A Reality Check on the Facts Behind Menopause & Metabolic Health, with Dr. Alice Nguyen Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

A Reality Check on the Facts Behind Menopause & Metabolic Health, with Dr. Alice Nguyen

January 30, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 3 • Episode 4

Menopause is an inevitable transition, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. In this episode, Dr. Alice Nguyen brings her wealth of knowledge to a candid discussion on managing menopause and metabolic health. She and Todd dive into how hormonal shifts affect weight, fat distribution, and mental well-being. Dr. Nguyen then explains why resistance training and optimal protein intake are critical for maintaining muscle mass and bone health, especially post-30 when muscle naturally begins to decline.

The episode also addresses early signs of metabolic issues, the importance of digestive health, and how aging ovaries affect energy, cognition, and physical health. Dr. Nguyen discusses the power of HRT in restoring hormonal balance and even helping patients wean off psychiatric medications. Misconceptions around fitness goals, such as the pressures of achieving a "six-pack," are tackled head-on, with practical advice for women to navigate this life stage healthfully and confidently.

Whether you’re in your 20s and looking to build a strong foundation or entering menopause and facing new challenges, this conversation offers actionable strategies to improve your quality of life at every stage.

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health
05:30 Menopause and Metabolic Changes
11:35 Disordered Eating and Its Consequences
20:05 The Balance of Exercise and Nutrition
25:53 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women
30:42 Managing Perimenopause: Strategies and Solutions
35:28 The Role of Nutrition and Supplements
41:35 The Importance of Protein and Strength Training
47:15 Navigating Menopause: Acceptance and Adaptation