Midlife Mayhem

Midlife Hair Loss: Sue McLea’s Hair Regrowth Story & Why She Chose MONAT
Hair thinning and hair loss are among the biggest frustrations I hear from women in midlife. Our hair can feel like part of our identity, so watching it become thinner, more fragile or seeing our scalp where we never used to see it can have a surprisingly big impact on confidence.
For this episode, I invited my longtime friend and client Sue McLea to share her own experience.
I’ve known Sue for years, so I knew what her hair looked like before. Over the last several months I started noticing the incredible difference in her hair — not simply longer hair, but visibly thicker hair and new growth in areas where she had previously experienced significant thinning.
Sue has now been using MONAT for approximately eight months and is also a MONAT ambassador. She joined me to explain what she experienced, what she uses and exactly how she uses it.
Sue’s Hair Loss Story
Sue began experiencing significant hair thinning around age 59–60, particularly around her temples.
It progressed to the point where she described having noticeable bald areas on either side of her head. Hairstyles she had worn for years suddenly became difficult because pulling her hair back exposed those areas.
Initially, she assumed this was simply another part of getting older.
Eventually, after watching the results her niece was experiencing with MONAT, Sue decided to try the products herself.
She was skeptical and gave herself a simple test:
Two months. If she didn't see a difference, she was done.
Instead, Sue says she began seeing tiny new “baby hairs” within approximately 30 days.
Eight months later, the difference in her hair is remarkable. Her hair has become so much thicker that she says she now needs to rethink her hairstyle because of all the new growth coming through.
The Big Philosophy: Your Scalp Is Skin
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was the emphasis on scalp health.
We spend enormous amounts of time and money taking care of the skin on our faces, yet most of us give very little thought to the skin underneath our hair.
Sue’s approach is to create a healthier scalp environment while also protecting the hair itself from breakage and damage.
Hair naturally moves through different stages — growth, resting and shedding — so the goal isn't simply to coat the existing hair and make it temporarily look better. The discussion centered around supporting the scalp and follicle environment while also protecting the hair you already have.
Sue’s MONAT Routine
Sue didn't simply add another shampoo to her shower. She committed to a complete routine.
1. Rejuveniqe Oil – Before Washing
Sue uses Rejuveniqe Oil as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment approximately once or twice per week.
She applies the oil throughout the scalp, massages it in and brushes it through the hair. She often applies it at night and leaves it in before washing.
The oil contains a blend of plant-based oils and is designed to hydrate the scalp and hair while helping reduce dryness, frizz and breakage.
It can also be worked through the lengths of the hair rather than simply used on the scalp.
2. Double Shampoo
MONAT shampoo is highly concentrated, so Sue uses only about a dime-sized amount.
She emulsifies it thoroughly in her hands before applying it primarily to the scalp.
She then shampoos twice.
The first wash is used to remove product, oil and environmental buildup.
After rinsing thoroughly, she repeats the process. Sue says the second wash produces considerably more lather.
Rather than piling shampoo through the ends of the hair, the focus is the scalp.
3. Conditioner
Conditioner goes primarily from the ears down, rather than being applied heavily to the scalp.
Sue recommends allowing it to sit for several minutes before rinsing so it has time to work through the hair.
4. IR Clinical Hair Thinning Defense Serum – Every Day
This was one of the most important products in Sue's routine.
Sue keeps the serum somewhere she will see it every day — initially beside her toothbrush — because consistency matters.
She applies a small amount directly to areas such as her temples and crown and gently massages it into the scalp.
It can be used on clean or dirty hair and Sue says it doesn't weigh the hair down.
Ingredients discussed during the podcast include Capixyl, melatonin and caffeine.
We also talked about DHT and its relationship with the hair follicle. Sue explained that Capixyl is incorporated into the formula specifically in relation to DHT and supporting the hair-growth environment.
For women going through menopause, this conversation becomes particularly interesting because hormonal changes can coincide with significant changes in hair density and quality.
5. RejuvaBeads
This was actually the first MONAT product I personally tried, and I was immediately impressed.
RejuvaBeads is a leave-in treatment designed for damaged hair and split ends.
I've used just about every expensive leave-in conditioner, oil and treatment imaginable. Many make your hair feel nice initially but leave behind that unmistakable feeling that you've got product sitting on your hair.
This didn't.
My hair simply felt like better hair — silky, soft and healthy without feeling heavy or oily.
That's particularly important for me because my hair is naturally fine and fragile. Years of coloring and heat styling have made it prone to breakage, and since moving to Idaho I've also struggled considerably more with hard-water damage.
After using RejuvaBeads, my brush went straight through my hair.
That alone got my attention.
RejuvaBeads was discussed as helping bind and protect damaged areas of the hair shaft and can also be used as part of heat protection.
What About Very Damaged or Color-Treated Hair?
MONAT also has a Bond Support/Bond IQ range discussed in the episode for people dealing with significant damage from coloring, bleaching or repeated heat styling.
