Am I Going Through Perimenopause?!

I'm joined by board-certified general surgeon Dr. Lee Howard, who walked away from traditional medicine. Why he feels traditional medicine doesn't really help its patients plus we cover what supplements are good for everyone to take, how to navigate allergy season with kids, what the heck the MTHFR gene is, how we should be approaching our kids' health, why were gonna start to hear more and more about creatine, ways we can help the aging process, plus perimenopause and menopause- how to minimize symptoms and recognize when we start to enter that stage. And we cover once and for all what those silly eye twitches are from. Clip 3: Low Testosterone and Alzheimer’s Risk Most people think of testosterone as a hormone that just affects sex drive or muscle mass. But the brain is actually one of its biggest targets. A massive 2023 study from the University of Sydney looked at older men and found something shocking: men with low testosterone had a 26% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. And we’re not talking about late-stage life—these patterns start decades earlier. Testosterone helps regulate inflammation in the brain, supports memory circuits, and even promotes the growth of new neural connections. When levels drop too low, especially without being noticed, the brain becomes more vulnerable to decline. Here’s the kicker: most men never get their levels checked. And if they do, the 'normal range' is often outdated or way too broad. What’s normal for a 75-year-old is not what you want at 45. I’ve had women come in concerned about their partner’s mood, irritability, even motivation—and it turns out his testosterone was tanked. If you’re in a long-term relationship and your partner is acting like a different person, you’re not imagining it. And getting his hormones evaluated might be the missing link to helping him feel like himself again—and preventing cognitive decline down the line. Study source: University of Sydney & Neuroscience Research Australia (2023) https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.1252 Clip 5: Gut Health and Mood There’s a direct, two-way communication line between your gut and your brain—and researchers now believe that the gut may play just as much of a role in mental health as the brain itself. A major review from 2024 showed that people with poor gut diversity were significantly more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, even when diet and lifestyle were controlled. Why? Because 90% of your serotonin is actually made in your gut. If your microbiome is inflamed or out of balance, your body literally has fewer raw materials to make feel-good brain chemicals. On top of that, gut inflammation sends stress signals to your brain—keeping you in a low-level “fight or flight” state, even when nothing’s wrong. And if you’ve ever felt brain fog, irritability, or sadness after a weekend of sugar and alcohol… this is why. What’s exciting is how quickly you can make a shift. Just increasing your fiber, adding fermented foods, or taking the right probiotic can make a measurable difference in just a few weeks. This isn’t woo. This is the future of psychiatry. And if you’ve done therapy, made lifestyle changes, but still don’t feel right—check your gut. It might be where your healing needs to start. Study source: Review from the Polish Society of Gastroenterology (2024) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811453 Clip 8: Hormone Imbalances and Marriage You’d be shocked how many couples come into my office thinking they have a communication problem—when what they really have is a hormone problem. He’s irritable, unmotivated, maybe withdrawing. She’s exhausted, anxious, snapping at small things. They think they’ve grown apart. They think the spark is gone. But when we test their hormones—testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, thyroid—what we find is that their biochemistry is off. And once we start restoring balance, everything shifts. The mood improves. The intimacy returns. The little things don’t feel so overwhelming. We now have solid evidence that hormonal health directly impacts emotional regulation, sexual desire, and even empathy. And if both partners are dysregulated, it can feel like the marriage is falling apart—when really, it’s just that their physiology is out of sync. This isn’t a relationship failure. It’s a hormone crisis. And once you name it, you can fix it. I’ve seen couples on the brink of divorce completely turn things around—because we stopped blaming each other and started healing their bodies. Study source: APA + American Journal of Men’s Health (2023–24) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15579883231166518 Clip 11: Whole Milk in Schools Might Actually Be Smarter For decades, schools have pushed low-fat or skim milk, based on outdated beliefs about fat and weight. But new evidence is flipping that script. A growing body of research now shows that children who drink whole milk are actually less likely to be overweight than those drinking low-fat milk. Why? Because fat makes food more satisfying. It helps with blood sugar regulation and keeps kids fuller longer—so they’re less likely to snack on junk later. In 2025, there’s increasing pushback from pediatricians and nutrition researchers against the one-size-fits-all low-fat approach. Some school districts are already considering bringing whole milk back, and they’re seeing better nutrition outcomes. Whole milk also contains essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium in more bioavailable forms, especially when paired with fat. It’s time we stop fearing fat—especially when the data shows that cutting it hasn’t actually reduced childhood obesity. In fact, we may have made things worse. So if your kid likes whole milk, don’t feel guilty. It might just be the more nourishing option after all. Study source: Associated Press report (2025) https://apnews.com/article/e4868fdc2dc4e85aeb9375edcd27da49 Clip 13: Hormone Fluctuations and Depression in Women One of the biggest blind spots in women’s health is how powerful hormone fluctuations are—especially on mood. A 2025 study published in Biomedical Reports found that estrogen and progesterone shifts during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause play a massive role in rates of depression. This isn’t just anecdotal. These hormonal changes alter brain chemistry, sensitivity to stress, and even how the body processes trauma. In puberty, many girls who were previously confident begin to struggle with mood and self-esteem—but instead of checking hormones, we tell them to tough it out. In postpartum, we’re finally starting to talk about depression more—but the hormonal crash that happens after birth still catches most women off guard. And in perimenopause, where mood swings and anxiety often resurface, women are still too often told it’s “just part of aging.” It’s not. It’s biology. And the good news is, once you understand that hormones are a major player, you can treat the root cause instead of just masking symptoms. Whether it’s bioidentical therapy, lifestyle shifts, or targeted nutrients, women deserve to know that their brains and their hormones are on the same team—and that relief is possible. Study source: Biomedical Reports (2025) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40083602 Clip 14: Social Media Changes Teen Brain Wiring We now have MRI data showing that the more often a teen checks social media, the more their brain becomes wired for external validation. In a study from UNC Chapel Hill, researchers found that teens who compulsively checked platforms like Instagram or Snapchat showed measurable changes in the brain's reward centers. These areas lit up more intensely over time, meaning their brains were becoming increasingly sensitive to likes, comments, and digital attention. This isn’t just about being distracted. It’s about a neurological shift in what they find rewarding—and that shift can impact everything from self-worth to emotional regulation. The researchers even found that this pattern predicts increased anxiety and depression, especially in girls. And it makes sense—when your self-esteem is tied to a number on a screen, even a small drop in engagement feels like social rejection. So what can parents do? First, understand that this isn’t just 'teen stuff.' This is brain development. Second, set tech boundaries that prioritize boredom, creativity, and real-life interaction. Even a two-week break can reset the system. Social media isn’t going away—but we have to teach kids how to use it without letting it rewire them. Study source: UNC-Chapel Hill (2023) https://www.unc.edu/posts/2023/01/03/study-shows-habitual-checking-of-social-media-may-impact-young-adolescents-brain-developmen Clip 16: Screen Time and Toddlers’ Sleep Sleep is how toddlers consolidate memory, regulate mood, and grow both physically and neurologically. But more and more research is showing that screen exposure—even if it’s 'educational'—can seriously disrupt toddler sleep. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children ages 2 to 5 who used screens within an hour of bedtime had shorter total sleep and more fragmented rest. Blue light delays melatonin production. Fast-paced content overstimulates the nervous system. And passive consumption before bed blunts their natural wind-down process. We think of it as relaxing—but their brains don’t. What’s worse is that these disruptions don’t just affect nighttime. They carry over into the next day—affecting focus, mood, and even immune function. That’s why experts now recommend at least 60 minutes of screen-free time before lights out—especially for young kids. Replace it with a bath, a book, a calm routine. These rituals help their circadian rhythm sync naturally. Sleep isn’t just a health pillar—it’s a developmental requirement. And screens may be the single biggest obstacle we’re overlooking. Study source: JAMA Pediatrics (2024) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/282519 Clip 18: Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals = Global Health Risk A sweeping review by the Endocrine Society in 2024 called endocrine-disrupting chemicals a 'global health threat.' These are substances—often found in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and even receipts—that can mimic, block, or interfere with your body’s hormones. They’ve been linked to everything from infertility to obesity to neurological conditions and cancer. And they’re everywhere. Prenatal exposure can affect fetal brain development. Chronic exposure is associated with thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. And it’s not about one product—it’s about cumulative load. What’s scary is how underregulated many of these substances are in the U.S. compared to Europe. But what’s hopeful is that you *can* reduce your exposure. Swap plastic for glass. Say no to fragrance. Wash produce well. Choose organic when you can. Each swap reduces total burden. This isn’t alarmist. This is modern environmental medicine. And it affects every system in your body. Study source: Endocrine