resilience. If you’ve been wondering why you don’t quite feel like yourself anymore, this episode will help connect the dots—and give you a roadmap forward. IN THIS EPISODE Why perimenopause is a neuroendocrine and metabolic brain transition The connection between estrogen, brain energy, and brain fog How blood sugar instability worsens anxiety, fatigue, and mood swings Why inflammation and chronic stress hit harder in midlife The critical role of sleep, nervous system regulation, and muscle building The best supplements for brain health, stress resilience, and energy support Why tracking biomarkers and HRV can help protect long-term brain health QUOTES “Stabilizing your blood sugar is the fastest way to reclaim your energy, your focus, and your calm.” “What we’re dealing with is an energy problem—and once you see it that way, everything changes.” “Your brain is not broken. It is adapting and recalibrating.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Learn more about Joi & Blokes  https://joiandblokes.com/labs-with-dr-mariza-snyder/ Explore Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide Support https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/Vxvdja Download the Midlife Lab Guide https://dmdl.s3.amazonaws.com/Dr-Mariza_Hormone-Lab-Testing-Checklist-%26-Reference-Guide.pdf RELATED EPISODES  728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause with Dr. Jayne Morgan 693: Tired All the Time? It Might Be Hidden Problems With Your Mitochondria with Siobhan Mitchell 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

“Why is heart disease still the #1 killer of women—and why aren’t we talking about it?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Jayne Morgan to unpack the overlooked connection between perimenopause, menopause, and cardiovascular risk. Most women are told menopause is just about hormones and symptoms—but it’s actually a vascular transition that directly impacts your heart, blood vessels, and long-term health. Together, they break down why women are often misdiagnosed, why key risk markers are missed, and what you can do to advocate for yourself early—before a major event happens. If you’re in your 40s or beyond, this conversation could change how you think about your health—and your future. Be sure to tune in! DR. JAYNE MORGAN Dr. Jayne Morgan is a leading cardiologist and national voice in women’s cardiovascular health. She is passionate about redefining “preventive care” for women—shifting the focus from reproductive health alone to include heart health, vascular function, and long-term longevity. IN THIS EPISODE Why heart disease is still the #1 killer of women—and widely overlooked How perimenopause and menopause impact vascular health Why women are often misdiagnosed in cardiac and stroke events The critical labs every woman should be asking for (including Lp(a)) How inflammation, stress, and caregiving burden increase risk Why movement (not just exercise) is essential for longevity The real role of hormone therapy in protecting heart health QUOTES“Real preventive medicine for women is preventive cardiovascular medicine.” “Menopause is not just a hormonal transition—it’s a vascular one.” “If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jayne Morgan Instagram Dr. Jayne Morgan Youtube RELATED EPISODES  723: Estrogen, Insulin & Heart Disease: Why Your Risk Rises in Midlife 711: Estrogen, Inflammation, and Your Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Sanjay Bhojra 675: Feeling Off After 40? The Surprising Vitality Molecule to Reignite Your Energy, Libido & Confidence with Cathy Eason  741: Estrogen, Gut Health, and Metabolism with Siobhan Mitchell

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the very real mental energy drain that so many midlife women are experiencing—and how it can quietly lead to career burnout.  From mood swings, irritation, and resentment to brain fog and forgetfulness in high-stakes moments, these changes can leave you feeling like you’re not yourself anymore.  But here’s the truth: this is not a willpower problem or a personal failure— it’s a biological shift happening during perimenopause with very real professional consequences.  This episode is a call to stop suffering in silence and start advocating for better support, awareness, and care for women in this phase of life.  If you’re ready to reclaim your clarity and confidence— and step fully into your most powerful chapter—this conversation is for you. Tune in here! IN THIS EPISODE The neuroendocrine transition happening in perimenopause  How to adapt when your brain is functioning less in midlife  Different hormone changes and what they mean for your body  Understanding your biology and supporting your brain in midlife  Why strategic lifestyle changes matter the most right now  How to get my top recommendations for battling brain fog from my new book, The Perimenopause Revolution QUOTES “That brilliant brain of yours is suddenly running on 25% to 30% less energy because that’s what's going on in perimenopause.” “65% to 99% of women say their symptoms negatively affected their work performance, with brain fog being the biggest culprit in terms of focus, clarity, alertness, and mental bandwidth. More than half of women make career-limiting decisions during perimenopause.” “It's about you going through a profound biological transition in your life that deserves support, understanding, and solutions that actually work.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my Midlife on Fire Collective HERE! Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! RELATED EPISODES  728: WHY BRAIN FOG ISN’T RANDOM: THE HORMONE SHIFT BEHIND IT 721: No, It’s Not All in Your Head: The Medical Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Jila Senemar 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self

