Ep. 313: Unlocking Teen Resilience with Dr. Roseann: Tackling Modern Mental Health

Today, I am honored to connect with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified physician assistant with a master's degree in public health, specializing in gynecologic oncology. Rachel is on the staff at UCLA Health, where she treats women with gynecologic cancers and women at high risk for uterine or ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations or a strong family history.  In our discussion, we unpack GYN oncology, covering the five GYN cancers, why ovarian cancer is the silent killer, and the labs and ultrasounds to help screen for ovarian cancer. We dive into genetics, including BRCA mutations and Lynch syndrome, appropriate genetic counseling, and what Rachel considers when dealing with younger patients still at peak fertility versus older patients. We explore the importance of HRT utilization for cancer previvors, the effects of pelvic radiation, vaginal and sexual health, and what thriving looks like after cancer. Rachel shares her stepwise approach to hot flashes, and we also discuss the importance of lifestyle, bone health, and specific research on the benefits of GLP-1s for women with ovarian and endometrial cancer.  This conversation is especially relevant as we are in GYN and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I look forward to having Rachel back again, hopefully later this fall, to discuss the use of hormone replacement therapy with GYN oncology survivors. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How the lack of effective screening makes ovarian cancer hard to detect due to  How BRCA and Lynch syndrome influence cancer risk and treatment choices The benefits of HRT for cancer previvors Risks that arise from surgical menopause without sufficient or properly dosed HRT Why less than 50% of eligible women actually receive hormone therapy How pelvic radiation impacts menopause, vaginal tissue, bladder, and GI health The support that is crucial for cancer survivors after pelvic radiation Lifestyle factors to improve cancer treatment outcomes   Rachel shares her stepwise approach to managing hot flashes  What GLP-1 research reveals about reducing ovarian cancer mortality and endometrial cancer risk Bio: Rachel Frankenthal Rachel Frankenthal is a board-certified and licensed Physician Associate and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with a Master's in Public Health. She specializes in gynecologic oncology, treating women with gynecologic cancers as well as women at high risk for uterine or ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations. Rachel has a special passion for menopause and midlife women's healthcare. She developed the menopause clinic for gynecologic cancer survivors and previvors at UCLA and has played an integral role in developing the GYN cancer survivorship program, where she teaches the weekly yoga and meditation class. Rachel lectures at UCLA and across the country on the importance of comprehensive menopause care in cancer survivorship and has created a course on hormone therapy for gynecologic cancer survivors through the Heather Hirsch Academy. In addition to being a medical practitioner, Rachel is a certified yoga and Pilates instructor, a prior Broadway performer, and an advocate for integrative, holistic health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Rachel Frankenthal On Instagram

20 Syys 53min

Today, we have the first episode of a series of AMAs with McCall McPherson. McCall McPherson is the visionary behind Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas. McCall is a physician assistant and thyroid expert. She is a recent TEDx speaker, a frequent guest on podcasts and summits, and the owner, host, and Chief Thyroid Hope Giver of the Thyroid Nations podcast.  Today, McCall joins me to dive into a range of listener questions, covering whether intermittent fasting damages the thyroid, the role of GLP-1s, constipation, split-dosing medication, adrenal health, ADHD, phentermine versus Glucophage versus GLP-1s, and how HRT affects thyroid medication. We also explore the impact of lipids on thyroid health and the role of nutrition, and we share our opinions on the Dutch test.  This invaluable AMA was made even more special by the flood of questions submitted by listeners. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of adopting a nuanced approach to intermittent fasting  How Graves' disease and Hashimoto's differ in terms of fasting Why fasting is not advisable when taking GLP-1s Do thyroid medications cause constipation? Strategies for overcoming constipation and improving gut health McCall shares her rationale for splitting thyroid medication doses Will progesterone increase free T4 levels? The importance of rechecking thyroid labs after starting or adjusting HRT Foods to avoid and include in your diet for thyroid health Is the Dutch test worth using? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with McCall McPherson Modern Thyroid Clinic  Modern Weight Loss On Instagram and TikTok Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast

17 Syys 1h 4min

Today, we have the next episode in our series of sponsored podcasts with highly vetted companies.  I am delighted to connect with Sarah Kennedy, the founder and CEO of Calocurb, a revolutionary product for weight management that became commercialized after 15 years and $30 million of research from the New Zealand government. Calocurb currently sells in five international markets and continues to grow rapidly through channels and geographies.  Sarah is a veterinarian by training and has held several senior executive positions in the agribusiness and food industries. In our conversation today, we explore the science behind Calocurb, the evolutionary mechanisms of satiety, and how Calocurb reduces caloric intake by 18%. We discuss endogenous GLP-1 drugs, highlighting how Calocurb’s mechanism of action differs, and examining current research on gender differences in GLP-1 secretion, including their impact on the menstrual cycle and intermittent fasting. Sarah also covers the four core tenets of Calocurb, shares upcoming research that excites her, and explains the key differences between Calocurb and other supplements, like berberine and chromium. This conversation is truly invaluable, so it's worth revisiting. I am excited about Calocurb’s potential to support a variety of needs, helping those looking to improve their hunger and satiety mechanisms, and assisting those taking GLP-1 medications who want to reduce their dosage and transition off GLP-1 medications without compromising the long-term results. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How Calocurb began How Calocurb supports those on GLP-1s looking to lower their doses or taper off (in conjunction with their healthcare team) Sarah explains why Calocurb is very safe, and its four to six-hour mode of action.  The three primary use cases for Calocurb, and how it helps to reduce the side effects and costs associated with GLP-1 injections The importance of making lifestyle changes when transitioning off GLP-1 medications How Calocurb stimulates natural GLP-1 receptors, making it easier to manage food cravings during intermittent fasting Sarah shares how Calocurb helped her manage her love-hate relationship with food. How to take Calocurb for optimal effectiveness Sarah outlines Calocurb’s four core values.  How Calocurb differs from other supplements Foods that help to reinforce the satiety mechanism You can use code CYNTHIA10 for 10% off an order on ⁠calocurb.com⁠. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Sarah Kennedy You can use code CYNTHIA10 for 10% off an order on ⁠⁠calocurb.com⁠⁠. Research Articles: Gastrointestinal delivery of bitter hop extract reduces appetite and food cravings in healthy adult women undergoing acute fasting  New Zealand Bitter Hops Extract Reduces Hunger During a 24h Water  Only Fast Body weight reduction in women treated with tirzepatide by reproductive stage: a post hoc analysis from the SURMOUNT program

15 Syys 47min

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Kelly Caspersen, a urologist who empowers women to live their best love lives. She is a two-time author, with her latest being The Menopause Moment. In our conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, from navigating UTI purgatory and understanding the vaginal microbiome to how vaginal estrogen can dramatically reduce the risk of sepsis and death in the ICU. We unpack the evolving language of hormones- specifically progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone and we examine censorship and bias on social media, and the differences between prescribers and non-prescribers. We explore the effects of SSRIs on bone and brain health, changes in self-perception in middle age, and the effects of the baby boomer generation and the Women’s Health Initiative, exposing the medical gaslighting behind the use it or lose it narrative. We also offer practical options for women who cannot take hormones, and Dr. Kelly shares her go-to supplements and those she avoids. This conversation is one of my recent favorites. Dr. Kelly’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her straightforward approach makes complex topics clear, practical, and unforgettable. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why recurrent UTIs can feel like UTI purgatory How hormone terminology is evolving, and what that means for women in midlife The value of vaginal estrogen, and the potential it holds for saving women’s lives How the approaches of prescribers and non-prescribers differ How SSRIs can raise the risk of bone fractures  The brain health and self-perception shifts that often occur in midlife  Why the use it or lose it belief is misleading, and how it veers into medical gaslighting How the baby boomer generation and the Women’s Health Initiative still influence women’s healthcare today Some alternative options for women who cannot take hormones Dr. Kelly shares her preferred supplements and those she avoids Bio:  Dr. Kelly Casperson, MD Urologist • Author • Podcaster • Women's Health Thought Leader Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, best-selling author, and top-ranked international podcaster empowering women to take control of their health, hormones, and sexuality. Known for blending science with storytelling, she transforms complex medical topics into relatable and actionable insights that help women live fully and fearlessly—especially in midlife. With her signature candor and evidence-based clarity, Dr. Casperson dismantles long-held myths around sex, menopause, and desire. Her acclaimed podcast, You Are Not Broken, has become a go-to resource for hundreds of thousands of women seeking real answers about their bodies and brains. Her groundbreaking work integrates urology, neuroscience, and mindset coaching to drive lasting change in intimacy, confidence, and overall well-being. As a keynote speaker and educator, Dr. Casperson challenges outdated norms in medicine while offering bold, science-backed solutions. She’s on a mission to build a world where women are educated, empowered, and no longer afraid of their own bodies. Whether she’s on stage, in a clinic, or behind the mic, Dr. Casperson is leading a health revolution—one smart, honest conversation at a time. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson On her website On Instagram You Are Not Broken (Podcast) The Menopause Moment is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

13 Syys 1h 10min

I am delighted to connect with Shanna Pearson today. She is the Founder and President of Expert ADHD Coaching, which is the most extensive ADHD coaching program of its kind in the world, providing one-on-one, action-based coaching for adults who are easily distracted and seeking personal, professional, and financial success. Shanna is also the author of Invisible ADHD.  In our discussion, we take a clear and practical look at what ADHD really is. We unpack the chemical changes that occur in the brain, highlighting the gender differences, and exploring why women have become the lost generation and why so many people get misdiagnosed. We also discuss common conditions that often accompany ADHD, the challenges of social conditioning, and share practical tools for addressing ADHD. Whether you have ADHD or you struggle with overwhelm, this discussion offers helpful insights and strategies that are sure to make a real difference. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What ADHD truly is The brain biochemistry of those with ADHD How ADHD differs in men and women Why Shanna refers to women whose ADHD is undiagnosed until perimenopause or menopause as a lost generation    How ADHD in women often gets misdiagnosed How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause impact ADHD symptoms How societal expectations tend to exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women Strategies for managing ADHD Lifestyle factors that are essential for managing ADHD symptoms How her book, Invisible ADHD, can help anyone struggling with ADHD or overwhelm Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Shanna Pearson Expert ADHD Coaching   Purchase your copy of Invisible ADHD here, or on Amazon

10 Syys 58min

I am thrilled to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Anthony Youn, today.  Dr. Youn is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon and the author of many best-selling books. He has a massive social media presence and hosts the widely acclaimed podcast The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show. In our conversation today, we dive into Dr. Youn’s new book, Younger for Life, and he offers valuable insights on skin health and overall well-being. We explore the aging process and address oxidative-free radical damage, chronic inflammation, autophagy, and the impact of processed foods. We also explore helpful supplements for skin support, examine the concept of greenwashing, and discuss sunscreen, exfoliation, in-office treatments, breast implant illness, and the impact of lifestyle choices. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How to avoid aging too quickly through nutrition and lifestyle changes How sugar and seed oils impact skin aging The benefits of collagen supplements for healthier skin  Hormonal changes that affect the metabolism and skin health after menopause The importance of screening the ingredients in skincare products How chemical sunscreens differ from physical sunblocks Using Retinol for anti-aging and skin health Non-invasive fat reduction treatments and their potential risks Dr. Youn discusses breast implant illness What you need to look out for when using Botox Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with Dr. Anthony Youn On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠Youn Beauty⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube

8 Syys 1h 13min

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Heather Quaile. She is a double board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and advanced forensic nurse with specialty training in female sexual medicine. Her training focused on integrative gynecology. Today, we dive into trauma-informed care, defining big and little T trauma, examining how adverse childhood events impact gynecologic care, and clarifying how chronic stress and trauma affect ovarian aging. We discuss the role of recalibration of the nervous and autonomic nervous systems during perimenopause and menopause, and explore the importance of estrogen in supporting serotonin, dopamine, and adrenal health in middle age. We cover GLP-1s, reframing packaging around vaginal estrogen, FDA approval for testosterone, the new terminology of PET, and holistic management of low libido, and we also tackle the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, new terminology, barriers, self-advocacy, and the significance of pelvic floor Health.  This conversation with Dr. Quaile is truly invaluable. She is a most helpful resource on everything related to integrative gynecology, sexual medicine, and self-advocacy. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How big and little T trauma differ What trauma-informed care is, and why it is particularly relevant for women in perimenopause and menopause Symptoms and behaviors that indicate trauma in women How the interrelationship between estradiol and serotonin affects our worldview, self-perception, sleep, and relationships  The benefits of addressing any hormonal imbalances before using GLP-1s for weight loss The pros and cons of gaining FDA approval for testosterone and commercializing it   Factors that could cause decreased libido in middle-aged women The genitourinary changes that occur in different life phases of women, or with cancer, or when going through gender reassignment How PET (progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone) terminology is evolving to include women outside of perimenopause and menopause  The five questions Dr. Quaile has in her DSDS (decreased sexual desire screener) for clinicians, to get to the root cause of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in patients The importance of women being comfortable about advocating for themselves Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Heather Quaile On her website  Instagram

6 Syys 46min

We have the next episode in our series of thyroid-focused podcasts today. In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone, Dr. Alan Christianson, and Dr. Amie Hornaman join me to dive into medications, treatment options, personal preferences, and the fear that often drives medical decision-making. We discuss the current prevalence of thyroid-related conditions and why iodine remains a controversial topic in thyroid physiology. We also cover the role of micronutrients and the impact and symptoms of hypothyroidism, clarifying the concept of thyroid pause, and the specific lab tests required for evaluation, in addition to sharing some practical strategies.  Dr. Shawn Tassone advocates for a personalized approach to thyroid treatment, often preferring desiccated or compounded medications over standard synthetics, depending on patient response, insurance coverage, and symptom relief. He also addresses the ongoing resistance within conventional endocrinology to T3-based therapies, despite clear clinical improvements in patients using them. Dr. Alan Christianson explains that the dramatic rise in thyroid disorders over recent decades is due to increased iodine exposure, particularly from processed foods, dairy, supplements, and cosmetics. While iodine is essential for thyroid function, even small excesses can overwhelm the system, triggering autoimmune responses. However, reducing iodine intake can significantly improve or even reverse thyroid dysfunction in many people. Dr. Amie Hornaman explains that optimal thyroid function is essential for overall health, and the active thyroid hormone, T3, is needed by every cell in the body. She highlights the importance of comprehensive thyroid testing to detect dysfunction often missed by standard TSH tests, particularly in women over 40 or those experiencing symptoms linked to perimenopause, menopause, or Hashimoto’s. This enlightening conversation, with three leading thyroid authorities, is packed with valuable insights, so you should revisit it more than once. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Shawn Tassone On his website Instagram (Appointments: drshawntassone) Call Dr. Tassone’s office: 512 956029 Facebook Connect with Dr. Alan Christianson On his website Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman On her website Facebook and Instagram YouTube The Thyroid Fixer Podcast Ep 243 Balancing your hormones and thyroid health with Dr. Shawn Tassone Ep. 154 Thyroid & Intermittent Fasting Reset: How to Normalize Your Thyroid Function with Dr. Alan Christianson Ep. 426 Thyroid Health Masterclass: Labs, Diets & Autoimmune Insights with Dr. Amie Hornaman (DCN)

3 Syys 44min