Society Global Consensus Statement (2024) https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globally Clip 19: Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health We used to think the brain controlled everything. Now we know the gut plays just as big a role—especially in mental health. The gut-brain axis is a communication superhighway that links your microbiome to your nervous system. And studies show that disruptions in gut health are strongly linked to anxiety, depression, and even neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD. Certain gut bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Others regulate inflammation, which directly impacts mood. A 2025 review of over 50 studies found that targeted probiotics improved symptoms of depression in many patients—sometimes as effectively as medication. What you eat, how you digest, and what lives in your gut may affect your mind more than your therapist knows. That doesn’t mean meds aren’t useful—but it means we have to zoom out. If your gut is inflamed, your brain is inflamed. And no amount of mindset work can override a body that’s chemically out of balance. Heal the gut. Watch what changes. Study source: PubMed Meta-Review on Gut-Brain Axis (2025) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3963000 Perimenopause: Recognizing and Addressing Early Symptoms Did you know that up to 90% of women experience symptoms of perimenopause years before menopause actually begins? Despite that, most women are either dismissed by doctors or told they're too young to be entering that phase. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s, and it’s not just hot flashes—it’s insomnia, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, and cycle irregularities. A study from Stanford’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine in 2025 emphasized that when women are supported with hormone therapy earlier—during perimenopause, not just postmenopause—they report significantly better mental clarity, energy, and quality of life. But here’s the problem: most conventional providers aren’t trained to spot this transition, and women are left thinking it’s just stress, parenting, or age catching up with them. When really, it’s hormones shifting. Estradiol begins to fluctuate, progesterone declines, and the nervous system takes the hit. Women deserve to know what’s happening inside their bodies—and what they can do about it. Simple steps like tracking symptoms, checking hormone levels through saliva or urine testing, and considering targeted bioidentical support can change everything. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about function, clarity, and reclaiming your life before things spiral. If you’ve ever thought, 'I just don’t feel like myself anymore,' and your labs came back 'normal,' this is your sign to dig deeper. You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. You’re likely perimenopausal. And you deserve care that actually sees you. Study source: Stanford Lifestyle Medicine (2025) https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2025/03/06/menopause-hormone-therapy-is-making-a-comeback-is-it-safe-and-right-for-you/ Menopause and Muscle Mass: The Critical Role of Resistance Training Muscle loss during and after menopause is one of the most overlooked drivers of weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic decline in women. In fact, women can lose up to 10% of their muscle mass in the first five years post-menopause. That’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a health crisis. Loss of muscle means decreased insulin sensitivity, weaker bones, and lower resting metabolic rate. But the good news? It’s reversible. A landmark 2025 study from the University of Exeter showed that menopausal women who engaged in just 12 weeks of resistance training experienced a 21% improvement in lower body flexibility and significant increases in strength and mobility. What’s even more promising is that these improvements came from just two to three sessions a week using basic strength exercises. Muscle is your metabolic engine. And during menopause, when estrogen drops, protecting that muscle becomes your superpower. This isn’t about getting shredded or spending hours at the gym—it’s about lifting enough weight to send your body the message that it’s still needed. Because when your body doesn’t get that message, it starts letting muscle go. This leads to increased fat gain, inflammation, and risk of chronic disease. If you’re entering menopause or already postmenopausal and you’re not lifting weights, you’re missing one of the most effective, protective tools for your long-term health. Study source: University of Exeter (2025) https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/first-of-its-kind-study-shows-resistance-training-can-improve-physical-function-during-menopause/ The Importance of Sexual Activity as We Age Here’s something most people don’t expect: research shows that sexual satisfaction actually improves with age. A 2025 study published in Social Psychology revealed that older adults reported higher levels of emotional intimacy, comfort, and fulfillment during sex—especially when partnered with someone long-term. It turns out that fewer distractions, better communication, and reduced self-consciousness all contribute to more satisfying experiences in later years. But biology still plays a role. Hormonal shifts—like lower estrogen or testosterone—can affect desire, arousal, and comfort. The good news? These challenges are highly treatable. We now have