Helping smart, driven women over 40 — and those who support them — ditch the confusion, cut through the midlife wellness nonsense, and understand what's happening in their bodies with science-based, deeply supportive care and relatable stories delivered with compassion, clarity, a dash of humour, and zero BS.
Hosted by Dr. Mary Pines, a Cambridge-trained PhD biomedical scientist, The Better Beyond 40 Formula Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating perimenopause and menopause with confidence. Each episode covers the real science behind hormonal changes, practical strategies for managing symptoms, and honest conversations about what midlife actually feels like for women today.
Topics include perimenopause symptoms, estrogen and progesterone balance, thyroid health, cortisol and stress, sleep disruption, weight changes after 40, brain fog, mood shifts, gut health, pelvic floor health, HRT, and building a life that feels truly good on the other side of 40.
No fluff. No fear. Just the information and support you've been looking for.
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15. Chronic Dieting & Fatigue to Food Freedom & HIIT - How One Woman Finally Stopped Fighting Her Body
Season 1 · Episode 15
Friday, October 9, 2026 • Duration 45:44
Our guest lisa has been dieting since she was 12. At 58, months of a strict slow-carb plan got her seven pounds, deep exhaustion and a world that kept getting smaller. In this honest conversation, she shares what changed when she stopped trying to eat less and started working with her midlife physiology.
In this episode:
Why the scale stayed put while lisa's body got smaller, and what body recomposition actually looks like
How years of "eat less, eat less" kept her stuck in cycles of restricting and bingeing
The 10am crash: what running out of energy by mid-morning was really telling her
How hormones, targeted supplements and peptides rebuilt her sleep and energy, step by step
The piece that surprised her most: mindfulness, cortisol and how all the pieces work together
What eating without constant food noise feels like (one cookie, not 26)
How she went from 20-minute treadmill trudges to a 45-minute progression run at 59
Her advice for the woman who has tried everything and feels like nothing works
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified provider before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
14. Peptides for Injury and Pain, with Physiotherapist Mina Kavia & Dr Mary Pines
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, August 13, 2026 • Duration 56:06
You've heard peptides can help with recovery. But when it's your tendon, your surgical scar, or an old injury that never fully healed, the question isn't whether peptides work — it's which one, and why. This is the episode where physiotherapist Mina Kavia and Dr. Mary Pines map the exact peptides your body needs for tendons, ligaments, scarring, and even concussion recovery.
In this episode:
Peptides for healthy aging, recovery, joint health, and resilience
How BPC-157 and TB-500 actually help heal tendons, ligaments, muscle and fascia, and prevent nasty scarring
The peptide KPV to manage inflammation
How GHK supports connective tissues, like joints and ligaments
Why Thymosin alpha-1 is used in many countries for immune support (cancer, autoimmunity, infections, etc) and is actually a critically important drug (Zadaxin) with lots of research behind it
How CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin can support muscle and healing
What "bioregulator" peptides are and how they can support organ systems
The critical difference between medications and peptides
When to avoid using peptides, and why sourcing is so tricky right now
How peptides fit into Dr. Mary Pines' clinical approach to healing tissue injury
13. Strong, Mobile, and Pain Free: Rethinking Yoga and Movement with Cecily Milne
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 57:50
Cecily Milne, founder of Yoga Detour, spent a decade completely devoted to yoga, but ended up in so much pain she couldn't make her bed. She rebuilt herself from the ground up by diving deep into the study of functional movement. This conversation will change how you think about pain, posture, strength, and what it means to move well in midlife.
Don't miss Cecily's FREE 10-class bundle for our listeners! 30 days of access, curated specifically for women over 40. Use code BEYOND40
In this episode:
What pain and tightness in the body often mean and what to do about them
“Structural balance:” what happens when parts of your body go offline and others have to pick up the slack
Why arbitrary movement “rules” we’re taught (like "don't let your knees go past your toes") can foster weakness in your body, not safety
The case against high-intensity cardio for midlife women and what to do instead
Why strength training is non-negotiable IF it's programmed with intention, not done at random
The posture myth: why perfect posture isn't a position you hold — it's the strength you build so you don't have to think about it
How somatic movement and nervous system regulation are the missing piece in most women's fitness routine.
12. Peptides Part 3: Real Talk on Safety, Sourcing & Are They For You?
Season 1 · Episode 12
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 26:03
You've done the research. You know peptides exist. But now the real questions start: where do you actually get them, are they safe, and how do you know if they're even right for you? This is the episode no one in the peptide space wants to make — the regulatory reality, the sourcing minefield, and a clear framework for deciding whether peptides belong in your toolkit at all.
