Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones – Details, episodes & analysis

I know… hormone talk can get really confusing sometimes. "Normal," "holistic," "bioidentical," "natural"... what do these even mean?

In this episode, I'm answering the top five hormone questions women ask me most, like how much estradiol you actually need, whether estrogen cream belongs on your face, what to know about Prometrium and pregnenolone, and how to navigate birth control in perimenopause.

If your feed is full of conflicting hormone advice, this episode cuts through the noise with myth-free hormone clarity so you can stop second-guessing.

Put your headphones on, we're making hormones make sense again.

What's Discussed:

• (00:00) The five hormone questions you're dying to ask 

• (02:13) "Normal" vs. "Optimal": The estradiol sweet spot for bone health

• (04:24) Can you really put vaginal estrogen cream on your face?

• (06:36) Pregnenolone decoded: what it does, why it's calming, and how it works

• (09:53) Prometrium: holistic, bioidentical, or both?

• (13:09) Birth control choices during the hormone rollercoaster

Thank You To Our Sponsor: 

• Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

• LVLUP Health: If you're in perimenopause, menopause, or just feel like your digestion and hormones are ganging up on you, try Ultimate GI Repair from LVLUP Health. You can grab it at lvluphealth.com and use my code DRJONES for 15% off your first order.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: @dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Keywords:
Hormonal Health, Menopause, Perimenopause, Progesterone, Estrogen, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Holistic Alternatives, Estradiol Levels, Bone Health, Estrogen Cream, Vaginal Estradiol, Systemic Applications, Pregnenolone, Progestin IUDs, Birth Control Options, Non-Hormonal Methods, Copper IUD, Natural Family Planning, Unplanned Pregnancies, Barrier Methods, Holistic Approaches, Bioidentical Hormones, Prometrium, Systemic Estrogen, Vaginal Estrogen, Healthcare Provider

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What if peptides weren't just about weight loss?

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I sit down with Kyal from LVLUP Health to clear up the confusion around peptides: what they actually are, how they work, why they can be a total game-changer for your health. 

We talk about peptides that repair your gut (like BPC-157), calm inflammation (hello, KPV), and support your liver and hormone balance from the inside out.

He also shares his own story of burnout and healing, the real science behind oral vs. injectable peptides, and why your gut health might be the root of those hormone struggles that "hormones alone" can't fix.

If your digestion, energy, or skin just aren't what they used to be, this episode will help you understand how supporting the gut-liver connection with peptides might be the missing piece.

Kyal Van Der Leest is a qualified Nutritionist and Naturopath, and the brain behind LVLUP Health. He's created a line of science-backed supplements designed to support gut health, tissue repair, and overall vitality.

🎧 Episode 29 - Kyal Van Der Leest from LVLUP: Healing Inside Out with Peptides

Listen now!

What's Discussed:

• (00:01) Let's Talk Peptides: What They Are, What They Do, and Why Everyone's Talking About Them

• (13:19) How Oral Peptides Can Help Heal Your Gut (Without the Needle!)

• (19:28) Peptides That Calm Inflammation and Repair From the Inside Out

• (31:25) The Real Root Causes Behind Gut, Hormone, and Metabolic Issues

• (36:30) Loving Your Liver: How to Support Detox and Bile Flow Naturally

• (47:46) The Gut Equation: Why Enzymes and Peptides Work Better Together

• (52:51) From Naturopathy to Formulation: How Kyal Designs Products That Actually Work

• (59:34) How Peptides Are Shaping What's Next in Integrative Health

Thank You To Our Sponsor: 

• Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

• LVLUP Health: If you're in perimenopause, menopause, or just feel like your digestion and hormones are ganging up on you, try Ultimate GI Repair from LVLUP Health. You can grab it at lvluphealth.com and use my code DRJONES for 15% off your first order.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: @dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Kyal Van Der Leest

Website: www.lvluphealth.com
IG: @lvluphealth
Facebook: @LVLUPHealth
Youtube: @lvlup_health

What if your gut health holds the key to unlocking better hormone balance and overcoming menopause symptoms?

In this episode, I'm joined by Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner and expert in functional medicine, as we dive deep into the powerful connection between gut health and hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

We explore how common gut issues like bloating, weight loss resistance, and digestive discomfort could actually be signs of hormonal imbalance, a connection that is often overlooked by doctors. We also break down how hormonal changes impact digestion and why optimizing gut health could be the key to feeling better during this transformative life stage.

Throughout this episode, we share practical tips and science-backed insights on how to manage stress, improve your diet, and prioritize gut health to support hormonal balance and boost your overall well-being.

If you're ready to discover how gut health plays a crucial role in your hormonal journey, this episode is for you. Let's get started!

Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, functional medicine expert, and founder of Everyday Wellness Podcast. She helps women optimize health through hormone balance, gut health, and nutrition. Cynthia is also the author of Intermittent Fasting Transformation and a sought-after speaker.

What's Discussed:

02:00 - How Hormonal Changes Impact Digestion During Perimenopause

04:30 - Common Gut Issues: Bloating, Weight Loss Resistance, and More

08:00 - Why Doctors Often Overlook the Gut-Hormone Connection

12:00 - The Role of Estrogen and Gut Health in Menopause Symptoms

15:30 - Practical Tips for Improving Gut Health During Menopause

18:00 - Stress Management and Diet for Gut Health Optimization

21:00 - Why Prioritizing Gut Health is Key to Overall Well-Being

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Cynthia Thurlow:

Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/
Book: Intermittent Fasting Transformation 

Instagram: @cynthia_thurlow_
Podcast: Everyday Wellness 

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Hormone therapy not working for you? You're not alone. If you're on HRT and struggling with side effects, wondering why your bestie feels amazing while you don't, let's break it down. 

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I'm unpacking 5 strategies to finally help you love your hormone therapy, including what to do if progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, or even DHEA just aren't working for you. We'll also get real about the differences between bioidentical vs synthetic hormones and why that matters.

Whether you're in the wild rollercoaster of perimenopause or the depleted calm of postmenopause, dialing in HRT isn't always straightforward. But the good news? You have options: dose, route, compounded hormones, and more.

These clinical pearls will help you ask the right questions so you can feel like yourself again.

What's Discussed:

• Why the starting hormone matters more than you think (progesterone first? testosterone first? estradiol only?)

• Low vs. high hormone dose, and what sensitive dosing looks like if you react easily to meds or supplements

• Best hormone therapy routes: capsule, patch, gel, cream, vaginal, injection (plus why compounding pharmacies can save the day)

• Location, location, location: where to apply estrogen cream (yes, absorption depends on it!)

• Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones: who thrives on which, and how to figure it out with your prescribing practitioner

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What happens when a hormone expert faces a diagnosis she never expected? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Amie Hornaman, The Thyroid Fixer, to unpack her recent journey with uterine cancer and the lessons every woman needs to hear.

We discuss the three lab tests every woman in her 40s should get, why sleep is the ultimate foundation of health, and the red flags too many women brush off as "just aging." Dr Amie also shares her experience with hormone therapy, estrogen detox, genetics, and environmental exposures, offering raw honesty about what she'd do differently and how she moves forward now.

This episode is about more than cancer; it's about taking ownership of your health, asking better questions, and making empowered choices in midlife and beyond.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) The Truth About Menopausal Health

(05:12) Why Midlife Symptoms Aren't "Just Aging"

(08:54) Making Tough Choices in Uterine Cancer Treatment

(14:22) The Red Flags Doctors Overlook

(19:14) Estrogen Detox & Hormone Therapy Explained

(26:47) When Hormones and Genetics Collide

(33:44) How to Navigate Cancer Treatment & Prevention

(42:52) Finding Your Power in Menopause

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT:

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Dr. Amie Hornaman:

Website: https://dramie.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramiehornaman/ 

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

So, you're staring at your supplement shelf — that little lineup of good intentions — thinking:
"Is any of this even doing anything?"

You've got fish oil that smells a little... suspicious.
A multivitamin that could double as a paperweight.
Some magnesium that sends you running to the bathroom.
And let's not forget the $12 herbs you grabbed at checkout because an influencer said "they work."

Sound familiar?

Today, I'm spilling the tea on 7 supplements I do not love, and why they might be doing way less for your hormones than you think.

I'm talking about fish oil that smells like a rotting dockside (yep, that's rancidity), vitamin E with llamas on the label, which is your red flag it's synthetic, high-dose biotin that quietly interferes with your lab results, and herbal formulas that are basically just dried leaves and a prayer. If you're popping pills and hoping for the best, this episode is your crash course in what not to take. Let's get into it 

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What if the leaks, the pain, and the feeling that something just isn't right "down there" aren't a normal part of life? In this vital episode, I'm joined by the incredible Dr. Sara Reardon, the Vagina Whisperer, to pull back the curtain on our pelvic health. 

We challenge the biggest myths, like the idea that Kegels are a cure-all, and get to the root of symptoms that so many women quietly endure. Dr. Sara reveals how perimenopause, scar tissue, and even a C-section can impact your pelvic floor, offering a roadmap for proactive care. 

We demystifies what a physical therapy session is actually like and shares simple, actionable tips that empower you to take back control of your body and find true, lasting relief.

Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as "the Vagina Whisperer," is a doctor of physical therapy with 18 years of experience as a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist. She is also the author of "Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage." 

