Many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and sudden mood changes during midlife. Are these symptoms signs of dementia, ADHD, or are they simply our hormones at work? Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Caroline Gurvich to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during perimenopause and menopause. They explore why more than 60% of women experience cognitive shifts, how estrogen impacts memory and focus, and the roles hormone therapy, lifestyle choices, and even cognitive training can play in keeping your brain sharp.

Many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and sudden mood changes during midlife. Are these symptoms signs of dementia, ADHD, or are they simply our hormones at work? Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Caroline Gurvich to unpack what&rsquo;s really happening in the brain during perimenopause and menopause. They explore why more than 60% of women experience cognitive shifts, how estrogen impacts memory and focus, and the roles hormone therapy, lifestyle choices, and even cognitive training can play in keeping your brain sharp.

Why is it still so hard for women to find reliable, modern health information about their own bodies? On Decoding Women's Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, chair of women’s health & gynecology at the Atria Health Institute, shares expert insights on women’s health, hormones, and longevity science to help you thrive at any stage of midlife and beyond.

Dr. Poynor, a world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and advanced pelvic surgeon, speaks with leading physicians, researchers, and educators to share the latest science on women’s wellness, disease prevention, and what it really means to age on your own terms. Each episode explores a different aspect of how to improve your health during midlife—from heart disease and genetic risks to metabolism, hormones nutrition, cognitive health, and beyond.

Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health—now and for the future—with expert guidance and practical advice to help you thrive. 

Why is it still so hard for women to find reliable, modern health information about their own bodies? On Decoding Women's Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, chair of women&rsquo;s health &amp; gynecology at the Atria Health Institute, shares expert insights on women&rsquo;s health, hormones, and longevity science to help you thrive at any stage of midlife and beyond.
Dr. Poynor, a world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and advanced pelvic surgeon, speaks with leading physicians, researchers, and educators to share the latest science on women&rsquo;s wellness, disease prevention, and what it really means to age on your own terms. Each episode explores a different aspect of how to improve your health during midlife&mdash;from heart disease and genetic risks to metabolism, hormones nutrition, cognitive health, and beyond.
Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health&mdash;now and for the future&mdash;with expert guidance and practical advice to help you thrive.&nbsp;

Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor

Decoding Brain Fog with Dr. Caroline Gurvich

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c55c1419-b687-4fc2-a77f-b36b01378b52/transcript

Have you considered getting plastic surgery? We’re separating the social media hype from the surgical reality with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman.  He walks us through some of the most common procedures he performs, including his specialty: aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. 

We also discuss how to spot red flags when looking for qualified surgeons and what he wishes every patient knew before sitting down for their initial consultation. Plus, he’ll weigh in on AI tools and the latest trends reshaping the industry.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399360/

The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc.: https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.: https://www.aafprs.org/

Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

Have you considered getting plastic surgery? We&rsquo;re separating the social media hype from the surgical reality with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman.&nbsp; He walks us through some of the most common procedures he performs, including his specialty: aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast.&nbsp;
We also discuss how to spot red flags when looking for qualified surgeons and what he wishes every patient knew before sitting down for their initial consultation. Plus, he&rsquo;ll weigh in on AI tools and the latest trends reshaping the industry.
Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399360/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399360/</a>
The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc.:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/">https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/</a>
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aafprs.org/">https://www.aafprs.org/</a>
Note: In this show, we use &ldquo;women&rdquo; as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

Decoding Plastic Surgery with Dr. Troy Pittman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2ce790c1-189c-489f-b0f9-b45d0013e9ba/transcript

What can we do today to protect our bones, our muscles, and our joints for the future? Joining the show today is Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein - a clinician and researcher at Duke University, whose work sits at the intersection of women's health and musculoskeletal health.