In this episode:
You'll hear three real-world midlife scenarios — muscle loss despite lifting, post-COVID inflammation that won't resolve, and brain health concerns — and which peptides might fit each one
You'll understand why sourcing is the most dangerous part of the peptide conversation, and what "certificate of analysis" actually means (and doesn't mean)
You'll learn why the FDA crackdown on peptide compounding happened — and what the April 2026 reclassification actually changes
You'll get a clear explanation of why your doctor probably can't talk to you about peptides — and what that means for your access
You'll walk away with three questions to ask yourself before you consider any peptide protocol
You'll get Mary's shortlist of the most credible experts in the peptide space to learn from — no “bro science” here!
You'll hear the fascinating Cold War origin story of peptides
If you're already on HRT, lifting, eating protein, and sleeping — and still not getting the results you expect — this episode is your next layer. Part 2 of our three-part peptide series, Dr. Mary Pines walks through her six favorite peptides: what they do, who they're for, and how she actually uses them with clients.
In this episode:
BPC-157: the gut and injury repair all-star — and why it's banned in professional sports
TB-500: the antifibrotic partner that helps tissues heal without messy scar tissue
Thymosin alpha-1: the immune peptide that helps your defense system act younger
CJC-1295 + ipamorelin: the growth hormone duo that supports deep sleep, muscle, and bone without the bodybuilder risks
GLP-1s (Ozempic, Mounjaro, and beyond): what the media got wrong, why microdosing changes everything, and what's coming in 2026
Selank + Semax: the brain peptides for anxiety, fog, and post-viral recovery
GHK-Cu: the copper peptide that reprograms 4,000 aging-related genes — and actually works topically
Part 3 next week: sourcing, safety, and a framework for whether peptides belong in your life.
If you're doing everything right — the protein, the lifting, the sleep — and still feel inflamed, foggy, or stuck, this episode is for you. Dr. Mary Pines breaks down what peptides actually are, how they signal your body differently from hormones, and why midlife women who are already on HRT are now looking at peptides as the missing layer. Part 1 of a three-part series. No hype, no shortcuts — just the mechanism and a clear framework for where peptides fit (and where they don't).
00:00:00 – Three-part series intro & why peptides deserve the space. 00:01:14 – Who this is for: doing everything right and still stuck. 00:04:47 – What peptides actually are — and why small protein misses it. 00:10:22 – Peptides vs. hormones: loudspeaker vs. precise text message. 00:13:39 – Why big pharma modified natural peptides to patent them. 00:16:42 – How fast they work and how long a course runs. 00:19:43 – Lifestyle, hormones, peptides — why the order matters. 00:22:29 – Injections, cycles, healing reactions — what to expect. 00:26:58 – Preview: BPC-157, GLP-1s, copper & brain peptides.
Her signature Better Beyond 40 Formula is designed to help peri/menopausal women (35-65) rebalance their bodies, overcome hormonal symptoms & lose weight using natural, science-based approaches they won't hear about in most doctor's offices or online.
If you've ever been told that hormone replacement therapy is dangerous, or if you've just quietly accepted leaks, dryness, or painful sex as inevitable parts of midlife — this episode is for you.
Dr. Mary Pines sits down with pelvic floor physiotherapist Lindsay Geddes to cut through decades of fear-based misinformation around HRT. They cover why hormones aren't just for reproduction, how the notorious 2002 Women's Health Initiative study was flawed (and later retracted), and why bioidentical hormones are a game-changer.
Dr. Mary also breaks down exactly what vaginal estrogen does — from rebuilding tissue thickness and improving lubrication, to supporting the vaginal microbiome, reducing UTIs, and even improving clitoral sensation. Plus, Lindsay shares her clinical tips on how to actually apply it for maximum benefit.
Armed with this episode, you'll know exactly what to say to your doctor.
In This Episode:
• Why the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study created decades of fear around HRT — and why that fear is now officially outdated
• What vaginal estrogen actually does: rebuilding tissue, improving lubrication, supporting the vaginal microbiome, reducing UTIs, and restoring sensation
• How to have an informed, confident conversation with your doctor about bioidentical hormones and vaginal estrogen
You're eating well, moving your body, trying to sleep — and yet the weight is creeping up, your moods are unpredictable, and your brain feels like it's running on dial-up. Sound familiar? This isn't a willpower problem. It's a hormone problem, and there's a big difference.
Dr. Mary walks you through the three stages of perimenopause — from the earliest signs (hello, ramped-up PMS and mysterious weight gain) to the chaotic middle years of skipped cycles and 3am wake-ups, all the way to the "almost there" phase just before menopause. You'll learn why progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and even your thyroid all play a role in how you feel — and why the advice you've been given probably wasn't designed with your midlife body in mind.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer map of where you are, what's driving your symptoms, and what to watch for as things continue to shift. This transition is real, it's significant, and it is absolutely navigable — when you know what you're actually dealing with.
In This Episode:
The three stages of perimenopause — from early signs like ramped-up PMS and mysterious weight gain, through the chaotic middle years, to the phase just before menopause
Why progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid all shift during this transition — and how each affects how you feel
How to identify which stage you're in and what to watch for as your hormones continue to change
Bladder leaks, urgency, painful sex, and nighttime bathroom trips affect millions of women — yet many feel too embarrassed to talk about them, even with their doctors.
In this episode, Dr. Mary sits down with pelvic floor physiotherapist Lindsay Geddes to unpack what the pelvic floor actually is, how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause affect pelvic tissues, and why symptoms like bladder leaks and discomfort during sex often appear in midlife. Lindsay also breaks down one of the biggest myths in women's health — that Kegels are the answer for everyone — and explains why they can sometimes make symptoms worse.
They explore how injuries, posture, muscle imbalance, and nervous system patterns all influence pelvic floor function, and share simple breathing and movement strategies women can start using today to support pelvic health and regain bladder confidence.
In This Episode:
• What the pelvic floor actually does — and why hormonal shifts in perimenopause directly affect bladder and pelvic tissue
• Why Kegels aren't the answer for everyone (and can sometimes make symptoms worse)
• How posture, breathing, and nervous system patterns influence pelvic floor function — and simple strategies to start restoring bladder confidence today
Follow her on Instagram at @drmarypines for day-to-day inspiration, wellness insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at her life and practice.
You can watch each episode on .
6. Gut Feelings & Diet Myths: Healing from the Inside Out with Danna Levy Hoffman
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, February 23, 2026 • Duration 45:46
Dr. Mary sits down with Functional Medicine-certified Nutritionist & Health Coach, Danna Levy Hoffman, to unpack gut health, food freedom, and why dieting keeps failing women over 40.
From bloating and migraines to emotional eating and weight struggles, they explore how so many symptoms start in the gut — and why the real path forward isn't restriction. Danna has studied nutrition, psychology, and functional medicine for decades, she's super real, fun to listen to, and offers us practical tips that WORK for midlife women.
In This Episode:
• How gut health connects to bloating, migraines, emotional eating, and weight struggles in midlife women
• Why dieting keeps failing women over 40 — and what functional medicine says to do instead
• Why protein, not restriction, may be the most important nutritional shift for women in perimenopause and menopause
Watch my FREE MasterClass designed to help women 35-65 understand how to rebalance their bodies, overcome hormonal symptoms & lose weight using natural, science-based approaches they won't hear about in most doctor's offices or online.
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Nerve Coach Mina — Mina Kavia's clinic and coaching programs for chronic nerve pain
Peptides mentioned:
BPC-157
TB-500
KPV
GHK-Cu
Thymosin Alpha-1 / Zadaxin
Thymosin Beta-4
CJC-1295
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin
Epitalon
GLP-1 agonists
Also mentioned: Ben Greenfield, Dave Asprey
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This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified provider before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified provider before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
Experts mentioned: Dr. Elizabeth Yurth (Boulder Longevity Institute), Dr. William Seeds (SSRP Institute), Dr. Kent Holtorf (Integrative Peptides)
____
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified provider before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
Peptides covered in this episode:
BPC-157
TB-500 / Thymosin beta-4 fragment 17-23
Thymosin alpha-1
CJC-1295 + ipamorelin
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
Retatrutide
Selank
Semax
GHK-Cu / "The Copper Peptide"
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This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified provider before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
Explore Mary’s creative side and view her artwork at MaryPines-Art.com.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or inform medication decisions. Consult a qualified professional before starting any new health protocol. This content does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Dr. Mary Pines.
Watch my FREE MasterClass designed to help women 35-65 understand how to rebalance their bodies, overcome hormonal symptoms & lose weight using natural, science-based approaches they won't hear about in most doctor's offices or online.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nothing here is intended to replace the guidance of your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or any information accompanying a product you've been prescribed or recommended. Do not rely on this content to diagnose or treat a health condition, or to make decisions about medication or other therapies.
Watch my FREE MasterClass designed to help women 35-65 understand how to rebalance their bodies, overcome hormonal symptoms & lose weight using natural, science-based approaches they won't hear about in most doctor's offices or online.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nothing here is intended to replace the guidance of your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or any information accompanying a product you've been prescribed or recommended. Do not rely on this content to diagnose or treat a health condition, or to make decisions about medication or other therapies.
Watch my FREE MasterClass designed to help women 35-65 understand how to rebalance their bodies, overcome hormonal symptoms & lose weight using natural, science-based approaches they won't hear about in most doctor's offices or online.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nothing here is intended to replace the guidance of your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or any information accompanying a product you've been prescribed or recommended. Do not rely on this content to diagnose or treat a health condition, or to make decisions about medication or other therapies.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nothing here is intended to replace the guidance of your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or any information accompanying a product you've been prescribed or recommended. Do not rely on this content to diagnose or treat a health condition, or to make decisions about medication or other therapies.
