In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson welcomes integrative cardiologist and functional medicine expert Dr. Regina Druz for an eye-opening conversation about the often overlooked intersection of heart health and menopause. Together, they unpack how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause can cause unexpected changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, fat distribution and heart rhythm. Dr. Druz explains why traditional risk calculators often miss the mark for women, what new markers like ApoB and Lp(a) really tell us, and how wearable tech and advanced imaging can offer deeper insights. Whether you're already tracking your health closely or just starting to ask questions, this episode will give you the tools to take charge of your cardiovascular future and advocate for the care you deserve.

Quotes

• “More women die of heart disease than of breast cancer.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• “Menopause doesn't create new risk factors - it amplifies the ones that are already there.” - Dr. Regina Druz
• “We spend 40% of our lives in post-menopause. Do we want to be vibrant or in the ER with hypertensive urgency?” - Dr. Regina Druz

Connect with Dr. Regina Druz

New Patient: https://holisticheartcenters.com/steps-one-two-three/

Podcast: https://holisticheartcenters.com/own-your-heart-health-podcast-with-dr-regina-druz/

Website: https://holisticheartcenters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Kate Willis NP-C to debunk fitness myths and deliver real-world guidance on how women can build and preserve muscle during perimenopause and menopause. From progressive overload to protein needs, creatine, stress recovery, and smarter training, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you feel stronger, not just skinnier. Whether you're brand new to strength training or looking to break through a plateau, you'll find science-backed insights and empowering advice to support your midlife health journey.

Quotes

• "Exercise is a stressor and if it’s not dosed correctly, it can make you feel worse, not better." - Kate Willis NP-C
• “If we're trying to build muscle, we need to be having adequate nutrition to feed muscle.” - Dr. Polly Watson
• "You're not going to bulk up with physiologic levels of testosterone - you’re going to get toned and strong." - Kate Willis NP-C

Resources

Protein Cheat Sheet

Evlo Fitness

Dr. Stacy Sims - Power Happens

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

In this insightful episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Dr. Ami Ingram, a functional medicine physician with a specialty in mold-related illness. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked health impacts of mold exposure by highlighting how its symptoms can closely mimic or overlap with conditions like perimenopause, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances. The conversation covers everything from recognizing the signs of mold toxicity to effective diagnostic strategies and the critical role of home testing. Both doctors share their personal experiences with mold, shedding light on how isolating the journey can be and emphasizing the power of community in the healing process. Dr. Ingram also introduces her accessible educational resources designed to empower individuals facing mold-related health issues - offering practical guidance, support, and most importantly, hope.

Quotes

• “We all have mold. But it’s the type, the load, and how your body handles it that matters.” Dr. Ami Ingram
• “Healing from mold isn’t just about the body - it’s about calming the brain and rebuilding connection.” Dr. Polly Watson
• “We all have a toxic barrel - some have big spigots, some small. When it overflows, symptoms appear.” Dr. Ami Ingram

Resources

Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test

ISEAI Resources: Designed by experts for patients and clinicians treating mold-related illness.

Connect with Dr. Ami Ingram

Online Courses: https://family-functional-medicine.teachable.com/

Website: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/

New Patient: https://www.familyfunctionalmed.com/discovery-consult/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyfunctionalmed/

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer