Ep. 617 How Stress Influences Hormones and Metabolic Health with Dr. Carrie Jones | Menopause, Perimenopause, Metabolic Health

I am honored to have Dr. Carrie Jones back on the podcast today. She’s a naturopathic physician and hormone expert with over 20 years of clinical experience in women's health and endocrinology. In today’s conversation, we unpack common social media myths about midlife, the influence of lifestyle choices in perimenopause, the role of cortisol and hormones, and current research on the parasympathetic nervous system. Dr. Jones explains vagal freeze, how our stress response can exacerbate it, and why stress has become so normalized. We also explore the influence of synthetic hormones, thyroid propaganda, immune system function, autoimmunity, lab reference values and ranges, and the timing hypothesis of hormone replacement therapy, and Dr. Jones shares her favorite new supplements. Stay tuned for another insightful conversation with one of my favorite voices in the hormone space. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of being thoughtful about information shared on social media regarding perimenopause and menopause How chronic stress becomes harder to tolerate and can cause an increase in inflammation during perimenopause Some simple strategies to help you feel safe, connected, and supported, and improve your vagal tone How actual stress, anticipated stress, and perceived stress all activate the same stress response How chronic stress affects every system within the body How certain women can tolerate synthetic hormones very well, while others develop various symptoms Why basic blood tests and reference ranges are not always optimal for everyone Factors that could influence thyroid function, and the benefits of a broader thyroid assessment than TSH alone Dr. Jones explains why she prefers to start hormone therapy early in perimenopause if appropriate The new supplements Dr. Jones uses to support mood, stress, and sleep Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On her website Instagram YouTube Hello Hormones Podcast