
Hosted by Dr. Jila Senemar · EN

What does it truly mean to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and embrace reinvention in midlife? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila sits down with health coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Balangy, Giselle Orentas, for an intimate, vulnerable conversation on navigating health challenges, life transitions, and holistic wellness. Giselle opens up about her personal evolution—from working in construction equipment sales in her 20s to overcoming hormonal migraines, ovarian cysts, and navigating life after divorce. Together, Dr. Jila and Giselle explore why symptoms are your body's way of communicating rather than something to fix, how natural modalities like wild yam cream can support hormonal shifts, and why midlife is a powerful window for self-advocacy and personal growth. They also discuss blending motherhood with entrepreneurship and redefining what balance actually looks like in daily life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Listening to Body Signals: Why symptoms like PMS, cysts, and hormonal migraines are your body's communication system—not a flaw to be fixed. Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: How asking questions, seeking second opinions, and exploring holistic options empowers women to take charge of their care. Natural Support for Hormones: The science and personal experience behind using wild yam cream (a natural phytoestrogen) for PMS and hormonal support. Reinvention in Midlife: How navigating major life shifts—like divorce or career changes—can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and business building. Blending Motherhood and Ambition: A realistic, honest look at finding "balance" by integrating family life with entrepreneurship. Rapid-Fire Insights: Giselle's go-to morning wellness ritual, her favorite free form of self-care, and what balance means to her. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Follow Giselle Orentas: Instagram (@giselle.orentas) Explore Balangy: Visit gisellebalangy.com Substack: Read Giselle's publication, Balance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does nutrition and fitness feel more confusing now than ever before? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila sits down with clinical nutritionist Dr. Joey Munoz to cut through the social media noise, debunk modern diet myths, and simplify what it actually takes to build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Joey unpack why restricting whole food groups backfires, why midlife women must prioritize strength training over restrictive dieting, and how focusing on muscle mass rather than the number on the scale protects long-term metabolic health. They also take an evidence-based, nuanced look at GLP-1 medications—exploring their benefits, their limitations, and why building foundational lifestyle habits remains essential for lasting results. The Root of Nutrition Confusion: How social media algorithms reward extreme claims over nuanced, science-backed truth. Common Diet Myths Debunked: Why cutting out whole food groups (like vegetables, dairy, or carbohydrates) can do more harm than good. Body Composition vs. Weight Loss: Why preserving lean muscle mass is the key to protecting your metabolism—especially through perimenopause and post-menopause. The Fundamentals of Sustainable Health: How to build a strong nutrition foundation using protein, fiber, meal structure, and the 80/20 rule. A Balanced Take on GLP-1s: What weight loss medications can (and can’t) do, and how to avoid sacrificing muscle health. Evidence-Backed Supplements: Which daily supplements are actually supported by research and which ones are just clever marketing. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Follow Dr. Joey Munoz: Instagram (@dr.joeymunoz) | YouTube & Podcast (The Dr. Joey Munoz Show) Learn More & Work with Dr. Joey: Visit Strong Standard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is brain fog or memory loss an inevitable part of aging, or can we actively rewire and strengthen our brains as we get older? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila is joined by world-renowned neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, author of The Invincible Brain, to discuss the remarkable power of neuroplasticity and proactive brain health. Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Fotuhi break down the five science-backed pillars of cognitive longevity—exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress reduction, and brain training. They explore why brain shrinkage actually begins in our 30s and 40s, how midlife hormonal shifts contribute to brain fog, and why lifestyle interventions like vigorous aerobic exercise can physically expand the hippocampus. Dr. Fotuhi also clarifies the difference between normal age-related memory decline and clinical dementia, offering an optimistic, evidence-based roadmap for keeping your mind sharp at any age. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Power of Neuroplasticity: How your brain can form new synapses and physically grow new neurons well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond. The Five Pillars of Brain Health: The most essential, non-debatable lifestyle interventions for lifelong cognitive sharpness. When Brain Aging Begins: Why microscopic structural changes start as early as your 30s and why midlife is the critical window for prevention. Brain Fog vs. Dementia: Reassuring insights into perimenopausal brain fog, hormone replacement therapy, and the difference between general cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Nutrition for Cognitive Vitality: Why processed junk foods shrink the brain and how high-fiber diets produce neuroprotective short-chain fatty acids. The Most Potent Brain Intervention: Why vigorous aerobic exercise stimulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) to grow memory centers faster than any supplement. Understanding Biomarkers: The science behind the p-tau 217 blood test and what the next decade holds for Alzheimer's prevention and treatment. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Book: The Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life by Dr. Majid Fotuhi App: Download The Invincible Brain app for cognitive assessments and personalized brain training Connect with Dr. Fotuhi: Visit drfotuhi.com or follow him on Instagram (@dr_fotuhi) and LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your gut health is THE missing piece in your menopause journey. Dr. Cynthia Thurlow breaks down what's really happening when estrogen declines, and it's SO much more than just bloating! 