Sue also mentioned other products including a scalp scrub for people dealing with significant buildup, products specifically designed for curly hair, root-lifting products and a lightweight hairspray that allows the hair to remain touchable rather than stiff.
The point is that everyone's hair problem isn't identical — which is why Sue recommends taking the hair quiz rather than randomly choosing products.
Menopause, Estrogen & Hair
Of course, products aren't the entire conversation.
Hair changes during midlife can occur alongside major hormonal changes.
We talked specifically about the decline in estrogen around menopause and how women can suddenly find themselves dealing with thinning hair at exactly the same time they're already navigating changes in body composition, skin, energy and confidence.
Hair loss can feel like one more thing being taken away.
And Sue's story really resonated with me because she initially did what so many people do:
She accepted it.
She assumed this was simply what happened as she got older.
Seeing her results challenged that assumption.
Weight Loss, Nutrition & Hair
We also talked about something I think deserves considerably more attention: nutrition during weight loss.
If you're using a weight-loss medication or following any diet that dramatically suppresses your food intake, you still need to think about what nutrients you're providing your body.
Rapid weight loss combined with inadequate calories, protein and nutrients can be a terrible combination for maintaining muscle — and potentially your hair.
Losing weight while sacrificing muscle and hair isn't exactly the victory most women are looking for.
Whatever you choose to do for your hair should therefore sit on top of the basics: adequate nutrition, sufficient protein and taking care of your body from the inside as well as the outside.
Sue’s Husband Tried It Too
This isn't purely a women's conversation.
Sue's husband had also spent considerable time and money trying different approaches for his hair, including more aggressive options.
He became so impressed with his own experience using the MONAT products that Sue jokes he now promotes them better than she does — and several of his friends have started using them too.
So while midlife female hair thinning was the reason for this conversation, men struggling with thinning hair may also want to speak with Sue about an appropriate routine.
What If Your Hair Initially Feels Different?
We also addressed something I'd seen online: people saying their hair initially felt dry or frizzy after switching products.
Interestingly, Sue experienced this herself.
About two weeks after starting, she contacted her niece because her hair suddenly felt dry and frizzy. She described this as a short transition period after removing years of buildup from her previous products. She continued her routine and used the oil for additional hydration, and she says that phase passed.
Her advice is not to judge an entirely new hair routine after a couple of washes.
Give it some time.
And Yes — We Talk About MONAT Being an MLM
We didn't avoid this.
MONAT uses a network/multi-level marketing model, and Sue is an ambassador.
I'm not financially involved with MONAT. I bought the products after seeing Sue's results and wanted her on the podcast because I know her, trust her and have personally watched the change in her hair.
Sue didn't approach me with a hard sell. In fact, much of our conversation was about how uncomfortable both of us can feel when enthusiasm for something that genuinely worked starts sounding like selling.
We also briefly discussed MONAT's history, previous controversy around the company, its emphasis on naturally based ingredients and its focus on avoiding certain ingredients in its formulations.
The company also offers wellness products alongside its primary haircare range.
The Bigger Midlife Conversation
One of my favorite parts of this episode actually goes far beyond shampoo.
It's about acceptance.
We hear:
"That's aging."
"That's menopause."
"That's just what happens."
And slowly people begin accepting things that make them feel less and less like themselves.
Sue said something that stuck with me: improving her hair hasn't only changed her hair.
It made her want to take better care of herself again.
She started styling her hair again. Paying attention to it. Enjoying it.
In her words, she feels like she's falling in love with herself again.
That's why this conversation matters.
Hair may sound superficial until you're the person watching yours disappear.
Want Sue’s Help?
If you're dealing with thinning, shedding, breakage, hair that simply won't grow, or you're completely confused about which products would be appropriate for your hair, Sue is happy to help.
You can send her photographs, take her hair quiz, message her with questions or arrange a quick conversation so she can help you determine which products make sense for your particular hair.
Sue is very clear that she can't guarantee anyone else's results — but she can help you understand the options and build an appropriate routine.
Contact Sue McLea
Instagram: @suemcleaEmail: sbmclea360@gmail.comTake Sue’s Hair Quiz: msha.ke/susanmclea
And if you're listening rather than watching, I definitely recommend watching this episode on YouTube as well so you can actually see Sue's hair and the areas of new growth we're talking about.
The difference is pretty extraordinary.
As always, my goal with these conversations isn't to tell you what you have to do. It's to introduce you to information, products and people I've encountered that may help you have a better midlife — and beyond.
Because getting older doesn't mean we simply have to accept everything getting worse.

Midlife Mayhem — Episode Show Notes
Hey there,
Two Instagram posts sent me down a rabbit hole this week, and I couldn't wait to bring it to you.
Post one: a woman says if you can't wrap your fingers around your wrist, you're "big boned" — not overweight, just built bigger. Post two: if your thigh isn't over 24 inches around, you'll apparently live longer. As someone who's trained for 44 years, can squat 200lbs, and still only measures 20 inches on a good day... I had thoughts.
So this episode is a myth autopsy. Both claims have real research behind them — that's exactly why they spread so fast. But both get flattened and distorted by the time they hit your feed. In this one, I break down:
Where the "wrist test" actually comes from, and what it's really measuring (hint: not what you think)
Why your skeleton makes up roughly 12–15% of your body weight no matter your frame size — and why that number barely moves
The real 2009 Danish study behind the thigh circumference claim, and the threshold it actually found (not the straight line social media is selling you)
Why a tape measure can't tell muscle from fat — and why that matters more than the number itself
The one waist measurement I'd actually pay attention to instead
What genuinely protects your bones and muscle in midlife (spoiler: it's not a tape measure)
I also measure my own wrist and thigh live on the mic, so you can hear exactly how the numbers play out on someone who's spent a lifetime training. Grab your own tape measure before you hit play — you'll want to check your own numbers along the way.
This week's shoutout: I'm filming with my friend Sue this week about hair thinning in midlife and what actually helped her — keep an eye out for that one on YouTube and right here on the podcast.
A little something for you
My products are all made from what I use on myself, every single day — nothing I sell just to sell it. Right now you can save on all of it:
🛍️ Shop the full range: www.joanneleestore.com
5-Amino-1MQ
SLU-PP-332
Blue Theory Face Serum
Blue Theory Body Booster (new!)
Blue Theory Face and Body Oil
Use code LABORDAY for 15% off — and check the dropdown menus, because several products are already bundled at a discount, so stacking the code on top saves you even more.
⏰ Code expires September 8th — I'm heading off on vacation and won't be able to ship for a week after that, so this one has a hard cutoff.
Thanks for listening, and thank you for being part of Midlife Mayhem. If you enjoyed this one, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and I'll catch you in the next episode.
Joanne Lee Cornishhello@joannlee.comFollow along: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube — just search Joann Lee Cornish

If you’re fit, strong and taking care of yourself — but suddenly feel like your skin didn’t get the memo — this episode is for you.
Crepey skin. Sagging skin. Wrinkly skin. Skin that suddenly seems too big for your body.
It is one of the biggest frustrations I hear from women and men in midlife. You can be in fantastic shape, yet suddenly you’re thinking twice about sleeveless tops because of your upper arms. You’re noticing the skin above your knees. Your chest looks different. The backs of your hands look older.
And sometimes it genuinely feels as though it happened overnight.
So in this episode of Midlife Mayhem, we’re going deep into what is actually happening to our skin as we move through our 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond — and, more importantly, what the science tells us we can potentially do about it.
And yes, this is a science-heavy episode.
Because over the past year I have gone rather spectacularly down the rabbit hole of regenerative skincare while developing my Blue Theory™ range — particularly my Regenerative Face Serum and the new GHK-Cu Body Booster.
Why does our skin suddenly change so much?
Collagen makes up a huge proportion of the structure of our skin, but we begin losing it surprisingly early in adulthood. That decline becomes particularly noticeable around perimenopause and menopause as estrogen falls.
At the same time, we're losing some of the substances responsible for keeping skin hydrated and plump, including hyaluronic acid. Elastin becomes damaged. And the biological signals telling our skin to repair and rebuild itself become quieter.
That last part became incredibly important to me.
When I started formulating Blue Theory, I wasn't interested in creating something that simply sat on top of the skin and made it look shiny for a few hours.
I wanted to understand the ingredients involved in the skin's own repair and regenerative processes.
And that search led me to GHK-Cu.
So what on earth is GHK-Cu?
Don't let the name put you off.
GHK is simply a tiny peptide made from three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine.
Cu is copper.
Put them together and you have the copper peptide GHK-Cu.
The story behind it is fascinating. GHK was identified in human plasma in the 1970s, and researchers became interested in its relationship with cellular activity and tissue repair.
What really sent me down the rabbit hole was discovering that our natural levels of GHK decline dramatically as we age — at the same time that our skin becomes less capable of repairing and regenerating itself.
Suddenly, GHK-Cu wasn't simply another trendy skincare ingredient to me.
I wanted to know everything about it.
GHK-Cu, collagen and mature skin
In the podcast I walk you through some of the research that originally stopped me in my tracks.
We talk about studies examining topical GHK-Cu and its relationship with collagen production, skin firmness, laxity, texture, pigmentation, density and thickness.
And this is an important distinction I make in the episode: the research that initially got me excited about GHK-Cu was topical research.
People frequently ask me about injectable GHK-Cu. I've used injectable GHK-Cu myself, but that's not what this particular conversation is about.
For skin, I became fascinated by what researchers were seeing when GHK-Cu was applied topically.
Then I found the GHK-Cu + hyaluronic acid research
This was another big moment for me.
A 2023 study examined GHK-Cu combined with lower-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and reported a dramatic increase in type IV collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cultures.
Type IV collagen is particularly interesting because it is involved in the junction between the epidermis and dermis — an area that becomes weaker as skin ages.
But I make an important distinction in the podcast.
That dramatic number came from laboratory research — not a clinical trial showing someone's skin suddenly producing 25 times more collagen.
Cell-culture results don't translate one-for-one to what happens when we put a serum on our bodies.
Nevertheless, the documented interaction between the ingredients fascinated me and became one of the reasons I wanted GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid together in my formulations.
And that's how the Body Booster was born
I had wanted to create a GHK-Cu product specifically for the body for quite some time.
The obvious answer seemed to be a body lotion.
So I made one.
Then a cream.
Then a body butter.
And I didn't love any of them.
Not because they were necessarily bad — but because we're all incredibly particular about body lotions.
Some people want something rich and buttery. Others hate that feeling and want something incredibly light. I use different products myself depending on the season.
Then I had the obvious-in-hindsight idea:
Why am I trying to reinvent everybody's favorite body lotion?
Why not create the concentrated skincare component and let you add a few drops to the body lotion or cream you already love?
That became the Blue Theory GHK-Cu Body Booster.
It's a lightweight, water-based serum featuring GHK-Cu alongside hyaluronic acid, NAG and other supporting ingredients.
You can apply it directly to the skin or simply mix a few drops into your favorite body moisturizer.
And there's a reason it's water-based.
GHK-Cu is water-soluble. I would have loved to simply put it into my Face & Body Oil, but it wouldn't remain properly incorporated in an oil formula.
So instead, the two products can complement one another while remaining separate formulations.
But why isn't the Face Serum simply the same product?
Because I wanted the face formula to do more.
The Blue Theory Regenerative Face Serum combines GHK-Cu with a group of complementary ingredients selected for different roles in mature skin.
One of those is PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide.
PDRN is derived from purified DNA fragments and has attracted enormous attention in regenerative and Korean skincare. It has been studied extensively in tissue repair and wound-healing applications.
And again, I explain an important caveat in the episode: much of the strongest human evidence for PDRN comes from medical and injectable applications.
Topical PDRN research is growing, but we shouldn't simply assume an injectable medical result automatically translates to putting a cosmetic serum on your face.
I still find the biology incredibly interesting — particularly because PDRN and GHK-Cu appear to influence regenerative processes through different mechanisms.
Meet NAG — the ingredient nobody talks about
This might be one of my favorite underrated skincare ingredients.
N-acetylglucosamine — NAG — is naturally present in skin and is involved in the production of hyaluronic acid.
In other words, rather than only applying hyaluronic acid, we're also interested in providing a building block the skin uses in its own hydration processes.
Research has also examined NAG for hydration, pigmentation, texture and other visible signs associated with sun-damaged skin.
For midlife skin, that combination is particularly interesting because we're often dealing with moisture loss and pigmentation at the same time.
That's why you'll find NAG in both my Face Serum and Body Booster.
Then there are the less glamorous ingredients that matter enormously
Allantoin isn't the trendy ingredient you're going to see splashed across TikTok.
It's been around for years.
And that's precisely the point.
Allantoin is widely used for its soothing properties and its ability to support the skin barrier — something I think we completely underestimate.
We can become so obsessed with acids, exfoliation and aggressive "anti-aging" treatments that we forget we're dealing with a living protective barrier.
Especially as we get older, more isn't necessarily better.
I wanted ingredients in the formula that support the skin while the more interesting regenerative ingredients are doing their thing.
The same thinking applies to panthenol — provitamin B5.
Panthenol isn't particularly sexy either.
But it helps support moisture retention and barrier function.
Because what good is putting hydrating ingredients into your skin if your compromised skin barrier is allowing water to escape straight back out?
Sometimes the ingredients doing the quiet supporting work are every bit as important as the ingredient with its name on the front of the bottle.
And yes — hyaluronic acid
We've all heard of this one.
There's a reason it's everywhere.
Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water and helps give skin that hydrated, plumper appearance we associate with younger skin.
But one of the things I discuss in this episode is molecular weight.
Different sizes of hyaluronic acid behave differently in the skin, and that became especially interesting when I started looking at the research combining lower-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with GHK-Cu.
The philosophy behind Blue Theory
This is really where everything comes together.
I kept finding products built around one hero ingredient.
A GHK-Cu serum.
A PDRN product.
A hyaluronic acid serum.
And I kept thinking:
Why are we stopping there?
My approach with Blue Theory was to look at ingredients that could play complementary roles within a compatible formulation.
GHK-Cu as the anchor.
PDRN providing another regenerative pathway.
NAG supporting hydration-related processes and helping address the appearance of pigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid for hydration and its relationship with GHK-Cu.
Panthenol supporting moisture retention and the barrier.
Allantoin helping keep mature and sensitive skin calm.
Different jobs. One overall philosophy.
What about vitamin C and retinoids?
I love them.
But that doesn't mean everything belongs in the same formula — or necessarily on the skin at exactly the same moment.
GHK-Cu has formulation and pH considerations, which is why I didn't simply throw every famous skincare active into one bottle.
