#176 - Think Midlife Means Sex Is Doomed? Think Again.

Dryness, Low Desire, Awkward Silence? Let’s Fix Midlife Sex. What if we stopped whispering about midlife sexual health and started talking about it like the real, fixable, medical issue that it is?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles—internationally recognized OB/GYN, menopause expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton—to talk about the truth behind midlife vaginal changes, why libido shifts aren’t your fault, and how hormone therapy and non-hormonal treatments can actually help you feel like yourself again (yes, especially down there).

We cover:

• Why vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and painful sex are incredibly common—and completely fixable (whew!)
• The difference between vaginal estrogen for dryness and systemic hormone replacement (and why most women are scared of the wrong one)
• Four clinically proven ways to rebuild vaginal tissue—and when to consider each
• How to advocate for yourself when your provider dismisses your concerns
• The overlooked connection between estrogen, your brain, and your libido
• And yes… the wild stat about people checking their phones during sex. Wait, what?! 🙃

This episode packs science, myth-busting, and an invitation to reclaim your body, your pleasure, and your voice in midlife.

No shame. No awkward metaphors. Just real information every woman deserves to know.

• Dr. Maria’s website: www.mariasophoclesmd.com
• IG: @mariasophoclesmd
• Menopause clinician finder: www.menopause.org
• Learn more about The Thinking Woman: thinkingwoman.health
• Lisa’s site + wellness resources: www.lisasmithwellness.com

✨Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

• The Dr. Josh Axe Show
• Wellness Mama
• Just Ingredients Podcast
• The Model Health Show
• Dr. Mark Hyman’s Podcast

Disclaimer:

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

#175 - Eat This, Not That: 7 Foods That Are Driving Your Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation doesn’t always scream—it whispers. In subtle symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and stubborn weight gain.

In this episode of Pretty Well, I’m breaking down 7 common inflammatory foods that could be quietly working against your health—even some that wear a “health food” disguise.

We’ll dig into the truth about vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and how they impact everything from your gut to your hormones. You’ll also learn what to eat instead, plus simple anti-inflammatory swaps that don’t involve overhauling your entire life.

If you’re over feeling inflamed and underwhelmed by your energy, this one’s for you. It’s time to kick the silent saboteurs off your plate—and start feeling like yourself again.

Pretty Well Episode #85: The Hateful 8 is Wrecking Your Health. A Must-Listen Interview with Dr. Cate Shanahan

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000641175763

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3btFmTbhDzdIVhWV02r7k5?si=9ce28a015881419d

Pretty Well Episode #148: Struggling to Sleep? 10 Biohacks to Fix Your Sleep

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000700909945

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AVNBNgSLUKIGSENU8AuCR?si=2ec651250bd646f4

Pretty Well Episode #135: 4 Simple Habits to UpGrade Your Life This Year + A Bonus Sleep Hack https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000681655629

Amazon Links:

*As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You*

Epic Water Filters https://amzn.to/4cqgAmA

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Supplements https://amzn.to/3RuVSIJ

Davinci SPMs https://amzn.to/3XQlROj

✨Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

• The Dr. Josh Axe Show
• Wellness Mama
• Just Ingredients Podcast
• The Model Health Show
• Dr. Mark Hyman’s Podcast

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer:

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About GLP-1s (And What You Need to Know Before You Fill That Prescription)

GLP-1 meds like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been marketed as magic bullets for weight loss—but there’s a whole lot more going on beneath the surface.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeff Crippen, a chiropractor, naturopath, and creator of the Beyond Ozempic course, to break down what these drugs actually do in your body, how to protect your health while using them—and what your doctor probably didn’t mention when handing over the prescription.

We talk about:

• What GLP-1s like Ozempic actually do to your digestion, blood sugar, and muscle mass
• The real reason so many people regain the weight after stopping the meds
• The shocking links between GLP-1 use and digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and even mental health
• What you can do to preserve muscle and metabolism while on GLP-1s
• How to come off them safely—and set yourself up to keep the progress for a lifetime
• The critical (and completely overlooked) role of stress, trauma, and gut health in sustainable weight loss
• Plus: why the best long-term fat loss strategy still comes down to very basic but powerful choices

If you or someone you love is on a GLP-1 or thinking about it, this episode is required listening. We’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening in your body—and giving you the tools to support it with or without medication.

📌 This one is packed with science, strategy, and encouragement—real talk and root-cause clarity you can actually trust.

• Learn more about Jeff’s course: Beyond Ozempic https://michaelgaeta.com/register/beyond-ozempic/
• Instagram: @prettywell_podcast
• Show notes, supplement links, and more: lisasmithwellness.com

• The Dr. Josh Axe Show
• Wellness Mama
• Just Ingredients Podcast
• The Model Health Show
• Dr. Mark Hyman’s Podcast

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer:

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.