Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Susan

In this video, I talk about something that has quietly shaped my life—and continues to guide how I move through midlife today: learning how to truly listen to myself. This idea is deeply influenced by the work of Martha Beck—quieting the noise of expectations, stepping away from “shoulds,” and reconnecting with a deeper, more honest inner voice. I share three ideas that have become anchors for me: • Learning to recognize when something feels like a true “yes” or a clear “no” • Understanding how going against yourself creates tension and internal friction • Making small, aligned choices that shape how you feel—and who you become over time. When I began to listen—really listen—things started to feel simpler, calmer, and more clear. I also talk about the importance of stepping out of your everyday environment. Retreats, gatherings, and intentional time away create space to reconnect, reflect, and learn new ways of moving through this phase of life. This is also the foundation of the work I’m building right now, including my upcoming book and a recent video: Become Your Best Elder Self — One Choice at a Time LINK - https://youtu.be/fhgEepyXGfs Because the way you age is not accidental. It’s shaped—quietly and consistently—by the choices you make every day. Martha Beck, PhD — sociologist, author, and life coach https://marthabeck.com/

For many women, a history of breast cancer has meant an automatic “no” when it comes to menopausal hormone therapy. But is the story really that simple? In this video, we explore a more nuanced and evolving conversation—one grounded in decades of research, including the work of Avrum Z. Bluming, MD, and other leading experts who have closely examined the data on hormone therapy after breast cancer. Across multiple studies and reviews spanning over 40 years, the evidence paints a more complex picture. While certain risks—such as thromboembolism with oral formulations—are well documented, the long-held belief that hormone therapy universally increases breast cancer recurrence or mortality is increasingly being questioned. In fact, most studies have not shown an increase in breast cancer–related death, and only one trial demonstrated a limited increase in local (not distant) recurrence. At the same time, menopausal hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for symptoms that deeply affect quality of life—while also offering potential benefits for cardiovascular health, bone strength, cognitive function, and longevity. So where does this leave us? This video is not about giving a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about encouraging thoughtful, informed decision-making. It’s about moving beyond fear-based assumptions and toward individualized care—where risks and benefits are carefully weighed, and where women feel empowered to ask questions, seek multiple perspectives, and have meaningful conversations with their physicians. Because the most important takeaway is this: you deserve to be fully informed. Resources: Hormone Replacement Therapy After Breast Cancer: It Is Time Avrum Z. Bluming, MD LINK - https://bit.ly/4st0uji Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What Is the Current Evidence? Sarah Glynne, MBBS, MSc, MRCP, MRCGP; James Simon, MD; Anthony Branson, FRCP; Stephen Payne, FRCS; Louise Newson, MBChB; Isaac Manyonda, PhD; Susan Cleator, PhD; Michael Douek, MD; Sasha Usiskin, MRCP; Jeffrey S. Tobias, MD; Jayant S. Vaidya, PhD LINK - https://bit.ly/41leKyt 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

Regenerative medicine is one of the most talked-about areas in modern medicine — and also one of the most misunderstood. In this video, I explain several therapies that are often mentioned in the same conversation and clarify what they are, how they work, and what we currently know about them. Learning about these treatments can help us make wiser decisions about our health, our healing, and how we support our bodies as we age. In this video, I discuss the science and current understanding behind: • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — used since the 1990s in orthopedics, dermatology, hair restoration, and sexual wellness procedures. • Exosomes — tiny vesicles that act as cellular messengers, carrying proteins, RNA, lipids, and growth factors between cells. • Umbilical-derived growth factors — biologic regenerative products containing signaling molecules involved in tissue repair. • Stem cells — cells capable of differentiating into multiple cell types and releasing regenerative signals that support healing. • “Young blood” therapies — a term sometimes used when discussing regenerative products derived from younger tissues. • Plasmapheresis — a medical procedure that removes plasma from the blood and is used in certain autoimmune and toxic conditions. My goal in this video is to separate science from hype, bring clarity to a rapidly evolving field, and help you better understand the therapies that are often mentioned in conversations about longevity, healing, and regenerative medicine. When we understand the science behind these treatments, we gain something powerful — the ability to advocate for our health, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about our bodies and our wellbeing. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