If you're using strong vitamin C, retinoids or acidic products, I explain in the episode how I prefer to separate them from my GHK-Cu products — for example, using them at different times of day rather than layering everything together.
And then there's my accidental body oil...
The Blue Theory Face & Body Oil actually started life as a face oil.
I love facial oils, so I created a blend of multiple oils together with vitamins C and E.
Then my husband Kevin started using it in the shower.
Gallons of it, apparently.
I tried it myself and thought, Hold on. This is fantastic.
We live in Idaho. It's dry, the water is hard, and my skin absolutely notices it.
A little oil on damp skin after the shower — or mixed into body lotion — completely changed how my skin felt.
So the little face oil became the Face & Body Oil, and because Kevin and I were getting through it at an alarming rate, I created a much larger size as well.
The bigger message from this episode
Aging skin isn't simply about wrinkles.
For many of us, wrinkles aren't even the thing bothering us most.
It's the crepiness.
The thinning.
The sagging upper arms.
The skin above the knees.
The chest.
The backs of the hands.
The sudden change in texture that seems completely out of sync with how strong, healthy and fit we still feel.
And that's why I became so interested in regenerative skincare in the first place.
I don't think the answer is chasing overnight miracles.
I think it's understanding what has actually changed biologically — and then looking intelligently at the ingredients and research that may support mature skin.
That's exactly what I wanted Blue Theory to be about.
Repair. Renew. Rejuvenate.
A little thank-you for listening
If you've made it all the way through this particularly science-heavy episode, I'm either extremely interesting or you've been driving for a very long time.
Either way, I appreciate you!
You can find the Blue Theory Regenerative Face Serum, GHK-Cu Body Booster and Face & Body Oil through the www.joanneleestore.com  or www.bluetheoryskin.com
And for my podcast listeners, use code:
BLUETHEORY
for 15% off your order.
There are also combination options available, so have a look at those before ordering because the bundles are already discounted — and the podcast code makes those savings even better.
And remember: this isn't about trying to make 60-year-old skin look 20.
It's about understanding what mature skin needs now, taking care of the skin barrier, supporting hydration and being far more intelligent about the ingredients we're putting on it.
Because strong, healthy skin deserves just as much attention as a strong, healthy body.
Until next time,Joanne
Midlife Mayhem
 
 

Why I Went to Istanbul for Dental Work — and Why I Chose Esnan
What happens when dental work that has lasted more than 30 years finally needs replacing — and you realize you don't necessarily want to have it done in the United States?
In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, I’m sharing my entire experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, for extensive dental work: why I started looking overseas, why my first attempt in Cancún ended with me getting on a plane and coming home without having anything done, and the research that eventually led me to Esnan Dental Hospital in Istanbul.
My dental history is a little complicated. I had bridges, crowns and veneers from a relatively young age, and much of that work had been in my mouth for an incredible 32 years. It still looked pretty good from the outside, but receding gums, sensitivity and a broken tooth made me realize I didn't want to spend the next decade simply patching things up one tooth at a time.
In this episode, I talk about:
Why I originally traveled to Cancún for dental treatment — and why I walked away when the proposed treatment was far more aggressive than I expected.
The overwhelming process of researching dental clinics overseas and trying to distinguish excellent facilities from excellent marketing.
Why Esnan stood out to me as a full dental hospital with five locations, rather than simply a cosmetic dental clinic.
The Zoom consultation I had with a dental surgeon before I ever booked my trip, including their approach to preserving healthy natural roots rather than automatically replacing them with implants.
What happened when another clinic learned I had chosen Esnan — and why that interaction actually made me feel even more confident in my decision.
What it was really like arriving in Istanbul: airport pickup, hotel arrangements, drivers, coordinators and the level of organization throughout the entire experience.
How the dental team used different temporary teeth to let me actually see and choose the shape and proportions I preferred before the final teeth were made.
The process of choosing tooth color and how the aesthetics team individually shaded and detailed my monolithic zirconia crowns to create a more natural appearance.
How much time I actually spent in the dental chair — surprisingly, less than seven hours over the entire week — which left plenty of time to enjoy Istanbul.
What my treatment cost, why my final bill was actually reduced when I didn't need the anticipated root canals, and why I believe price should never be the only consideration when choosing dental treatment overseas.
Most importantly, I talk about the part that's difficult to understand from photographs and online reviews: the experience of being there.
Dental tourism can feel incredibly overwhelming. You're trusting someone with your face, your smile and your health in another country. I spent about a year researching my options, traveled to Cancún and came home without treatment, contacted multiple clinics and asked a ridiculous number of questions before making my decision.
I couldn't be happier that I eventually chose Esnan Skyland in Istanbul.
Thinking About Dental Work in Turkey?
If you're considering dental work at Esnan and would like to discuss your situation, arrange a consultation or set up a Zoom call, contact:
M. Rashed — Esnan Dental
WhatsApp: +90 549 470 26 64Email: mohammad.rashed@esnandent.com
Please mention my name, Joanne Lee Cornish, when you contact him.
