The Optimized Women cover art

The Optimized Women

The Optimized Women

By: Orshi McNaughton
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Optimized Women Podcast is where high-performing women come to take control of their health. Hosted by Orshi McNaughton, FDN-P, HHP, this show cuts through the noise of outdated medical advice with real, science-backed strategies built for female physiology. From hormones and metabolism to peptides, performance, and longevity—this is your no-BS guide to optimizing your body from the inside out.Copyright 2025 Orshi McNaughton Alternative & Complementary Medicine Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Science
Episodes
  • Methylene Blue for Brain Fog, Anxiety and Low Energy | Dr. Scott Sherr, MD

    Methylene Blue for Brain Fog, Anxiety and Low Energy | Dr. Scott Sherr, MD
    Mar 4 2026
    Methylene blue is one of the most talked-about tools in biohacking for mitochondrial function, brain fog, and energy—and the nuance is in dosing, quality, and context. In this episode, Dr. Scott Sherr explains how chronic stress and hormone shifts can trap women in a “wired but tired” state, why HRV drops when your nervous system can’t recover, and how sleep architecture, minerals, and mitochondrial support may help restore resilience. You’ll also learn the red flags of low-quality methylene blue, why low-dose and high-dose effects are different, and how to think about redox balance without making your stress physiology worse.KEY TOPICSMethylene blue benefits dosing and quality concernsMitochondrial dysfunction behind brain fog fatigue and anxietyHRV and nervous system resilience in midlife womenSleep architecture REM sleep and why waking at night happensMinerals electrolytes cortisol and the wired but tired stress loopTIMESTAMPS[00:00] Metabolic health crisis and why mitochondrial dysfunction is so common[01:06] Show introduction and what this episode will help you fix[01:37] Scott Sherr’s integrative path and Health Optimization Medicine approach[03:57] The Sympathetic Spiral of Doom and what it looks like in real life[05:10] Why midlife hormones reduce stress tolerance and recovery capacity[06:45] How chronic vigilance and modern stress keep you stuck in fight or flight[08:10] HRV trends over time and why “doing everything right” still isn’t enough[09:54] What HRV measures and how to use it for real-world experiments[11:40] The cell danger response and how mitochondria downshift energy production[12:55] Why “wired but tired” signals mitochondrial and nervous system overload[14:35] Why mood changes and irritability show up when the brain lacks energy[16:34] GABA vs glutamate and the neurochemistry of anxiety and insomnia[18:20] Why SSRIs don’t map cleanly to “low serotonin” in depression[19:55] Short-term calming tools vs medium-term nutrient and gut foundations[21:08] Sleep architecture explained deep sleep REM sleep and recovery biology[22:55] Why waking at night happens and why progesterone alone may not solve it[24:10] Sleep starts in the morning sunlight meals timing and daytime stress[26:05] Why REM sleep is mitochondrially demanding and easier to disrupt[27:37] Minerals under stress why magnesium sodium and potassium get depleted[28:55] Personalizing electrolytes for travel training and high-stress periods[30:05] Cortisol rhythm and why late exercise and late meals can tank recovery[31:20] Why minerals and antioxidants matter for energy production and detox[32:14] Your methylene blue Goldilocks dose and how to cycle it[33:27] What methylene blue does for mitochondria energy and detox together[34:50] Low-dose vs high-dose methylene blue and when higher doses get stressful[36:10] Hydrogen peroxide production at higher doses and why antioxidants matter[37:20] Redox balance explained energy production plus detox capacity[38:20] Quality risks heavy metals potency issues and why liquids are risky[40:02] Why redox-active compounds can backfire if your nervous system is dysregulated[43:40] Breaking the stress loop support mitochondria first then downregulate stress[45:10] The parasympathetic edge why “calmer performs better” is real physiology[48:03] Where health optimization is heading mitochondrial medicine and healthspan[50:25] Organ-level thinking vs cellular-level optimization holobiont framework[52:30] N-of-1 tracking wearables and why personalization beats population advice[53:09] AI caution why models can mislead and why human clinical context matters[54:18] Where to find Dr. Scott Sherr and related workLET'S CONNECTGuest: Dr. Scott Sherr, MDWebsite: https://drscottsherr.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherrHost: Orshi McNaughtonPodcast: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listenWebsite: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/orshimcnaughtonEnjoying the podcast? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help spread the word!
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Weight Loss Resistance in Midlife: What the Research Reveals I Dr. Bill Campbell, PhD

    Weight Loss Resistance in Midlife: What the Research Reveals I Dr. Bill Campbell, PhD
    Dec 30 2025

    If you’re strength training, eating “clean,” and still gaining fat or losing muscle after 40, it’s not just willpower—it’s physiology. In this episode we break down what actually changes during perimenopause and menopause (lean mass, central fat gain, estrogen shifts), plus the research-backed levers that still move the needle: resistance training intensity, protein targets, smart cardio, recovery, and when HRT may help. If you feel like the old playbook stopped working, this is your reset with a real framework.