👇 As estrogen drops: • Your gut barrier weakens (hello autoimmune risk!) • Insulin sensitivity decreases • You produce less stomach acid & digestive enzymes • Bile production changes (fat breakdown struggles) What you can do NOW: ✅ Prioritize 7-8 hours quality sleep ✅ Focus on stress management (it rewires your nervous system!) ✅ Eat protein-centric with 25-30g fiber daily ✅ Strength train > chronic cardio ✅ Support your vagus nerve The truth? Weight gain is NOT an inevitable part of aging when you understand what's happening beneath the surface. Which of these strategies are you implementing first? 👇 More from Dr. Jila: Website: https://www.jilamd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjilasenemar/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think infertility is just bad luck... think again 🎯 Dr. Natalie Crawford drops truth bombs about what REALLY affects your fertility (and it's not what you've been told). Here's what most women don't know: ✨ You have WAY more control than you think 🔬 Inflammation is the silent enemy affecting egg quality, ovulation, and even when you'll hit menopause ⏰ You shouldn't have to FAIL first to get care 💪 Those 60 days before ovulation? Game-changing window for improving fertility The mind-blowing part? Insulin resistance affects fertility even if you don't have diabetes. Your metabolic health, sleep, stress, and toxin exposure are all playing roles in your ability to conceive. And that AMH test doctors won't order? You DESERVE that information about your egg count - whether you're trying now or planning for the future. Stop waiting until something's wrong. Your fertility is a health marker, and knowledge is power 💫 Have you ever felt dismissed when asking about your fertility? Drop a 🙋♀️ below. More from Dr. Jila: Website: https://www.jilamd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjilasenemar/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When stress hits, it's not about what happens, it's about HOW you respond. Dr. Rachel Goldman breaks down why high-performing women are stuck in the cycle of "I know what to do, but I can't do it" 👇 The truth? You don't need to overhaul your entire life. You need: • A PAUSE before you react 🛑 • Moments (not hours) for yourself ⏰ • To ditch the "shoulds" and ask what YOU actually want 💪 • Flexibility over perfection 🌊 Self-care isn't selfish—it's saying "me too" ❤️ You can't control life, but you CAN control your response. And that changes everything . What's ONE unhelpful thought pattern you're ready to let go of? Drop it below 👇 More from Dr. Jila: Website: https://www.jilamd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjilasenemar/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NEVER GIVE UP YOUR CEO SEAT Dr. Somi Javaid just dropped the REAL truth about raising $40M, selling her company, and what she'd do differently 💰 Here's what 10+ years of building in women's health taught her: ✨ Stay scrappy & self-funded as LONG as possible ✨ Pick investors like life partners (because they are) ✨ Healthcare needs providers + VCs + patients TOGETHER ✨ The lonely truth? Leadership can be isolating AF ✨ Nobody knows your business better than YOU The biggest regret? Giving up her CEO seat when she became CMO 👑 From raising capital as part of the 0.4% of WOC securing VC funding to successfully exiting HerMD - this conversation is for every founder who thinks they need to sacrifice control to scale. Your mission. Your vision. Your voice. Don't give that up. 💪 What's ONE thing you're not willing to compromise on in your career? Drop it below 👇 More from Dr. Jila: Website: https://www.jilamd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjilasenemar/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building and maintaining muscle is one of the best preventative health measures we have available to us. Today, Professor Stuart Phillips joins us to break down the best ways to build muscle and how muscle mass plays into women's health in midlife. As a professor of kinesiology at McMaster University, Professor Phillips brings a wealth of knowledge to today’s conversation. We cover everything from recommended daily protein intake to the real science behind resistance training. Stuart also offers his insight on peptides, and why listeners might want to exercise caution with peptides that aren’t medically cleared. If you’ve been looking for a sing to pick up those dumbbells, this is it! More from Dr. Jila Website: jilamd.com Instagram: @drjilasenemar LinkedIn: Jila Meyer This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast IG: @reddrockmusic www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Geiger is a speech language pathologist, therapeutic journaling facilitator, and mindful writing teacher. Today, she joins Dr. Jila to discuss the power of journaling and reclaiming narratives. Karen’s journey started when she led a writing program at cancer center that opened her eyes to the power of therapeutic journaling. Karen’s work focuses on the overlooked aspects of mid-life like menopause and perimenopause. Medical intervention is so important, but so is making sure women maintain an empowered mindset. Journaling and storytelling are so impactful, and Karen is helping women shift from “what now?” to “why not?” Learn more about Karen on karenfgeiger.com More from Dr. Jila Website: jilamd.com Instagram: @drjilasenemar LinkedIn: Jila Meyer This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast IG: @reddrockmusic www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Joey Udovich faced health challenges in her family and personal life, is sparked a drastic change. She moved from being an educator and entrepreneur to becoming an outspoken health and wellness advocate. Today, we walk through Joey’s journey and the highs and lows that brought her to where she is now. Joey starts by explaining her father’s devastating stage IV cancer diagnosis that led her to discover she was also BRCA2 positive. Joey chose to pursue prophylactic surgery and then went through surgical menopause. Joey felt the chaos of menopause and explored various options like GLP-1's and healing her relationship with food. After finding what worked for her, she was inspired to share her story with others. Joey hopes that her advocacy can show other women they are not alone and there are solutions out there for menopause symptoms whether they come after a lifechanging surgery or naturally in midlife. Learn more about Joey on 3Instagram @joeyudovich More from Dr. Jila Website: jilamd.com Instagram: @drjilasenemar LinkedIn: Jila Meyer This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast IG: @reddrockmusic www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices