Hello, Hot Flash Show Notes:

If you’re in your 40s or 50s and feeling like your body has suddenly become a stranger—aching joints, stubborn weight, brain fog, and energy dips you can’t explain—you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Marianne Pinkston, a powerhouse in integrative and family medicine, joins us to break down the hidden connection between inflammation and menopause—and what you can do about it.

As a woman who personally battles rheumatoid arthritis and treats women just like you every day, Dr. Pinkston gets it. She believes women deserve better answers, deeper understanding, and a toolkit that actually works.

Whether you're curious about natural ways to reduce inflammation, frustrated with your doctor’s lack of answers, or simply want to feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why not all inflammation is bad—and how to work with it, not against it

2. The subtle signs of chronic inflammation women often miss

3. How movement (even gentle!) helps repair inflammation and eases menopause symptoms

4. Why your mind, body, and spirit are all part of the healing equation

5. How to build a sustainable, anti-inflammatory lifestyle rooted in self-respect and care

Timestamps:

(00:00:19) – What is inflammation and why it matters in menopause

(00:05:10) – Signs of chronic inflammation in women over 40

(00:17:39) – Dr. Marianne Pinkston’s personal story: Reversing arthritis with exercise

(00:20:19) – Best types of exercise for inflammation and joint pain relief

(00:30:00) – What is holistic health? Understanding the mind-body connection

(00:30:50) – Why women in menopause need a holistic approach to self-care