    KEY TOPICS

    1. Why weight loss resistance shows up in midlife even for active women
    2. How menopause shifts body composition toward central fat gain and lean mass loss
    3. HRT and estradiol research for muscle gain and inconsistent fat loss outcomes
    4. Protein targets for midlife women and how to hit them consistently
    5. Training strategy that works: heavy lifting, cardio for VO2 max, power, agility, and recovery

    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:00] Why Bill Campbell shifted his research to menopause after his wife’s experience

    [00:24] Female physiology matters: women are not “small men” and body composition changes hit hard

    [00:57] First generation of strength-trained women entering menopause and why the research gap matters

    [01:40] What’s really happening: gaining fat and losing muscle isn’t just about effort after 40

    [09:13] Menopause vs aging debate: what the SWAN data suggests about the transition

    [12:40] DEXA findings: lean mass loss begins and fat gain accelerates during the transition

    [14:10] Why fat shifts to the middle: central adiposity, FSH rise, and estradiol decline

    [15:00] HRT question: what changes when women use hormone therapy during training

    [16:46] Estradiol and muscle: why estrogen therapy may be anabolic in trained women

    [18:30] Estradiol and fat loss: why results are variable and not a guaranteed solution

    [20:28] Hormone balance and nuance: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and body fat context

    [22:55] Estradiol target ranges discussed for bone and muscle support

    [27:53] Progesterone vs progestins: why older research can be misleading

    [29:21] Protein targets: 0.75–1.0 g/lb ideal body weight and why most women under-eat protein

    [33:47] Practical protein strategy: distribute evenly across meals to hit your daily target

    [38:17] Protein timing around workouts: why pre vs post doesn’t matter much

    [40:39] Supplements that matter: creatine, whey/complete protein, omega-3s

    [43:22] Magnesium and vitamin D: common deficiencies and bone-health relevance

    [45:00] Strength training minimum effective dose: 1 day for maintenance, 2+ days for best results

    [47:16] Training doesn’t change by decade: intensity and proximity to failure are the difference

    [49:46] Benchmarks: squat bodyweight and deadlift ~1.25x bodyweight as aspirational goals

    [54:47] Cardio after menopause: VO2 max, HIIT, and why walking isn’t the same stimulus

    [58:41] Stress resiliency: when pulling back is smarter than pushing harder

    [01:00:16] Ideal weekly structure: resistance, aerobic fitness, power, agility, plus daily movement

    [01:03:16] BFR/Kaatsu for joint pain and training around injuries

    [01:05:02] What turned it around for Bill’s wife: progesterone first, then estradiol, plus patience

    [01:07:46] HRT isn’t one-and-done: adjust, track, and combine with training, sleep, and recovery

    [01:11:26] Where to follow Bill Campbell and his menopause fitness content

    [01:12:00] Support the...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Women’s Hormones & the Future of Longevity Medicine | Dr. Amy Killen

    Women’s Hormones & the Future of Longevity Medicine | Dr. Amy Killen
    Dec 2 2025

    This episode explores how women’s hormones, aging, regenerative therapies, and technology are shaping the next era of longevity medicine. Dr. Amy Killen shares her evolution from ER doctor to multi-company entrepreneur, her work in stem cells and full-body regenerative procedures, and the role of diagnostics, AI, and hormone optimization in midlife women’s health. You’ll get an inside look at the queen phase of perimenopause, the future of longevity clinics, and how women can stay proactive as they age.

    KEY TOPICS

    • Estrogen, perimenopause and the queen phase of women’s midlife
    • Dr. Killen’s shift from ER medicine to entrepreneurship in longevity
    • Stem cells, exosomes and whole-body regenerative therapies
    • Reputable Health, Hop Box and Humanát Health’s tech-enabled clinical model
    • AI-driven care plans, advanced diagnostics and the future of preventive longevity care
    • TIMESTAMPS

    [00:00] Estrogen as a forgotten longevity drug and the mental health impact of perimenopause

    [00:56] Show intro and framing women’s health, resilience and personal transformation

    [01:27] ER burnout, single motherhood and the moment everything shifted

    [03:23] Leaving the ER and confronting criticism around hormones and regenerative medicine

    [04:08] Partnering with Docere Clinics and developing the Full Body Stem Cell Makeover

    [06:33] Stacking stem cells, exosomes, peptides, light therapy and sound therapy

    [08:10] Transformations in pain, sexual health and functional recovery using stem cells

    [10:09] Musculoskeletal outcomes and delaying joint replacement surgeries

    [10:57] Skin quality improvements, subtle rejuvenation and hair restoration in women

    [13:33] Stem cells vs PRP and when each modality is most effective

    [13:51] Founding Reputable Health to modernize clinical trials using wearables

    [15:11] How biohackers join studies and test real supplements and devices

    [16:28] Using AI to extract insights from sleep, HRV and wearable data

    [16:57] Creating Hop Box as a simple, evidence-based female longevity stack

    [18:17] Supplements tailored to female physiology, insulin resistance and skin health

    [19:29] Why Hop Box is not a multivitamin and how ingredients like spermidine fit in

    [21:06] Defining the queen phase and why women lose hormonal protection

    [23:11] Men’s gradual testosterone decline vs women’s hormonal cliff in midlife

    [24:52] Stress load in midlife and why so many women struggle in their 40s and 50s

    [25:43] Hormone therapy as a foundational pillar for women’s longevity

    [26:18] Building Humanát Health as a next-gen longevity clinic franchise

    [28:21] Core pillars of longevity care: lifestyle, diagnostics and prevention

    [30:39] Comparing Humanát to other longevity and biohacking clinics

    [32:36] Evidence-based hormone protocols and training providers at scale

    [35:31] How Humanát uses advanced diagnostics and AI-generated care plans

    [39:45] Why the franchise model expands access to longevity medicine

    [42:54] Membership tiers, affordability and the future of nationwide rollout

    [43:41] Inside the Humanát gym: VO2 max, strength, balance and kinetic testing

    [44:34] Advice to clinicians entering longevity entrepreneurship

    [45:42] The next decade of regenerative medicine and the role of women

    [46:41] Balancing motherhood, procedures, multiple companies and travel

    [47:45] Where to find her clinics, supplements and platforms

    [49:14] Closing reflections on the women’s longevity revolution

    Guest: Dr. Amy Killen

    Website: https://dramykillen.com/

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

    LET’S...
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.