We break down the latest research, while outlining the effects of estrogen loss on muscle mass and function. But most importantly, we discuss what we can actually do about it. Dr. Wittstein has tips on which habits to adopt to maintain and strengthen your body.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Tips to improve bone density: https://content.atria.org/article/how-to-support-your-bone-density/

What to know about grip strengtheners: https://content.atria.org/article/what-to-know-about-grip-strengtheners/

Anti-inflammatory diet tips: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet/

All about vitamin D: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-vitamin-d/

NOTE: DEXA scans are simple 15-minute tests that can be done at some gyms, standalone businesses, or through your doctor. You do not need a prescription for one, but since your insurance may cover it, it's worth asking your doctor to order it for you.

Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy modifies skeletal muscle composition and function: a study with monozygotic twin pairs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19246654/

Association Between Hormone Therapy and Muscle Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461147/

Estrogen deficiency accelerates lumbar facet joints arthritis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-01427-7

Are there gender-specific differences in hip and knee cartilage composition and degeneration? A systematic literature review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11101511/

Hormone replacement therapy (conjugated oestrogens plus bazedoxifene) for post-menopausal women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: primary report from the HOPE-e randomised, placebo-controlled, feasibility study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(22)00218-1/fulltext

Beyond reproduction: the role of progesterone in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/

Progesterone and Bone: Actions Promoting Bone Health in Women: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/

Are there sex differences in the association between the incidence of knee osteoarthritis and its known risk factors? the Rotterdam study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/

Associations between testosterone and knee and hand osteoarthritis among males and females from the general population: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1063458425008787

Is There a Relationship Between Kinesiophobia and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372230/

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Associated with Reduced Risk of Adhesive Capsulitis in Menopausal Women? A Single Center Analysis: https://scholars.duke.edu/publication/1616498

High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/

A comparison of different exercise intensities for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9615132/

Effectiveness of whole-body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282343/

How (and Why) to Add More Fiber to Your Diet: https://content.atria.org/article/how-and-why-to-add-more-fiber-to-your-diet/

Your Guide to Omega-3s: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-omega-3s/

Why VO2 Max Matters: https://content.atria.org/article/why-vo2-max-matters/

Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

What can we do today to protect our bones, our muscles, and our joints for the future? Joining the show today is Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein - a clinician and researcher at Duke University, whose work sits at the intersection of women's health and musculoskeletal health.
We break down the latest research, while outlining the effects of estrogen loss on muscle mass and function. But most importantly, we discuss what we can actually do about it. Dr. Wittstein has tips on which habits to adopt to maintain and strengthen your body.
Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
Tips to improve bone density:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/how-to-support-your-bone-density/">https://content.atria.org/article/how-to-support-your-bone-density/</a>
What to know about grip strengtheners:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/what-to-know-about-grip-strengtheners/">https://content.atria.org/article/what-to-know-about-grip-strengtheners/</a>
Anti-inflammatory diet tips:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet/">https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet/</a>
All about vitamin D:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-vitamin-d/">https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-vitamin-d/</a>
NOTE: DEXA scans are simple 15-minute tests that can be done at some gyms, standalone businesses, or through your doctor. You do not need a prescription for one, but since your insurance may cover it, it's worth asking your doctor to order it for you.
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy modifies skeletal muscle composition and function: a study with monozygotic twin pairs:&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19246654/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19246654/</a>
Association Between Hormone Therapy and Muscle Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis:&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461147/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461147/</a>
Estrogen deficiency accelerates lumbar facet joints arthritis:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-01427-7">https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-01427-7</a>
Are there gender-specific differences in hip and knee cartilage composition and degeneration? A systematic literature review:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11101511/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11101511/</a>
Hormone replacement therapy (conjugated oestrogens plus bazedoxifene) for post-menopausal women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: primary report from the HOPE-e randomised, placebo-controlled, feasibility study:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(22)00218-1/fulltext">https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(22)00218-1/fulltext</a>
Beyond reproduction: the role of progesterone in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/</a>
Progesterone and Bone: Actions Promoting Bone Health in Women:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/</a>
Are there sex differences in the association between the incidence of knee osteoarthritis and its known risk factors? the Rotterdam study:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/</a>
Associations between testosterone and knee and hand osteoarthritis among males and females from the general population:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1063458425008787">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1063458425008787</a>
Is There a Relationship Between Kinesiophobia and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis?&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372230/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372230/</a>
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Associated with Reduced Risk of Adhesive Capsulitis in Menopausal Women? A Single Center Analysis:&nbsp;<a href="https://scholars.duke.edu/publication/1616498">https://scholars.duke.edu/publication/1616498</a>
High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial:&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/</a>
A comparison of different exercise intensities for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis:&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9615132/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9615132/</a>
Effectiveness of whole-body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials:&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282343/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282343/</a>
How (and Why) to Add More Fiber to Your Diet:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/how-and-why-to-add-more-fiber-to-your-diet/">https://content.atria.org/article/how-and-why-to-add-more-fiber-to-your-diet/</a>
Your Guide to Omega-3s:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-omega-3s/">https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-omega-3s/</a>
Why VO2 Max Matters:&nbsp;<a href="https://content.atria.org/article/why-vo2-max-matters/">https://content.atria.org/article/why-vo2-max-matters/</a>
Note: In this show, we use &ldquo;women&rdquo; as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

