Menopause Reimagined with Andrea Donsky
Welcome to Menopause Reimagined, your go-to podcast for transformation and education around menopause and midlife wellness.
I’m Andrea Donsky, your host. With over 20 years as a multiple-award-winning nutritionist, four-time published researcher, and menopause educator, I bring you real talk and trusted guidance. As co-founder of wearemorphus.com, I’m dedicated to helping you take control of your perimenopause and menopause journey.
Each episode is designed to empower you with actionable insights. You can expect deep dives into nutrition, lifestyle shifts, supplements, hormone management, and the latest women’s health research. We cover sexual health, mental well-being, practical tips, and more, all with a focus on helping you thrive confidently and naturally through every stage of midlife.
No topic is off limits. My mission is to banish the stigma of menopause by talking about it openly and honestly.
You’re not crazy or alone—we’ve got each other.
If you find value in the show, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform because it helps more women discover these empowering conversations. And don’t forget to share your favorite episodes and interviews with friends and loved ones who might benefit.
Follow me on TikTok (@andreadonsky) & Instagram (@andreadonsky & @wearemorphus).
Thanks for listening!
Menopause Reimagined with Andrea Donsky
Ep #105: Anxiety & Your Vagus Nerve in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Navaz Habib
Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, Menopause Researcher, Menopause Educator, and co-founder of Morphus, interviews Dr. Navaz Habib about the importance of understanding vagus nerve dysfunction and how to fix it to enjoy less anxiety in perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Habib is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner, the host of the Health Upgraded Podcast, and the Author of two books on the Vagus Nerve.
Signs & Symptoms Survey https://forms.gle/Tw6vyp3cKoDp3CuZA
Anxiety Survey https://forms.gle/mcWWkX7xwDb1ci6R7
Morphus Sleepus https://bit.ly/3Q1SQvW
What is the vagus nerve? The control point for our body's rest, digestion, and recovery functions.
The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
The impact of adrenals, microbiome, hormonal regulation, and the immune system on this system.
What causes the vagus nerve to "break down"?
What we can do to help relax ourselves, handle stress, and reduce depression and anxiety
We look at the root causes of stress and the different types of stress, including physical, biochemical, and psychological stress. Functional testing is key to identifying biochemical stressors.
The importance of self-compassion, self-forgiveness, and mindset.
How do we know if our vagus nerve is or isn't working well?
Understanding heart rate, heart rate recovery, and heart rate variability. Understanding how to use wearable technology for health tracking effectively.
Things you can do to stimulate your vagus nerve with exercises like breathing techniques, vocalizing mantras, humming, gargling, and singing.
How a feeling of safety affects the vagus nerve
Actionable Tips:
- Practice conscious breathing: belly breaths with longer exhales than inhales
- Use mantras to manage stress and anxiety
- Monitor HRV trends with wearable devices, aiming for personal improvement
- Measure heart rate recovery after workouts
Signs & Symptoms Survey https://forms.gle/Tw6vyp3cKoDp3CuZA
Anxiety Survey https://forms.gle/mcWWkX7xwDb1ci6R7
Morphus Sleepus https://bit.ly/3Q1SQvW
Dr. Navaz Habib's Books https://amzn.to/4bk6Jwy
Health Upgrade Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-upgrade-podcast/id1540349524
Vagus Nerve and Heart Rate Variability in Perimenopause and Me
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DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. This podcast contains affiliate links; Morphus may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.