If you’ve ever been dismissed, minimized, or given outdated advice about menopause — this video is for you. Every week in my clinic, I hear the same myths repeated to intelligent, capable women who simply want to feel like themselves again. Unfortunately, misinformation around menopause and hormone therapy is still everywhere — even inside medical offices. Today, I’m addressing 10 of the most common (and harmful) things women are told about menopause — and explaining what the science actually says. We’ll discuss: • “Hormone replacement is dangerous. Just take birth control pills.” • “You’re only 42 — you’re too young for menopause.” • “Your labs are normal, so it can’t be menopause.” • “You must wait a full year after your last period to start hormones.” • “You can’t start hormones after 60 — or you must stop at 60.” • “Hormones aren’t FDA-approved for heart disease or Alzheimer’s, so they don’t help.” • “You can’t take hormones if you have a family history of breast cancer.” • “Testosterone is only for men.” • “Testosterone is just for libido.” • “You can never take estrogen or progesterone after breast cancer.” Menopause care is nuanced. It’s individualized. And it should be rooted in evidence — not fear. I’ll walk you through what we know today about menopausal hormone therapy, testosterone therapy for women, timing, safety, and why so many women are still being told outdated information. You deserve clarity. You deserve options. And you deserve a provider who understands midlife physiology. Further Reading & Trusted Resources The Menopause Society www.menopause.org Dr. Louise Newson www.drlouisenewson.co.uk Instagram: @menopause_doctor Study referenced in this video: Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pilot study Full paper: http://bit.ly/4tWR9S5 If this video helped you, please share it with a woman who needs better information. Subscribe for evidence-based education on midlife health, hormone optimization, and longevity. Because menopause is not the end of vitality — it’s the beginning of informed power. 💛 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com In-person and virtual appointments available.

At Complete Midlife Wellness Center, many women ask us if there is a GLP-1 option that doesn’t involve injections. In this video, I walk you through what truly matters: ✅ How oral absorption differs from injections. ✅ Why injectable GLP-1 medications are often more effective — and sometimes more affordable. ✅ Who is a good candidate for oral therapy, and who will likely need something stronger. 🌿 For women looking to lose about 10–20 pounds, oral semaglutide may be a thoughtful option. 🌿 For women seeking more significant weight loss — 15–50+ pounds — injectable therapies such as tirzepatide typically provide greater metabolic impact. But here is what we believe deeply: Medication is not the foundation. Hormone balance is. If estrogen, testosterone, insulin resistance, and cortisol are not addressed, weight loss in midlife becomes an uphill battle — no matter which medication is used. That’s why our 12-week Holistic Medical Weight Optimization Program begins with physiology. We layer hormone optimization, advanced nutrition, strength-focused movement, accountability, and medication. This is not a shortcut. It’s structured, medically guided care designed for midlife women. We offer both in-person and remote visits in Texas and California via telemedicine. If you’re ready for a comprehensive approach — we’re here. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

Decreased sexual desire is the most common concern I hear about changing sexuality during perimenopause and menopause. In this video, I discuss how we diagnose low libido, what may be contributing to it, and the treatment options that can genuinely help. You may hear the term Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). This is a medical diagnosis used when a persistent drop in desire creates distress for a woman or strain within a relationship. Evaluation involves a thoughtful clinical conversation, review of health history, and often the use of a validated tool such as the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS). The reasons desire changes are rarely simple. They often include a combination of: ✔️ hormonal shifts involving estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone ✔️ changes in brain chemistry and stress pathways ✔️ sleep and energy disruption ✔️ relationship or emotional dynamics ✔️ medical conditions or medication effects I walk you through five categories of treatment, combining published science with what I’ve learned from caring for thousands of midlife women — including which approaches tend to work best in real life. Most importantly, low desire is not something you are required to accept as an unavoidable part of aging. If it matters to you, there are meaningful, evidence-based ways to make it better. 📚 Get my best-selling book, Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