And if you're overwhelmed by all the choices, I completely understand. That's one of the main reasons I wanted to record this episode and share the good, the bad and everything I learned along the way.
Midlife Mayhem with Joanne Lee Cornish
If you have any questions about this - please email me joanne@joannelee.com

Dietary Fat Is NOT a Free Food: Have We Become Too Comfortable With Fat?
For decades, we were terrified of dietary fat. Everything was low-fat, fat-free or reduced-fat, and eating fat was almost automatically associated with gaining body fat.
Then the pendulum swung.
We learned more about carbohydrates, blood glucose and insulin. Low-carb and ketogenic diets exploded in popularity. Avocados, nuts, olive oil, cheese and other high-fat foods went from foods we feared to foods we were actively encouraged to eat.
But have we swung a little too far in the other direction?
One of the biggest mistakes Joanne sees today is the assumption that because dietary fat has very little immediate effect on blood glucose—and doesn't require a large insulin response—it somehow doesn't matter when it comes to body composition.
In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne explains where that misunderstanding came from and why “insulin stores fat” does not mean “without insulin, fat can't be stored.”
She follows dietary fat from your plate through the lymphatic system and into circulation, explains the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in fat storage, and looks at why a perfectly healthy low-carb meal can quietly become extraordinarily high in calories.
You'll also hear why the combination of high fat + high carbohydrate is particularly easy to overconsume, how the thermic effect of fat differs dramatically from protein, and why the body's response to excess calories depends partly on which macronutrients those calories come from.
In this episode:
How we went from being afraid of fat to perhaps becoming too comfortable with it
Why dietary fat's minimal effect on blood glucose can create a false sense of security
The difference between saying “insulin promotes fat storage” and saying “insulin is required to store fat”
How dietary fat travels through the lymphatic system
What lipoprotein lipase (LPL) does
Why low-carb foods can still add up to an enormous calorie intake
How ketogenic diets contributed to some of today's confusion around dietary fat
Why high-fat + high-carbohydrate meals can be particularly problematic
The thermic effect of food and the striking difference between protein, carbohydrates and fat
What overfeeding research tells us about how the body handles excess carbohydrate versus excess dietary fat
An introduction to nutrient partitioning—and why it deserves an episode of its own
Joanne also introduces the relationship between NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ and nutrient partitioning, a subject she'll explore in greater depth in a future episode.
The takeaway
Dietary fat isn't the enemy.
But it isn't a free food either.
We've gone from one extreme—being terrified of fat—to another, where adding olive oil, avocado, nuts, cheese and other fats barely seems to count because they're considered “healthy.”
They absolutely can be healthy.
But healthy fat is still fat, and quantity still matters.
Sometimes what looks like an incredibly clean, low-carb diet has quietly become an extremely high-fat, high-calorie diet without you even realizing it.
Mentioned in this episode
5-Amino-1MQ
To learn more about 5-Amino-1MQ and Joanne's other products, visit:
www.joanneleestore.com

Teenage Boys, Puberty & Body Image: The Conversation We're Not Having
Most people assume body image struggles during puberty are a girls' issue.
They're wrong.
In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne shares why so many teenage boys are quietly struggling with their bodies—and why parents, coaches and even healthcare professionals often miss the signs.
Drawing on current research and over 30 years of coaching experience, Joanne explains the powerful hormonal changes happening during puberty, why boys compare themselves so harshly, and why many are judging themselves long before their bodies have reached their true muscle-building years.
This is an important conversation for anyone raising, coaching or supporting teenage boys.
In this episode:
Why teenage boys experience significant emotional changes during puberty—not just aggression.
The remarkable 20-fold increase in testosterone during adolescence.
Why muscle development continues long after height growth has finished.
Why two boys of the same age can be years apart biologically.
The hidden impact of comparison in the gym, on sports teams and on social media.
What research tells us about body dissatisfaction and muscle dysmorphia in adolescent males.
Warning signs that normal motivation may be becoming unhealthy rigidity.
Why emotional vulnerability in boys is often misunderstood.
Practical advice for parents and coaches on supporting teenage boys without adding pressure.
Why "you're not behind—you’re simply mid-build" may be one of the most important messages a teenage boy can hear.
Key Takeaways
Puberty isn't simply a period of growth—it's one of the biggest hormonal transitions the human body ever experiences.
Many boys believe they should already look like fully developed young men, when in reality their greatest years for building muscle often don't begin until their late teens and early twenties.
Understanding this timeline can dramatically reduce unnecessary anxiety, comparison and self-criticism.
As Joanne reminds us:
Your body isn't behind schedule. It's simply mid-build.
Mentioned in this episode
Testosterone and male puberty
Peak muscle-building years
Body image in adolescent boys
Muscle dysmorphia (research overview)
Emotional regulation during adolescence
Coaching teenage athletes
Parent and coach communication strategies
Share this episode
If you know a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach or anyone working with teenage boys, please share this episode. It's a conversation that deserves far more attention.