“Why does your body stop responding… even when you’re doing everything right?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Siobhan Mitchell to unpack the true metabolic and cellular shifts happening in perimenopause and menopause. So many women feel like their body has suddenly turned against them—weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and rising inflammation—despite doing all the right things. But this isn’t a failure of effort. It’s a biological inflection point driven by declining estrogen and its impact on metabolism, mitochondria, and vascular health. Together, they break down how estrogen loss reshapes everything from blood sugar control to fat storage, mitochondrial function, and long-term cardiovascular risk—while also exploring the emerging role of gut health and phytoestrogens like S-equol as targeted support. If you’ve been working harder than ever with fewer results, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do instead. Be sure to tune in! SIOBHAN MITCHEL Dr. Siobhan Mitchel, PhD, is a neuroscientist and Chief Scientific Officer at MitoQ. Her work focuses on mitochondrial health, cellular energy, and the role of oxidative stress in aging—particularly in women navigating perimenopause and menopause. She is passionate about advancing research that supports women’s long-term health, metabolism, and resilience at the cellular level. IN THIS EPISODE Why your body stops responding the same way in perimenopause How estrogen loss impacts metabolism, fat storage, and blood sugar The role of mitochondria in energy, brain function, and weight changes Why visceral belly fat increases—and why it’s more dangerous The connection between gut health, estrogen metabolism, and inflammation How phytoestrogens (like S-equol) support metabolism and hormone signaling Why midlife is a metabolic and vascular inflection point—not just hormonal QUOTES “This isn’t a failure of effort—it’s a biological shift happening beneath the surface.” “When estrogen declines, you don’t just lose hormones—you lose metabolic protection.” “If you support your mitochondria, you support your energy, your metabolism, and your long-term health.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off MitoQ http://www.mitoq.com/energized MitoQ Instagram MitoQ Facebook MitoQ Youtube RELATED EPISODES  693: The Cellular Shift in Perimenopause: Mitochondria, Metabolism, and Energy 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 705: The Metabolic Shift No One Warned You About in Midlife

“Is it really just hormones… or is your gut driving the symptoms?” In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Cynthia Thurlow to unpack the powerful connection between gut health and hormones in midlife. Many women are told their bloating, weight gain, fatigue, and mood shifts are “just hormones.” But Cynthia explains that the gut microbiome plays a central role in how these symptoms show up—and how they can be improved. Together, they break down how gut health influences hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and brain function, while also highlighting the foundational habits that matter most in this season. If you’ve been feeling off and unsure where to focus, this episode will give you clarity and a smarter path forward. Be sure to tune in! CYNTHIA THURLOW Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, intermittent fasting expert, and leading voice in metabolic health for women in midlife. With a background in cardiology, she now focuses on helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause through personalized nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle strategies. She is the author of The Menopause Gut and a passionate advocate for empowering women to take control of their health during this pivotal transition. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies in midlife How the gut microbiome influences hormones, inflammation, and metabolism The “Three Ps” shaping gut health: puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause The link between leaky gut, food sensitivities, mood, and inflammation Why protein, fiber, sleep, and stress support become nonnegotiable How alcohol and sugar disrupt gut health, sleep, and resilience Why midlife is a critical window to build long-term health—not just manage symptoms QUOTES“Midlife isn’t just a hormonal shift—it’s a metabolic and microbial shift happening beneath the surface.” “When you support your gut, you’re not just improving digestion—you’re impacting your hormones, your brain, and your long-term resilience.” “This phase of life is an invitation to set boundaries, prioritize your needs, and finally major in what matters most.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Cynthia’s book: The Menopause Gut ⛓️‍💥 https://amzn.to/4eoEIsX 👉🏻 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order ⛓️‍💥 http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Cynthia Thurlow’s Website Cynthia Thurlow on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 701: The Gut–Hormone Connection: Why Your Symptoms Aren’t Just Hormones 689: Blood Sugar, Inflammation, and the Midlife Metabolism Shift