Decoding Muscle and Bone Health with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e2f21bc5-cc64-4e80-82c2-b44f0015e5c3/transcript

Sleep in midlife can be complicated — shaped by stress, hormone fluctuations, and a lifetime of habits that may not be serving you. Dr. Jade Wu offers a reframe that challenges how many of us approach sleep. It’s not a problem to be solved. Sleep is your friend, one that responds better to patience than control. 

Dr. Wu also explains why the real measure of sleep doesn’t come from a tracker or device but from how alert you feel during the day. We outline the difference between sleep deprivation, insomnia and sleep apnea. And we discuss the potential benefits of CBT-I or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. 

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Thrive Sleep Clinic FAQs

Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications

Genome-wide association study identifies genetic loci for self-reported habitual sleep duration supported by accelerometer-derived estimates

Sleep Disturbance and Perimenopause: A Narrative Review

Sleep Apnea

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

To learn more about at-home sleep studies, speak with your doctor and read this

See a breakdown of the evidence for different treatments for sleep

You can find a list of certified CBT-I therapists here

A 2023 paper in JAMA tested 25 over-the-counter melatonin supplements and found that 22 of them contained very different amounts of melatonin and did not match what was on the label: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2804077

Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

Sleep in midlife can be complicated &mdash; shaped by stress, hormone fluctuations, and a lifetime of habits that may not be serving you. Dr. Jade Wu offers a reframe that challenges how many of us approach sleep. It&rsquo;s not a problem to be solved. Sleep is your friend, one that responds better to patience than control.&nbsp;
Dr. Wu also explains why the real measure of sleep doesn&rsquo;t come from a tracker or device but from how alert you feel during the day. We outline the difference between sleep deprivation, insomnia and sleep apnea. And we discuss the potential benefits of CBT-I or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.&nbsp;
Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
<a href="https://www.thrivesleepclinic.com/faq">Thrive Sleep Clinic FAQs</a>
<a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250828415/hellosleep/">Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications</a>
<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6405943/">Genome-wide association study identifies genetic loci for self-reported habitual sleep duration supported by accelerometer-derived estimates</a>
<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11901009/">Sleep Disturbance and Perimenopause: A Narrative Review</a>
<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea">Sleep Apnea</a>
<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/ahi">Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)</a>
To learn more about at-home sleep studies, speak with your doctor and read <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-studies/at-home-sleep-study">this</a>
<a href="See%20a%20breakdown%20of%20the%20evidence%20for%20different%20treatments%20for%20sleep">See a breakdown of the evidence for different treatments for sleep</a>
You can find a list of certified CBT-I therapists <a href="https://www.behavioralsleep.org/">here</a>
A 2023 paper in JAMA tested 25 over-the-counter melatonin supplements and found that 22 of them contained very different amounts of melatonin and did not match what was on the label:&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2804077">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2804077</a>
Note: In this show, we use &ldquo;women&rdquo; as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.

Decoding Better Sleep with Dr. Jade Wu

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/51464668-7928-4203-b10f-b4400157c188/transcript

Decoding Brain Fog with Dr. Caroline Gurvich

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Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor

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