When it comes to midlife health, women are bombarded with mixed messages: It’s all your hormones. There’s nothing you can do. Just accept the changes. But is that really the full story?

On this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I sit down with muscle scientist Dr. Colenso-Semple to break down why building muscle as we age isn’t just about looking strong — it’s about preserving independence, vitality, and living fully on our own terms.

We tackle the myths and hype around menopause, hormones, and body composition, and get straight to the facts:

• Why muscle is the true “fountain of youth” for women in midlife and beyond
• The real drivers of body composition change in menopause — and why hormones are only one piece of the puzzle
• Strength training decoded: how often, how heavy, which body parts, and whether tools like weighted vests actually matter
• The cortisol connection: how stress impacts our ability to build and maintain muscle
• Training and the cycle: does your period really affect strength gains?

If you’ve ever felt confused by the noise online about women’s fitness, aging, and menopause, this conversation cuts through it all. Dr. Colenso-Semple gives us the science-backed “how-to” on building muscle, protecting our health, and aging powerfully — literally.

It’s time to stop the myths, stop the fear, and start lifting for the life you want.

This episode supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat, November 7-9, 2025 at Kingbridge Centre, Ontario. For info and bookings, www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat. Thank you to our partners, IRIS @lovemy.iris, GoodLife Fitness @goodlifefitness and Avène @avene.

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

Producer: Melissa Grelo.

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.

The podcast is back and kicking off Season 3 with more myth-busting and more challenging of misinformation with OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter). She's back on the show because the nonsense online about menopause and women's health has only heated up and not slowed down. She discusses the latest myths about hormone therapy, plus the newest hot topics: strength training and protein intake. Finally, Dr. Gunter discusses how the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement and the conspiracy theories it espouses could have an impact on us Canadians up here.

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

Producer: Melissa Grelo.

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.

After a short break, the podcast is back! Season 3 drops tomorrow, and every Thursday thereafter. Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter), the Internet's favourite myth-busting OB-GYN, is back to tackle today's biggest menopause and women's health social media myths and misinformation. But first, Melissa catches us up on something BIG she's been planning for the fall. Listen today and then tune in tomorrow for the first episode of Season 3!

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

Producer: Melissa Grelo.

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.