
Hosted by Dr Shauna Watts · EN

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/If you listened to our recent conversation on iron deficiency, this episode is the perfect follow-up.Many women assume symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low mood, poor sleep and declining energy are simply part of perimenopause. But vitamin D and B12 deficiencies can create remarkably similar symptoms and are often overlooked in the process.In this episode of "All About You", Dr. Shauna Watts sit down with GP and women's health clinician Dr. Ebony Tosch to unpack two of the most common deficiencies we see in midlife women. They discuss why these deficiencies are so common, how they affect everything from mood and cognition to bone health, what optimal levels actually look like, and when supplements or injections may be necessary.They also explore the connection between vitamin D, magnesium and bone density, why B12 absorption becomes more challenging for some women, and the important blood tests worth discussing with your doctor.If you've ever been told your results are "normal" but you still don't feel like yourself, this conversation may help you uncover an important missing piece of the puzzle.In this episode, they discuss:➡️ Why vitamin D deficiency is common even in sunny climates➡️ The role vitamin D plays in mood, immunity and bone health➡️ Normal versus optimal vitamin D levels➡️ The connection between vitamin D, magnesium and K2➡️ When bone density scans should be considered➡️ Common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency➡️ Symptoms of low B12, including fatigue and neurological changes➡️ The difference between oral supplements and B12 injections➡️ How medications can affect B12 absorption➡️ Why nutritional deficiencies are often mistaken for hormonal symptoms➡️ The blood tests every woman should understand in midlife➡️ How to advocate for yourself when seeking answers➡️ Perimenopause is only one part of the picture. Sometimes the symptoms you're experiencing have a different cause and, importantly, a different solution.If this episode helped you better understand your health, follow the podcast and share it with a woman who needs to hear this conversation.—------------Follow Dr. Ebony Toschhttps://www.healthhunter.au/practitioners/dr-ebony-toshhttps://www.drebonytosch.com/about-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 - Why Vitamin D & B12 Deficiencies Are So Common01:21 - Symptoms Often Mistaken for Perimenopause03:23 - Why Vitamin D Deficiency Happens Even in Sunny Countries05:31 - Normal vs Optimal Vitamin D Levels Explained06:56 - Do You Need Calcium With Vitamin D?08:14 - Best Vitamin D Supplements: D3, Dosage & Absorption11:08 - The Vitamin D, Magnesium & K2 Connection15:21 - Bone Density Scans: Why Women Should Test Earlier20:21 - Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms Every Woman Should Know22:02 - Foods Rich in Vitamin B1223:28 - Causes of Low B12: Gut Health, Alcohol & Absorption Issues26:23 - When B12 Injections Work Better Than Supplements32:05 - The Blood Tests Midlife Women Should Ask For --------Keywordsvitamin D deficiency symptomsvitamin B12 deficiency symptomsperimenopause fatiguebrain fog in menopausevitamin D and menopauseB12 deficiency in womenwomen's health podcastmenopause symptomsosteoporosis preventionbone density scanvitamin D supplementsvitamin B12 injectionsmidlife women's healthmenopause and nutrition

Everyone is talking about perimenopause. But what about the millions of women who went through menopause years ago, before hormone therapy was widely understood, before the conversation changed, and before anyone told them they didn't have to simply suffer through it?In this solo episode, Dr. Shauna Watts speaks directly to women in their 50s, 60s and beyond who have quietly accepted fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, poor sleep, low libido, bladder issues and a declining sense of wellbeing as an inevitable part of getting older.Dr. Shauna unpacks the critical role estrogen plays far beyond reproduction, explaining how it influences brain function, metabolism, sleep, bone health, cardiovascular health and quality of life. She also explores the lasting impact of the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study, why so many women remain fearful of HRT, and what the latest evidence actually says about modern body-identical hormone therapy.If you've ever been told your symptoms are "normal for your age," this conversation may completely change the way you think about menopause, aging and your future health.In this episode:• Why so many post-menopausal women have stopped expecting to feel well• The symptoms often blamed on aging that may be linked to estrogen deficiency• How estrogen impacts the brain, metabolism, sleep, bones and heart• The surprising role of FSH and what it may reveal about long-term health• What really happened after the Women's Health Initiative study• The difference between older synthetic hormones and modern body-identical HRT• Understanding breast cancer risk and hormone therapy• Why the risks of untreated estrogen deficiency deserve more attention• Essential health assessments to consider after menopause• Vaginal estrogen, testosterone and other treatment options women should know about• Why it's never too late to have an informed conversation about your healthIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who may have spent years believing she simply had to put up with how she feels.Subscribe to All About You so you never miss future conversations designed to help women make informed decisions about their health, hormones and wellbeing.-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 - Why Post-Menopause Women Are Being Left Behind01:01 - Have You Stopped Expecting to Feel Well?03:02 - The Symptoms Women Keep Blaming on Aging05:17 - What If We Got Menopause Completely Wrong?06:09 - The Critical Role Estrogen Plays Beyond Reproduction08:22 - The Hidden Cost of Long-Term Estrogen Deficiency10:31 - Why Your Brain Never Stopped Asking for Estrogen12:29 - Is Menopause a Natural Process We Should Treat?13:48 - The Breast Cancer Fear Keeping Women from HRT15:14 - Modern HRT vs The 2002 Hormone Study17:26 - Understanding the Real Risks and Benefits of HRT19:20 - The Essential Health Checks Every Post-Menopausal Woman Needs21:22 - It's Not Too Late to Feel Like Yourself Again-----------------Keywordspost menopause symptomspostmenopause healthhormone replacement therapyHRT after menopauseestrogen deficiencymenopause symptoms after 60women's health over 50brain fog menopausesleep problems menopausevaginal atrophyhot flushes after menopausebody identical hormonesmenopause weight gainosteoporosis prevention womenestrogen and brain healthwomen's health podcastDr Shauna Wattsmenopause treatment optionsmenopause and agingwomen over 50 health

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, yet countless women are still being told their iron levels are "normal" while struggling with fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, poor sleep and low energy.In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with GP and iron deficiency expert Dr. Ebony Tosch to unpack one of the most overlooked health issues affecting women, particularly during perimenopause and midlife.Together they explore why ferritin is often a more meaningful marker than standard iron levels, how iron deficiency symptoms frequently overlap with menopause and thyroid conditions, and why many women spend years being reassured that their blood tests are "fine" when they're anything but.Dr. Ebony explains the real causes of iron deficiency, the most effective ways to improve iron stores, and when an iron infusion may be a better option than oral supplements.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why iron deficiency is commonly missed in women• The difference between iron, ferritin and anemia• Which blood tests you should ask your doctor to order• Common symptoms of low iron, including fatigue, hair loss and restless legs• Why heavy periods remain one of the biggest contributors to iron deficiency• How perimenopause can make iron deficiency harder to recognise• The truth about oral iron supplements and why many women struggle with them• How to improve iron absorption naturally• When an iron infusion may be the right next step• What to expect during an iron infusion• The risks, side effects and benefits of IV iron therapy• Why optimal iron levels matter more than simply being within the "normal range"• How iron deficiency can impact sleep, energy, mood and overall wellbeingIf you've ever been told your blood tests are normal but you still don't feel like yourself, this conversation may provide some of the answers you've been looking for.Remember: informed health decisions start with understanding the numbers that matter.Follow All About You for more evidence-based conversations on women's health, perimenopause, menopause, hormones, nutrition and thriving through midlife.Follow Dr. Ebony Toschhttps://www.healthhunter.au/practitioners/dr-ebony-toshhttps://www.drebonytosch.com/about-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters01:24 – The Iron Deficiency Problem Doctors Still Miss02:32 – The Blood Test Every Woman Should Know About04:45 – Why Ferritin Matters More Than Iron Levels05:37 – Signs & Symptoms Of Low Iron06:45 – Heavy Periods, Perimenopause & Iron Loss10:22 – What Ferritin Levels Are Actually Too Low?11:28 – Why Iron Supplements Often Fail12:43 – How To Improve Iron Absorption Naturally17:24 – When It's Time To Consider An Iron Infusion18:29 – Iron Infusions Explained: Risks & Benefits24:33 – Hair Loss, Fatigue & Low Iron Recovery35:35 – Dr Ebony's Most Important Iron Deficiency Advice-----------------Keywordsiron deficiency in womenlow ferritin symptomsiron infusionferritin levelswomen's healthperimenopause fatigueiron deficiency anemiahair loss and iron deficiencyfatigue in womenwomen's iron levelsiron supplementslow iron treatmentiron deficiency symptomsmenopause fatiguerestless legs syndromewomen's health podcastDr Ebony ToschDr Shauna Watts

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/For years, women were told menopause was simply something to “push through.”Hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, painful sex, brain fog, loss of motivation, all dismissed as normal aging.But what if much of that messaging was wrong?In this powerful conversation, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with urologist, author, and menopause educator Dr. Kelly Casperson to unpack the modern evidence behind hormone therapy, the lasting impact of outdated research, and why so many women are finally questioning what they were told about HRT.Together, they explore the women who were left behind after the 2002 WHI study sparked fear around hormones and why many women in their 60s and 70s are now seeking answers decades later.Dr. Kelly also breaks down the growing conversation around testosterone for women, explaining why it’s about far more than libido alone. From motivation and mood to cognition, muscle health, and vitality, this episode challenges many of the assumptions women have carried for years about aging and hormones.This is an empowering, evidence-based conversation about informed choice, modern menopause care, and helping women feel like themselves again.What’s In This Episode:→ Why an entire generation of women missed out on menopause support→ What the WHI study actually showed and how it was misunderstood→ Whether it’s ever “too late” to start hormone therapy→ The truth about breast cancer risk and HRT→ Why vaginal estrogen is still heavily misunderstood→ The difference between oral synthetic hormones and transdermal estradiol→ What women need to know about testosterone in midlife→ Why libido is about more than sex drive→ How hormones impact sleep, mood, cognition, joints, and motivation→ The role of exercise and metabolic health in menopause care→ Why women deserve individualized conversations about hormonesIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who deserves better information about menopause and hormones.Follow All About You for more evidence-based conversations on midlife health, hormones, confidence, and thriving through every stage of life.-------------Follow Dr. Kelly Caspersonhttps://kellycaspersonmd.com/https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmdhttps://www.youtube.com/@kellycaspersonmd-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatthttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.----------------Chapters03:12 - Why So Many Women Were Left Without Support06:28 - The Truth About the WHI Study & HRT Fear09:41 - Can Women Start HRT After 60 or 70?12:58 - The Timing Hypothesis Explained Simply16:10 - Why “It’s Just Aging” Is a Harmful Myth19:22 - Breast Cancer Fear vs Modern Evidence22:35 - The Truth About Vaginal Estrogen Safety25:48 - Testosterone for Women: More Than Libido28:56 - Why Libido Is Really About Brain Motivation32:14 - Hair Loss, Hormones & What’s Actually Happening35:27 - The Real Benefits of Testosterone in Midlife38:40 - What Women Actually Need to Feel Like Themselves-----------------KeywordsMenopausehormone replacement therapyHRT mythsmenopause symptomstestosterone for womenmenopause podcastestrogen therapywomen’s healthPerimenopausemenopause treatmentmenopause after 60hormone therapy safetyvaginal estrogenmenopause educationmenopause supporttestosterone benefits womenmenopause and anxietymenopause and sleepwomen’s hormonesbreast cancer and HRTmenopause myths debunked

For more than 20 years, women have been told that hormone therapy causes breast cancer but what if the science was misunderstood from the very beginning?The conversation around menopause and hormone replacement therapy has been shaped by fear for decades. In this episode, Dr. Avrum Bluming and social psychologist Carol Tavris unpack the study that changed women’s health forever and explain why many doctors, researchers and patients are now re-examining what we thought we knew about estrogen, breast cancer and HRT.They explored the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative study, the difference between observational studies and randomized trials, and why so many women still struggle to access informed menopause care today.We also discuss the growing evidence around estrogen’s role in brain health, osteoporosis prevention, cognitive decline, cardiovascular health and quality of life during perimenopause and menopause.If you’ve ever been told you’re “too young” for HRT, that hormones are dangerous because of breast cancer, or that menopause is just something women should suffer through, this conversation will challenge a lot of assumptions.In this episode:➡️ Why the fear around HRT and breast cancer became so widespread➡️ The real findings behind the Women’s Health Initiative study➡️ Whether estrogen actually increases breast cancer risk➡️ Vaginal estrogen and why the science remains controversial➡️ What the evidence says about HRT after breast cancer➡️ Estrogen’s impact on brain health and cognitive decline➡️ The connection between menopause, osteoporosis and fractures➡️ Why menopause education is still missing in medical training➡️ The psychology and stigma around taking hormone therapy➡️ Why many women still struggle to find doctors informed about menopauseThis is a nuanced and evidence-based discussion about menopause, estrogen, and the future of women’s health care and why so many women are demanding better conversations around HRT.-------------Follow Dr. Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavrishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/avrum-bluming-64259a10/https://tavris.socialpsychology.org/contact-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatthttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 – Why Vaginal Estrogen Is Misunderstood00:40 – Does Vaginal Estrogen Really Enter the Bloodstream01:17 – Family History of Breast Cancer: Does It Matter?02:01 – BRCA1, Ovaries Removal, and Breast Cancer Risk Reduction03:03 – Why Estrogen Doesn’t Increase Breast Cancer Risk (Evidence Explained)04:07 – Why Women Feel Shut Down by Doctors on HRT05:14 – When Hormone Questions Get Ignored in Medicine06:19 – What Happens When Women Stop Tamoxifen to Get Pregnant07:10 – Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Vaginal Estrogen?08:20 – The Controversial Denmark Study on Vaginal Estrogen10:19 – “Minuscule Absorption Makes No Sense” — The Core Debate on Vaginal Estrogen11:32 – Why Randomized Controlled Trials Aren’t the Only Gold Standard13:31 – The $1 Billion Women’s Health Initiative Study: What Went Wrong-----------------KeywordsMenopausehormone replacement therapyHRTestrogen and breast cancermenopause symptomsPerimenopausewomen’s healthvaginal estrogenbreast cancer riskhormone therapy menopauseWHI studyestrogen therapymenopause doctormenopause treatmentcognitive decline menopauseosteoporosis menopausemenopause educationestrogen brain healthbreast cancer mythsmenopause podcastmenopause researchhormone therapy safetywomen’s hormonesmenopause expert

What if one of the biggest fears women have about hormone therapy was built on misunderstanding, misinformation, and decades of outdated advice? In this episode, Dr. Shauna Watts is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Avrum Bluming and social psychologist Carol Tavris, co-authors of Estrogen Matters, for a conversation that challenges decades of fear surrounding hormone replacement therapy.Together, they unpack the lasting impact of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, why so many doctors still hesitate to prescribe HRT, and what the research actually says about estrogen, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and women’s longevity.This episode explores not just the science, but the psychology behind why women have been taught to fear breast cancer more than the diseases statistically far more likely to kill them.If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or anxious about hormone therapy, this conversation will leave you far more informed and far more empowered.In This Episode:➡️ Why the fear around HRT exploded after 2002➡️ What the Women’s Health Initiative study actually found➡️ The difference between estrogen alone and combined hormone therapy➡️ Why heart disease remains the leading killer of women➡️ The psychological impact of breast cancer fear➡️ How estrogen affects the brain, bones, heart, skin, and overall longevity➡️ Why so many women suffer unnecessarily during menopause➡️ The truth about “lowest dose for the shortest time”➡️ How misinformation continues to shape menopause care today➡️ What women should discuss with their doctors about HRTWhether you’re in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply trying to make informed decisions about your future health, this episode is essential listening.Follow Dr. Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavrishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/avrum-bluming-64259a10/https://tavris.socialpsychology.org/contact-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters01:20 - The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy03:27 - Dr. Avrum Bluming’s Breast Cancer Story05:33 - How Estrogen Became Central to Menopause Care07:58 - Why Menopause Symptoms Are Often Dismissed10:07 - The 2002 HRT Study That Changed Everything13:30 - Does Estrogen Really Increase Breast Cancer Risk?16:12 - Menopause, Heart Disease & The Missing Conversation18:07 - Why Doctors Still Fear Prescribing HRT22:16 - The “Lowest Dose, Shortest Time” Myth26:25 - The Dramatic Impact Estrogen Can Have on Women27:38 - Why Women Fear Breast Cancer More Than Heart Disease31:59 - Should Women Without Symptoms Still Take HRT? -----------------Keywordshormone replacement therapyHRT and breast cancerestrogen therapymenopause symptomsperimenopause healthestrogen and heart diseasemenopause treatmentwomen’s health initiativeestrogen mattersDr Avrum BlumingCarol Tavrismenopause podcastbreast cancer mythshormone therapy safetymenopause and estrogenwomen’s health after 40menopause educationHRT benefitsosteoporosis prevention menopausemenopause expert podcast

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/You can eat all the “healthy” food in the world, but if your body is stuck in stress mode, your hormones, digestion and energy will still struggle.In this episode, Dr Shauna Watts is joined again by functional practitioner, women’s hormone expert and author Dr. Mariza Snyder for a practical conversation about nutrition during perimenopause and why so many women feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what their bodies actually need.Together, they unpack the growing confusion around protein, the overlooked importance of fiber, how gut health shifts during midlife and why blood sugar regulation has such a profound impact on energy, mood, cravings and long-term metabolic health.This conversation moves beyond trendy nutrition advice and focuses on sustainable habits women can realistically implement in busy lives without perfection, restriction or guilt.What we cover in this episode:➡️ Why the gut microbiome changes during perimenopause➡️ The connection between gut health, estrogen and inflammation➡️ Why fiber may be more important than most women realise➡️ The truth about the current protein obsession➡️ How ultra-processed “health foods” can worsen symptoms➡️ Why blood sugar balance matters for hormones and energy➡️ The impact of stress on digestion and nutrient absorption➡️ Why eating slowly and intentionally changes how your body responds to food➡️ The role of circadian rhythm in metabolism, sleep and recovery➡️ Why women need muscle-supporting nutrition in midlife➡️ How to create realistic healthy habits without overwhelmDr Mariza also shares practical strategies for building balanced meals, supporting metabolic health and reconnecting with your body during a season where many women feel completely disconnected from themselves.This episode is a reminder that women do not need another impossible wellness overhaul. They need practical, evidence-based strategies that help them feel stronger, calmer and more energised in the body they live in every day.Follow Dr. Mariza Snyderhttps://www.instagram.com/drmariza/https://drmariza.com/https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarizahttps://www.amazon.com/Perimenopause-Revolution-Reclaim-Hormones-Metabolism/dp/1401997406-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatthttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 — Introduction02:15 — What Happens to the Gut Microbiome During Perimenopause04:08 — Blood Sugar, Protein & “No Naked Carbs” Explained05:21 — Why Fiber Matters More Than Women Think06:02 — The Hidden Impact of Stress on Digestion & Hormones08:02 — The Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Women Make in Midlife10:00 — Ultra-Processed Foods, Inflammation & Hormone Health13:20 — Why Real Food Matters More Than Protein Trends17:42 — How Much Protein Women Actually Need in Perimenopause22:00 — Why Muscle Health Matters During Menopause24:03 — Why Skipping Breakfast Worsens Energy & Hormones31:02 — Feeling Disconnected From Yourself During Perimenopause33:10 — Small Habit Changes That Actually Work For Women-----------------Keywordsperimenopause nutritiongut health menopauseprotein in perimenopausefiber for women over 40women’s health podcasthormone healthblood sugar balancemenopause gut healthinflammation and hormonesDr Mariza SnyderDr Shauna Wattsmenopause nutrition tipsmidlife wellness

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/You’ve been told your blood tests are normal. That it’s stress or it’s aging. But what if the real reason you feel exhausted, anxious, and unlike yourself is perimenopause and it’s being completely missed?In this episode, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB/GYN, Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, Certified Menopause Provider and the founder of Mary Claire Wellness, to break down how perimenopause is actually diagnosed, why so many women are misdiagnosed, and what’s really happening with your hormones in midlife.This conversation goes far beyond common menopause symptoms. It explains why perimenopause symptoms can show up years before menopause, why standard hormone blood tests often fail, and how declining estrogen impacts your brain, metabolism, sleep, and overall health.This is the episode to share with any woman who’s been told “everything looks fine” but knows something isn’t right.What we cover in this episode:• Why perimenopause symptoms are unpredictable and why hormone fluctuations create chaos in the body• Why blood tests are not reliable for diagnosing perimenopause and what doctors should look at instead• The importance of listening to symptoms and why women are often dismissed in healthcare• Lesser-known perimenopause symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, joint pain, anxiety, and brain fog• The truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how the Women’s Health Initiative changed menopause care• Why HRT risks were overstated and why many women are still not being offered treatment• The difference between birth control and hormone therapy in perimenopause treatment• What causes weight gain in perimenopause, including insulin resistance and visceral fat• Why sleep disruption is one of the earliest and most important symptoms to addressPerimenopause is not just about hot flashes or missed periods. It is a full-body hormonal transition that affects your energy, mood, metabolism, and long-term health.This episode challenges outdated medical advice and gives you a clearer understanding of what’s happening in your body and what options you actually have..-------------Follow Dr. Mary Claire Haverhttps://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/https://www.tiktok.com/@drmaryclaire https://www.facebook.com/drmaryclairehttps://ph.pinterest.com/thepauselife/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/drmaryclairehaver?ccs_id=301bff2e-33b9-4318-988e-e1026d2192e7 -------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 – Why Perimenopause Is Being Missed02:10 – It’s Not Just Hot Flashes: Hidden Symptoms04:00 – Estrogen Affects Your Entire Body05:30 – Why Doctors Aren’t Trained in Menopause08:00 – Misdiagnosis and Why Women Are Dismissed10:15 – Why Blood Tests Don’t Detect Perimenopause16:50 – What’s Really Happening to Your Hormones23:30 – How to Actually Diagnose Perimenopause28:00 – HRT vs Birth Control: What’s the Difference33:00 – Why Doctors Are Afraid of Hormone Therapy35:00 – The Study That Changed Everything40:00 – HRT Risks vs Benefits Explained41:30 – Weight Gain and Belly Fat in Perimenopause-----------------Keywordsperimenopause symptomsperimenopause diagnosishormone replacement therapy HRTmenopause symptoms explainedwhy blood tests don’t show perimenopausemenopause fatigue brain fog anxietywomen’s health misinformation

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/If you are eating well, exercising, cutting alcohol, doing everything right, and your body is still not cooperating, this episode is the one you have been waiting for.Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, functional practitioner and hormone specialist, for one of the most clinically grounded conversations about what perimenopause is actually doing to your body. Your brain, your metabolism, your stress response, your gut, your immune system. All of it.This is the episode to send to every woman in your life who has been told her symptoms are just stress, just aging, or just life.What is covered in this episode:➡️ Why perimenopause symptoms are so unpredictable, and why the chaos is completely physiological, not psychological➡️ What declining estrogen and progesterone are doing to your insulin sensitivity, and why eating less and moving more has stopped working➡️ The cortisol connection: why chronic stress and declining hormones are a compounding combination that makes every symptom louder➡️ What "tired but wired" actually means physiologically➡️ The mitochondria piece: why perimenopause fatigue is not ordinary tiredness, it is cellular, and what that means for your energy➡️ Why so many women are gaining visceral fat despite doing everything right, and what the research actually says about metabolism in midlife➡️ Dr Marisa's most practical daily habits for rebuilding energy, including her take on electrolyte water➡️ Why addressing your nervous system is not a wellness add-on. It is a clinical priority.If this episode made something click for you, send it to one woman in your life who keeps saying she just does not feel like herself anymore. She probably has not had anyone explain it to her like this. And if you found it useful, leave a review so more women can find the show.Dr. Mariza is coming back for part two, where the conversation goes deep on food, gut health, protein, and how to eat in a way that actually supports your midlife body. You will not want to miss it.Follow Dr. Mariza Snyderhttps://www.instagram.com/drmariza/https://drmariza.com/https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmariza https://www.amazon.com/Perimenopause-Revolution-Reclaim-Hormones-Metabolism/dp/1401997406 ------------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters01:14 — Meet Dr Mariza Snyder: hormone specialist and author02:17 — Why perimenopause symptoms are so unpredictable06:04 — The woman who thought she was a fraud for feeling better18:21 — Gaining weight despite doing everything right20:01 — Insulin resistance in perimenopause: what is actually happening23:37 — Cortisol explained: what it is, why it matters, what to do31:06 — What role does inflammation play in perimenopause39:18 — What is going wrong with energy in perimenopause42:48 — The vicious cycle: fatigue, cravings, and mitochondria explained44:41 — Tired but wired: why your brain energy feels scattered49:58 — Daily habits that make the biggest difference to energy56:20 — Three takeaways from Dr Shauna-----------------Keywordsperimenopause fatiguewhy am i so tired female 40sperimenopause symptoms explainedhormone imbalance womenmidlife exhaustion causeswhy women gain weight in 40schronic stress and hormonesmitochondria energy womenperimenopause mood swings

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/If you have ever been handed antidepressants when what you actually needed was a hormone check, this episode is the conversation you should have had in that doctor's office.This is Part 2 of the live Q&A event hosted by Dr Shaun Watts where a panel of experts answered the questions about perimenopause that women are rarely given time to ask. If you have not listened to Part 1 yet, head back first. It covers the basics, mental health, sexual health, pelvic health, GLP-1s, and the ADHD overlap. This episode picks up with the room-wide questions that got the most honest answers of the afternoon.What is covered in this episode:• The truth about the "5-year HRT rule" (and the 10-year one): where it came from and why it is completely outdated• Perimenopause misdiagnosis: why depression and anxiety are the most commonly missed diagnoses, and how to push back• Thyroid dysfunction and B12 deficiency: the two conditions that mimic almost every perimenopause symptom and are frequently missed• A head-to-toe walkthrough of 42+ perimenopause symptoms, from hair thinning and tinnitus to joint pain, rage, and insomnia• Vaginal hormones explained: what they are, who they are for, and why every woman can benefit• The monthly vulva check: a simple shower routine that could help you catch changes early and advocate for yourselfIf this episode made you feel seen, send it to one woman in your life who needs to hear it. She might not have the words for what she is going through yet, but this might help her find them. And if you found it useful, leave a review so more women can find the show.For more resources:Prof. Heather Irvine-Rundle:https://www.instagram.com/heatherirvine/ Gina Jeffreys: https://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/ Dr Shauna Watts: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters2:40 - What are vaginal hormones and who should use them?5:11 - Perimenopause misdiagnosis: when symptoms are mistaken for depression6:47 - Thyroid and B12 deficiency: symptoms that mimic perimenopause8:00 - The 5-year HRT rule debunked: how long should you actually take HRT?13:28 - Bioidentical vs body identical HRT: what is the actual difference?17:43 - 42+ perimenopause symptoms from head to toe23:30 - The vagus nerve and nervous system regulation in perimenopause30:59 - Plant-based diet and menopause: can 30 plants a week reduce symptoms?34:33 - Monthly vulva check: how to know your baseline and advocate for yourselfKeywordsperimenopause symptomsHRT how long to takeperimenopause misdiagnosisvaginal hormonesbioidentical vs body identical HRTperimenopause and depressionmenopause palpitationspelvic floor perimenopausevagus nerve menopauseperimenopause brain fogHRT gel vs patchmenopause joint painprolapse perimenopauseendometriosis and HRTperimenopause in your 30sDr Shauna WattsAll About You podcastmenopause Q&Ahot flushes treatmentbreathing for nervous systemplant-based diet menopausethyroid vs perimenopauseB12 deficiency perimenopause