“Is this brain fog… or something more?” In this episode, brain expert Dr. Majid Fotuhi explains how perimenopause is a true neuroendocrine transition, where shifting hormones can temporarily impact memory, focus, sleep, and mood—often leaving women worried they’re experiencing early cognitive decline.  The good news? These changes are typically transient, and as hormones stabilize, the brain can return to its baseline function.  Dr. Fotuhi shares that what many women are experiencing is not the beginning of the end, but a normal phase—and one that can be supported with the right lifestyle and brain-health strategies.  If you’ve been feeling “off” mentally and wondering what it means for your future, this episode will bring you the peace of mind you need.  Be sure to tune in! Majid Fotuhi Dr. Majid Fotuhi serves as an adjunct professor at the Mind/Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University and teaches at George Washington University and Harvard Medical School. With 37 years of experience in teaching, clinical practice, and neuroscience research, Dr. Fotuhi has pioneered a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing brain vitality and cognitive performance at any age. His groundbreaking “Brain Fitness Program” combines a comprehensive baseline “Brain Portfolio” assessment with 12 bi-weekly brain training sessions. He’s the author of three books and is recognized as one of the leading experts in memory and successful aging.  IN THIS EPISODE The 5 pillars of brain health to boost everyday brain function  The benefits of physical activity on your brain health  How the food you eat directly impacts your brain  Preventative health practices for protecting your brain Prioritizing quality sleep and circadian rhythm optimization  Mindset and brain training to help keep your brain young About Dr. Fotuhi’s latest book- The Invincible Brain  QUOTES“Exercise is the only intervention that has been shown to increase the number of cells in the hippocampus, which is a memory part of the brain. No other intervention increases the number of brain cells… exercise is the fountain of youth, the miracle cure for so many problems, psychological, physical, and it's a no-brainer.”  “Lifestyle choices and how you live your day, hour to hour, make a difference in what your brain would look like in the future. And if you do a lot of good things in a short period of time, you can see significant improvements.” “84% of our patients had objective improvements in the cognitive test, but pretty much a hundred percent improved in some ways. They felt better, they slept better, they had more energy, they had a better positive outlook toward the future. Everybody improved.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⁠⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Dr. Fotuhi’s latest book: The Invincible Brain ⁠⛓️‍💥https://amzn.to/4cuqvIj Dr. Fotuhi’s Website Dr. Fotuhi on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 667: The Hidden Foods and Habits Fueling Brain Inflammation And How to Reverse It Naturally with Dr. Austin Perlmutter 668: Your Brain on Perimenopause: The Hidden Neurological Transition No One Warns You About 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Fertility is a powerful reflection of your overall health—not a separate or isolated system. In this episode, fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down what’s really happening physiologically as fertility shifts in midlife, connecting the dots between hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and egg quality.  We dive into the everyday habits quietly disrupting fertility—from chronic stress and blood sugar imbalances to inflammation—and how these factors directly impact ovulation and hormone signaling.  Dr. Crawford also cuts through the noise around age, offering a more nuanced, science-backed perspective on what you can actually do to support your fertility at any stage.  You’ll learn that it's the simple shifts each month that can make a meaningful difference starting now.  Ready to support your body from the inside out? Tune in here! Natalie Crawford, MD  Dr. Natalie Crawford is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Texas. She’s the CEO and co-founder of Pinnacle, a professional network for women in medicine. Dr. Crawford is a digital health educator on social media and hosts the podcast  “As a Woman” with over 6 million downloads. Her new book, “The Fertility Formula”, will be released this spring.  IN THIS EPISODE How is fertility a reflection of your body’s overall environment?  Accurate cycle tracking and what signals to pay attention to  Factors that disrupt fertility and how to catch issues early on  How inflammation and metabolic health are deeply tied to fertility  5 non-negotiables when it comes to women’s health and wellness High-impact changes to help support your fertility  Fertility recommendations for women 35 and older  Dr. Crawford’s fertility story and how to get her new book, The Fertility Formula QUOTES“The follicular phase and luteal phase are the two phases of the cycle, and learning to track your ovulation specifically is a really important tool because the early stages of ovulatory dysfunction all occur within a normal cycle, meaning the first stage is a short luteal defect.” “I can't control everything, but I want to control what I can, so I have the easiest time getting pregnant, I feel my best, I have the best odds of success if I have to do fertility treatments. That's the zone we want to live in, and we want to lower that inflammatory burden on the day-to-day, not to be all or nothing, but to really cultivate that body resilience so we can handle the challenges of life that we know are coming.” “It's your body's data. You're gonna find out one way or another, and I think you deserve to know it sooner.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Pre-order The Fertility Formula https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Dr. Natalie Crawford on socials:  Instagram TikTok YouTube Dr. Crawford’s Podcast: As A Woman RELATED EPISODES  691: The Fertility Crisis No One Talks About: Why Your Health Today Impacts Future Generations with Dr. Ann Shippy 530: The Critical Role That Nutrient Deficiencies Play In Fertility and Conception And How To Close The Gap with Lisa Dreher 687: The Period Brain: Why You Feel Like a Different Person Every Month And How To Stop Fighting Your Cycle and Start Thriving in It with Sarah Hill 735: The Stress–Metabolism Connection: Why You’re Gaining Weight, Craving Sugar & Struggling with Energy

