BETTER! with Dr. Stephanie Estima | Strength, Body Composition & Perimenopause - podcast cover

BETTER! with Dr. Stephanie Estima | Strength, Body Composition & Perimenopause

Dr. Stephanie Estima, Perimenopause & Women's Fitness Expertwww.drstephanieestima.com
Most women are told that feeling exhausted, gaining weight, losing muscle, and watching their body change after 40 is just what happens. Dr. Stephanie Estima is here to tell you that's the wrong map. BETTER is the podcast for women in perimenopause and menopause who want to build real strength, understand their hormones, and take body composition seriously — without the diet culture nonsense and without the fear. Dr. Stephanie is a chiropractor, brain health expert, and one of the few voices in the menopause space who leads with fitness, muscle, and what your body is actually capable of. Each week she brings the world's leading researchers, clinicians, and practitioners into conversation — then translates the science into something you can use on Monday morning. Topics include strength training in perimenopause, body composition after 40, HRT and hormonal health, bone density, metabolic health, injury prevention, sleep, nutrition, and the kind of training that actually works when your body is changing. This is not a podcast about surviving menopause. It's about building the strongest, most capable version of yourself — at the exact moment most women are told to expect less.
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Episodes

Your Guide to Estrogen Down There: Pelvic Health & Hormones for Menopause with Dr. Kelly Casperson

Dr. Kelly Casperson is back to dig into the world of hormones, hormone replacement therapy, and how to make informed decisions for optimal health. Dr. Casperson, a board-certified urologist and women’s sexual health specialist, discusses common misconceptions about menopause, the importance of timing in hormone therapy, and the benefits of vaginal estrogen and DHEA. They also touch on cardiovascular health, skin health, and the challenges of aging well in today's world. If you're a woman interes...

Nov 03, 20251 hr 11 min

She Said, She Said: Perimenopause with Kids, Facts on Fasting, Testosterone, Cold Plunges, Peptides & Callouses

Join Cynthia Thurlow for another insightful episode of what we like to call “She Said, She Said,” where she teams up to tackle your most pressing health and wellness questions. Dive into real conversations about navigating perimenopause while raising kids, evolving perspectives on fasting, and whether dairy is truly a friend to your gut. Discover the latest on cold plunges for women, strength training routines, and the safest approach to caloric restriction. This episode also explores the scienc...

Oct 27, 20251 hr 23 min

Your Perimenopause Action Plan: Cut the BS & Do the Work with Dr. Mariza Snyder

Dr. Mariza Snyder, a leading expert on perimenopause, cuts through the noise and confusion online. In this episode, she shares practical, actionable strategies to help you navigate this transformative life stage. She dives into the physiology of midlife changes, the effects of chronic stress, the power of movement (including quick exercise snacks), bone health essentials, and optimizing your sleep routine. Dr. Mariza also opens up about her personal perimenopause journey—including her experience...

Oct 20, 20251 hr 17 min

Skin Aging Explained: Collagen, Supplements & Medical Procedures with Amitay Eshel

Amitay Eshel, CEO and founder of Young Goose, joins us to discuss skincare, especially for perimenopausal women. He shares insights on how hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone influence skin aging, energy levels, and antioxidants, and explains the importance of NAD for cellular health. Amitay also offers advice on slowing skin aging with topical treatments, highlights procedures to avoid, and dispels common myths about collagen and popular skincare trends. Episode Overview (tim...

Oct 13, 20251 hr 50 min

Low Energy & Brain Fog? Methylene Blue for Sluggish Metabolism with Dr. Scott Sherr

Discover the science and benefits of methylene blue with Dr. Scott Sherr, a specialist in health optimization and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this episode, Dr. Sherr delves into methylene blue’s role in supporting mitochondrial health, easing brain fog, boosting energy, and improving cognitive function—especially for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Learn how it may enhance athletic performance, speed up recovery, and work safely with therapies like red light and NAD supplementation. Go to...

Oct 06, 20251 hr 26 min

Eat, Exercise & Recover Through Your Menstrual Cycle with Dr. Sarah E Hill

Join Dr. Sarah E. Hill, a leading expert in evolutionary psychology, as she explores the fascinating impacts of hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle on key areas of life. In this episode, she dives into the intricate dynamics of the follicular and luteal phases, unpacking how these stages influence mate selection, exercise, and nutrition. Packed with practical tips, Dr. Hill provides tailored guidance for optimizing your nutrition and exercise routines based on different phases of the...

