112. Beyond Reproduction - The Shocking Truth About What Estrogen Actually Does In Your Body with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell

Have you ever done everything right, the clean eating, the morning rituals, the consistent workouts, and still felt like your body was working against you in ways you could not explain? Probably, you cleaned up your diet even more, added another wellness protocol, pushed harder in the gym, only to end up more exhausted, more inflamed, more frustrated, and no closer to feeling like yourself again. The problem was never your effort or your discipline. It was biology. And specifically, it was one hormone that most women were never told does far more in the female body than reproduction. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with neuroscientist and mitochondrial health expert Dr. Siobhan Mitchell to finally give that biology a name, an explanation, and a path forward. After this conversation you will understand why the belly fat, the brain fog, the cravings, the burnout, and the sleepless nights are all connected, why no amount of discipline was ever going to fix them, and exactly what your body actually needs to start feeling like itself again. Dr. Siobhan Mitchell is the Chief Scientific Officer of MitoQ, holds a PhD from SUNY Albany, and completed her post-doctoral fellowship on brain aging at the University of Washington. She has authored over 80 published papers, holds eight patents in aging, cognition, and mood, and has led research on brain nutrition, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and weight loss across multinational companies and institutions worldwide. With 25 years at the intersection of neuroscience, nutrition, and women's health, there is nobody better placed to have this conversation. Go to mitoq.com/mona and use code MONA for 10% off! What's Discussed: (6:33) Why the symptoms women dismiss as stress in their 40s are actually their hormones talking. (7:45) Why estrogen decline causes a 65% increase in binge eating and how it disrupts blood glucose. (9:27) Why perimenopause is starting earlier than most women are told (12:10) What is actually happening physiologically when a woman's body stops responding to the protocols that used to work. (20:17) The real reason belly fat accumulates in midlife and why it has nothing to do with what you are eating. (28:40) Phytoestrogens, what they are, and how they work on estrogen beta receptors in the brain, heart, and bones. (31:57) What equol is, why only 20 to 30% of western women can produce it, and why it is a game changer for women's health. (37:57) How the gut microbiome regulates estrogen through the estrobolome and why gut health and hormone health cannot be separated. (42:49) How to eat for your estrobolome and the specific foods that support estrogen recycling and brain health. (53:53) The science behind MitoQ, and what makes mitochondrial targeted antioxidants different. (1:05:01) The two biggest drivers of mitochondrial oxidative stress in women and what to do about them. Thank you to our sponsor:  Cozy Earth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code ROOTED for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here on Rooted in Wellness.  Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma Learn more about Dr. Siobhan Mitchell:  Instagram: @esiobhanmitchell Website: https://global.mitoq.com/