HOT FLASH! Building a Multi-Billion Dollar Company While Navigating Menopause with Kathy Coover

Well, hey there, and welcome to this episode of The Menopause Health Podcast. I am so excited you're here today. I get to interview one of the most phenomenal women, in my opinion, on the planet. She co-founded a wellness company that grew to almost $9 billion in sales. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, a best-selling author, and on top of that, she’s a mother and grandmother. Today, she’s here to share her wisdom on women in the workplace navigating menopause, simple strategies that women can begin to engage in during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, the tests she recommends, and the most cutting-edge ways to understand what’s happening in your body and take action. Most importantly, she shares her heart and, of course, her menopause journey. So, with that, let's get started with this episode of the show, featuring my incredible guest, the one and only Kathy Coover.

The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the show or its hosts. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs.

Welcome to The Menopause Health Podcast, your go-to resource for practical advice brought to you by credentialed health professionals and industry experts. Here is your host, Susan Sly.

Well, Kathy, welcome to The Menopause Health Podcast. I’m so excited to catch up. It’s like the whole world gets to hear two really good friends having a discussion about menopause, especially how women can advocate for themselves. You’ve had this incredible career as an award-winning entrepreneur, leading a global company. So many people would look at you and say, "Look at her, she’s graceful, eloquent, and always seems to have it all together." But while you were building Isagenix, you were going through menopause yourself. I remember because we traveled together, and you were the one who really taught me what to expect. Can you share your menopause journey, Kathy?

Oh, I would love to. Thank you for inviting me, Susan. It’s an honor to be on the show. Let me tell you, I started going through perimenopause when I was about 48, and we started Isagenix when I was 49. I was experiencing night sweats, feeling warm, and not sleeping well for a while. It really hit full steam ahead when I was 51. I had to do a lot of research because, you know, we usually go to our moms when we have issues, but my mom had just passed away, so she wasn’t there for me. Thankfully, my sister really helped me through it. I began reading and researching, trying to get all the answers I could about menopause. Simple adjustments like wearing cotton pajamas, keeping the room at 66 degrees, and drinking lots of water helped. I also carried a portable fan to deal with hot flashes, especially when I was presenting at the office.

I did a lot of personal research, and one of the big turning points for me was meeting an anti-aging doctor who introduced me to bioidentical hormones. There were a lot of misconceptions, like the belief that bioidentical hormones might lead to breast cancer, but after learning the facts, I felt confident in trying them. They made a huge difference for me—helping with my night sweats, hot flashes, muscle mass, and energy levels.

I love that you started with the practical—lowering the room temperature, hydration, and keeping a fan with you. These things can make a real difference. Were there other daily habits, like specific workouts or hydration strategies, that made a noticeable difference in your menopause symptoms?

Yes, bioidentical hormones really helped reduce my night sweats and hot flashes. But the little adjustments, like changing room temperature, also helped. I always made sure to drink plenty of water and stayed consistent with my workouts. It’s important to stay active, even if it’s just simple things like walking or strength training.

That’s incredible, Kathy. You're a great example of staying on top of your health, and as we know, many women don’t feel supported during menopause, especially in the workplace. What advice would you give to companies on how to support women going through menopause?

Education is key. Companies should bring in experts to talk about menopause and provide resources for women going through it. Just knowing that the company acknowledges what women are going through can make a huge difference. It shows that they care, and that can help women feel supported and more engaged in their work.

That’s a great point, Kathy. Simply having the conversation and creating a supportive environment can make all the difference for women going through menopause. I know some companies, like Hewlett Packard, have started to address this at a corporate level, which is amazing. At one of their recent events, I even hosted a menopause symposium, and the feedback was incredible. Leaders from companies like Disney and others were so grateful for the conversation.

And as you mentioned earlier, we’re moving toward what’s being called Medicine 3.0, where prevention is key. This approach aligns perfectly with how AI will help personalize healthcare in the future. I know you’re very forward-thinking, Kathy, and you’ve done some incredible testing to optimize your health. Could you share more about some of the tests you’ve done that others might not be aware of?

Absolutely. I’m a huge advocate for prevention, and I’ve done many tests over the years that have really helped me stay ahead of potential health issues. One of the first tests I recommend is the 23andMe DNA test. It’s a simple, affordable test that reveals a wealth of information about your genetic makeup, including any predispositions for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s. Knowing your genetic risks allows you to make lifestyle adjustments to prevent those conditions from manifesting.

Another incredible test I’ve started doing is the Galleri test, which can detect over 50 types of cancer before they even reach Stage 1. It’s a game-changer in early detection. While it’s not covered by insurance yet, it’s worth the investment because early detection can save lives.

I also do full-body MRI scans every two years. These scans can detect small abnormalities, like cysts or nodules, long before they become serious. I’ve even had friends who found early-stage cancers thanks to these scans. There’s no radiation involved, and it gives you a complete picture of your body’s health.

Those are fantastic insights, Kathy, and I think it’s so important for women to know about these kinds of preventative tests. Menopause is a high-risk time for many women, and the lifestyle changes you’ve made, along with these cutting-edge tests, are crucial for longevity and quality of life. It’s also less expensive to be preventative than to treat a disease after it’s been diagnosed.

I’d love to shift now to your daily routine because you’re an inspiration when it comes to discipline and consistency. You look absolutely phenomenal, and I know you’ve maintained this routine for years, even while traveling and working long hours. Can you walk us through your daily routine?

Of course! I’m a firm believer in starting the day off right. I wake up early and immediately drink a liter of water with lemon to flush out my system. After that, I have my coffee, which is great for brain health and digestion. Then, it’s off to the gym for my workout. No matter where I am or how busy I am, I make sure to move my body every day. Strength training is especially important for women as we age—it helps maintain muscle mass, which is critical during menopause.

After my workout, I have a high-protein breakfast, usually about 35 grams of protein, to support muscle recovery and overall health. I also take a variety of vitamins and supplements, including NAD and brain formulas, which have made a noticeable difference in my mental clarity and energy.

Throughout the day, I stay consistent with my meals, eating high-protein, nutrient-dense foods. I avoid gluten unless it’s a special occasion and focus on keeping my gut healthy. In the evening, I stretch, practice yoga, and use a biomat with infrared heat to relax and support my skin and body. I’ve been doing that for years, and I think it’s one of the reasons my skin has stayed in such good condition.

That’s incredible, Kathy. Your discipline and commitment to your health are truly inspirational. And like you said, it might sound like a lot, but even starting with one thing—like moving your body for 30 minutes a day—can make a huge difference. Consistency is key, and I love how you’ve built these habits into your life, no matter how busy you are.

I also appreciate what you said about sleep hygiene. Menopause can really disrupt sleep, so having good habits around bedtime, like stretching, cooling down, or avoiding screens, can really help. It’s all about finding what works for you.

My final question for you is about AI. You’ve been a pioneer in business and wellness, and now AI is bringing everything together in a new way. What excites you most about AI in healthcare, especially when it comes to precision and personalization?

What excites me most about AI is its potential to transform healthcare by making it more precise and personalized. One of the biggest advantages is its ability to analyze complex data, like medical scans, with incredible accuracy. Doctors are human, and they can miss things, especially when they have to look at dozens or even hundreds of scans a day. AI can help detect issues that might be overlooked, especially when it comes to heart health and cancer detection.

I also love how AI is making it possible to tailor healthcare recommendations to each individual. We’re not all the same, and our health needs vary based on factors like genetics, lifestyle, and even ethnicity. AI has the potential to provide women, in particular, with customized health plans based on their unique profiles. It’s an exciting time in medicine, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve.

Exactly! AI is opening up so many possibilities, especially in terms of providing personalized health recommendations. We’re just starting to scratch the surface of what’s possible, and the ability to have customized, data-driven advice for each individual is going to save lives. I love that we're entering this era of precision health.

Kathy, thank you so much for being here today. You’ve shared so many incredible insights and resources, from books and tests to your own daily routine. I’m sure everyone listening is walking away with a lot to think about and implement in their own lives. You’re such a tremendous advocate for women’s health, and we are so lucky to have you.

Thank you, Susan. It’s been an honor to be here, and I’m so grateful for everything you’re doing to empower women through The Pause and beyond.

Thank you, Kathy! And for everyone listening, make sure to follow Kathy on her social media, and we’ve included all her links in the show notes. If you’re enjoying The Menopause Health Podcast, don’t forget to give us a five-star review, share the show with your friends, and tag us on social media. We’ll see you in the next episode!

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This transcript has been generated using AI technology. There may be minor errors or discrepancies in the text.

The opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the show or its hosts. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs.