I am delighted to connect with Dr. Nicky Keay today. She is a medical doctor specializing in exercise endocrinology and the author of The Myths of Menopause.  In our conversation, we explore the taboos surrounding menopause, menstruation, and periods, looking at the narratives, trends, and language that shape our understanding of those phases in a woman's life. We dive into the perimenopause and menopause symptoms Dr. Keay refers to as Pandora's box, the neuro-endocrine regulation of eating behaviors, and the relative energy deficiency associated with restriction, over-fasting, and over-exercising. We also discuss how lab testing during these transitions can lead to uncertainty, the impact of smoking on ovarian senescence, and menopausal hormone therapy.  This conversation is invaluable, and I look forward to inviting Dr. Keay back for a follow-up discussion later this year. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The discomfort that exists around menopause  The negative connotations associated with aging and the importance of changing the narrative How oral contraceptives have led to a disconnection from natural hormone rhythms  The positive changes in body composition and the potential for wisdom and knowledge gained during menopause What are the initial signs of perimenopause? The role estrogen and growth hormones play in body composition and appetite The challenges of over-restricting and why balanced nutrition is essential to support hormonal changes The benefits of blood tests in cases of uncertainty or relative energy deficiency What is the impact of smoking and excessive alcohol intake? Dr. Keay shares her preferred methods of HRT Why we need more informed discussions about HRT and testosterone replacement  Bio: Dr Nicky Keay BA, MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP  Nicky is a medical doctor with specialist expertise in exercise endocrinology. Her research into the impacts of lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise on hormone networks has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is the author of “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and editor of "Myths of Menopause". Nicky holds the position of Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Division of Medicine, at University College London. Nicky’s clinical endocrine work is particularly done with women experiencing perimenopause and menopause and all ages of exercisers, dancers, and athletes, focusing on relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs). Nicky’s passion and objective are to provide a more personalized approach to female hormone health to optimize the overall health and performance of the individual. Nicky is the medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and a keen ballet dancer. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Dr. Nicky Keay On her website Social media: @Dr. Nicky Keay Dr. Nicky Keay’s latest book, The Myths of Menopause, and her first book, Hormones, Health, and Human Potential, are available on Amazon or her website.