In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Number 160 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is joined by naturopathic physician Dr. Sharon Stills, a leading expert in women’s hormone health and a passionate advocate for transforming how we approach aging and menopause. Dr. Stills shares how she went from aspiring pediatrician to menopause expert—thanks to one curious patient and a Suzanne Somers book—and how that moment sparked a lifelong mission to help women reclaim vitality in their second act of life.
Dr. Stills challenges the outdated narrative that menopause is a disease to be feared or managed. Instead, she offers a “pro-aging” perspective, describing menopause as a sacred transition that can be optimized with the right tools. She dives deep into the science and clinical application of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining why most women are being underserved by conventional approaches—and how individualized care using 24-hour wet urine testing, bioidentical hormones, and strategic supplementation can unlock vibrant energy, libido, and mental clarity.
Listeners will learn why standard blood tests miss the mark, how improper supplementation (like DIM and calcium d-glucarate) can backfire, and why topical hormone creams need to be applied to the mucosal tissues—not the skin—for proper absorption. Dr. Stills also debunks myths around estrogen, explains the vital role of estriol in preventing cancer and inflammation, and shares inspiring case studies of women who got their lives back—even after decades of suffering.
Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this conversation will reframe how you see aging—and give you real tools to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Key Takeaways:
- Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease
- Pro-aging is a mindset: support aging instead of fighting it
- Estriol (E3) is anti-inflammatory and protective, not dangerous
- Standard blood tests often miss hormone fluctuations and metabolites
- 24-hour wet urine testing offers the most accurate hormone insights
- Individualized treatment is essential—no one-size-fits-all protocols
- Hormone creams must be applied to mucosal tissue for effectiveness
- DIM and calcium-d-glucarate can be harmful if not needed
- Hormones impact brain, bones, gut, libido, and overall vitality
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can work in as little as 3–4 weeks
- Transdermal patches often contain toxins and are poorly metabolized
- DHEA is best delivered orally in liposomal form
- Women in their 70s and 80s can still start HRT and experience huge benefits
- Symptoms like joint pain, insomnia, and brain fog often resolve quickly with proper HRT
- “Sort of better” isn’t good enough—optimize to feel amazing
Menopause is Not a Disease: Reclaiming Midlife with Dr. Sharon Stills (Ep. 160)
Where to Discover More with Dr. Sharon Stills:
Website: https://drstills.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsharonstills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDHotMedicine
Biographical Information on Dr. Sharon Stills:
Dr. Sharon Stills, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor with over two decades of dedicated service in transforming women's health has been a guiding light for perimenopausal and menopausal women, empowering them to reinvent, explore, and rediscover their vitality and zest for life. Her pioneering RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program encapsulates her philosophy: to Reinvent your Health, Explore your Spirit, and Discover YOUR Sexy. This unique approach has revolutionized the way women experience their transformative years, making her a sought-after expert in the field.
A proud graduate of The Sonoran University, class of 2001 with a rich background in European Biological Medicine, pro-aging therapies, and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement, Dr. Stills has successfully guided thousands of women through gentle transitions using all-natural methods. Her expertise is recognized globally, evidenced by her invitation to take part as the Co-Lead North American lecturer for the Paracelsus Academy in Switzerland when the Academy was up and running. She also is a long time contributor as a physician expert at Women’s Health Network. Her influence is also felt in academia and professional circles, sitting on the boards of the Bio-Regulatory Medicine Institute and the Archive of Healing at UCLA. Dr. Stills continues to share her knowledge through the annual Mastering your Meno(pause) transition summit and as the former host of The Science Of Self Healing podcast.
The opening of Lasting Wellness Center, her new 7,000 sq. ft. clinic in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, in Fall 2025, marks another milestone in her mission to provide unparalleled naturopathic care. There along with her son, Dr Ben Stills, they will be providing unique diagnostic and therapeutic options addressing all forms of chronic illness including but not limited to cancer, autoimmunity, covid-20 and of course Meno(pause) concerns. This venture follows her previous success in founding and running one of the largest naturopathic clinics in the country.
Dr. Stills' personal journey of overcoming her own serious health challenges underscores her commitment to the wellness path she advocates for her patients. Her life is a testament to the principles she teaches: from embracing a healthy Paleo diet and a rigorous vitamin regimen to prioritizing restorative sleep and physical movement through yoga, hiking, and dancing.
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