138. Natural Testosterone Support

Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause
138. Natural Testosterone Support
Feb 26, 2026
Dr. Sara Poldmae | Healer, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Functional Medicine Practitioner

Are you doing all the “right” things—maybe even considering testosterone therapy—but still not feeling your best?

If you listened to last week’s episode on testosterone, you know how powerful hormone therapy can be. But here’s the truth: hormones don’t act in a vacuum. Your nervous system, your nutrition, your muscle mass, your sleep—they all shape how your hormones work.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the foundational, natural strategies that support hormone health in midlife—whether you’re using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or not. Because optimal health isn’t just about being in the “normal” range. It’s about creating the right internal environment so your body can truly thrive.

This episode is a natural follow-up to our testosterone conversation —but today, we zoom out and talk about the bigger picture.

 

In this episode:

  •  Why hormones don’t work in isolation—and what your nervous system and metabolism have to do with it
  • The real reason 30 grams of protein at breakfast can change your energy, mood, and hormone signaling
  • Why midlife women need healthy fats (yes, even cholesterol!) for optimal hormone production
  • The truth about cholesterol in menopause—and why “just stop eating eggs” is far too simplistic
  • How fiber supports gut health and hormone metabolism (and why it’s often overlooked)
  • Why resistance training is “hormone medicine” for midlife women
  • The surprising midlife benefits of creatine—for muscle, metabolism, and even brain clarity
  • Why sleep is still the most underrated hormone support tool

 

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

 

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Episode Artwork 138. Natural Testosterone Support 14:37 Episode Artwork 137. Testosterone - Mood, Libido and more 19:14 Episode Artwork 136. The permission to pause. Time away was needed. 17:49 Episode Artwork 135. Go deeper to create the best year yet 16:32 Episode Artwork 134. My relationship with alcohol and health risks 19:17 Episode Artwork 133. Is Alcohol Really Helping You Cope with the Holidays? 27:48 Episode Artwork 132. Permission to Pause- New episode schedule 10:36 Episode Artwork 131. How to find your Spark in Midlife 23:47 Episode Artwork 130. Mindfulness in Middle Age 22:07 Episode Artwork 129. Confidence and Workplace Support - Gen Z through the Boomers 28:09 Episode Artwork 128. How Chinese Medicine Explains Your Unique Menopause Experience 19:32 Episode Artwork 127. When It All Goes Up in Flames: Grief, Gratitude & Rebuilding in Midlife 21:41 Episode Artwork 126. Finding Joy in Midlife 24:54 Episode Artwork 125. How is your heart? Cardiovascular disease in midlife women 21:55 Episode Artwork 124. Sex challenges in Midlife 20:09 Episode Artwork 123. Awareness, Acceptance, Action: The Midlife Shift You’ve Been Waiting For 21:59 Episode Artwork 122. Acceptance in Menopause 35:48 Episode Artwork 121. The Truth About Midlife, Hormones & Reclaiming Your Power 37:31 Episode Artwork 120. Cougar Puberty, The We Do Not Care Club and Why Menopause Humor Helps Fuel the Conversation 11:10 Episode Artwork 119. The Power of No: How Letting Go Leads to a Life You Love 14:05 Episode Artwork 118. Your Midlife Health Questions—Answered with Heart & Science 21:23 Episode Artwork 117. Feeling Like a Fraud in Midlife? You’re Not Alone. 24:39 Episode Artwork 116. GLP-1 Medications & Midlife Metabolism: What Every Woman Needs to Know 28:29 Episode Artwork 115. Hair Loss in Midlife 24:05 Episode Artwork 114. Mood Swings, Midlife, and Grown-Ass Men 15:28