Menopause, Unscripted.
Your women's health BFF. Real talk, real facts, real care.
Join Dr. Heidi Gastler, pelvic-floor specialist, cancer survivor, and health advocate behind the @heydrheidi platform and blog, as she takes the mic to untangle the myths, awkward moments, and uncertainties of perimenopause and menopause. Menopause Unscripted is your safe space for approachable, laughter-filled, science-backed conversations that help you navigate this chapter with confidence and clarity.
From expert insights and personal stories to actionable tips and heartfelt support, Dr. Heidi delivers what you crave: informed and inclusive guidance, no snake oil, just real talk.
Whether you're just noticing the shifts or well into your menopausal journey, Menopause Unscripted is here to walk with you, laugh with you, and lift you up.
New episodes drop every Friday at 9am PST.
Menopause, Unscripted.
Can Light Act Like Estrogen? Red Light, Cognition & Mood || Episode 18
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In this episode of Menopause Unscripted, Dr. Heidi is joined by Genevieve Newton of Fringe to unpack what the science actually says about red and near-infrared light therapy (RLT/LT) for brain fog, cognition, mood, and overall cellular health during perimenopause and menopause.
The conversation moves from foundational mechanisms—how light works at the mitochondrial and cellular level—to emerging research comparing light’s effects with estrogen, and why some women report cognitive clarity, mood shifts, and energy changes with consistent use. The episode also explores the gut–brain connection, potential combination strategies (including creatine), and how to think about red light therapy as a “supplement” rather than a miracle cure.
Key topics include:
Brain fog and cognition in midlife and older women
Red light therapy vs. estrogen effects
Cellular and mitochondrial mechanisms of light therapy
Gut–brain connection and metabolic health
RLT, mood, and depression research
Sunlight vs. red light therapy and skin safety
Practical frameworks for using RLT responsibly
Referenced research includes peer-reviewed studies on photobiomodulation, cognition, depression, brain fog, and gut–brain signaling.
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Website → https://www.heydrheidi.com
Instagram & TikTok: @heydrheidi
🎙️ Want to be on the show?
Email: connect@heydrheidi.com
Produced by Stray Kat Studio
Producer: Katherine Donovan