In this episode of the Vibrant Wellness Podcast, host Dr. Alex Carrasco sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Elena Zinkov to explore the intersection of women’s hormones, brain health, and longevity medicine. The conversation reframes perimenopause as a whole-body transition that affects mood, metabolism, cognition, and quality of life. Dr. Zinkov explains why many women experience persistent symptoms despite “normal” labs and emphasizes the importance of evaluating optimal ranges, thyroid function, and IGF-1 to better understand growth hormone status.
The episode also dives into brain health, ADHD-like symptoms, and cognitive decline in women navigating postpartum and midlife changes. Dr. Zinkov outlines how hormone shifts, poor sleep, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic stress can impair focus and memory, and why these root causes should be addressed before defaulting to stimulant medications. Tools such as neuroprotective peptides, strength training, ketone support, and vagus nerve stimulation are highlighted as strategies to improve resilience and autonomic balance.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on mitochondria, endotoxins, and cellular protection. From mold and heavy metals to alcohol and chronic inflammation, Dr. Zinkov explains how toxin burden disrupts hormone signaling and energy production. She shares a practical, systems-based approach to detoxification and reinforces a future vision of medicine that prioritizes patient story, precision testing, and personalized strategies to extend both lifespan and healthspan.
Key Topics Covered
🧪 Rethinking “Normal” Labs in Perimenopause & Women’s Health
🌸 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement & the Importance of Personalized Dosing
🧬 Peptide Therapy Explained (Growth Hormone, BPC-157, Thymosin & More)
🧠 Brain Health, Neuroprotection & Dementia Prevention Strategies
⚡ Mitochondria, Energy Production & Protecting Cellular Health
🧘♀️ Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Stress Recovery & Anxiety Reduction
🧫 Endotoxins, Detox Pathways & Gut-Driven Inflammation
Timestamps
00:00 – Dr. Elena Zinkov, ND
01:00 – Why “Normal Labs” Don’t Mean You’re Healthy
04:30 – Women’s Hormones & Perimenopause Explained
06:30 – How to Approach Hormone Replacement Safely
09:45 – What Are Peptides? (And How They Work)
12:30 – Peptides for Brain Health & Dementia Prevention
14:00 – Mitochondria: The Key to Energy & Longevity
18:30 – The Vagus Nerve & Anxiety Recovery
23:00 – Mitochondrial Protection & Endotoxins
30:30 – IGF-1 & Growth Hormone in Women 35+
35:30 – Is It ADHD or Hormone Imbalance?
40:00 – Thyroid & Brain Function
44:00 – Trauma, Brain Rewiring & Recovery
45:30 – The Future of Hormone & Peptide Medicine
Resources Mentioned
🖥️ Learn more on Dr. Zinkov's official Website
📱 Connect with Dr. Alex Carrasco on Instagram
🔗 Connect with Dr. Elena Zinkov on Instagram
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Limitations
Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or health assessment.
