Navigating the conversation about hormone replacement therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much conflicting information circulating. In this listener favorite episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely cuts through the noise and provides listeners with the essential tools they need to advocate for themselves when speaking with their healthcare providers about HRT. She addresses the questions that come up time and again—who is a candidate, what are the real risks and benefits, and what specific products women should be asking for.

Dr. Fiona breaks down the latest research in a clear, accessible way, empowering women to move past outdated fears and have informed, productive conversations with their doctors. She also shares practical resources, including directories for finding qualified practitioners who specialize in menopause care, and highlights the importance of doing thorough research before choosing a provider or clinic. This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating perimenopause or menopause who wants to take charge of her health and make confident decisions about hormone therapy.

Tune in to learn exactly what you need to know before your next appointment.



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💙If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com [https://www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=lovely] and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin.



🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com [https://womaness.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for a special discount.



Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG [https://www.instagram.com/drfionalovely/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@drfionalovely]: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast [http://www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast]

Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com [http://drlovely.com/] You can also find some great resources there!

Finally, a humble request:

If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time

Ep. 232 - How To Ask your Doctor for HRT with Dr. Fiona Lovely

Prepare to discover a revolutionary approach to health and longevity that is transforming how we think about healing! In this fan-favorite episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Kyal Van Der Leest, an Australian Nutritionist and Naturopath who is at the forefront of bio-identical and peptide-based therapies.

If you've heard the word "peptides" trending in wellness circles but aren't sure how they fit into your health strategy—especially through the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause—this episode is your definitive, easy-to-understand roadmap.

Rather than viewing peptides as synthetic additives, Kyal breaks down how these short chains of amino acids function as your body's own natural cellular messengers. Discover how targeted peptide therapies can communicate directly with your cells to spur healing, repair, and regeneration in ways traditional supplements and pharmaceuticals simply can't match.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

 * Peptides 101: What peptides actually are and why they speak your body's exact biological language.

 * Targeted Cellular Repair: How peptide signaling works to trigger tissue restoration, hormonal optimization, and metabolic recovery.

 * The Gut-Brain Axis & Leaky Gut: The specific peptide mechanics that directly block zonulin—the protein responsible for gut permeability—to help seal and heal the intestinal lining.

 * Short-Term Interventions for Long-Term Health: Why peptide therapy isn't meant to be a lifetime dependency, but rather a temporary, high-impact tool to reset your foundational health.

 * Integrating Peptides Safely: Practical insights on using peptide therapy as part of a holistic, root-cause approach to midlife wellness. They can be taken orally - safe and effective and legal!

You can find out more about LVLUP Health and Kyal here. [https://lvluphealth.com/lovely] (You can use code LOVELY for a special discount!)



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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🌿Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Go to bioptimizers.com [http://bioptimizers.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for a special discount for our listeners. 🧪



How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG [https://www.instagram.com/drfionalovely/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@drfionalovely]: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopaus [http://www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast]

Ep. 231: Powerful Peptides: Targeted Messenger Molecules for Gut Health & Menopause Vitality with Kyal Van Der Leest

In this special re-airing, listeners are invited to revisit a highly requested interview from the Women Aging Powerfully 2025 Summit. The host Leah Vachani sits down with menopause medicine and functional neurology expert Dr. Fiona Lovely to pull back the curtain on Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause, or MSM. Drawing on two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lovely expertly details this underdiagnosed condition, which affects seventy-one percent of women and manifests as joint stiffness, declining muscle mass, and bone density loss.

The conversation provides a comprehensive look at the body's response to estrogen loss and the protective role of contemporary Hormone Replacement Therapy. Listeners will discover how bioidentical progesterone and topical estradiol can reduce pain while preserving muscle. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the necessity of optimizing daily protein intake to stabilize blood sugar and fight sarcopenia. Resistance training is presented as non-negotiable for metabolic health, alongside practical strategies for advocating for proper medical care.

Episode Highlights:

 * Understanding MSM and its prevalence among women.

 * The protective benefits of bioidentical progesterone and estradiol.

 * Why optimal protein consumption is crucial for fighting sarcopenia.

 * The importance of resistance training and balance exercises for cognitive and metabolic health.

Practical tips for advocating for contemporary treatments at the doctor's office.

For full access to the summit, visit https://womenagingpowerfully.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💧If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com [https://womaness.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for a special discount.

💙If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com [https://www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=lovely] and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin.



How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG [https://www.instagram.com/drfionalovely/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@drfionalovely]: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook:

EP. 230: From Stiff to Strong  - the muscular effects of aging with Dr. Fiona Lovely

If you've been chalking up your exhaustion, brain fog, and irritability to "just another day in perimenopause," Dr. Fiona Lovely is here to challenge that assumption. In this loved solo episode, she shines a much-needed spotlight on iron deficiency anemia—a condition that affects billions worldwide and is disproportionately common in women, yet frequently overlooked by conventional medicine.

Dr. Lovely walks listeners through the telltale signs: fatigue, mood swings, hair loss, cold intolerance, and cracked lips at the corners of the mouth. Sound familiar? These symptoms are so easily dismissed as normal menopausal woes, but they may point to something far more treatable. She explains why women in the menopause transition are particularly vulnerable—thanks to heavy menstrual bleeding—and why iron debt can persist for years even after periods stop.

The episode provides a thorough breakdown of the lab work that actually matters, moving far beyond the standard CBC. Dr. Lovely lists the markers every woman should request, including ferritin, transferrin, and TIBC, and explains why many doctors miss the full picture. She also covers the best dietary sources of iron, the difference between heme and non-heme iron, and practical strategies to boost absorption—like pairing iron with vitamin C and avoiding coffee or calcium around supplement time.

This is not a quick fix, but with the right testing, the right supplements, and patience, energy can be restored. As Dr. Lovely reminds listeners, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Be the squeaky wheel.

Episode Highlights:

 * The common symptoms of iron deficiency that are often mistaken for perimenopause.

 * Why ferritin is the first marker to drop and what it reveals about your iron stores.

 * How proton pump inhibitors and low stomach acid sabotage iron absorption.

 * The surprising iron-rich foods that outrank beef liver, including clams and oysters.

 * Why replenishing iron takes time—often a year or more—and which supplements are gentler on digestion.

Tune in and learn why that relentless fatigue might not be "just menopause" after all—and how to finally reclaim your energy.



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, [https://drinkag1.com/fionalovely] to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚

🌿Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Here's what you get when you go to bioptimizers.com/lovely [https://bioptimizers.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY to get 15% off your entire order. 🧪



How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ T

Ep. 229 - Iron Deficiency Anemia: a women's health epidemic with Dr. Fiona Lovely

In this episode of Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Dr. Louann Brizendine, the renowned neuropsychiatrist and author of the groundbreaking book The Upgrade (released in 2022). Dr. Brizendine, who founded the first U.S. clinic focused on women's mood and hormone-related brain function, brings her decades of expertise to a conversation that reframes everything women have been told about life after fertility.

The episode challenges the narrative that menopause marks an ending. Instead, Dr. Brizendine introduces listeners to the Upgrade—the wisdom phase that emerges after the hormonal chaos of perimenopause settles. She explains how the transition, formerly known as perimenopause, is a period of significant brain and body shifts, but what follows is a time of clarity, freedom, and renewed purpose. Women often feel joyless and irritable during the transition, but Dr. Brizendine offers hope, sharing that the happiness quotient actually increases with each decade of life.

Listeners will learn practical brain and body hacks, including how to support the vagus nerve for better heart-brain communication and the importance of hormone therapy timing for brain protection. Dr. Brizendine also addresses the controversy surrounding HRT, urging women to consider estrogen not just for symptom relief but as prevention for cognitive decline. This is a conversation about reclaiming authentic selfhood, leaving behind the people-pleasing tendencies of the fertile years, and stepping into a powerful new identity. The message is clear: the good stuff is coming.

Episode Highlights:

 * Dr. Brizendine defines the transition versus the Upgrade and why the language matters.

 * The connection between dropping estrogen and changes in mood, memory, and metabolism.

 * How progesterone acts like natural valium—and what happens when it drops.

 * The importance of timing hormone therapy for optimal brain protection.

 * Practical techniques for calming the nervous system and enhancing vagal tone.

Tune in to discover why the second half of life holds more freedom, joy, and possibility than women have ever been led to believe.

Follow Dr. Louann Brizendine:

IG [https://www.instagram.com/louannbrizendine/] | Website [https://www.louannbrizendine.com/] | Buy her book, The Upgrade [https://amzn.to/4fLCLXu]



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

💙If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com [https://www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=lovely] and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less sagging, dull skin.

🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support

Ep. 228 - The Upgrade: What Awaits You on the Other Side of Menopause with Dr. Louann Brizendine

This episode is a re-airing of a listener-favorite (and for good reason), Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Sarah Kennedy, founder and CEO of Calocurb, for a candid look at why weight management during perimenopause and menopause feels like an uphill battle. The truth is, the average woman gains around 22 pounds during the menopause transition—and being told to simply "eat less" completely ignores the physiological storm happening beneath the surface. Sarah breaks down how dropping estrogen levels alter fat distribution, slow metabolism, and increase insulin resistance, making midlife weight gain a biological reality, not a personal failure.

The conversation cuts through the myth that hunger is a matter of willpower. Sarah explains that eating is a primal drive controlled by the hypothalamus, and factors like stress, poor sleep, and alcohol can easily override even the most determined frontal lobe. She also highlights the critical importance of maintaining muscle mass during this stage of life to prevent sarcopenia and frailty, emphasizing that adequate protein intake and resistance exercise are non-negotiable—especially for those using weight-loss medications.

Sarah shares her personal journey with yo-yo dieting and how discovering a natural approach to appetite modulation has transformed her relationship with food. She offers an encouraging perspective that post-menopause can be a time of renewed peace and vitality, sharing that she is now the same size she was at 25. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of their changing bodies, and genuine hope that the other side of menopause is not only manageable but truly liberating. Tune in to learn why hunger is not your enemy and how to work with your biology rather than against it.

You can find Calocurb here [https://www.calocurb.com?sca_ref=8540698.pdMwEJDKXSh] and if you use code LOVELY10 get 10% off your first order!

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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🙀Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Here's what you get when you go to bioptimizers.com/lovely [https://bioptimizers.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY to get 15% off your entire order.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG [https://www.instagram.com/drfionalovely/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@drfionalovely]: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast [http://www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast]

Please sign

Ep. 227 - Menopause Weight Loss with Sarah Kennedy

In this rerelease of a need-to-know solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked yet critical pieces of the women's health puzzle: the connection between low iron and mental health. Many women navigating perimenopause and menopause are walking around with iron deficiency or other forms of anemia, completely unaware that their fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and even depression could be rooted in something as measurable as their ferritin levels. Dr. Lovely breaks down exactly why this happens, how standard lab ranges often miss the mark, and what optimal iron status actually looks like for women in midlife. (hint: it's 80+, not 10 or less like we have been lead to believe is "normal".)

This short but mighty episode is packed with clinical pearls that could change the way listeners view their own symptoms. Dr. Lovely explains the physiological mechanisms behind iron's role in neurotransmitter production and oxygen delivery to the brain, making it clear that mental health cannot be separated from physical health. She also offers practical guidance on testing, interpretation, and what steps to take if you suspect your iron levels are suboptimal. Whether you're struggling with low mood, exhaustion that coffee can't fix, or simply feeling like you're running on empty, this episode will give you the clarity and actionable information you need to advocate for yourself.

Don't let this deficiency steal your vitality. Tune in to learn how to connect the dots between your iron and your overall wellbeing.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here, [https://drinkag1.com/fionalovely] to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚

🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com [https://womaness.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for a discount.

💧If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com [https://www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=lovely] and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin. 💙

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you! 🙏🏼

Follow Dr. Lovely on IG [https://www.instagram.com/drfionalovely/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@drfionalovely]: @drfionalovely

Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodc [http://www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast]

Ep. 226: Mental Health and Iron, what's the connection with Dr. Fiona Lovely

In this empowering episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes nurse practitioner Shelby Sheppard, a trusted hormone and sexual health expert who has been caring for Dr. Lovely's own patients for years. Shelby's journey from labor and delivery RN to founding Pause Health reflects her deep commitment to offering women the time, space, and personalized care they deserve—something that simply cannot happen in the standard medical seven-minute appointment.

The conversation opens with the remarkable story of how Shelby helped a patient navigate postpartum depression using supplemental progesterone, challenging conventional medical dogma. They then dive into the blind spots of thyroid care, explaining why TSH alone is an unreliable marker and why T4-only medications often leave women feeling unwell. Shelby shares her philosophy of offering patients a menu of options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

They explore the newly renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) from PCOS, the underutilized role of testosterone in women's health, and the profound impact of GLP-1 medications on metabolic health and mental well-being. The episode also addresses sexual health, pleasure anatomy, and why women deserve to feel plugged back in—not just for sex, but for life.

Together, they talk about:

 * Why progesterone can be a game-changer for postpartum mood support as well as perimenopausal sleep disturbances, anxiety and others.

 * The limitations of TSH testing for thyroid and why free T3 and reverse T3 matter.

 * How GLP-1s combined with hormone therapy offer superior metabolic results.

 * Testosterone's role in motivation, confidence, and overall vitality.

 * Practical tips for navigating libido changes and communicating with partners.

Tune in to learn why women's health is not a one-size-fits-all prescription—and how to become your own best advocate.

Connect with Shelby: Website: www.pausehealth.ca [http://www.pausehealth.ca]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pause_health



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

🧪Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Here's what you get when you go to bioptimizers.com/lovely [https://bioptimizers.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for 15% off your order!

🌵If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com [https://womaness.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for a special discount.



How to work with Dr. Lovely:

Ep. 225 - Menopausal Medicine Update with NP Shelby Sheppard

In this deeply transformative episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes Jeffrey Tambor, a seasoned healer and co-founder of The Thriving Institute™, who has dedicated over two decades to understanding and resolving trauma at its deepest roots. Alongside his partner, Dr. Valerie Rein—who pioneered the concept of Patriarchy Stress Disorder (PSD)—Jeffrey brings a unique perspective on how inherited stress and conditioning live in women's bodies, often without their conscious awareness.

Jeffrey shares his personal journey from a debilitating depression in his youth to becoming a guide for women navigating the often turbulent waters of perimenopause and menopause. Together, they explore the concept of PSD - Patriarchy Stress Disorder, explaining how trauma from this life and from generations past—both the big "T" and little "t" varieties—gets passed down epigenetically and manifests as that nagging feeling of never being enough. He discusses why traditional talk therapy and mindset work often fall short when addressing these inherited patterns and offers hope that healing can be faster and more accessible than most women realize. Jeffrey reframes perimenopause not as a crisis to be managed, but as a powerful invitation to shed old identities, reclaim sovereignty, and step into a life of full aliveness. The conversation also touches on how men can show up as conscious allies, the liberating power of rage, and why the world desperately needs awakened grandmothers leading the way.

Episode Highlights:

 * What Patriarchy Stress Disorder (PSD) is and how it differs from personal trauma.

 * Why the feeling of "never being enough" often has nothing to do with you personally.

 * How perimenopause serves as an invitation to shed old conditioning and step into authentic power.

 * The difference between processing trauma personally versus addressing inherited ancestral patterns.

 * How to begin moving from survival mode into a state of true thriving and embodiment.

Find out more at https://drvalerie.com/

Follow them on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/drvalerie] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvalerierein/] | IG [https://www.instagram.com/drvalerierein/] | FB [https://www.facebook.com/drvalerierein/]

Tune in to discover that there is nothing wrong with you—and that the freedom you've been longing for is closer than you think.



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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Ep. 224 -Patriarchy Stress Disorder and Menopause with Jeffrey Tambor

What if the key to reducing stress, taming inflammation, and building true resilience was already wired inside you? In this illuminating episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes fellow chiropractor and functional medicine expert Dr. Navaz Habib, bestselling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve, to explore the body's most underappreciated healing pathway.

Dr. Habib shares his personal journey from chronic health struggles to discovering functional medicine, which led him to a powerful realization: uncontrolled inflammation is the common thread behind most chronic illnesses, and the vagus nerve holds the master switch. He breaks down why eighty percent of vagus nerve signals travel from the body to the brain—not the other way around—and how this changes everything for women navigating perimenopause. Listeners will learn why declining estrogen leaves them more vulnerable to inflammation, how heart rate variability serves as a window into nervous system health, and why protecting sleep is non-negotiable. Dr. Habib also delivers a memorable distinction between comfort and safety, explaining why scrolling a phone may feel soothing but never truly calming. He then offers three practical pillars of vagus nerve training: nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and longer exhales, with simple temperature therapy to build adaptive capacity.

Episode Highlights:

 * Why chronic inflammation is the common path behind most modern illnesses.

 * The surprising truth is that 80% of vagus nerve signals travel from organs to the brain.

 * How declining estrogen during perimenopause worsens inflammation without a strong vagus nerve.

 * The critical difference between comfort and safety—and why your phone can't give you either.

 * Three specific breathing techniques to build vagal tone and increase heart rate variability.

 * Simple temperature contrast methods to build resilience, starting with just twenty seconds.

Tune in to learn how to stop seeking comfort and start building the nervous system resilience every woman in midlife deserves.



Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com [https://www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=lovely] and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin.

Women in perimenopause and menopause talk about wanting the same things — less bloating, no afternoon crash after eating, steady energy. MassZymes is perfect for helping your body's ability to actually process what you eat. MassZymes uses a full-spectrum blend of 18 enzymes. That means you're getting more out of the food you eat. Plus, it works across different stomach acid levels, which can really matter as we age. Here's what you get when you go to bioptimizers.com/lovely [https://bioptimizers.com/lovely] and use code LOVELY for 15% off your entire order.

How to work with Dr. Lovely:

We get many requests for this info, so here it is! F

Ep. 223 - Nervous System - Regulation the Master Regulator for Menopausal Health with Dr Navaz Habib

Dr. Fiona Lovely brings to her listeners the expertise gleaned from 20+ years of clinical practice in functional medicine and functional neurology. An agent provocateur in women's health; she is an ex

Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely · Zencastr

Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

Dr. Fiona Lovely brings to her listeners the expertise gleaned from 20+ years of clinical practice in functional medicine and functional neurology. An agent provocateur in women's health; she is an expert in peri-menopause, and all-things female health at mid-life. Sharing stories of hope, with plenty of science sprinkled in, finishing up with tactical tidbits, there is something for all women in these episodes. Find out more at drlovely.com