Hello, Hot Flash: Christian Menopause, Weight Loss, Hormones & Midlife Health

In today’s episode, intermittent fasting expert Laurie Lewis shares practical tips to help women navigate menopause symptoms through sustainable fasting practices. 
Laurie emphasizes the importance of finding a personalized eating window that makes you feel your best, works with your lifestyle, and supports your health goals - whether that's managing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, or boosting energy. 
She debunks common fasting myths, explains the science behind the benefits, and provides a step-by-step approach for easing into an intermittent fasting routine. 
Timestamps: 
(00:07:30) Evolutionary Basis for the Human Diet
(00:11:55) Intermittent Fasting for Menopause
(00:17:07) Starting Intermittent Fasting
(00:23:20) Fasting's Physiological and Spiritual Benefits
(00:26:30) Tips for Successful Intermittent Fasting
 
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Laurie Lewis, Wellness Coach, shows how it’s possible for people to take exceptional care of themselves while dealing with life's complicated and fast-paced circumstances.
 
With Intermittent Fasting as the foundation, Laurie offers the chance to break free from the diet model we all live in. Laurie guides people to tune into their body’s inner intelligence and experience improvements in every aspect of their lives.
http://www.fastforwardwellness.com
 
Additional Resources:
EP. 056 - Why Your Glucose Numbers May Increase In Midlife
Ep. 154 - Menopause Weight Loss: 8 Things in Your Way
 

In today's episode, we welcome Benita Williams, the "Self-Care Surgeon." Benita is deeply passionate about self-care and wellness, particularly during menopause. 
She emphasizes the importance of intentional rest and listening to one's body to avoid overexertion. Join us as Benita shares insights on active rest—engaging in restful activities while awake—to help replenish energy levels and maintain overall well-being.
Timestamps:(00:01:40) Navigating Menopause Through Self-Awareness and Health
(00:12:47) Physical Signs of Stress and Burnout
(00:18:45) The Importance of Rest for Well-being
(00:19:47) Embracing Self-Care as Selfless Empowerment
(00:22:01) Active Rest for Optimal Self-Care Practices
 
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Benita Williams is an International Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Performance Management Coach. Affectionately known as The Self-care Surgeon, she is the CEO and lead consultant for Benita Williams Enterprises LLC., a boutique coaching and consulting company whose mission is to help women leaders who feel drained revive so that they can thrive in purpose. Benita believes that self-care is essential to peak performance. 
 
Learn more about her work in the following channels:
http://www.benitawilliams.com
https://web.facebook.com/authorbenitakbrown
https://www.instagram.com/benitabwilliams/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benita-williams-688393175
https://sleek.bio/restinationretreat
Additional Resources:
Free Resource 1 Minute Quiz To Identify Your Timewasters
EP. 069 - Easy Ideas for Making Yourself a Priority
Ep. 131 - How To Improve Perimenopause Symptoms With Self-Care

On This Episode
In today’s episode, I chat with Dr. Malaika about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She breaks down the evolution of HRT research and clears up some of the confusion caused by the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study.
Dr. Malaika discusses how hormones can benefit bone and heart health and explains the different types of HRT available. She stresses the importance of getting the right dosage and the need for comprehensive lab panels to tailor the therapy to each individual.
Tune in to learn more about how HRT can be a game-changer for women's health and get the info you need to have informed conversations with your doctor.
Timestamps:
(00:03:40) Evolution of Hormone Replacement Therapy Research
(00:17:35) Connection Between HRT and Alzheimer's Disease
(00:18:51) Disparities in Women's Health for People of Color
(00:20:22) Bias and Socioeconomic Factors in Healthcare Access
(00:25:12) Future of HRT and Access to Treatment
 
About Our Guest
 
Dr. Woods loves to encourage her patients with this idea: ”The human body is divinely designed and has a great capacity to heal itself. We just need to learn how to fuel the body with what it needs.” Malaika Woods, MD, MPH
 
Dr. Malaika Woods is dually board certified with the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
She is also a certified practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine and she has certification in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men and women. 
 
Dr. Woods is founder of Dr. Woods Wellness, established in 2013 which focuses on root causes and natural solutions to optimizing health. She is also the #1 best-selling author of Physician Unleashed: The Physician Freedom Formula. In addition to running her own independent practice, Dr. Woods also coaches other physicians and practitioners on starting and growing their independent practices.
 
Learn more about her work in the following channels:
 
http://drwoodswellness.com
https://www.facebook.com/drwoodswellness
https://www.instagram.com/malaikawoodsmd
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaika-woods-md-mph
Additional Resources
Are you struggling with hot flashes or any of the 100 perimenopause symptoms? Take the 28-Day Hot Flash Free Scorecard Challenge and manage your symptoms.  You will get tips on how to navigate the menopause journey! 
EP. 060 - Should I Use Hormone Replacement Therapy 
Ep. 126 - Is HRT Right For You? Dr. Mindy Goldman Answers Our Questions
Get the free guide, "3 Secrets to Hormone Balance Every Woman Should Know," at drwoodswellness.com/guide.
FOLLOW US:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloHotFlashPodcast

Anal cancer is a serious health concern that often flies under the radar, even among healthcare providers. In today’s episode, Dr. Gary Bucher, the medical director and founder of the Anal Dysplasia Clinic Midwest, sheds light on the importance of early detection and prevention of this virus-driven cancer. 
Recognizing the significant knowledge gap and societal stigma surrounding anal health, Dr. Bucher emphasizes the need for open conversations and proactive screening, especially for high-risk groups.
Timestamps:
(00:01:50) Raising Awareness on Anal Cancer Risks
(00:11:18) Prioritizing Anal Cancer Screening for Improved Health(00:13:22) Destigmatizing Anal Cancer Screening Discussions
(00:16:55) Smoking and HPV Vaccination in Anal Cancer
 
About Our Guest
For over 35 years, Dr. Bucher has been a leader in clinical care and research with HIV/ AIDS patients. He has felt the need to be on the forefront of advances and care for PLWH. Dr. Bucher saw the rates of anal cancer increasing in PLWH, MSM and other high-risk groups.
For over 35 years, Dr. Bucher has been a leader in clinical care and research with HIV/ AIDS patients. He has felt the need to be on the forefront of advances and care for PLWH. Dr. Bucher saw the rates of anal cancer increasing in PLWH, MSM and other high-risk groups.
Dr. Bucher has remained passionate about the the clinical advancements in the treatment of HPV related diseases. In 2020, Dr. Bucher began to develop a mentorship training program to prepare the next generation of providers in anal precancer screening and treatment. The multi-tiered preceptorship program officially launched in 2023 and is primed to fill a much needed gap in the growing need for providers who are proficient in HRA and HSIL treatments.
Learn more about his work in the following channels:
https://adcmidwest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adcmidwest/
https://www.instagram.com/adcmidwest/
https://www.youtube.com/@ADCMidwest
https://www.linkedin.com/company/anal-dysplasia-clinic-midwest-adc-midwest/
SHOW NOTES LINK:
https://hellohotflash.com/episodes
 
Additional Resources
Are you struggling with hot flashes or any of the 100 perimenopause symptoms? Take the 28-Day Hot Flash Free Scorecard Challenge and manage your symptoms.  You will get tips on how to navigate the menopause journey!
Ep. 102 - Why You Should Be Tested For HPV
 
FOLLOW US:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellohotflashpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielynnshaw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloHotFlashPodcast
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hellohotflashpodcast 

In this episode, we'll explore personalized menopause care and functional medicine with Dr. Kourtney Sims.
Dr. K is a practicing double-board-certified gynecologist specializing in menopause care and blends phytotherapy and functional medicine to offer tailored treatment. She'll shed light on ethnic disparities in menopause healthcare and provide insights into navigating menopause with specialized support.
We'll explore how health disparities affect menopausal experiences, especially in marginalized communities, and discuss holistic solutions for equitable healthcare.
If you're curious about the link between health disparities and menopause care, join us for an enlightening discussion!
I also invite you to contribute to our ongoing efforts to understand the socio-economic impact on menopause experiences. Take part in our survey, 'Uncovering Socio-Economic Disparities in Menopause,' and help us gather valuable insights to enhance support for women across diverse communities. 
Your participation is vital in shaping more inclusive and equitable healthcare practices.
Timestamps:
00:00:16 Personalized Menopause Care with Functional Medicine
00:07:43 Hormonal Fluctuations Misdiagnosed as Mental Health
00:10:13 Botanical Solutions for Menopausal Symptom Relief
00:14:18 Health Disparities in Menopausal Experiences
00:18:25 Ethnic Disparities in Menopause Healthcare Delivery
00:25:31 Navigating Menopause Care with Specialized Support
About Our Guest
 
Known as “Dr. K,” Dr. Kourtney Sims is a practicing double board certified gynecologist specializing in menopause care.  Dr. K is also an expert in functional medicine and the use of phytotherapy to treat medical conditions. She is committed to listening to patients first, to ensure she deeply understands their needs, and tailors treatment plans to the individual. Part of the reason she was drawn to specializing in menopause was seeing how women were unnecessarily suffering through years of symptoms after being dismissed by providers who didn’t have the expertise to help them.
Learn more about her work in the following channels:
 
https://www.drkourtney.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drkourtney
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtneysims/
 
SHOW NOTES LINK:
https://hellohotflash.com/episodes
Additional Resources
 
Take part in our survey, 'Uncovering Socio-Economic Disparities in Menopause,' to help us understand how menopause affects various communities and improves support for women.
Medical Symptom Questionaire: This questionnaire has been used for over 20 years by practitioners to identify the body's burden for toxicity to evaluate the need for a comprehensive detoxification protocol.  
Studies: 
Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) 
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Diagnosis and Management of Menopause Symptoms Among Midlife Women Veterans
 
FOLLOW US:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohotflashpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellohotflashpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielynnshaw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloHotFlashPodcast
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hellohotflashpodcast

Is ADHD diagnosis in adult women often misunderstood and overlooked? Join us in our latest episode as we uncover the truth about ADHD diagnosis in women with Diann Wingert, a seasoned psychotherapist turned coach specializing in assisting entrepreneurial women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Diann sheds light on the challenges women face in obtaining accurate ADHD diagnoses, from societal misconceptions to hormonal influences and personal motivations. She highlights the need for a more nuanced and individualized approach to diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and understanding how ADHD presents in adult women.
Join us as we explore Diann's perspective on reframing ADHD as a superpower rather than a disability.
Timestamps:
(00:02:18) Hormonal Impact on ADHD Diagnosis in Women
(00:06:40) Misdiagnoses due to Overeager ADHD Diagnoses
(00:09:44) Varied manifestations of ADHD in individuals
(00:13:58) Hormonal Influence on ADHD Symptoms in Perimenopause
(00:17:42) Rejection Sensitivity Impact on Emotional Regulation in ADHD
 
 
About Our Guest
 
After two decades as a successful psychotherapist, Diann reinvented herself as a coach, so she could shift the conversation from problems to possibilities.  She passionately believes that midlife is the most powerful if we are truly willing to let go of whatever is holding us back. 
 
Since turning 40, Diann spent a decade as a single parent, raising her three children to adulthood, learned to drive a stick shift, embraced Buddhism,  traveled the world,  gone skydiving,  studied German, remarried, been tattooed, changed careers and started her own business. 
 
Now in her 6th decade,  Diann is continuing to learn, evolve and defy her own limits, while helping others do the same. She has a particular fondness for coaching the “driven but distracted” over 50 entrepreneur and has extensive experience and expertise in women who discover that they have ADHD at midlife.  
 
Learn more about her work on the following channels:
https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-woman/id1513039926
https://www.instagram.com/coachdiannwingert/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/
 
SHOW NOTES LINK:
https://hellohotflash.com/episodes
Additional Resources
 
Are you struggling with hot flashes or any of the 100 perimenopause symptoms? Take the 28-Day Hot Flash Free Scorecard Challenge and manage your symptoms.  You will get tips on how to navigate the menopause journey!  https://hellohotflash.com/scorecard
Take the Quiz and Conquer Your Day: What's Holding You Back? Find out what's stopping you so you can outsmart it.
Are you ready to take charge of your health goals? Don't miss the opportunity to be a guest on our podcast and share your wellness journey. Book your spot for a FREE 30-minute Lifestyle Conversation at https://www.hellohotflash.com/meno-audit.
FOLLOW US:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohotflashpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellohotflashpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielynnshaw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloHotFlashPodcast
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hellohotflashpodcast

Today, we're exploring metabolic health with Sandy Kruse, a holistic nutritionist and metabolic balance coach. Sandy's journey, overcoming health challenges like her daughter's soft tissue sarcoma and her own thyroid cancer battle, inspires her work.
 
Sandy teaches us that metabolism isn't just about biology—it's crucial for our vitality. She focuses on key indicators like triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and waist size. For instance, a larger waist can signal excess fat linked to issues like insulin resistance and heart problems.
 
But Sandy goes beyond numbers. She shows how these factors connect, offering a holistic view of metabolic wellness. By understanding this interplay, she guides us towards better health.
 
Join us as we learn from Sandy's expertise. Are you ready to discover the secrets to a healthier metabolism? Let's go!
 
Timestamps:
(00:04:02) Sandy Krause's Journey to Holistic Wellness
(00:07:33) Monitoring Health Through Blood Glucose Trends
(00:17:25) Personalized Diet Plan for Metabolic Health
(00:20:45) Optimal Health Through Balanced Meal Timing
(00:23:46) Optimal Energy and Weight Management Through Nutrition
(00:28:29) Enhancing Nutrient Absorption with Mineralized Water
 
About Our Guest
 
Sandy Kruse is the host and creator of the popular Sandy K Nutrition Health & Lifestyle Queen Podcast, now over 1 million downloads.  She is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, a Certified Metabolic Balance Coach, a Biohacker and an aging-well advocate at 54 years of age. Sandy holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and at 49, graduated with a diploma in holistic nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Sandy educates on alternative means for healing, wellness and preventative care, and shares them with the world through her podcast and social media presence. She believes all humans need a little of everything to be aligned in body, mind, and soul. Post-thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer at 41, after many years of trying almost every style of eating, Sandy asserts that balance is the key to living well, enjoying life, and living life well into those golden years – both happy and healthy.  Sandy is working on her first book which speaks to balance in life by looking at all aspects of wellness to incorporate a little bit of science and a lot of soul.
 
Learn more about her work on the following channels:
 
https://sandyknutrition.ca
https://sandykruse.ca
https://www.instagram.com/sandyknutrition/
 
SHOW NOTES LINK:
https://hellohotflash.com/episodes
Additional Resources
 
Leading Her Way: Conversations about leadership, career growth, business and mindset for mid-life introvert women.
Are you ready to take charge of your health goals? Don't miss the opportunity to be a guest on our podcast and share your wellness journey. Book your spot for a FREE 30-minute Lifestyle Conversation at https://www.hellohotflash.com/meno-audit.
FOLLOW US:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohotflashpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellohotflashpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielynnshaw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloHotFlashPodcast
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hellohotflashpodcast

Aging gracefully is no easy feat, but what if the key to glowing, youthful skin lies not just in topical treatments, but in addressing the deeper mind-body-skin connection?
Our guest, Dr. Kiera Barr, shares her personal journey from traditional dermatology to an integrative, mind-body approach to skin wellness. 
Dr. Barr explains how hormonal shifts, stress, and even childhood experiences can profoundly impact the skin during perimenopause and menopause. She provides practical tips on managing common skin concerns like acne, dryness, and hair loss through lifestyle changes.
Whether you're struggling with menopausal skin changes, stubborn acne, or simply seeking to age gracefully, this episode promises to be a game-changer. 
Timestamps:
(00:04:37) Hormonal Changes Impacting Skin Health in Menopause
(00:12:24) Stress-Induced Skin Issues: The Link Revealed
(00:14:07) Internal Factors and Skin Health in Perimenopause
(00:14:22) Skin Health Reflection through Skincare Audit
(00:28:07) Effective Skincare Regimen Essentials
(00:34:05) Plant-Based Bakuchiol: Nature's Gentle Retinoid Alternative
 
About The Guest
 
 
Dr. Keira Barr is an innovator in transformative wellness, combining her work as a dual board certified integrative dermatologist and mind-body medicine specialist with body-based trauma healing approaches to skin health. As a speaker,author, and host of “The Skinny Dipping Rx” podcast, Dr. Keira teaches women around the world how to relieve stress and rejuvenate from within. She created the Somatic Skincare™ method to support her mission of revolutionizing skincare as an act of radical self-care, blending science with soul to help women around the world amplify their resilience, confidence and comfort in their skin. Her expertise, bridging the gap between skin health and mental health, has earned recognition in top media outlets like MindBodyGreen, Glamour, SELF and Oprah magazines as well as prestigious medical journals. 
Learn more about her work in the following channels:
https://drkeirabarr.com
www.instagram.com/drkeirabarr
www.linkedin/in/keirabarr
 
Additional Resources
If you feel like you’ve tried every pill, potion and procedure and not getting results, this FREE skincare quiz is for you. Discover why you're not getting results and exactly what to do about it.
 
Ep. 105 - How Your Skincare Routine Can Effect Your Menopause Transition
 
Ep. 115 - How To Manage Menopause-Related Skin Issues
 
Ep. 130 - How to Care For Your Skin Inside and Out During Menopause