Connect with Joanne
🌐 Website: https://joannelee.com
📧 Email: hello@joannelee.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it.

🎁 Listener Discount
As a thank you for listening to Midlife Mayhem, I'm giving you 20% off with the code FIRSTTIMER.
Despite the name, this is a one-time-use code, so even if you've ordered from me before, you can still use it—as long as you haven't used the FIRSTTIMER code previously.
Whether you'd like to try my Blue Theory skincare or my body composition supplements, it's my way of saying thank you for supporting the podcast.
Visit joanneleestore.com and enter FIRSTTIMER at checkout.
Episode Summary - Would You Trade Your Hair for 10 Pounds?
Everyone talks about muscle loss with weight loss medications.
Some people mention "Ozempic face."
But almost nobody talks about hair loss—and perhaps they should.
In this episode, Joanne explains why hair may actually be one of the first things your body sacrifices during periods of rapid weight loss, calorie restriction, or inadequate protein intake. Whether you're using GLP-1 medications, following a very low-calorie diet, recovering from bariatric surgery, or simply trying to lose those final stubborn pounds, understanding what happens to your hair could change how you approach your nutrition.
The good news?
Hair loss isn't inevitable—but preventing it requires planning.
Joanne breaks down the biology behind hair growth, why shedding often appears months after the trigger, what the latest research is showing about GLP-1 medications and hair loss, and, most importantly, what you can do to dramatically reduce your risk while still reaching your body composition goals.
In This Episode
Why hair is one of the body's "optional" tissues during calorie restriction
The surprising similarities between muscle loss and hair loss
Why many women don't notice the connection until months later
The three stages of the hair growth cycle explained simply
Why rapid weight loss can trigger dramatic shedding several months after dieting begins
What recent research is showing about GLP-1 medications and hair loss
Why midlife women may be especially vulnerable
The important role of protein, calories, iron, zinc, and overall nutrition
Why slower, better-supported weight loss may protect both muscle and hair
Practical strategies to reduce the risk without abandoning your weight loss goals
Key Takeaway
Losing weight shouldn't mean sacrificing your hair.
Whether you're using weight loss medications or losing weight naturally, protecting your nutrition—especially your protein intake—isn't optional. It may be one of the most important investments you can make for your muscle, your metabolism, and your long-term health.
Resources Mentioned
Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Face Serum
Blue Theory™ Face & Body Oil
5-Amino-1MQ
SLU-PP-332
Use code FIRSTTIMER for 20% off your first order at joanneleestore.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Midlife Mayhem with someone who's considering weight loss medication or is struggling with unexplained hair loss.
Your support helps more people make informed decisions about their health.
 

Is Menopause Really to Blame? The Truth About Hair Loss in Midlife
🎁 Every episode of Midlife Mayhem includes an exclusive listener discount!
As a thank you for listening, every podcast episode will feature a special discount code. Listen to this episode to hear the code, which can be used on my newly launched Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Regenerative Face Serum, Blue Theory™ Face & Body Oil, 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, and my other products.
The code is only mentioned in the podcast—it won't be listed in the show notes. The discount code for this episode expires August 16, so be sure to listen before then!  www.joanneleestore.com
Hair thinning is one of the biggest frustrations women face during midlife, yet it's often dismissed as "just part of getting older."
But is menopause really the whole story?
In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, I explain why hair loss is often far more complex than simply declining estrogen. We explore the roles of hormones, thyroid function, protein intake, collagen, stress, and overall health—and, most importantly, what you can actually do about it.
In This Episode
Why over half of women experience some degree of hair thinning during menopause.
How declining estrogen affects the hair growth cycle.
Why changes in the estrogen-to-testosterone ratio matter—even when testosterone is declining.
The role of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and hair follicle miniaturization.
Why collagen loss affects the environment surrounding your hair follicles.
The connection between thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto's disease, and hair loss.
Why a basic thyroid test may not tell the whole story.
Whether HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can help—or temporarily increase shedding.
The importance of checking ferritin, vitamin D, and a complete thyroid panel.
The evidence behind minoxidil, PRP, and low-level laser therapy.
Why blood flow, insulin control, inflammation, and lifestyle all influence healthy hair growth.
The truth about biotin—and why it isn't the miracle supplement many believe it to be.
Why protein is one of the most overlooked nutrients for healthy hair, especially during midlife and while using weight loss medications.
Why patience matters—hair growth takes months, not weeks.
Key Takeaway
Hair loss is rarely caused by just one thing.
For many women, it's the combination of hormonal changes, thyroid health, nutrition, inflammation, stress, and genetics that creates the perfect storm.
The encouraging news is that many of these factors are identifiable—and many are treatable.
