Understanding Chronic Stress: How Women’s Bodies Respond and the Wellbeing Ecosystem Approach
Understanding Chronic Stress: How Women’s Bodies Respond and the Wellbeing Ecosystem Approach  
Podcast: Medicine with Meaning
Published On: Thu Oct 15 2026
Description: Welcome back to Medicine with Meaning. In this episode, Dr. Julie Taw takes a deep dive into the hidden ways chronic stress shapes our bodies and minds especially for women in midlife. Building on last episode’s discussion of exhaustion, Dr. Taw unpacks how ongoing demands from work, relationships, and family can leave us feeling both "wired and tired," affecting everything from sleep and appetite to hormone balance and mood. She explains why our bodies often can’t tell the difference between real and imagined stress, and how the line between functioning and flourishing can get blurred. Tune in as Dr. Taw shares practical insights on the interconnectedness of stress, hormones, and the wellbeing ecosystem and how to begin supporting your body with curiosity and compassion instead of judgment or perfectionism.00:00 Understanding the stress response04:52 Understanding the brain's stress response07:02 Understanding Stress and Its Effects12:16 Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle16:06 Stress and reproductive hormones link17:58 Understanding women's health symptoms22:38 Balancing multiple roles and mental load26:33 Balancing expectations and achievements32:09 Identifying and addressing personal needs34:22 Interconnected body systems and effects39:17 Understanding and Managing Stress40:36 Closing remarks and gratitudeShow Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/Free Guide - https://go.julietawmd.com/resetDr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.mdMedia/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”