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Menopause Rescue

Dr. Polly Watson

Women may spend over a decade of their lives experiencing symptoms around menopause transition, while just over 10% of women’s healthcare professionals feel comfortable treating menopause. The conversation around menopause has evolved beyond hot flashes and night sweats to include how hormonal changes affect bone, brain, mood, heart and mental health. Midlife women can feel like they are drowning in symptoms. Many of them are not well served by health care providers who haven’t updated their knowledge on hormones since the WHI 20 years ago and influencers who are peddling potions and lotions which may not be effective. Menopause Rescue is here to give you a hand up.

I’m a board certified gynecologist with certification in menopausal medicine as well as functional medicine. My goal is to revolutionize the menopause dialogue, using the transition as a spark to ignite health promotion. Secondly, we will discuss solutions for low libido, weight gain, mood changes, brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia and sexual pain and dive into the nuances of each topic, empowering women to determine what is uniquely relevant for them.

This podcast is for women who are curious about their health and curate a mindset around menopause as an opportunity for growth. Many of us at this time in our lives are at a high point in our relationships and our careers. We know ourselves and know how to create boundaries and have defined our values in a way that we simply didn’t have the wisdom to do in our 20 and 30s. Women in their 40s and 50s are at the perfect moment to take up some space in their lives and step into this transition with strength. Every other week we will gather to review topics that are relevant to menopause and take you behind the scenes with hormone specialists to help you cull and decipher health recommendations to find your unique solution.

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  • 24 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 39 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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  • #49
    Dec 19, 2025 · 33 min

    The Midlife Metabolic Reset: Understanding Cardiometabolic Health in Menopause (Part 2)

    Description In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis explore the vital components of cardiometabolic health, with a particular focus on deciphering both basic and advanced lab tests. They cover the nuances of lipid panels, the impact of triglycerides, and the influence of thyroid disease on cardiovascular health. The discussion extends to inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and the critical role of insulin resistance. Delving deeper, they shed light on advanced lipid markers such as APO-B and APO-A1, and the importance of LDL particle size in evaluating cardiovascular risk. This episode underscores the importance of a holistic health strategy for women in midlife to enhance their cardiometabolic well-being. Quotes “Diets high in sugar, saturated fat, or simple carbohydrates, alcohol use, thyroid disease, and inactivity can all raise triglycerides.” - Kate Willis NP-C “High-sensitivity CRP is a general marker for inflammation. Anything causing inflammation, short- or long-term, can raise it.” - Kate Willis NP-C “Fasting insulin around five or less is ideal. Lab normals go much higher, but that doesn’t mean they’re optimal.” - Kate Willis NP-C “If someone's LP(a) is high, that’s their ticket to see a cardiologist—it’s an independent causal factor for cardiovascular disease.” - Dr. Polly Watson “Symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with perimenopause and menopause… If you’re only treating one spoke of the wheel, what else are we missing?” - Dr. Polly Watson Resources Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer Hashtags #menopauserescue #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #hormonereplacementtherapy #medication #perimenopause #womenshealth #menopausesociety #hormonalhealth #midlife #wellness #healthcare #sexualhealth #menopausemanagement

  • #48
    Dec 5, 2025 · 35 min

    The Midlife Metabolic Reset: Understanding Cardiometabolic Health in Menopause (Part 1)

    Are you wondering why your body seems to change during midlife even when your habits haven’t? Do you feel unsure whether your “normal” labs are actually telling the full story of your health? In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson and nurse practitioner Kate Willis break down how menopause, metabolism, and heart health are connected. Together, they show how understanding your labs, lifestyle, and hormones can help you stay healthier and stronger through midlife. 🌸 Many women experience rising cholesterol and blood pressure in menopause even without changing their diet or exercise. 🌸 Triglycerides can reveal early metabolic problems long before blood sugar becomes abnormal. 🌸 Stress alone can spike blood sugar levels, even without eating any food. 🌸 Alcohol intake as low as eight drinks per week can raise heart disease risk by 45% in midlife women. 🌸 Whole-food proteins, leafy greens, and fiber-rich meals support heart and metabolic health better than processed protein snacks. 🌸 Continuous glucose monitors help women understand how foods, sleep, and stress affect their blood sugar in real time. 🌸 A history of gestational diabetes, PCOS, or early menopause increases long-term cardiovascular risk and should be part of every woman’s health plan. If you’re navigating midlife changes and want clear, compassionate guidance, this episode gives you the tools and reassurance you need. You’ll walk away with simple steps that help you feel informed, empowered, and in control of your health. 📘 Try our 10-minute new patient intro course: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course 🩺 Looking for Personalized Hormone Care in North Carolina? Hormone Wellness MD serves women across North Carolina. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greensboro, with virtual visits available statewide. If you’re ready for expert care rooted in evidence and empathy, we’d love to support you. Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com Email: info@hormonewellnessmd.com Call: (919) 364-3430 📲 Follow Hormone Wellness MD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Podcast: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

  • #47
    Nov 21, 2025 · 31 min

    Understanding Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy: Common Concerns and Solutions

    In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), shedding light on common issues like abnormal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, skin irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge. With a focus on reassurance and practical solutions, Dr. Watson emphasizes that many of these side effects are temporary and manageable. Tune in for expert advice on navigating HRT and fostering open communication with your healthcare provider. Quotes “Almost 40% of hormone replacement therapy users are gonna have some sort of unexpected bleeding, especially in the first three to six months.” - Dr. Polly Watson “Perimenopause is puberty in reverse.” - Dr. Polly Watson “About 3% of people have the opposite reaction to progesterone — instead of getting calm, they get super agitated.” - Dr. Polly Watson Resources Menopause Rescue Ep 13: Postmenopausal Bleeding Menopause Rescue Ep 40: Understanding Melasma: Dermatologist Insights on Causes, Triggers, and Treatments Menopause Rescue Ep 42: Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know British Menopause Society - Management of unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Connect with Dr. Polly Watson Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer Hashtags #menopauserescue #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #hormonereplacementtherapy #medication #perimenopause #womenshealth #menopausesociety #hormonalhealth #midlife #wellness #healthcare #sexualhealth #menopausemanagement

  • #45
    Nov 7, 2025 · 35 min

    Menopause and Beyond: Reevaluating Hormone Therapy for Women Over 60

    In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson delves into the significance of hormone therapy for women over 60, breaking down common misconceptions and barriers to treatment. She highlights the importance of personalized care and the benefits of hormone therapy in alleviating symptoms, safeguarding bone health, and enhancing sleep quality. Dr. Watson also addresses the risks, clarifying how modern hormone formulations differ from past studies, and reassures listeners about the safety of hormone therapy when used appropriately. Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of hormone therapy's role in improving quality of life for women beyond menopause. Quotes "Hormones around the time of menopause transition are going to provide the greatest benefit for cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain health." - Dr. Polly Watson "Almost half of women are still symptomatic at that age. If we look at women who are in their 70s, 10 to 15% of them still have vasomotor symptoms." - Dr. Polly Watson “One in two postmenopausal women will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Let that sink in for a minute.” - Dr. Polly Watson “There is system-wide discouragement to prescribing hormones to women over 60, which is not evidence-based.” - Dr. Polly Watson “Withdrawal of hormones is followed by significant bone loss — after four years off, your bones look like you never took it.” - Dr. Polly Watson Resources References for Starting Hormones Over 60 Connect with Dr. Polly Watson Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes