#439: Reclaiming Metabolism: The SECRET Molecule Transforming Women's Health (Belly Fat, Brain Power & Beyond) With Siobhan Mitchell PhD

Today, I’m joined by the insightful Siobhan Mitchell PhD, a leading expert on women’s health, mitochondria, and metabolic resilience. In our conversation, Siobhan reveals why so many women in their 30s and 40s feel like their metabolism is suddenly “broken,” and unpacks the real science behind what’s happening beneath the surface—especially as our hormones begin to shift. Episode Timestamps: Introduction and host welcome ... 00:00:00 Introducing Speaker B and focus on women’s health ... 00:04:30 Growing interest in women’s health and clinical gaps ... 00:05:12 Body composition and metabolic changes in perimenopause ... 00:06:01 Hormonal shifts—not a broken metabolism ... 00:09:21 Addressing the root cause versus band-aids like GLP-1 ... 00:11:10 What’s happening beneath the surface in early perimenopause ... 00:12:40 Role of estrogen in appetite, glucose, and fat storage ... 00:13:12 Visceral fat, inflammation, and accelerated aging ... 00:15:02 Estrogen’s connection to mitochondrial function ... 00:16:15 Brain, muscle, and cognitive declines with estrogen loss ... 00:16:44 Environmental and mitochondrial factors in PCOS ... 00:21:09 Shift to belly fat and why fat storage changes ... 00:22:58 Mitochondria, immune system, and autoimmunity in women ... 00:29:16 Phytoestrogens, soy, and S-equol as hormone alternatives ... 00:32:37 S-equol’s benefits: metabolic, bone, and brain health ... 00:35:50 Soy fears, GMOs, and the purity of S-equol ... 00:46:25 Microbiome, Bifidobacterium breve, and estrogen recycling ... 00:49:18 GLP-1s versus supporting the root cause ... 00:53:01 Optimizing estrogen signaling for health span and menopause timing ... 00:55:20 When to use S-equol: timing and benefits ... 00:55:54 Reversing visceral fat and lifestyle factors ... 01:03:28 Our Amazing Sponsors: Manukora Honey - A simple upgrade to your daily routine, this Manuka honey delivers antioxidants, prebiotics, and naturally occurring MGO that you won’t get from regular sweeteners; head to http://manukora.com/natniddam to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts with the Starter Kit. Mitopure Gummies by Timeline - These clinically researched gummies support mitophagy to help renew your mitochondria and boost cellular energy, giving you a stronger biological foundation for resilience—visit http://timeline.com/nat20 to get 20% off. Daily Gut Detox by Just Thrive Health – A gentle, science-backed detox powered by clinically proven immunoglobulins that bind and remove toxins while supporting your gut, immune system, and digestion—without harsh flushing or discomfort. Visit JustThriveHealth.com/NAT20 and use code NAT20 for 20% off your order, risk-free. Nat's Links: YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter Instagram Dr. Bill Lawrence Episode