non-invasive, low-risk treatments like vaginal DHEA, testosterone therapy, or pelvic floor physical therapy that can radically improve function and satisfaction. And here’s the key: sexual health isn’t just about sex. It’s about cardiovascular health, immune health, sleep, and mood. An active sex life improves oxytocin levels, reduces stress, and strengthens the emotional bond between partners. Unfortunately, a lot of providers still don’t ask about it. And many people are too embarrassed to bring it up. But this is a health issue—and you deserve support. So if intimacy has changed, bring it into the conversation. Because aging doesn’t have to mean disconnect—it can actually mean rediscovery. Study source: PsyPost (2025) https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/ Preventing Alzheimer’s and Type 2 Diabetes: Blood Sugar and Brain Health There’s a reason Alzheimer’s is now being called 'Type 3 Diabetes.' A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open found that people with Type 2 Diabetes who kept their A1C in the target range significantly lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, risk was reduced by up to 60%. Why? Because insulin resistance doesn’t just affect your pancreas—it affects your brain. High insulin impairs memory centers like the hippocampus, increases inflammation, and accelerates plaque formation. That means your morning bagel and soda aren’t just spiking your blood sugar—they may be spiking your dementia risk. The solution isn’t extreme dieting. It’s metabolic awareness. Simple tools like continuous glucose monitors, strength training, walking after meals, and eliminating ultra-processed carbs can dramatically stabilize blood sugar. Add in sleep and stress management, and you’ve got a recipe for brain protection. Most people wait until symptoms start. But prevention is where the power is. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or Type 2 Diabetes, take this seriously. Your future brain is being built right now by the food on your plate. Study source: JAMA Network Open (2024) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821878 Testosterone and Aging: It’s Not Just About Sex Drive Most people hear 'testosterone' and immediately think of sex drive. But this hormone does way more than that. Testosterone plays a critical role in muscle maintenance, bone density, energy, focus, and mood. A 2025 review from the HE Clinics found that testosterone levels in men start declining around age 30—and continue to drop about 1% per year. That might sound gradual, but by your late 40s or 50s, it’s enough to cause noticeable issues: brain fog, irritability, fatigue, and loss of motivation. What’s even more concerning is that low testosterone has now been linked to a 26% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The brain literally needs testosterone to function well. The challenge is, many men go undiagnosed because they don’t get tested—or they get told their levels are 'normal for their age.' But 'normal' doesn’t mean optimal. And restoring optimal levels, especially with bioidentical therapies under medical supervision, has been shown to improve mood, clarity, libido, and physical performance. This isn’t about bodybuilder doses or quick fixes—it’s about reversing a gradual decline that’s robbing men of their edge. If you or your partner feels like something is off, it’s worth investigating. Because aging doesn’t have to mean decline. It can mean recalibration. Study source: HE Clinics (2025) https://heclinics.com/testosterone-therapy-in-older-men-recent-findings/ Why Functional Medicine Is Gaining Ground Over Conventional Care If you’ve ever felt dismissed in a 7-minute doctor’s appointment, you’re not alone. Traditional primary care is built for volume—not personalization. That’s where functional medicine comes in. A 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients receiving care through a functional medicine model saw a 30% greater improvement in health-related quality of life than those in conventional care. Why? Because functional medicine is built around asking better questions, running more comprehensive labs, and looking for root causes—not just masking symptoms. Instead of saying 'your labs are normal,' we ask, 'are you thriving?' We look at hormones, nutrition, sleep, gut health, toxin exposure, and genetics as pieces of a bigger picture. This approach is proactive—not reactive. It focuses on reversing disease, not just managing it. More and more people are turning to this kind of care because they’re tired of feeling unseen. If you’ve been told everything is fine but you still feel off, functional medicine might be the approach you need. You deserve care that listens longer, digs deeper, and treats the whole you. Study source: JAMA Network Open (2019) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2753520 A word from my sponsors: Quince - Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to Quince.com/honest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. LMNT - Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/HONEST . Ritual - Support a balanced gut microbiome with Ritual's Synbiotic+. Get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com/BEHONEST . Happy Squatting. Primal Kitchen - primalkitchen.com/honest to save 20% off your next order with code HONEST at checkout. Fatty15 - You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/HONEST and using code HONEST at checkout. Bilt Rewards - Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/HONEST . 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