Menopause Rescue

In this conversation, Dr. Felice Gersh discusses the complexities of different formulations of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the benefits of cycling on and off progesterone versus a continuous dose. She emphasizes the importance of considering the whole body when addressing menopause and not waiting until someone is fully menopausal to address the problem. Dr. Gersh also explains the diffe...

In this conversation, Dr. Polly Watson interviews Dr. Felice Gersh on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular health. Dr. Gersh clarifies the difference between bioidentical hormones and non naturally occurring hormones, particularly in terms of cardiovascular health. She discusses the Women's Health Initiative study and its impact on the perception of hormone replacement th...

Navigating midlife hormonal changes requires personalized mental health strategies. In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson continues her discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Cox, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry from UNC Chapel Hill. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Cox highlights the critical impact of hormonal changes on women’s mental health during midlife.   The...

“We think that different women’s brains have different sensitivities to changes in hormones,” says Dr. Elizabeth Cox. “It’s not so much about absolute levels of hormones that we think are the issue, but the actual fluctuations and changes,” she elaborates. In this episode, Dr. Cox, alongside Dr. Polly Watson, discusses the impact of these hormonal fluctuations on women’s mental health throughout m...

“I retired from my pediatric practice to make a broader impact on children's wellness,” says Dr. Hope Seidel, a seasoned pediatrician and parenting coach. “I strongly believe that wellness begins at home,” she asserts. Together with Dr. Polly Watson, they address the challenges parents face as their children transition to college and adulthood, offering insights on fostering independence and resil...

“Glucose impacts everything,” says Kate Willis, a nurse practitioner certified in functional medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. Alongside Dr. Polly Watson, she discusses glucose control for midlife women's health. This episode uncovers the foundational role of glucose in energy regulation, mood stability, mental clarity, and the avoidance of long-term health risks such as metabol...

"Midlife women are often caught up in a sea of symptoms," says Dr. Polly Watson. "Too often, they're overwhelmed by the lack of support from mainstream healthcare. They're inundated with so-called experts who are selling solutions which may lack credibility." Dr. Polly addresses the common mistakes and misconceptions related to weight gain in midlife women. She emphasizes the importance of persona...

At a point in a woman's life when balance seems like it should come effortlessly, menopause introduces complexities that can tip the scales. Dr. Polly Watson tackles the common issue of weight gain during menopause—a concern for many, despite their best efforts at maintaining a healthy lifestyle.   Dr. Polly explains the hormonal upheavals that lead to increased insulin resistance. This shift pred...

Understanding the menopause transition involves addressing common misconceptions, particularly about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Polly Watson addresses the enduring myth that associates all forms of HRT with breast cancer, tracing its origins to a misinterpretation of the Women's Health Initiative study. She clarifies the distinction between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic proge...

What will hormone tests tell me and why is my doctor so resistant to ordering them? Dr. Polly Watson explores the complexities and controversies surrounding hormone assessment in midlife women. She addresses the frustrations many women experience when their symptoms are dismissed or when they are denied hormone testing by healthcare providers.   Dr. Polly discusses the critical role hormones like...

Menopause is a natural yet often misunderstood phase in every woman's life, marked by mixed emotions and misconceptions about this significant transition. In this inaugural episode of "Menopause Rescue," Dr. Polly Watson, a gynecologist certified by the Menopause Society and renowned for integrating traditional and functional medicine, shares a personal catalyst for her career in women’s health—he...

Welcome to Menopause Rescue: an alternative health podcast hosted by hormone specialist Polly Watson, MD, FACOG, NCMP.   This is a show where women gather to be empowered to gain clarity and to use their menopausal transition to level up their health. Menopause can be a destabilizing time when women feel betrayed by their bodies. Sleep is hijacked, mood feels unpredictable and libido takes a nosed...