BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie

Think testosterone is just a male hormone? Think again. In this game-changing conversation, Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals, debunks a major myth in women’s health. Spoiler alert: women have more testosterone than estrogen, and when those levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, it affects more than just libido. Brain fog, disrupted sleep, stubborn belly fat, and a feeling of losing strength and vitality are common symptoms. While men have had access to testosterone therapy for decades, women have been left in the dark until now. Shalin explains the importance of testosterone for various bodily functions, debunks myths that prevent proper treatment, and shares the revolutionary science behind the first effective oral testosterone therapy that aligns with the body’s natural rhythms.Episodes Overview (timestamps are approximate):(0:00) Intro/Teaser(3:00) Understanding Testosterone in Men and Women(6:00) Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone(11:00) Testing and Diagnosing Testosterone Levels(13:00) Challenges in Hormone Therapy for Women(21:00) Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Testosterone(23:00) Increasing Natural Testosterone Levels(30:00) Modes of Testosterone Delivery(35:00) Female Hormone Therapy: Standardized Dosing(39:00) Debunking Myths About Testosterone(44:00) Dosage and Monitoring for Testosterone Therapy(51:00) Challenges in Accessing Hormone Therapy(54:00) Global Availability and Future of Oral Testosterone(58:00) The After-Party with Dr. StephanieResources mentioned in this episode can be found at: https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep451/We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:TIMELINE - A new year means a new gym membership - but you can’t out-train low energy; it starts deeper than that. So grab 35% off your one-month subscription of Mitopure Gummies at https://Timeline.com/BETTER35 while the offer lasts.QUALIA SENOLYTIC - This vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free blend of nine plant-derived ingredients is clinically tested to help your body naturally eliminate senescent cells and support healthy aging. Save 15% at https://qualialife.com/better with code BETTER.BON CHARGE - Achieve glowing skin, gain more energy, and uplevel your recovery practice with a suite of red light products. Get 15% off at https://boncharge.com/better with code BETTER.LMNT - Rehydrate with the perfect mix of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Get a free sample pack at https://drinklmnt.com/drestima.EQUIP - Support bones, joints, gut, and skin with Equip Collagen. Get 20% off at https://equipfoods.com/better with code BETTER. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Stephanie goes "holiday-solo" for the third and final time this week to discuss the growing claim that obesity is mainly genetic, with diet and exercise only accounting for 15% of results. She explains why this messaging is scientifically questionable and potentially harmful, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause who feel powerless. In this candid solo episode, Dr. Stephanie addresses the recent trend of medical professionals suggesting that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are more effective than lifestyle interventions, and why this approach undermines women’s agency. She acknowledges genetic predispositions but argues that resistance training and protein-forward nutrition should remain our primary tools for metabolic health.Episode overview:(0:00) Intro/Teaser(2:00) The Instagram Post(4:00) The Role of Neurochemicals in Obesity(5:00) Glucose Metabolism and Muscle Quality(6:00) Hormonal Changes in Midlife(7:00) Critique of Genetic Determinism in Obesity(12:00) The Importance of Diet and Exercise(19:00) Teaching Healthy Habits to Children(21:00) Final Thoughts and Action StepsResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep450/We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:PIQUE - Designed to deeply hydrate, enhance skin elasticity & firmness and support sustained energy—exactly what we need during this stage of life. Start your daily ritual today with 20% off for life—plus a free gift to elevate your routine. Head to https://piquelife.com/drestima.TROSCRIPTIONS - There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give it a try at https://troscriptions.com/BETTER or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order.JUST THRIVE HEALTH - Take the Just Thrive FEEL BETTER challenge today, and save 20% on your first order. Go to https://justthrivehealth.com/better and use the code BETTER to see the difference for yourself or get a full product refund, no questions asked.AGZ - If you’re ready to turn down the stress and focus on the rest, head to https://drinkag1.com/STEPHANIE to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ.LVLUP - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we wind down 2025 in this second of three solo episodes, Dr. Stephanie takes a pause to express her deep gratitude for the Better community and guide you through a meaningful year-end reflection. This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything was fine—it's about acknowledging the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the strength you discovered (even when you didn't know you had it).In this intimate solo episode, Dr. Stephanie shares reflective questions and gratitude practices to help you take stock of 2025 and set intentional (not pressured) direction for 2026. Whether you're in your pyjamas in that post-Christmas vortex or out for a walk, this episode offers a gentle hand and a tender heart as you close out the year.Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):(0:00) Intro/Teaser(2:00) What Gratitude Really Is (& What It’s Not)(4:00) 2025 Gratitude Inventory(14:00) The Gratitude Note Exercise(15:00) What Did I Survive & Learn?(18:00) What Am I Ready to Forgive Myself For?(21:00) How Do I Want to Feel in 2026?(24:00) What Will I Prioritize Even If No One Claps?Resources mentioned in the episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep449We couldn’t do it without our sponsorsTIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER.ONESKIN - Harness the power of peptides for fuller hair and glowing skin. Save 15% at https://oneskin.co/better with code BETTER.AG1 - I take my AG1 Omega 3s first thing in the morning once I'm home from the gym. Subscribe today to get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! You’ll also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get you started. Get it now at https://drinkag1.com/stephanie.LVLUP   - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode, Dr. Stephanie shares her updated thinking on fitness training for women who menstruate, including perimenopausal women with irregular cycles. Drawing from principles in the Betty Body Book and her presentation at the Health Optimization Summit in Europe, she breaks down how to strategically modify your training across the four weeks of your cycle—while emphasizing the crucial principle of autoregulation.Episode Overview (timestamps may vary):0:00  Intro/Teaser3:13 Why We've Been Training Like Men8:28 The Three M's of Muscle (Mobility, Metabolic, Menstrual)21:00 Waist-to-Hip Ratio Longevity Test24:29 AUTOREGULATION: The Most Important Principle32:01 Week 1 Training Protocol: 8-12 Reps34:16 Week 2: 5-7 Reps (POWER Week!)40:24 Week 3: 8-12 Reps42:47 Week 4: 15-20 Reps (Myokines!)45:46 Training Considerations for Perimenopausal WomenResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep448We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:EQUIP COLLAGEN - Support bones, joints, gut, and skin with Equip Collagen. Get 20% off at https://equipfoods.com/better with code BETTER.MIMIO - You can get cellular renewal, anti-inflammatory effects, and longevity benefits while STILL eating enough protein, lifting heavy, and not tanking your hormones. Go to https://mimiohealth.com/better and use code ESTIMA at checkout to save 20% on your first order of Mimio Biomimetic Cell Care.MASA - MASA’s chips contain just three ingredients: organic nixtamalized corn, sea salt, and 100% grass-fed beef tallow. That's it. Ready to give MASA (or Vandy) a try? Use code BETTER for 25% off your first order at https://masachips.com/BETTERQUALIA NAD+ - Boost energy, DNA health, and cellular protection. Save 15% at https://qualialife.com/better with code BETTER. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Rena Malik, board-certified urologist and sexual medicine expert, has the most frank conversation about female sexual health you'll hear anywhere. She covers pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence affects 1 in 3 women), the genital urinary syndrome of menopause (80% of women will experience changes), and the orgasm gap—plus why same-sex couples don't have this problem. Dr. Malik breaks down low desire in midlife with actual treatment options, explains responsive vs. spontaneous desire, and tackles the hard conversations about pornography's impact on our kids. Whether you're dealing with changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode removes the shame and gives you actionable solutions for better sexual and pelvic health.Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):(0:00) Intro/Teaser(4:00) Pelvic Floor 101: Anatomy and Function(8:00) Urinary Incontinence(14:00) Tight Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction(18:00) Strengthening Weak Pelvic Floor(21:00) Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)(29:00) Menopause & Genito-Urinary Changes(33:00) Female Arousal & Clitoral Anatomy(37:00) Responsive Desire & Maintaining Sexual Connection(44:00) The Orgasm Gap(49:00) Pornography & Realistic Expectations(55:00) Pornography Use & Sexual Function(1:00:00) Types of Orgasms(1:03:00) Semen Retention & Orgasm Frequency(1:08:00) Low Desire in Women(1:16:00) Arousal vs. Desire(1:19:00) UTIs & Bladder Health(1:23:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. StephanieResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep447We couldn’t do it without our sponsors:BIOPTIMIZERS - Magnesium Breakthrough contains multiple types of magnesium plus cofactors like B6 to enhance absorption. Visit https://bioptimizers.com/better and use code BETTER to save 15%.ONESKIN - Harness the power of peptides for fuller hair and glowing skin. Save 15% at https://oneskin.co/better with code BETTER.BON CHARGE - Achieve glowing skin, gain more energy, and uplevel your recovery practice with a suite of red light products. Get 15% off at https://boncharge.com/better with code BETTER.AG1 - I take my AG1 Omega 3s first thing in the morning once I'm home from the gym. Subscribe today to get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! You’ll also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get you started. Get it now at https://drinkag1.com/stephanie. P.S. When you're ready, here are a two ways I can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.