How do you retrain your brain and nervous system to seek out safety, joy, and alignment? In this episode, mind-body alignment expert Dr. Melissa Sonners shares practical ways for midlife women to regulate their nervous system and find calm—even in the chaos of everyday life.  She explains how many of us are unknowingly stuck in a stress-driven state, constantly scanning for what’s wrong, and how this pattern is reinforced by the questions we ask ourselves each day.  Through her simple but powerful tools, she’ll help you learn to easily reset your nervous system and prevent burnout before it builds.  Rather than waiting until the end of the day to relax (and realizing we can’t), she emphasizes creating moments of regulation in real time so we can be more present with our families and actually feel the joy in those everyday interactions.  If you’re navigating the messy middle of midlife and craving more calm, presence, and connection, this episode is for you! Dr. Melissa Sonners Dr. Melissa Sonners is a chiropractor and mind-body alignment expert who helps women reconnect with themselves. As the host of the Be Inspired Mama Podcast and founder of Best Friends Book Nook, she creates spaces for self-growth without adding to busy schedules. After overcoming neurological Lyme disease, she discovered the power of small, intentional shifts for transformation. Now, she empowers women to turn inward for confidence and joy. Her upcoming book, The Connection Code, coming in April 2026 with Hay House Publishing, will guide women toward deeper alignment in their lives. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating the subtle and not-so-subtle symptoms of perimenopause  Healthy communication in midlife as things are shifting  Understanding and verbalizing your needs throughout your cycle  Helpful ways to manage stress in midlife  Getting clear on your values, especially in perimenopause and beyond  Clarifying your non-negotiables and tapping into what feels best About Book Nook, Dr. Sonners’ Virtual Book Club Community  Using reading as a method of nervous system regulation  QUOTES “We always hear and we always know how much stress can impact your health. But I lived it, and I realized that stress was the catalyst for me getting as sick as I got.” “Core values become your guiding principles. So when you have decision fatigue at any time, you don't have to think about it or make an emotional decision. You [say]: whatever one fits this value.” “When you grab a book in the morning and you sit with it and you use it as an anchor tool, it trains your nervous system. Calm is safe. And that regulation is familiar. And when you do that in the morning, you're seeding your nervous system to find it throughout the day.”RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ ⁠👉🏻 Pre-order The Connection Code ⛓️‍💥 https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/the-connection-code/ Dr. Sonner’s Website Dr. Soner’s Podcast: Be Inspired Mama Dr. Sonner on Instagram Dr. Sonner on YouTube RELATED EPISODES 735: The Stress–Metabolism Connection: Why You’re Gaining Weight, Craving Sugar & Struggling with Energy 724: Age Like A Girl: Why Midlife Women Stop Shrinking and Start Leading with Dr. Mindy Pelz  721: No, It’s Not All in Your Head: The Medical Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Jila Senemar 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Over 90% of adults over 40 are mineral-deficient. Are you one of them?  In this podcast, mineral expert and Beam Minerals co-founder Caroline Alan breaks down why and how mineral depletion quietly impacts energy, hormones, and overall vitality.  As women enter perimenopause already running on empty, we explore how declining hormones combined with modern lifestyle stressors leave the body struggling to maintain key functions like mitochondrial energy, detoxification, and cognitive health.  Caroline introduces the power of plant-based minerals, explaining how they replenish cellular reserves and play a critical role in hormone balance, fertility, and brain chemistry.  This conversation highlights why minerals are a missing piece in midlife wellness—and how simple daily habits can restore what your body has been burning through for years.  If you’ve been feeling exhausted despite doing “everything right,” this episode is for you! Tune in here. Caroline Alan Caroline Alan is the Co-Founder and CEO of BEAM Minerals Inc. After her busy corporate career, Caroline found herself struggling physically, mentally, and energetically. As a result of her journey back to health and years of deep study, Caroline has become devoted to educating people about how minerals operate in the body, why we need to supplement our mineral intake, and the benefits of natural humic and fulvic– plant-based mineral substances for replenishment in the body. Caroline is a regular contributor to Podcasts and health-focused events/programs around the world. IN THIS EPISODE How a mineral deficiency impacts perimenopause symptoms  What do minerals really do in your body? Why minerals are so important for perimenopausal women  How plant-based minerals can meet the needs of your body  What exactly are plant-based minerals, and how can you get them?  