I AM YOU

I AM YOU is hosted by Dr. Nitza I. Alvarez, MD, FACC — board-certified cardiologist, Women’s Heart Specialist, and bestselling author. Each episode shares real stories and expert insights to help women protect the heart that carries them through every stage of life — and step into their power as the CEO of their own health.In this Ask the Heart Doctor-style episode, Dr. Alvarez tackles a symptom many women quietly struggle with: hair thinning after 35. If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush, a wider part, or a thinner ponytail and wondered, “Is this stress? My shampoo? Or is something wrong with me?” — this episode reframes hair loss as more than a cosmetic issue. It can be a signal from the body.  Dr. Alvarez explains why hair changes are common during perimenopause and menopause, when shifting estrogen levels, relative androgen changes, sleep disruption, stress, insulin resistance, and metabolic changes can all affect the hair growth cycle. She also explains why, from a cardiologist’s perspective, symptoms like hair thinning, fatigue, weight changes, and sleep problems should not be looked at in isolation — because this stage of life is also a metabolic and cardiovascular transition.  With clarity and compassion, she breaks down:Why hair loss can feel so emotional for womenHow estrogen helps support the hair growth cycleWhy perimenopause can shift the balance between growth and sheddingWhy hair follicles are sensitive to hormones, blood flow, nutrition, sleep, and stressCommon myths about hair loss, including the belief that “nothing can be done”Minimum tests to discuss with your doctor, including iron levels, thyroid function, lipid panel, and metabolic markersFive practical steps to support hair and overall health: sleep, protein and nutrient-dense foods, strength training, stress management, and working with clinicians who understand women’s midlife physiologyThis episode is a reminder that hair loss is not vanity, and it is not something women should be told to simply accept. Hair can be information — biology growing in plain sight. If your body is changing, listen early, ask better questions, and work with a clinician who understands the connection between hormones, metabolism, and women’s heart health.Because becoming the CEO of your own health starts with taking your symptoms seriously.Visit NitzaMD.com Follow @NitzaMD on Instagram and Facebook

I AM YOU is hosted by Dr. Nitza I. Alvarez, MD, FACC — board-certified cardiologist, Women’s Heart Specialist, and bestselling author. Each episode shares real stories and expert insights to help women protect the heart that carries them through every stage of life — and step into their power as the CEO of their own health.In this Ask the Heart Doctor-style episode, Dr. Alvarez tackles one of the most misunderstood symptoms many women experience in their late 30s and 40s: sudden anxiety. If your heart starts racing, your chest feels tight, your mind starts spinning, or you wake up at night with nervous energy, you may have been told it is “just stress” or “just anxiety.” But what if your body is actually sending a hormone signal?Dr. Alvarez explains why anxiety-like symptoms can appear during perimenopause, even when nothing major has changed in your life. As estrogen and other hormones begin to fluctuate, they can affect the brain, nervous system, blood vessels, sleep, and even the heart. What feels emotional may actually be physiological.  With clarity and compassion, she breaks down:Why hormones are not just about reproduction — they are communication signals throughout the bodyHow estrogen interacts with serotonin, dopamine, the nervous system, blood vessels, and the heartWhy women can become more sensitive to stress, caffeine, poor sleep, and heart palpitations during hormonal shiftsWhy perimenopause can begin earlier than many women realize, sometimes in the late 30sWhy palpitations are often benign, but should still be evaluated when they are new or disruptiveThe minimum tests women should know about, including thyroid testing, complete blood count, ferritin/iron levels, blood sugar markers, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid panelFive practical steps women can take: tracking symptoms and cycles, prioritizing sleep, strength training, reducing caffeine, and advocating for themselves during medical visitsThis episode is a powerful reminder that anxiety is not always weakness, and it is not always “all in your head.” Sometimes it is information. Sometimes it is your nervous system responding to real changes happening inside your body. And when women understand those signals early, they can stop blaming themselves and start asking better questions.Because becoming the CEO of your own health starts with listening to your body — and taking your symptoms seriously.Visit NitzaMD.com Follow @NitzaMD on Instagram and Facebook.