Ep. 620 Menopause, Hormones, and the Body’s Terrain with Dr. Sharon Stills | Menopause, Perimenopause, Lymphatic Health

I am honored to connect with Dr. Sharon Stills today. She is a graduate of naturopathic medical school with extensive training in European biological medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement, and anti-aging therapies. In our conversation today, we explore terrain-based medicine and strategies to support women in perimenopause and beyond. We talk extensively about gut health, the estroblome, the microbiome, how European biological medicine views these as terrain, disruptive factors, and why they matter for women in midlife. We also examine the influence of the lymphatic system and how castor oil packs support it, bioidentical hormones as a lifelong tool rather than a temporary fix, and why menopause is a sacred second act in women's lives. Dr. Stills is thoughtful, insightful, and grounded, and I know you will enjoy this conversation with her as much as I did recording it. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How European biological medicine emphasizes the extracellular matrix (terrain) rather than focusing only on individual cells or mitochondria How declining hormones during menopause often expose longstanding yet previously hidden aspects of women’s health Dr. Stills shares what she did to prepare herself for menopause in the preceding years Dr. Stills encourages women to create meaningful challenges or experiences to mark their major life transitions How limiting beliefs about aging can influence how you experience midlife and beyond Factors that could influence the health of your terrain How supplements can play an important role, but work best alongside lifestyle habits, mindfulness, and supporting your body's natural healing processes Why Dr. Stills considers the lymphatic system an overlooked contributor to hormone balance, and some practical ways to support healthy lymphatic flow How simple daily habits often have a greater impact on your health than wellness gadgets The value of bioidentical hormones, and why hormone therapy should be individualized rather than one-size-fits-all Bio: Dr. Sharon Stills Dr. Sharon Stills, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and graduate of The Sonoran University (2001), has spent over two decades transforming women’s health, with a special focus on guiding women through perimenopause and menopause. Creator of the pioneering RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program and host of the annual Mastering Your Meno(pause) Transition summit, she combines her expertise in European Biological Medicine, pro-aging therapies, and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement to help women rediscover vitality with natural methods. A respected voice in her field, Dr. Stills has lectured internationally at the Paracelsus Academy in Switzerland, contributed to Women’s Health Network, and served on the boards of the Bio-Regulatory Medicine Institute and UCLA’s Archive of Healing. She recently opened the Lasting Wellness Center in Scottsdale, AZ—alongside her son, Dr. Ben Stills—offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care for chronic illness and women’s health. 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. Sharon Stills On her website