In this video, I review sermorelin, a growth hormone–elevating peptide, and explain where it fits physiologically within the growth hormone axis. I begin by defining what peptides are and what is meant by a growth hormone–elevating peptide, then clarify what sermorelin is — and what it is not. HOW SERMORELIN WORKS, Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). It acts at the level of the pituitary gland to stimulate endogenous, pulsatile growth hormone secretion, rather than providing exogenous growth hormone. I discuss the downstream effects of growth hormone signaling, including its role in: ❇️ sleep regulation ❇️ bone metabolism ❇️ muscle and body composition ❇️ skin integrity ❇️ cognitive function I also address a common question: Why don’t we simply administer growth hormone? This section reviews the physiologic risks of bypassing hypothalamic–pituitary regulation, including suppression of natural hormone signaling and elevations in IGF-1. Finally, I conclude with an overview of clinical considerations surrounding administration, including dosing, timing, and cost. My goal is to help you understand where sermorelin fits within normal hormone physiology, so you can make informed, thoughtful decisions about your care. If you would like a physician-guided evaluation, you can visit us at Complete Midlife Wellness Center https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

January is often a time when many of us reassess our relationship with alcohol — whether through Dry January or simply by pausing to reflect. If you’re in that group, or even just quietly curious, this is a powerful moment to consider why you might choose to significantly reduce or eliminate alcohol long-term — not just for 30 days, but as a lasting lifestyle decision. Over the years, I’ve shared my personal journey with alcohol reduction, starting with one simple but honest step: taking inventory of how much alcohol I was actually drinking. From there, it became important to thoughtfully weigh the risks and perceived benefits of regularly consuming a substance we know is both toxic and carcinogenic. In today’s episode, I walk you through my own experience with reassessing alcohol use and outline eight key health risks to consider as you make your own informed decision about alcohol consumption. There is no single “right” answer for everyone. While alcohol may offer real social and cultural benefits, it’s well established that it provides no health benefit — and those social advantages must be weighed against the ways alcohol can negatively impact our health, especially as we move into midlife and beyond. Personally, when I significantly reduce or eliminate alcohol, I feel noticeably better — more clear, more energized, and more grounded. Each January serves as a reminder that, for me, life simply feels better without it. If this resonates, you might even consider joining me for an alcohol-free year, rather than just a month. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more conversations on midlife health, longevity, and informed choices.

Testosterone therapy in women remains one of the most misunderstood and inconsistently applied areas of hormone care. Unlike men, women do not have FDA-approved testosterone products, making dosing strategy and delivery method critical to both safety and effectiveness. In this video, I review the clinical evidence behind testosterone pellet dosing in women, explain how pellets compare to topical gels, and clarify why outcomes depend far more on dose, pharmacokinetics, and monitoring than on the delivery method itself. Drawing from published consensus statements, clinical studies, and real-world patient data, I address: Why standardized testosterone options exist for men, but not for women How testosterone pellets are dosed safely in clinical practice What research shows about absorption, variability, and blood levels How to interpret testosterone labs in women Why precision matters when approved products are unavailable This discussion is informed by the General Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone for Women (Climacteric, 2019), which outlines the evidence base, indications, and limitations of testosterone therapy in women. 👉 Link to papers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dd6Y8lwD4RayIRIxZ-m7_e6pVPDNXG-v/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eqF1_Wt9jzG4OsacOjFX2-nwR0aw7caA/view?usp=sharing Recommended viewing: For a practical, real-life demonstration of topical testosterone use, watch my related video: Should Women Use Male Testosterone Products? | Real-Life Demo https://youtu.be/nQlrkWpZOAE This is an evidence-based discussion intended for patients and clinicians seeking a clearer, more rigorous understanding of testosterone therapy in women — grounded in physiology, data, and careful dosing rather than assumptions or fear. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com 📚 Get my best-selling book, Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU

As we begin a new year, it’s worth pausing to look at what actually resonated with women in midlife over the past year. The most-watched videos of 2025 make one thing clear: midlife wellness is not about a single conversation or one solution. It’s not only about menopausal hormone therapy — it’s about the full, interconnected picture of health, vitality, and longevity. From hormones and metabolism to strength, sexuality, skincare, and what’s ahead in midlife medicine, these six videos reflect the wide spectrum of topics women are actively seeking clarity on right now. Below are the 6 most-watched midlife wellness videos of 2025, listed from #6 to #1 (most popular). #6 — Revive Your Sex Life After 50 https://youtu.be/N9weMEASio4 #5 — The 30 Minute Workout That Will Change Your Life – Part Two https://youtu.be/ma-osU7Bg9E #4 — Become Your Best Elder Self — One Choice at a Time https://youtu.be/fhgEepyXGfs #3 — Microdosing GLP-1: A New Approach to Inflammation-Driven Diseases https://youtu.be/KXhfOaA6XPA #2 — Understanding Testosterone Options for Women https://youtu.be/DP4vYBJImAs #1 — Is Estrogen Face Cream the Secret to Youthful Skin? https://youtu.be/XHudYAW2StE ✨ Watch Them All Together We’ve also created a dedicated playlist so you can watch all six videos in one place, in one thoughtful sequence: ▶️ What Mattered Most in 2025: 6 Midlife Wellness Videos to Watch https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6DFkC--wvySbkS0mMJBxa2Fqb7x0375Y If you’re starting this year wanting clearer information, broader perspective, and more honest conversations about midlife health — this collection is a meaningful place to begin. More depth, more education, and more clarity are coming in 2026 🤍

Perimenopause is often the most confusing — and least explained — phase of midlife. In this video, I walk you through everything you need to understand about perimenopause: what’s happening with your hormones, why symptoms can feel unpredictable, and how these changes affect your body, brain, and day-to-day life. I cover: ✨ What perimenopause actually is and when it typically begins ✨ How fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect mood, sleep, energy, focus, weight, libido, and motivation ✨ Why symptoms can come and go — and why labs don’t always tell the full story ✨ The most common signs women experience (even the ones no one warned you about) ✨ Thoughtful, evidence-based solutions to help restore balance and improve quality of life If you’ve been feeling “off,” overwhelmed, or unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal — this video is meant to be a clear, grounding starting point. My goal is to help you understand your body, trust what you’re feeling, and know that real support does exist during these years. ✨ Perimenopause isn’t something you just have to push through. With the right knowledge and individualized care, you can feel steady, supported, and empowered again. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

In this video, I’m sharing an early look at the ideas from my new book coming out in 2026—work that is very close to my heart. I’ve spent the last several years asking one big question: How do we give ourselves the best possible chance of becoming the healthy, joyful, connected 90-year-old we hope to be? Why is it that some people are able to stay committed to a plan… while others struggle, even when they truly want to feel better? If you’re someone who has a hard time staying consistent, please know this book—and this conversation—is especially for you. I break our well-being into eight important buckets: Hormone Optimization, Nutrition, Movement, Body Composition, Sleep, Emotional Wellness, Relational Wellness & Intimacy, and Fun & Joy. These are the areas that shape how we age, how we feel day to day, and how we show up in our relationships. In today’s video, I walk you through each of these buckets and share why tuning into what you already know is good for you can become the motivation that carries you forward. With small, intentional choices, we can begin shaping the elder version of ourselves—one step, one day, one decision at a time. I’ve also included a PDF of the “Best Elder Day” wheel if you’d like to reflect on where you are now and where you’d love to go. LINK - https://bit.ly/3MpwfJX My hope is simple: that this gives you clarity, encouragement, and a gentle path toward becoming the elder you dream of being.

I’ve been reviewing the new Consumer Reports investigation on lead (heavy metal) levels in protein powders and shakes, and I wanted to walk through it with you. The report tested 23 popular products and found that many exceeded what CR considers safe daily limits for lead in just one serving. It’s important information — but it’s also something that needs context. You can read the full Consumer Reports article here: https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/ In this video, I share my take on the findings: why it’s essential to read the full report, understand what those numbers actually mean, and evaluate your real intake rather than reacting to headlines alone. Not all powders are created equal, and your overall exposure matters. My approach is simple: stay informed, choose brands that take testing seriously, and avoid unnecessary risk. For now, my safe options are: • Thorne Whey Protein — high-quality sourcing and third-party tested. • David’s Protein Bars — clean ingredients and transparent labeling. I’ve linked both companies below if you want to take a closer look. www.thorne.com www.davidprotein.com Staying safe doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it just takes understanding the data and making choices that support your long-term health. Let’s go through it together.

In this video, I’m diving into a question I’m asked all the time — should women use male testosterone products? The answer might surprise you. Testosterone therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone in women — but the key lies in dose, delivery method, and medical supervision. I’ll walk you through: • The science behind testosterone in women and why it matters for sexual health, energy, and well-being • The difference between FDA-approved male testosterone products and compounded testosterone gels or creams commonly prescribed for women • How dosage adjustments are made for female physiology • A real-life demonstration on how to correctly use topical testosterone products • Important considerations for safety, absorption, and hormone balance It’s not about “male vs. female” testosterone — it’s about finding the right form and dose to restore optimal function and vitality. Medical Insight: Testosterone is a crucial hormone in women too — affecting libido, bone density, muscle mass, and overall mood. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, loss of desire, and decreased quality of life. As always, hormone therapy should be personalized and physician-guided. 💻 Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

In this video, I share my personal experience with low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis and inflammatory knee pain — a treatment with a long history in Europe that’s now being re-examined in the U.S. as a safe, evidence-based option for chronic orthopedic pain. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) involves the use of very small, precisely targeted doses of radiation — typically one-tenth or less of what’s used in cancer treatment — to reduce inflammation and modulate immune response in joints, tendons, and soft tissues. Research has shown that these low doses can help relieve pain and improve mobility, often providing durable results without the side effects of steroids or long-term medications. I’m joined by Dr. Sanjay Mehta, Radiation Oncologist at St. Joseph Cancer Center in Houston, to discuss the science behind this therapy, its mechanisms of action, and the clinical outcomes we’re seeing today for conditions such as: • Osteoarthritis • inflammatory knee pain • Plantar fasciitis • Tennis elbow • Shoulder and joint pain You’ll also see a glimpse of my own treatment session, as we explore how this “old yet new” approach is helping patients regain comfort, function, and quality of life — without medications or surgery. Resources: Dr. Sanjay Mehta, Radiation Oncologist St. Joseph Cancer Center https://drsanjaymehta.com/

Strong. Capable. Resilient. That’s what midlife feels like when you move with purpose. 💫 In this full-body resistance band workout, Kelley and I guide you through a powerful, efficient sequence designed to activate every major muscle group — helping you build strength, balance, and confidence from the inside out. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progression. Every rep is an act of self-care and self-respect. You’ll feel stronger, more grounded, and more energized with each move. ✨ Lower Body • Squats • Donkey Kicks • Leg Lifts • Hamstring Curls • Monster Walks 💪 Upper Body • Bicep Curls • Upright Rows • Shoulder Press • Tricep Press • Chest Press 🔥 Core & Floor Work Toe Touch • Modified Bicycle • Push-ups All you need is a simple set of resistance bands — and the determination to show up for yourself today. 🎓 Train with Kelley: Explore custom training and support at www.kelleymoves.com Shop our favorite bands here 👉 https://a.co/d/4vrio1N