Connie Zack (Co-Founder of Sunlighten): What Infrared Saunas Actually Do for Perimenopausal Hormones
Connie Zack (Co-Founder of Sunlighten): What Infrared Saunas Actually Do for Perimenopausal Hormones  
Podcast: Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones
Published On: Tue May 19 2026
Description: Did you know that the heat in your sauna might not even be the most important part? Most women hear "sauna" and think of sweating buckets, longevity bros, and biohackers. But there is actually a whole spectrum of light energy happening inside an infrared sauna that is doing the real work, and it has a lot to do with your hormones. In this episode of Hello Hormones, I sit down with Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten and one of the original pioneers of the infrared sauna industry. With over 25 years of experience studying how infrared light and heat impact the body at the cellular level, Connie breaks down what is actually happening when you step inside, why wavelength matters more than temperature, and what perimenopausal and postmenopausal women specifically need to know. If you have ever wondered whether a sauna is actually worth the hype, or if you have been told to skip it because of your hormones, this one is for you. What's Discussed: (06:41) The number one symptom of perimenopause (and it is not hot flashes) (07:13) Myth buster: why near infrared matters more than red light (10:17) Should you sauna in the morning or at night (17:40) The surprising fact about sweating that changes everything (27:43) Can you sauna in perimenopause if you already run hot (34:36) What near infrared does to your brain and memory (51:04) Infrared sauna vs cold plunge: which one wins for women (54:46) The most underrated benefit nobody talks about Thank You to Our Sponsors! Timeline Nutrition: Support your cells and how you age with Mitopure® Gummies from Timeline. Visit timeline.com/DRCARRIE and save up to 39% OFF your Mitopure® Gummies.  Sunlighten: Supercharge your cells in a Sunlighten Sauna. Visit sunlighten.com/partner-savings/ to get $2100 OFF and free shipping.    Studies Mentioned: Core Temperature Study  University of Missouri, Blood Pressure Study  Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study for Detox:  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21057782/  sunlighten.com/blog/bus-study/    ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: drcarriejones.com/myths Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101   The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist  The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom   Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause   Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: drcarriejones.comNewsletter: drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejonesFacebook: @drcarriejonesTikTok: @drcarriejonesYouTube: @drcarriejonesPinterest: @drcarriejones Find more from Sunlighten: Website: sunlighten.com/  Instagram: @sunlightensaunas Facebook: Sunlighten Saunas YouTube: @SunlightenSaunas Contact no.: +8772920020 Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.