Humic and Fulvic molecules and how they work in your body  The biggest benefits of replenishing your minerals in midlife  Getting started with Beam Minerals to feel your best in your body  QUOTES“At a cellular level, minerals represent the fuel for energy production in your body.” “All these minerals work together, the way all your cells work together, they all rely on one another in a very complex way… so that's why we end up talking about plant-based minerals because they're actually Mother Nature's solution to this issue of needing different minerals at different stages of your life.” “If you start actually filling, replenishing minerals using humic and fulvic, that actually will get the minerals to the right place inside your cells, and now you start to have some huge shifts.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ 👉🏻 Order Caroline Alan’s The Mineral Reset Book ⛓️‍💥 https://amzn.to/4cauIkd 👉🏻 Beam Minerals Website– Use code ENERGIZED for 20% off your first order! ⛓️‍💥 http://www.beamminerals.com ⁠👉🏻 Beam Minerals Women’s Complete Mineral Support Kit ⛓️‍💥 https://www.beamminerals.com/products/womens-mineral-support-kit⁠ Beam Minerals Instagram Beam Minerals on YouTube Caroline Alan on Instagram RELATED EPISODES 640: Unveiling The Essential Role of Minerals For Cellular Energy And Detoxification with Caroline Alan 732: The Silent Disruptor: How Chronic Stress Hijacks Perimenopause 726: The Midlife Mood Shift: The Hormonal Rewire That Changes Everything with Dr. Sonya Jensen 659: Brain Fog, Joint Pain, and Aging Skin? The Truth About Zombie Cells and How to Reverse Them with Dr. Greg Kelly

Feeling like you’re doing everything right… but still struggling with unwanted weight, cravings, and low energy?  This episode is for you. We’re unpacking why your metabolism may not be broken at all—and how a dysregulated nervous system could be the real reason your body feels stuck.  For midlife women especially, chronic stress can quietly drive insulin resistance, hormonal shifts, and that frustrating loss of resilience that seems to hit in your 40s and beyond.  So this conversation sheds light on the powerful connection between stress and your ability to create and sustain energy in your body.  You’ll walk away with an empowering perspective on how supporting your nervous system can unlock real, lasting change in your health.  Tune in here to learn how to work with your body—not against it—and start feeling like yourself again! IN THIS EPISODE The correlation between stress and your metabolic health  What’s really happening in your body in a stressful state The negative impacts of stress-induced blood sugar responses  How you can experience a blood sugar spike without eating  Simple tips for calming your nervous system and stabilizing your metabolism and blood sugar levels  Movement recommendations for getting stress out of your system  How to take control of your body in my Midlife On Fire Collective  QUOTES“This is what's called a stress-induced blood sugar response, and it's completely normal in the short term, right? We are built for this…But the problem is, for most of us, this isn't happening once in a while. It's happening all the time, and over time research shows that it can lead to higher insulin levels, increased fat storage, especially in the abdomen, and more inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.” “Your metabolism is deeply connected to your nervous system. So what can you do about this? I want to keep this real simple because this isn't about doing more, it's about doing fewer things consistently.” “If we can start to create more safety in our bodies, it just changes everything. And we deserve that. We deserve to feel safe, because that translates into the safety of the people around us as well.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my Midlife on Fire Collective https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jason Fung’s book: The Hunger Code https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/ RELATED EPISODES  729: Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Controls Hunger) with Dr. Jason Fung 730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 732: The Silent Disruptor: How Chronic Stress Hijacks Perimenopause 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy

If you’re like me, you’ve noticed that among all the other crazy changes happening in perimenopause, your skin isn’t the same as it used to be.  In this episode, I’m joined by triple board-certified dermatologist and skincare expert Dr. Mamina Turegano to break down what’s really happening to your skin during midlife.  From increased dryness and loss of firmness to subtle shifts in texture, we explore why these changes occur and how fluctuations in your hormones play a major role. Dr. Turegano shares how your skin is truly a window into your internal health, offering clues about everything from inflammation to overall aging and longevity.  This conversation goes beyond surface-level skincare to help you understand what your skin is trying to tell you—and how to support it from the inside out.  You’ll also learn what actually works (and what to skip) so you can simplify your routine and avoid common midlife skincare mistakes.  