Hormones, Strength Training & Healthy Aging with Dr. Esra Shermadou

Hormones, Strength Training & Healthy Aging with Dr. Esra Shermadou

How do hormones, strength training, and healthy habits affect the way we age? In this episode of Empowered Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Esra Shermadou, a board-certified family medicine physician and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, to discuss women's health, hormone changes, muscle health, and healthy aging. She shares her personal journey through cancer treatment and premature ovarian insufficiency, experiences that inspired her passion for women's health, hormone therapy, obesity medicine, and lifestyle change. We discuss the important role hormones play throughout life and why understanding them can help women make informed decisions about their health. We also explore why strength training is one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging. She explains how maintaining muscle can support metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, protect bone health, and help women remain active and independent as they get older. Our conversation also covers nutrition, including the importance of protein and fiber, along with sleep, movement, and other lifestyle habits that support long-term wellness. This episode offers practical insights for women who want to build strength, improve their health, and age with confidence. Key Takeaways In this episode, we discuss why hormones are important for women's health and healthy aging, and how premature ovarian insufficiency can affect long-term health. We explore the connection between menopause, bone density, and osteoporosis risk, as well as why strength training is one of the most effective ways to support muscle health, metabolism, and independence as we age. She also explains the truth behind common weightlifting myths and why women should not fear becoming bulky from strength training. We discuss how muscle health affects blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, along with the important role of protein, fiber, sleep, and movement in supporting healthy aging. Most importantly, we share practical lifestyle habits that can help women build strength, improve their health, and support longevity. About the Guest Dr. Esra Shermadou is a board-certified family medicine physician and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the founder of Sakinah Health, where she focuses on women's health, hormone therapy, obesity medicine, strength training, and healthy aging. Connect with Dr. Esra Shermadou Website: sakinahhealth.com Fitness Instagram: @dresrasgottheiron Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube: Dr. Esra Shermadou About Dr. Anita Lwanga & South End Medical I am Dr. Anita Lwanga, an Internal Medicine specialist at South End Medical in Regina, Saskatchewan. I provide specialist care for adults with complex medical conditions, including diabetes with complications, hypertension with related complications, heart failure, COPD, and chronic kidney disease. I also see patients for follow-up after a hospital admission. My practice is referral-only. If your family doctor or nurse practitioner believes you would benefit from specialist care, they can send a referral on your behalf by fax to 306-565-3929. Healthcare providers can find referral information at [www.drlwanga.com](http://www.drlwanga.com). Through Empowered Wellness, I share conversations with experts to help people better understand their health and make informed decisions for a healthier future. Disclaimer This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional regarding your personal health concerns and treatment decisions. #EmpoweredWellness #HealthyAging #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #StrengthTraining #BoneHealth #MenopauseHealth #Longevity

Obesity Medicine: New Weight Loss Drugs, GLP-1 Breakthroughs & What's Coming Next | Dr. Alicia Shelly

In this episode of Empowered Wellness with Dr. Lwanga, obesity medicine specialist Dr. Alicia Shelly shares the latest breakthroughs transforming weight management and metabolic health. 💡 Key Topics Covered * Understanding Obesity Beyond Willpower * Breakthrough Medications in Obesity Treatment * Cardiometabolic & Liver Health Benefits * Next-Generation Weight Loss Therapies * Full Obesity Medicine Toolkit Discover how obesity is far more complex than willpower alone, and learn about emerging treatments including GLP-1 medications, tirzepatide, oral weight loss therapies, and promising next-generation drugs currently in development. Dr. Shelly also discusses the growing evidence behind these medications for heart health, fatty liver disease, inflammation, and overall quality of life. Whether you're struggling with weight loss, managing diabetes, or interested in the future of obesity medicine, this conversation offers valuable insights into the science, treatments, and innovations shaping patient care today. 🌟 Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Podcast: drshellymd.com/podcast Website: drshellymd.com Instagram: @drshellymd YouTube: @drshellymd About Dr. Lwanga & South End Medical Dr. Anita Lwanga is an Internal Medicine specialist at South End Medical in Regina, Saskatchewan. She provides specialist internal medicine care for adults with conditions such as diabetes with complications, hypertension with associated complications, heart failure, COPD, and chronic kidney disease — and she sees patients for follow-up after a hospital admission. Her practice is referral-only. If your family doctor or nurse practitioner feels you would benefit from specialist care, they can send a referral on your behalf by fax to 306-565-3929. Referral information for healthcare providers is also available at ⁠⁠www.drlwanga.com [http://www.drlwanga.com/]

Empower Your Health: Dr. Dolapo Babalola on Breaking Through Obesity and Embracing Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Anita Lwanga sits down with Dr. Dolapo Babalola, a Family Medicine physician from Atlanta and the founder of Living at Your Finest Wellness. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lola shares her journey from academic medicine to building a holistic, integrative, and patient-centered Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. She opens up about her advanced training in lifestyle medicine, obesity medicine, and menopause care — and how these tools help her support patients beyond the traditional medical model. Together, they unpack: ✨ Why personalized and holistic care matters ✨ The gaps in our current healthcare system ✨ Common myths about weight loss & obesity treatments ✨ How lifestyle medicine truly transforms health ✨ Practical tips for family nutrition and weight-related challenges If you’re curious about a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to wellness — this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in now and follow the podcast for more empowering conversations.  🌟 Connect with Dr. Dolapo Babalola: Website: layfwellness.com Facebook: Living At Your Finest Wellness Instagram: @livingatyourfinestwellness YouTube: @LivingAtYourFinestWellness About Dr. Lwanga & South End Medical Dr. Anita Lwanga is an Internal Medicine specialist at South End Medical in Regina, Saskatchewan. She provides specialist internal medicine care for adults with conditions such as diabetes with complications, hypertension with associated complications, heart failure, COPD, and chronic kidney disease — and she sees patients for follow-up after a hospital admission. Her practice is referral-only. If your family doctor or nurse practitioner feels you would benefit from specialist care, they can send a referral on your behalf by fax to 306-565-3929. Referral information for healthcare providers is also available at ⁠⁠www.drlwanga.com [http://www.drlwanga.com/]

The Power of the Thyroid: Dr. Dana Gibbs on Metabolism, Stress, and Adrenal Health

Today, Dr. Anita Lwanga sits down with Dr. Dana Gibbs to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: thyroid function, metabolism, and adrenal health. From the role of cortisol in slowing your metabolism… to how stress can trigger insulin resistance, Hashimoto’s, or even Graves’ Disease — this episode helps you finally understand what your body is trying to tell you. You’ll learn: ✨ Why advocating for your own health matters ✨ How stress affects your thyroid ✨ Daily habits that improve energy + hormone balance ✨ What to eat (and avoid!) to support adrenal health ✨ Sleep, exercise, and lifestyle tips you can start tonight Dr. Gibbs also shares the tools she’s created to help you dive deeper — including her podcast, website, and her upcoming thyroid health course. If you’ve been feeling tired, wired, or out of balance… this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.  🌟 Connect with Dr. Dana Gibbs: Website: https://www.danagibbsmd.com/ Instagram: @danagibbsmd TikTok @dana.gibbs.md Podcast: Beyond the Thyroid About Dr. Lwanga & South End Medical Dr. Anita Lwanga is an Internal Medicine specialist at South End Medical in Regina, Saskatchewan. She provides specialist internal medicine care for adults with conditions such as diabetes with complications, hypertension with associated complications, heart failure, COPD, and chronic kidney disease — and she sees patients for follow-up after a hospital admission. Her practice is referral-only. If your family doctor or nurse practitioner feels you would benefit from specialist care, they can send a referral on your behalf by fax to 306-565-3929. Referral information for healthcare providers is also available at ⁠⁠www.drlwanga.com [http://www.drlwanga.com/]

Navigating Fertility Challenges with Dr. Carolina Sueldo: From Personal Paths to Medical Breakthroughs

On this episode of Empowered Wellness with Dr. Lwanga, Dr. Carolina Sueldo—Double Board Certified Fertility Specialist and founder of Ceibo Fertility Center—dives deep into the science and soul of fertility. From her experience helping women across the globe to her work advancing fertility care, Dr. Sueldo sheds light on how modern medicine and personal empowerment can coexist beautifully. 💡 From infertility struggles to breakthrough treatments, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope for every woman on her fertility journey. 🌟 Connect with Dr. Carolina Sueldo: Website: ceibofertilitycenter.com Instagram: @drcarolinasueldo YouTube: @drcarolinasueldo About Dr. Lwanga & South End Medical Dr. Anita Lwanga is an Internal Medicine specialist at South End Medical in Regina, Saskatchewan. She provides specialist internal medicine care for adults with conditions such as diabetes with complications, hypertension with associated complications, heart failure, COPD, and chronic kidney disease — and she sees patients for follow-up after a hospital admission. Her practice is referral-only. If your family doctor or nurse practitioner feels you would benefit from specialist care, they can send a referral on your behalf by fax to 306-565-3929. Referral information for healthcare providers is also available at ⁠⁠www.drlwanga.com [http://www.drlwanga.com/]