Menopause is Not a Disease: Reclaiming Midlife with Dr. Sharon Stills

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 Stills challenges the outdated narrative that menopause is a disease to be feared or managed.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

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