{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"260 From Self Doubt to Self Trust: Reframing Midlife through Biology, Beauty and Brain Science with Natalya Borakowski","description":" In this conversation with Dr. Gillian Lockitch, Dr. Natalya Borakowski explains the neurological remodeling and hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause and menopause \u2014 and why these changes can trigger identity disruption and appearance anxiety. You\u2019ll learn how understanding the biology behind midlife can restore self-trust, reduce fear, and support aging youthfully. Midlife often arrives with an unexpected sense of instability. Women describe feeling anxious, self-critical, emotionally reactive, or disconnected from their reflection \u2014 even when medical tests show nothing \u201cwrong.\u201d Estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, and hormonal shifts temporarily alter emotional regulation, stress response, and self-perception This experience is not psychological weakness or hysteria. It is a biological and neurological transition that most women are never prepared for. If we misinterpret midlife symptoms as personal failure, we amplify stress and self-judgment \u2014 two drivers of accelerated aging. For women committed to healthy longevity and  extending healthspan, understanding the hormonal remodeling of the brain is essential. When we understand what is happening, fear lessens. And when fear lessens, physiology follows.  Natalya Borakowski is a naturopathic physician and founder of Desert Bloom Skincare. Her upcoming book, Emotional Esthetics: The Story of Aging, The Biology of Beauty, and the Art of Self-Trust, reframes midlife distress as a natural neurological transition rather than a cosmetic crisis.  Episode Timeline:  00:00 \u2014 Opening question: Is midlife distress biological, not psychological?  03:45 \u2014 Natalya\u2019s journey into medicine and skin health  07:30 \u2014 Cultural pressures, appearance & identity  13:15 \u2014 The \u201cidentity perception split\u201d explained  18:40 \u2014 Hormones, neurotransmitters & brain remodeling  23:50 \u2014 Wellness vs performance and self-surveillance  26:30 \u2014 Personal stories: health crises & device tracking  31:10 \u2014 Nervous system safety and the vagus nerve  32:10 \u2014 The essential mindset shift: aging as transformation  34:10 \u2014 Closing reflections and resources   Connect with Natalya Borakowski We are happy to offer a complimentary download The Aging Out Loud Starter kit https:\/\/free-gift.unveilyou.life\/ Instagram accounts @unveilyou.life @natalyaborakowski LinkedIn www.linkedin.com\/in\/natalyaborakowski Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch Download your guide toBuild Back a Better Body: Strengthen Bones, Muscles, Joint and Fascia  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at askdrgill@gmail.com to request a phone conversation or zoom call   Join the Growing Older Living Younger Facebook Community here  Share the Growing Older Living Younger podcast link for anyone you care about and invite them to subscribe   ","author_name":"Growing Older Living Younger: About longevity, wellness, healthspan,","author_url":"https:\/\/askdrgill.com","html":"