Sep 29, 20251 hr 26 min

Energy, Effort, Purpose & Pleasure in Perimenopause with Dr. Diana Hill

Dr. Diana Hill delves into the transformative power of "Wise Effort," especially for women navigating midlife and perimenopause. In her new book, Dr. Diana challenges the pervasive belief that working harder is the solution, arguing that over-efforting often leads to burnout. This episode gracefully covers navigating the complexities of aging, processing grief, reclaiming pleasure, and integrating creativity as essential components for vitality and well-being. Episode Overview (timestamps are ap...

Sep 22, 20251 hr 10 min

Avoid Chronic Pain & Injury in Midlife: The Surprising Science of Movement with Henry Abbott

Ballistic author and TrueHoop founder, Henry Abbott, delves into injury risk, biomechanics, and movement patterns, focusing on the knees, hips, and ankles. Henry shares insights from the P3 lab in Santa Barbara, highlighting the importance of understanding granular movement data to predict injuries. Discover key factors and safe techniques in jumping and landing essential for everyone, especially women transitioning to strength training for bone density in their perimenopausal years. 'Movement i...

Sep 15, 20251 hr 13 min

Is Eating Less & Training More Hurting Your Hormones? A Perimenopause Reset with Dr. Stacy Sims

Dr. Stacy Sims returns to discuss the crucial aspects of recovery, hydration, and the unique considerations for women, particularly those in perimenopause. In this episode, we discuss the importance of hydration, the benefits and timing of saunas and cold plunges, and the effects of hormonal changes on recovery, sleep, and overall performance. Dr. Sims sheds light on how our circadian rhythms differ from men’s and what that means for optimizing sleep and recovery. This episode is full of practic...

Sep 08, 20251 hr 4 min

Bike Sprints: Increase Your Cardiovascular Fitness & Lower Your Chronic Disease Risk

In this solo episode, Dr. Stephanie explores the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for women in perimenopause and menopause. Inspired by an Instagram poll, she highlights how sprinting and HIIT improve longevity, cardiovascular health, and muscle maintenance. Dr. Stephanie discusses VO2 max, the importance of fast-twitch muscle fibres, and the hormonal effects of aging. She prescribes low-impact HIIT options like cycling and elliptical, with an eye on the AI-driven CAROL bike f...

Sep 01, 202548 min

Are Your Bones Smarter Than Your Brains? Skeletal Hormones & the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Vonda Wright

Dr. Vonda Wright explains how bones function as endocrine organs, influencing not only our skeletal health but also communicating with muscles, the brain, and various body systems. She highlights the crucial role of estrogen in bone health and emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal peak bone density. Dr. Wright also shares actionable strategies to help you maintain strong and healthy bones throughout your life. Check out her new book at https://theunbreakablebook.com/ Episode overview: (...

Aug 25, 20251 hr 30 min

Carbs, Weight Loss & Muscle Building: Cut Through the BS with Harley Pasternak (Celebrity Fitness Trainer)

Harley Pasternak, a renowned personal trainer in Hollywood, delves into the importance of carbohydrates, protein, and simplifying your fitness journey. Discover why there are no “bad carbs,” learn how to structure an effective exercise regimen, and explore the benefits of consistency and joy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pasternak shares actionable advice on creating sustainable health habits that make the complex world of fitness and nutrition more accessible. Episode overview: (0:00) Int...

Aug 18, 20251 hr 16 min

Midlife Reset for Digestion, Bloat & Brain Fog: Menopause + Gut Health with Dr. Steven Gundry

Dr. Steven Gundry explores the profound impact of gut health on overall well-being. In this episode, he discusses the modern insults to our gut microbiome since the mid-1970s, the significance of gut diversity, and strategies for maintaining a healthy gut lining. Dr. Gundry shares insights on combating inflammation, the importance of soaking and pressure-cooking legumes, and the transformative role of olive oil. This enlightening conversation combines historical wisdom with modern scientific ins...

Aug 11, 20251 hr 16 min

Why Your Probiotics Are Not Working & What to Do Instead with Tina Anderson

Tina Anderson, co-founder of Just Thrive Health, discusses why most store-bought probiotics fall short, how spore-based probiotics act as the 'gardener of the gut,' and the critical role of the estrobolome in hormone metabolism. Learn why a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, and get tips on incorporating beneficial foods and practices into your routine. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 20% off at https://justthrivehealth.com/BETTER with the code BETTER at checkout. Episode Overview: (0:00)...

Aug 04, 202558 min

The Step-by-Step Method to Fix Back Pain with Dr. Stuart McGill

Dr. Stuart McGill is a world-renowned spine biomechanics expert and a true pioneer in his field. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, joint issues, or simply aiming to age gracefully while staying healthy, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Discover Dr. McGill’s groundbreaking research, practical tips for managing and preventing back pain, and his famous ‘big three’ exercises for core stability. As he advises, “Don’t get greedy with your strength gains.” Tune in to learn from one o...

Jul 28, 20251 hr 44 min

The Female Edge: Harnessing Hormones for Peak Fitness with Dr. Stacy Sims

Dr. Stacy Sims, an international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, joins us in this episode to provide valuable insights into cardiovascular exercise for women at different life stages. She also covers strength training, nutrient timing, and supplement recommendations. Dr. Sims explains the crucial differences in training and nutrition between menstruating, perimenopausal, and menopausal women. We love Stacy because she simplifies complex concepts, ensuring you get the practical kno...

Jul 21, 20251 hr 31 min

Understanding GLP-1's & the science of appetite management with Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy of Calocurb discusses the natural and medical ways to suppress appetite, focusing on the revolutionary GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic and Wegovy). This is truly a deep dive into the mechanism of GLP-1 and its role in regulating appetite and blood sugar. You will learn all about the innovative Calocurb supplement, founded by Sarah, which uses a patented hops extract to effectively increase GLP-1 and reduce calorie intake by 18%. A must-watch for women in midlife looking to manage thei...

Jul 14, 20251 hr 12 min

How Can You Build a Body That Ages Without Falling Apart? with Juliet Starrett

Juliet Starrett, an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of The Ready State, discusses the significance of mobility in midlife. She shares practical, science-backed methods for incorporating mobility into busy lives, like the sit-to-stand test, squatting, and floor sitting. Juliet also offers tips on maintaining and improving range of motion, balance, and overall health while making mobility exercises a part of daily routines. She emphasizes that pain is a signal for change, encouraging listener...

Jul 07, 20251 hr 40 min

Could Adjusting When You Eat & Sleep Improve Digestion, Energy & Menopause Symptoms? with Satchin Panda

Dr. Satchin Panda delves into the fascinating world of circadian biology. He explains why the timing of your meals could be as crucial as the food you eat, how disruptions in circadian rhythms can affect menstrual cycles, and the unexpected links between sleep, light exposure, and metabolic health. Want a simple way to improve your circadian health? Dr. Satchin Panda has developed Ontime Health, an app and online programme designed to help users understand more about sleep, fasting, activity and...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 33 min

The Power of Ketones: Fuel Energy, Optimize Recovery & Build Strength as you age with Brianna Stubbs

Dr. Brianna Stubbs, director of Translational Science at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, explores the science behind ketone metabolism and its benefits for women. Learn how ketones can support your fitness goals, regulate appetite, aid in recovery, and even contribute to healthy brain aging. This episode is full of actionable insights and valuable tips for incorporating ketones into your wellness routine. KETONE-IQ Get 30% off when you Subscribe & Save at https://ketone.com/STEPHAN...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 14 min

What’s Really Causing Women’s Hair to Thin & How To Reverse It with Alessandra Zonari PhD

Alessandra Zonari PhD, co-founder of OneSkin, began her career in stem cell biology after witnessing her grandparents’ struggles with age-related diseases. She shares the science behind hair loss in men and women, the impact of hormonal changes, inflammation, and senescent cells on hair health, and the distinct patterns of hair loss between genders. Dr. Zonari also compares the effectiveness of Minoxidil to natural alternatives like OS1 peptide and provides practical advice on using these produc...

Jun 16, 20251 hr

Kegels Aren't Enough: Pelvic Floor Fitness & Longevity with Dr. Sara Reardon (aka The Vagina Whisperer)

Are you ready to dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but super important? It’s pelvic floor health! Dr. Sarah Reardon, the amazing Vagina Whisperer, teaches you about all sorts of pelvic floor issues like urinary leakage, painful sex, bladder and uterine prolapse, and more. Dr. Reardon shares expert advice on how to keep your pelvic floor strong and healthy, no matter if you’re postpartum or approaching menopause. Get ready to revolutionize your pelvic health routine. Episode Overview (tim...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 6 min

Why Your Excuses About Exercise Aren't Really About Exercise & How To Overcome Them with Katy Bowman & Diana Hill

Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and expert in acceptance and commitment therapy, and Katy Bowman, a biomechanist and founder of Nutritious Movement, discuss the psychology of movement and common objections to physical activity. They explore the definition of movement, its joy, and healing body image. They also address the 44 common objections, including overcoming time constraints, finding joy in movement, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion in making healthier choices in thei...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 15 min

Fat Loss, Muscle Gains & Menopause: Science That Actually Works with Abbie Smith-Ryan PhD

Abbie Smith-Ryan PhD, an expert in exercise and nutritional strategies for women’s health, especially during perimenopause, menopause and obesity, discusses evidence-based methods to accelerate fat loss, increase muscle mass, and improve well-being and longevity for women. Topics include accurate body composition measurement, the role of protein and fibre, optimizing pre- and post-exercise fueling, metabolic adaptation, and supplements like Omega-3s, vitamin D, magnesium, and creatine. Dr. Smith...

May 26, 20251 hr 17 min

Breathing is Different for Women: How CO₂ Sensitivity, PMS, & Menopause Affect Respiration with Patrick McKeown

Get ready to dive into how women breathe differently from men. The renowned breath expert, Patrick McKeon, explores the connection between breathing and hormones throughout our menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. The episode talks about how poor breathing patterns can affect conditions like PMS, anxiety, and sleep disorders, and why nasal breathing is so important for our overall health. Patrick also shares some practical breathing exercises that you can try at home to improve your br...

May 19, 20251 hr 31 min

The New Rules of Metabolism: Stop Counting Calories, Start Healing Your Hormones with Ben Azadi

Ben Azadi discusses the significance of inflammation in health, metabolism, and hormonal balance. Chronic inflammation impacts cellular function, detoxification, and hormonal signalling. The episode debunks common metabolism misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of long-term lifestyle changes for weight management. Ben and Dr. Stephanie Estima explore various aspects of metabolic health, including understanding success beyond weight loss, the role of carbohydrates, sleep’s criticality, an...

May 12, 20251 hr 16 min

Muscle Mass, Fat Loss & Hormones Over 40 with Chalene Johnson (fitness legend)

World-renowned fitness industry expert Chalene Johnson spills the dirt about the many workout traps of perimenopause and menopause. Chalene shares her insights on diet and fitness culture, discussing how intense programs often leave women blaming themselves for any shortcomings. She highlights the importance of focusing on one major wellness change at a time and emphasizes the significant role of hormones and stress management in women's health. As Chalene says: 'As a woman when you know what yo...

May 05, 20251 hr 11 min

She Said, She Said: Midlife Weight Gain, Fasted Workouts, Protein & Stress with Cynthia Thurlow

Introducing 'She Said, She Said,' a deep dive into women's health with Dr. Stephanie and her close friend Cynthia Thurlow. Together, they tackle important topics such as the impact of short social media clips on wellness knowledge and the universal frustration of midlife weight gain. Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate): (0:00) Intro/Teaser (12:00) Adapting Diets in Menopause (23:00) Navigating Menopause and Beyond (32:00) Maximizing Protein Intake for Aging Adults (44:00) How to Handle...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 3 min

Victim or Victor Mindset? Find Strength in Your Sensitivity with Scott Barry Kaufman PhD

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychology professor at Columbia University, explores self-actualization and the importance of taking responsibility for our lives. He discusses the impact of trauma, the distinction between being a victim and an empowered individual, and how embracing uncomfortable feelings fosters growth. Dr. Kaufman emphasizes emotional regulation, the power of sensitivity combined with kindness, and the significance of gratitude, encouraging us to choose growth over fear. Episode O...

Apr 21, 202548 min

HRT, Breast Cancer Risk & Vaginal Estrogen: Risks & Myths Explained with Dr. Corinne Menn

Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and 20-year breast cancer survivor, specializes in menopause management and the unique healthcare needs of female cancer survivors. This episode covers topics like the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, breast cancer risk, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vaginal estrogen, and the genital urinary syndrome of menopause. Dr. Menn shares her experience to dispel misconceptions, dispel fear around hormone therapy, and provide actionable insights for w...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 36 min
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