In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance with guest Dr. Stephanie Estima, we discuss the importance of heading into menopause in the healthiest way possible. Muscle is often thought of as a negative thing for women as we were taught not to get bulky. However, it’s a myth that needs to be totally left behind. It’s very hard for women to build muscle and get bulky. But muscle is essential for hormonal balance and longevity.    We also dive into the science behind balanced hormones, and what steps you can take to make sure you’re heading into menopause as a confident powerful woman, rather than take it on as if it’s a disease. Menopause needs to be thought of as an evolution of your body, not a nightmare situation. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is essential for some women, and we guide you through how to talk with your doctor to get the best treatment possible.    Overall, this episode offers guidance on navigating hormone health, talking to your doctor about what you specifically need, and how to use menopause as a growth opportunity, not a season of anxiety and hardship.     Dr. Stephanie Estima discusses all facets of health including nutrition, fitness, hormones, stress management, performance, recovery, longevity, health span, mental resilience, and energy production. Her passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about your health and to catapult you into the hero of your own life.   Dr. Stephanie has a special interest in exercise physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and performance nutrition. She spent 19 years in private practice and is a best-selling author, international speaker, and mother. Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:   BodyBio: Visit BodyBio.com today and get 15% on your first order when you use code Nathalie Sensate: Use code NAT at www.getsensate.com/Nat  Profound Health: Use code longevity15 to save 15% off your first order at https://profound-health.com/       Find more from Dr. Stephanie Estima:    Instagram: dr.stephanie.estima Newsletter: https://drstephanieestima.com/newsletter/  Website: https://drstephanieestima.com/  Podcast: Better with Dr. Stephanie Book: The Betty Body   Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ Website: NatNiddam.com Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community Work with Nat: Book Your 20 Minute Optimization Consult: https://calendly.com/nniddam/intro-call?month=2021-08   What We Discuss:  (1:10) Intro for Dr. Stephanie Estima, the muscle lady, and how to optimize hormones for menopausal health.  (4:41) Menopause isn’t a disease; it’s an experience you can be prepared for.  (6:45) Preparing at a younger age, by adding muscle and taking care of your hormones can give you an easier time throughout menopause.  (8:45) The importance of lean muscle for women (hint: you don’t get bulky!) (17:45) Hormonal changes can affect your ability to build lean muscle.  (22:43) The turnover rate of bone as we age changes under the influence of estrogen.  (26:30) You don’t want too much estrogen- it can negatively affect ligaments and joints. You just want it balanced with testosterone. This is why joint issues are common in post-menopausal women. It increases the risk of injury.  (29:00) The importance of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health for aging women. (30:00) Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a great solution.  (36:00) Be so in tune with your body that you can tell when something is off, and be able to have data-filled conversations with your doctor. If you can’t talk with your doctor about hormones, get a new doctor.  (40:10) Cognitive health - our ability to think clearly - and lack of sleep is affe