Hormonal changes are part of aging—but most of us areremarkably unprepared for them.

In this episode of Aging with Intention, Dr. Nicole Dawson talks with Carey Rothschild, PT, DPT, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, about what actually happens to our bodies as hormones change across midlife—and why these conversations need to begin much earlier.

For women, perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than reproductive health. Changes in estrogen can influence sleep, mood, cognition, cardiovascular health, muscles, bones, joints, pelvic health, recovery, and even how comfortable we feel moving through everyday life. And while hormonal aging looks very different in men, changes in testosterone and other age-related factors can also affect strength, body composition, sexual health, and function.

Nicole and Carey explore why so many of us—even healthcareprofessionals—were never taught to recognize these changes, what symptoms may be overlooked or dismissed as “just getting older,” and how understanding what is happening can give us more options rather than make us fearful of aging.

They also talk about why midlife is such an important windowfor protecting our future health through strength training, weight-bearing activity, sleep, recovery, nutrition, pelvic health care, appropriate medical support, and simply becoming better informed about our own bodies.

One of the central themes of this conversation is that adaptation and surrender are not the same thing. Our bodies do change as we age, but understanding those changes gives us opportunities to respond thoughtfully rather than simply assuming that every new symptom or limitation is inevitable.

About Carey Rothschild

Carey Rothschild, PT, DPT, is a Clinical AssociateProfessor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Central Florida and a nationally recognized physical therapist, educator, and clinician with more than 25 years of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine.

She is board-certified in Orthopaedic and Sports PhysicalTherapy, has advanced certification in pelvic health, and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. Her work focuses on pain science, the female athlete, and the musculoskeletal impact of menopause. Carey is passionate about helping women understand their bodies, stay active, and continue doing the things they love across the lifespan. She is also an avid runner, swimmer, and triathlete who has completed numerous endurance events, including the Boston Marathon.

Connect with Dr. Rothschild:

carey.rothschild@ucf.edu

Resources mentioned:

The Menopause Society

National Menopause Foundation

The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

About Aging with Intention

Aging with Intention explores how we can age with greater health, purpose, and possibility—and ultimately toward our highest potential.

Hosted by Dr. Nicole Dawson, the podcast brings evidence-informed conversations about aging to everyone who is aging, those caring for someone they love, and clinicians helping others age.

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with an appropriate healthcare professional about questions related to your individual health or care.