Products Mentioned
During this episode I also discuss:
Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Regenerative Face Serum
Blue Theory™ Face & Body Oil
5-Amino-1MQ
SLU-PP-332
Connect With Me
🌐 Website: www.joanneleestore.com
If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone navigating perimenopause or menopause. Together we can help more women understand what's really happening to their bodies—and give them practical, science-based information to help them feel and look their best.
Thanks for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode!

Ashwagandha Sensitivity: Why a "Stress Supplement" Can Make Some People Feel Worse
🎁 Every episode of Midlife Mayhem includes an exclusive listener discount!
As a thank you for listening, every podcast episode will feature a special discount code. Listen to this episode to hear the code, which can be used on my newly launched Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Regenerative Face Serum, Blue Theory™ Face & Body Oil, 5-Amino-1MQ, and SLU-PP-332.
The code is only mentioned in the podcast—it won't be listed in the show notes.
Ashwagandha has become one of the most popular supplements for stress, sleep, cortisol, menopause, and overall wellness. For many people, it's incredibly effective.
But what if it's actually making you feel worse?
In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, I explore a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention—ashwagandha sensitivity.
After hearing from numerous clients, friends, and podcast listeners who experienced surprisingly severe reactions, I wanted to take a deeper look at why this might happen, who may be more susceptible, and what alternatives may be worth considering.
In This Episode
Why ashwagandha works well for many people—but not everyone.
The common symptoms of ashwagandha sensitivity, including anxiety, panic attacks, racing heart, insomnia, digestive upset, and feeling "wired."
Why some people mistakenly believe their symptoms are simply due to stress rather than the supplement itself.
The possible role of thyroid function and thyroid medication.
How ashwagandha may influence neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.
Why genetics and individual biology can dramatically affect supplement responses.
The importance of healthy cortisol regulation—not simply lowering cortisol.
Why different forms and doses of ashwagandha may produce different effects.
Whether Rhodiola may be a suitable alternative for those who don't tolerate ashwagandha.
Real-world reviews of Cortisol Manager and what we can learn from the experiences of others.
Key Takeaway
There is no "best" supplement.
There is only the best supplement for you.
Just because a supplement helps thousands of people doesn't mean it is the right choice for your body. Paying attention to your own response is one of the most important things you can do when introducing any new supplement.
Products Mentioned
During this episode I also discuss:
Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Regenerative Face Serum
Blue Theory™ Face & Body Oil
5-Amino-1MQ
SLU-PP-332
Connect With Me
🌐 Website: www.joanneleestore.com
If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared the podcast with someone who might benefit from it. Together, we can help more people make informed decisions about midlife health, body composition, hormones, longevity, and evidence-based supplementation.
Thanks for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode!

🎉 Fourth of July Specials (Ends July 5)
✨ 20% OFF Blue Theory™ GHK-Cu Face Serum & Face OilUse code BLUETHEORY at checkout.
✨ 15% OFF 5-Amino-1MQ & SLU-PP-332Use code FOURTH at checkout.
These discounts expire July 5, and there won't be another holiday promotion until Labor Day.
When Hormones Change a Marriage
Everyone is talking about hormone replacement therapy for women.
More and more people are talking about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men.
Almost nobody is talking about what happens when both are happening inside the same marriage.
A husband starts TRT and within a few weeks he has more energy, more motivation, a stronger libido and renewed confidence.
Meanwhile, his wife may be navigating perimenopause or menopause—dealing with poor sleep, anxiety, hot flushes, body composition changes, vaginal dryness, and a dramatic decline in sexual desire.
Even when she starts HRT, her experience is often completely different.
This creates a hormone gap that many couples never see coming.
In this episode I explore why this happens, why it isn't anyone's fault, and why better conversations between partners—and healthcare providers—are desperately needed.
In this episode we discuss:
• Why testosterone prescriptions for men have increased dramatically over the last few years.
• Why TRT often produces noticeable improvements in energy and libido within weeks.
• Why female HRT doesn't usually create the same dramatic increase in sexual desire.
• The science behind female libido during perimenopause and menopause.
• Why desire in women is influenced by far more than hormone levels alone.
• The emotional impact this mismatch can have on long-term relationships.
• Why many therapists are beginning to see this pattern more frequently in their practices.
• How resentment, rejection and insecurity can develop when couples don't understand what's happening.
• Why hormone therapy should be viewed as a relationship conversation—not simply an individual medical decision.
• Practical ways couples can communicate before frustration turns into conflict.
The Take-Home Message
TRT isn't the villain.
HRT isn't the villain.
Silence is.
When one partner experiences a rapid hormonal transformation and the other is navigating a far more complex and unpredictable journey, misunderstanding is almost inevitable unless couples are prepared for it.
Understanding each other's biology may be one of the most important conversations a marriage can have during midlife.
🎁 Podcast Listener Discounts
Blue Theory™ Skincare
Use code BLUETHEORY for 20% OFF your order.
5-Amino-1MQ & SLU-PP-332
Use code FOURTH for 15% OFF.
⏰ Both offers expire July 5.
If you're listening after the promotion has ended, use code PODCAST for 10% OFF storewide.