Dr Lara Briden unpacks what really matters in midlife

health and wellness
Written By Ann Marie McQueen

In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Lara Briden – a naturopath, women’s health speaker, and author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. Together, they unpack some of the buzziest and most confusing midlife health trends: from hormone therapy + GLP-1 combos to supplement overwhelm, vaginal estrogen, and the sudden concern over labia shrinkage.

Dr Briden brings a refreshing and deeply grounded perspective to the conversation, challenging common narratives and reminding us of the biological brilliance of the female body – especially in midlife.

Highlights:

  • The overhyped narrative about hormone therapy and GLP-1s

  • What GLP-1 medications really do, and why they’re fascinating to Dr. Briden

  • Supplements as a security blanket, and why Ann Marie and her friends are rethinking them

  • Taking a “supplement holiday” – what it is and why it helps

  • The connection between GLP-1s and gut health

  • What happens when you go off hormone therapy or GLP-1s?

  •  A naturopath’s minimalist supplement travel kit

  • Vaginal changes in menopause: what’s real, what’s clickbait

  • The difference in how men vs women are told to view their bodies as they age

  • Vaginal estrogen and the truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopause

  • The bizarre labia shrinkage trend and the pressure of “perfect” body parts

  • Why menopause is not a mistake of evolution – it’s a feature

  • The danger of over-identifying with health labels

  • “Wear it lightly” – a powerful reframe from Dr. Briden

  • The trend of diagnosing yourself through Instagram

  • Not everyone suffers in perimenopause – and that’s okay

Sponsor: Shoutout to our sponsor MenoLabs – makers of MenoFit, a science-backed probiotic designed to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and more. Hotflash Inc listeners get 20% off with the code HOTFLASHINC20.

Connect with Dr. Lara Briden:

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Ann Marie McQueen
Next

From Scotch to hot flashes: Carin Luna-Ostaseski’s journey to perimenopause