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Why We Need to Talk About Vaginal Health: Introducing Dr. Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer

(01:29) Busting Vaginal Myths: Why Kegels Aren't Always the Answer and How Pelvic Needs Shift Through Life

(03:08) Is Your Pelvic Floor Healthy? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

(12:53) Pelvic Floor Health Through Perimenopause and Menopause: Hormones, Estrogen, and Proactive Care

(21:01) Bladder Habits and Urge Myths: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Retrain Your Body

(25:53) Inside a Pelvic Floor PT Session: What Actually Happens and Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

(36:39) How Your Pelvic Floor Connects to Everything: Back Pain, Hip Tightness, Breathing, and Scars

(42:34) Rebuilding Strength and Confidence After 40: Prolapse, Exercise, and Real-Life Stories

(50:30) Where to Start: Dr. Sara's Programs, Her Book Floored, and How to Begin Your Healing Journey

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie  and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Dr. Sara Reardon (The Vagina Whisperer):

Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer

TikTok: @thevagwhisperer

Website: thevaginawhisperer.com

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

You've been told it's just perimenopause. That fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and hair loss are normal once you hit 40. But what if it's not "just your age"? What if there's something else going on, and no one's bothered to test for it?

In this episode, I'm walking you through the five lab tests every woman over 40 should ask for, especially if you're feeling off but keep getting brushed off. Because perimenopause might not be the whole story.

We're talking thyroid panels (not just TSH), hidden iron issues, sneaky B12 deficiencies, low vitamin D, and why blood sugar and insulin testing matters more than ever after 40. If your doctor's only testing the basics, this episode is your script for what to ask for next.

Because guess what? There are answers, and there's help.
Let's find what your body's been trying to tell you!

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Essential Health Labs Over 40

(01:03) Thyroid Testing: Why TSH Isn't Enough

(04:39) The Hair Loss + Fatigue Link

(07:12) B12 Deficiency and Autoimmune Absorption Issues

(09:38) Low Vitamin D: The Silent Energy Drain
(10:38) The Real Reason You're Tired, Moody, and Gaining Belly Fat
(14:26) Optimal Lab Markers for Health (Not Just "Normal")

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

You're not in the mood. You're not even in the mood for life. The spark is gone, your libido left the chat, and if one more person tells you to "just relax" or "get out of your head," you might actually scream.

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Nan Wise, neuroscientist, sex therapist, and author of Why Good Sex Matters, to talk about something no one's saying out loud: what happens when pleasure disappears. This isn't just about sex. It's about the loss of joy, connection, curiosity, and vitality that so many women feel in perimenopause and beyond.

We talk about the real reasons your body shuts down, why pleasure is a biological need, and how stress, trauma, and social media are hijacking your brain chemistry. And, most importantly, we get into what you can actually do about it.

Here's what we dive into:

• What "rage at your partner's touch" is really telling you

• Why pleasure plummets in midlife, and how to bring it back

• The difference between feeling blah and actual anhedonia

• What "healthy hedonism" means and how to reclaim it

• How dopamine, play, and connection shape your mood and sex drive

• The orgasm-a-day challenge (yes, it's a thing)

• How your brain is your best pharmacy, and how to activate it

• What to do when you feel numb, depleted, and disconnected

• Why good sex has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with presence

This episode is about reconnecting with yourself in a world that's constantly pulling you away. Whether you're partnered or not, sexual or not, hormonal or not, you deserve to feel alive. And Dr. Nan is here to help you find your way back.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you're feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline's Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you'd like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Guest: Dr. Nan Wise

Website: https://askdoctornan.com/ 

Instagram: @askdoctornan

You thought hormone therapy would fix everything. Instead, you're feeling moody, foggy, sleepless, or just kind of... off. Your bestie says it changed her life. Social media says it's the holy grail. So why isn't it working for you?

In this episode, I'm walking you through five reasons your hormone therapy might be falling flat, and what to do about it. Whether you're on progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, or some wild cocktail of all four, this is the troubleshooting guide I wish every woman got before starting.

We're talking starting order, dosing mistakes, delivery routes (patches, pills, gels, oh my), why skin location actually matters, and how to know if bioidentical or synthetic is right for your body. Because you deserve more than a "meh" experience. You deserve hormone therapy that actually works.

Let's fix it.

I Also Discuss:

• Why starting with the wrong hormone (or too many at once) can cause side effects

• How to spot if your dose is too low or too high for your sensitivity

• What to know about different delivery routes—patches, gels, creams, and more

• The surprising impact of where you apply topical hormones on your body

• Bioidentical vs synthetic hormone therapy: what's the difference and why it matters

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter
IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.