Tune in here to feel like your most confident and radiant self! Mamina Turegano, MD  Dr. Mamina Turegano is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans. She specializes in medical, cosmetic, and integrative dermatology, blending conventional and holistic approaches to skin health. With over 2 million followers across social media, she shares dermatologist-backed skincare and wellness insights with a broad audience. She also co-hosts a podcast called Skin Deep MDs. IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Mamina’s integrative medicine approach to Dermatology  What’s happening to your skin during perimenopause? Discussing the use of topical hormone products like estrogen cream  Realistic skin care routines for midlife women  Considering prescription products vs. over-the-counter skin care Benefits, side effects, and recommendations for Botox  External factors that are impacting your skin and aging  How crucial your lifestyle choices are in determining your skin quality  Top products for managing midlife wrinkles, dark spots, and hair loss  Getting to the root cause of your symptoms and treating proactively  QUOTES“It's all tied together, how you take care of yourself internally and optimize your skin health. That all will manifest with how you age externally.” “I want people to feel reassured. They don't have to do a lot. The super foundational part of a skincare routine is making sure that you're cleansing daily— even washing your face is anti-aging.” “I’m all about implementing lifestyle strategies. Skincare and lasers, they could do a lot, but they can only do so much. You can really optimize the results of your skincare and your procedures too if you have the right mechanisms in place internally. If your mitochondria is optimized, optimizing your sleep, minimizing more of those inflammation-inducing foods, minimizing sugar, minimizing alcohol, minimizing stress.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE!  https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Mamina’s Website Dr. Mamina on Instagram Dr. Mamina on TikTok   Dr. Mamina on YouTube Dr. Mamina’s Podcast: Skin Deep MDs RELATED EPISODES  631: Halt and Reverse Skin Aging, Plus the Top Preventable Factors Driving Skin Aging with Dr. Alessandra Zonari 659: Brain Fog, Joint Pain, and Aging Skin? The Truth About Zombie Cells and How to Reverse Them with Dr. Greg Kelly #623: Red Light Therapy for Upgrading Your Mitochondria, Cellular Energy, Skin and Brain Health with Jonathan Otto595: How to Master Your Metabolism and Reverse Cellular Aging in Midlife + My Best Tips to Thrive with Dr. Mariza

We have SO much information at our fingertips, and tons of science to back it up… but what REALLY moves the needle when it comes to wellness?  Here’s the truth– information isn't the problem. Isolation is. We’re not short on data. We’re short on the kind of environment that actually supports what we know we need to do. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and integrative health expert Dr. Shawn Stevenson to uncover what’s really missing in today’s health conversation.  Despite having more access to evidence-based information than ever, so many people still feel exhausted, inflamed, and metabolically unwell—and we explore why that gap exists.  Dr. Stevenson breaks down where even practitioners and wellness leaders are getting it wrong when it comes to creating lasting change.  We cut through the noise to focus on simple, science-backed strategies that actually make an impact on your health and longevity.  Ready to simplify your approach and finally feel better in your body?  Tune in here! Shawn Stevenson Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestsellers Eat Smarter and the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, as well as the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S.. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Good Morning America, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. IN THIS EPISODE What society is getting wrong about “evidence-based” information Tuning into your body and emotions and tapping into its needs  Why sleep is a force multiplier for overall wellness  How to stack good habits in your favor and make them stick  Being intentional about your community and relationships  How your relationships with others can impact every aspect of your lifestyle choices  Simple healthy habits to adopt to enhance your wellness and improve your longevity More about Dr. Stevenson's podcast and best-selling books  QUOTES “We're swimming in information, we're swimming in content. There's just so much. We are being pulled away from the most important source of data that we will ever have, which is ourselves. Your body already knows. Your mind already knows what's best for you, but we are not listening.” “The longest running study in history where they follow people and after compiling all the data… the number one determinant of how long people live is the quality of their relationships.” “It's finding what works best for you, but giving yourself some form of an evening routine, something consistent so your brain knows that we're transitioning into rest. And communicating that with your loved ones, with your family, because they will be the potential obstacles or the potential supporters.”  RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Stevenson’s Book: The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Smarter-Family-Cookbook-Connection/ The Model Health Show Dr. Stevenson on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah

Balancing the overwhelm of family, work, and midlife symptoms, all while just trying to feel like yourself again? You’re NOT alone.  In today’s episode, we explore stress as the silent disruptor of midlife—and why it can amplify so many of the symptoms you experience during perimenopause.  We go beyond surface-level stress management and dive into how chronic stress impacts your nervous system, hormones, and overall wellness.  We also highlight the often-overlooked power of connection and community, reframing them as a force multiplier for healing during this phase of life.  You’ll learn simple, practical tools you can start using today to calm your nervous system and navigate overwhelming days with more ease and resilience.  Ready to feel in control again? Tune in here to soften the stress and show up as your best self!  IN THIS EPISODE What makes stress so silent in perimenopause?  The biology of trauma and how unresolved trauma can show up as midlife symptoms  How connection and community enhance your longevity Forming meaningful relationships and cultivating a sisterhood Simple and practical tools to build community connection Recognizing triggers and learning ways to ease your nervous system Exploring the benefits of breathing techniques, movement, natural light, sleep, and quality connections  QUOTES “When you're under constant stress, which most of us are, this system gets stuck in the on position. And during perimenopause, we know that cortisol levels are often elevated, making every symptom feel worse.” “The effects of loneliness and social isolation have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness increases your risk of premature death by 26%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%.” “When you heal your relationship with stress and build meaningful connections, you're not just helping yourself. You are modeling for your children what it looks like to prioritize mental health and community. You're also contributing to a larger global shift in how we talk about menopause, and how we talk about resilience.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order ⛓️‍💥 http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED 👉🏻 Join my Midlife on Fire Collective HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ 👉🏻 Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ 👉🏻 Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES  722: Why Women Feel Unsafe Right Now: Trauma, Hormones & Protecting the Next Generation with Dr. Aimie Apigian 726: The Midlife Mood Shift: The Hormonal Rewire That Changes Everything with Dr. Sonya Jensen 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause #612: That Sucked. Now What? How to Navigate Health, Identity, and Life Transitions with Dr. Neeta Nawalkha

Sick of being told your labs are “normal” when you KNOW something’s off?  In today’s episode, I’m joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Robin Berzin to talk about what it really means to take control of your health in midlife.  Dr. Berzin shares the early warning signs to watch for and how to better interpret your health data so you can catch imbalances before they become bigger issues.  You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself, understand key lab markers, and explore why supportive options like supplementation and HRT could be game-changers for you.  We’re reframing health as an ongoing, flexible practice—not a rigid destination—helping you release perfection and stay curious about what your body needs.  Tune in here to feel empowered and take your health into your own hands with confidence!  Dr. Robin Berzin  Dr. Robin Berzin the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. As a pioneer in functional medicine, she founded Parsley to address the rise of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine. She stresses the importance of not only medications and treatments, but more so why food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostics are just as essential– if not more. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, showing the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone. IN THIS EPISODE How to navigate feeling dismissed by your doctor  Why “normal” doesn’t always mean normal  The massive benefits of a functional medicine approach Proactively testing hormone levels earlier than you may think Tracking your metrics to better understand your body  Managing stress in your body and mind during midlife  How to realistically fit healthy habits into your busy routine Supplementation to support your body through midlife transitions  Hormone Replacement therapy and GLP-1 use in perimenopause & beyond  QUOTES “A lot of times, the labs may technically fall within the normal range, not the optimal range– normal range being based on an average of Americans today, and 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 40% have two. So our averages have drifted over time to kind of reflect a sick population.” “Whether it's aging parents or kids growing up, or something happening career-wise… all of that puts pressure on a physical system that’s in dynamic change hormonally, and I think we have to recognize that.” “Proactive, preventive medicine is where we're going. Proactive testing is required to practice that type of personalized preventive care, and I believe that HRT is going to become the default rather than the exception.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Robin’s Website Robin on Instagram Parsley Health Website RELATED EPISODES #661: When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor’s Office #650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond #541: Why Functional Labs Are a Game Changer for Your Health with Dr. Kela Smith #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes

Midlife is the time to measure, understand your body, and take proactive steps to support your future self.  In this episode, I’m diving into the massive metabolic shift that happens during perimenopause—and why this stage of life is the perfect time to build true metabolic resilience.  We explore how metabolism doesn’t respond to punishment or extremes, but instead thrives on consistent biological rhythms and supportive daily signals.  Even small, simple habits can create powerful changes when practiced consistently. Because over time, these small shifts can stabilize energy, reduce inflammation, and help eliminate those frustrating crashes.  If you’re ready to feel deeply supported in midlife, this episode will give you the roadmap to start today! IN THIS EPISODE One of the MOST important upgrades of your life  Preventing chronic disease and protecting your heart and brain health  Defining your own habits that bring you energy and clarity  Navigating hormone shifts and other physiological changes happening in midlife  Building life-changing habits that you can be consistent with  What to expect from my new FREE jumpstart program!  QUOTES “I am more committed than ever to protecting my metabolic and brain health. Even on the hard days, because at the center of everything, your energy, your mood, your weight, your resilience, is your cellular energy, your cellular capacity is what’s determining the symptoms.” “I believe a big part of our midlife journey is building daily habits that protect our cellular energy.” “Perimenopause is the most rapid intervention window for body composition change. A 2020 study showed the greatest decline in lean muscle mass occurs during perimenopause.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kickstart your Energy in my FREE 7-day Jumpstart Program HERE! https://go.drmariza.com/lp/reignite-your-energy/ Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE!  https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES  728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 727: The Missing Link in Perimenopause: How to Rebuild Energy, Resilience & Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Deanna Minich 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah #632: The Secret to Optimal Sleep, Resilience, Performance and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr. Kristen Holmes

There’s SO much more to a healthy diet than calories in vs. calories out.  That’s why in today’s episode, I’m joined by renowned physician and metabolic health expert Dr. Jason Fung to unpack the science of hunger and why we’ve totally dropped the ball on healthy eating habits in today’s society.  We dive into the concept of food noise and explore the different types of hunger—especially the environmental and conditioned cues that are quietly driving your eating habits.  Dr. Fung explains how awareness of these triggers can be a powerful first step in shifting your relationship with food so you can feel healthier than ever before.  Drawing from insights in his book The Hunger Code, he shares practical strategies to help you identify your triggers and regain control over your appetite. Tune in here for some empowering tools to feel confident and amazing in your body again!  Dr. Jason Fung  Dr. Jason Fung is a physician, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author currently practicing in Toronto. His books, including The Obesity Code, The Complete Guide to Fasting, The Diabetes Code, and The Cancer Code, challenge conventional thinking and offer loads of dietary strategies to improve overall health. He’s the co-founder of The Fasting Method, which provides the education, tools, and community needed to successfully implement intermittent fasting. He’s also the medical director of The Diabetes Code Clinic in Toronto, focused on type 2 diabetes remission. IN THIS EPISODE The importance of focusing on your hunger over calorie counting  Breaking our conditioned responses to eating  Looking at the social context and environmental factors for hunger What’s really triggering your hunger cues  Best tips for avoiding ultra-processed foods  Dr. Fung’s 3 golden rules of weight loss  Lifestyle choices that can make a drastic impact on your weight Understanding hedonic hunger and other important topics found in Dr. Fung’s book: The Hunger Code QUOTES “You can only take care of the problem if you understand the problem. So once you understand ‘this food noise, it's this conditioned hunger’, now you can actually come up with a plan so that [you’re] prepared for this.” “It's really a game changer in that it will hopefully really broaden people's perspective on the key issues. I have the three golden rules, but there's like 50 weight loss tips because everybody's different.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Fung’s book: The Hunger Code HERE– and get a FREE gift with your pre-order! https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/gift-with-purchase-offer https://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Code-Resetting-Thermostat-Ultra-Processed-ebook The Fasting Method Dr. Fung on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  708: Calories Aren’t the Problem: What Midlife Women Really Need to Know About Fat Loss with Brian Keane 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy 696: Why Diets Stop Working in Midlife—and What Actually Helps Instead with Lara Frendjian 682: The Simple Daily Habit That Balances Blood Sugar, Boosts Energy & Extends Longevity #613: Effective Tools for Curbing Your Appetite in Midlife and Optimizing Your Blood Sugar with Nagina Sethi Abdullah