Women Talking Frankly

Another fascinating conversation with Dr. Kenna Stephenson, M.D., a pioneering Family Medicine physician who has dedicated her life's work to helping women in menopause find safer solutions for symptom relief and quality of life as we age backed by science and rigorous research. Early in her career Dr. Kenna recognized that within the medical profession, there was a notable lack of scientific approach to menopause medicine, and a tendency among traditional doctors to delegitimate hormonal issues in aging women. Over and over again, she heard from women patients how hard it was to find a doctor who took their symptoms seriously, how they had been dismissed with insensitive comments such as “it's all in your head,” OR “you're getting older, get used to it,” OR “you're just depressed,” and waved away with a prescription for Prozac. Dr. Kenna was all too aware that few if any studies in the scientific literature researched the health risks among women in menopause (or perimenopause the years leading up to it), or looked into the benefits of safer alternatives to the ubiquitous use of synthetic hormones shown to have adverse effects (increased heart disease, stroke, blood clots, breast cancers) over time. As a physician dedicated to the art and science of women's medicine, Kenna knew that there were better alternatives than HRT, as evidenced by the symptom relief and positive health benefits of the patients she was treating with plant-based bioidentical hormones. At the same time, it was deeply disturbing to her that the great majority of women who could and should benefit from these more natural hormone approaches were “missing out”. As her concerns amplified, Kenna set out to provide hard core evidence that bioidentical hormones were a viable alternative to HRT, one used in Europe and available to providers and patients in the US. Thus was conceived the landmark CHOIICE study that looked into the effects of compounded bioidentical hormone therapies in peri and postmenopausal women. In this fascinating discussion Dr. Stephenson talks openly with Kyle and Candace about her uphill battle to breathe life into the CHOIICE study, to recruit suitable subjects and find the funding and support so crucial to conducting an independent study without the backing of Big-Pharma. She describes the many obstacles that stood in her way from the critics and naysayers to Hurricane Katrina, and how through sheer perseverance of her research team and dedicated subjects the roadblocks were painstakingly overcome one by one. The project prevailed and the published results of the peer-reviewed CHOIICE study * clearly proved that bioidentical hormones work! And that the BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Therapy) model of care when administered in physiologic doses tailored to individual need, significantly relieved menopausal symptoms AND improved health outcomes in all the major areas studied -cardiovascular, inflammatory, immune, mood and quality of life bio-markers – with NO adverse effects. This is exciting, groundbreaking research to write home about, or more specifically share with your doctor, especially if he/she is a doubting Thomas or Thomasina! You can learn more and follow Dr. Kenna on UTUBE Here's a great interview with Dr. Kenna: https://www.healthwatchersnews.com/2009/11/bioidentical-hormone-research-shows-heart-benefits/ * The effects of compounded bioidentical transdermal hormone therapy on hemostatic, inflammatory, immune factors; cardiovascular biomarkers; quality-of-life measures; and health outcomes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627249/

Spend some quality time with Kyle and Candace as they muse about our futures. After almost two years of navigating our lives through a pandemic, they look for inspiration and set goals for the year ahead. Their lively and often funny conversations run the gamut of topics ranging from how to keep a positive attitude when the world feels like it is falling apart, the importance of laughter even in the midst of hard times , digging down into basics (like doing a yearly 'cleanse' to find control somewhere) and how to remain curious and excited about learning new things, going new places and continuing to grow who WE are. Carve some time out for you today to listen, learn and find inspiration. You deserve it.

A fascinating conversation with Dr. Kenna Stephenson, about her pioneering work in women's medicine and the book she wrote, Awakening Athena, that was so ahead of its time in turning the conversation around women's hormonal health from Big-Pharma to a focus on the physical emotional and spiritual needs of the essential female self. We trust this heartfelt conversation with Kenna will empower our listeners to learn more about the hormones that rule our reproductive lives and to ask the questions you were too embarrassed or afraid to ask, like: -WHY when I bring hormone issues up with my Ob-Gyn is the solution always the same, an RX for birth control or an anti-depressant? -WHY is hormone testing never offered? -WHY is one- size-fits-all synthetic HRT still prescribed for menopause symptoms when safer, bioidentical hormones have been available for over a decade? Here's a sampling of our Q & A with Dr. Kenna: 1. On self -care: something too many women abandon or never prioritize…how do we bring women back to caring for US FIRST, eg. 'put YOUR Oxygen mask on before helping those around you'. 2. On women's Intuition: the 'trust your gut feeling…How do we get things out of the way that may distract us from hearing that inner voice? 3. On spiritual growth: how can women dig deeper and be less concerned with physical changes as we age and more with gratitude and growth in different ways. 4. On perfectionism: a real problem for high achievers: what strategies do you use to help these women? 5. We love your diagram of Love/Faith /Service being the true 'work' of a woman's life … tell us more! FOLLOW DR KENNA ON YOUTUBE: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCIiiCgPoqrM07zyWScArHzw

Kyle and Candace had the pleasure of interviewing 2 physical therapists, Dianne Shiffer and Dee Ann Dougherty, who have worked together for over 3 decades. Dianne started Connect PT in Lake Oswego, OR and has assembled a team of like-minded providers who are committed to helping their clients practice 'prevention with intention'. Their team helps people maintain and/or return to a higher level of fitness using a comprehensive and individualized approach designed to focus on strength, flexibility, balance and optimal function. They believe in a many pronged strategy, including PT, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi to help their patients achieve their fitness goals. Join us in this thoughtful, lively conversation that will help you become or return to the best physical self you can be, despite any injuries or physical limitations you may have. You won't want to miss this one!

Join Candace + Kyle for a dose of their personal tips/favs/thoughts on the daily practice of wellness. In this episode they cover: · Self-Care - How do we practice self-care in our physical emotional and mental lives · Stress management - What steps do we take to manage our stress so that it doesn't manage us…. “Life is short – Be kind to yourself”- Matt Haig · Promoting Healthy Routines – How do we cultivate resilient responses to the challenges we face in a world of abundant stress …(from The Comfort Book, by Matt Haig: In order to get over a problem, it helps to look at it. You can't climb a mountain that you pretend isn't there…. ) · A discussion around “how we learn new/different ways to”: Connect – better ways… than just texting and zoom calls) Be active – exercise that is both mental and physical Be creative – crafting: painting or pottery, knitting or sewing or singing or sketching…let your creative juices flow out of you and with it the tension we're holding on to for dear life (from Awakening Athena, by Dr. Kenna Stephenson Be healthy Chronological age is not as important as health …In the 21st century, we often consider ourselves middle-aged well into our 60s. Until we suffer a major health crisis or the loss of someone we love, we continue to feel young. (from Rowing North, by Mary Pipher) Be happy - A 2016 UCSD study found that as people age they report higher levels of overall satisfaction, happiness and well-being and lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress. The older the person, the better her mental health tended to be…Women's happiness ratings were consistently higher than mens' …Recent census data from the UK finds that the happiest people are women aged 65-79. Age gracefully – Quote: “We wither, sag, wrinkle, crinkle, tatter, and become marked by life's events. Time and gravity, air and water wear us down, each into a unique and precious beauty, every bit as beautiful as a landscape or plant weathered by the seasons.” – Stephanie Sugars Be grateful Quote: “Without suffering, too much is taken for granted…with a transcendent response to suffering, nothing is too small to appreciate. We can enjoy every fresh apricot, blazing October day, and visit with a friend. We can be awake and whole.” (from Rowing North, by Mary Pipher)

Candace + Kyle are back in the studio with Functional Nutritionist, Andrea Nakayama, for a lively conversation about how our adrenals are impacted by how and what we eat, as well as the other important aspects of how we live (exercise and sleep routines). Andrea, Kyle and Candace dig into the term ‘Adrenal Fatigue' and explore how this can present, be measured and ultimately treated so that you can be feeling your best. Andrea explores how the adrenals provide energy and how stress (a normal physiologic phenomena) can be good and bad. Constant stress puts us into the sympathetic state of fight or flight and this is not healing. We must come back to the parasympathetic state to rest , restore and heal(think relaxation and sleep). Andrea's non-negotiable are managing blood sugar and getting adequate rest(and exercise). Every time we eat should include these big three: FIBER + FAT + PROTEIN: snacks and meals. This will help us to keep our blood sugar balanced. We discuss various current diet trends, the importance of B vitamins and supplements in general. Bottomline: if you are not trying to get adequate rest, relaxation and exercise, you will not be able to digest and absorb the nutrients and supplements that you consume. Diet is important but it is only part of the overall picture. Andrea has a podcast called the 15 minute matrix. For more information on these topics : B vitamins, MTHFR, the sympathetic state and more, listen to her insightful podcast episodes (plus we were guests on one episode!). Listen to the “15 minute matrix” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-minute-matrix/id1325256647

When our speaker was faced with a major life crisis, “I turned my love for food into FOOD AS MEDICINE” ….and the rest, as they say, is history. Kyle and Candace welcome functional nutritionist, Andrea Nakayama on this episode which centers on how what and how we eat has a profound influence on our genetics, our well being and the quality of our lives. Andrea shares her unique journey from the world of publishing into creating a new model of functional nutrition. Just as Andrea was celebrating her first pregnancy, her husband was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and given 6 months to live. Listen to how Andrea pivoted into the world of nutrition and improved the quality of her husband's life, as well as allowing him to enjoy the first few years of their son's life. She went back to school, studied biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology but quickly began to make her OWN connections between food and health and illness. She knew then that she had found her calling at last. Gradually she built her business by helping clients individually but this grew so quickly , she soon developed a program to train others to do the work as well. Andrea trains nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians , doctors and other health care providers in the “Full Body System” to find the connections and guide clients back to optimal health and lifestyle choices. Join our conversation with this thought leader and learn how YOU can make the necessary connections between food, nutrition and wellness. This is not your average ‘follow this diet plan ‘ approach but an individualized way to help each of us find our way to optimal living.

Kyle and Candace invite our great friend and compounding pharmacist Natalie Gustafson, R.Ph., back into the studio for the second part of our interview on Testosterone and DHEA, the ‘workhorse' hormones that actually build and maintain the bone and muscle mass that our strength and stamina depend on, while also supplying the biochemical messengers that drive sexual energy, competitive drive, metabolism, mental clarity, and even our outlook on life! In Part One of the interview, we dug in to the need-to-knows: where androgens are made in the body, how they function and make their magic in both men and women and what happens to our minds and bodies when levels of these work horse hormones decline, fall out of balance, or for various reasons become depleted. In part 2 we cover the opposite end of the spectrum - High androgens - how they got that way, the factors that contribute to their imbalance and what happens when these powerful drivers remain elevated, triggering a whole raft of symptoms that impact skin, weight, periods, and our peace of mind! We tackle the thorny issue of PCOS, the key role that high Testosterone and DHEA levels play, the causative link between diet, insulin resistance and ovarian overproduction of the androgens, lifestyle and treatment approaches that don't help and of course great advice about what natural approaches we know can help … beginning with hormone testing to pinpoint the extent to which androgens are out-of-whack and serve as a guide to the necessary diet, exercise and stress-wise steps as well as specific vitamins, herbs and bioidentical hormone options (as needed) known to be helpful in turning the tables and getting back to balance. BIO for Natalie Gustafson: R.PH and compounding pharmacist for over a decade, she owns Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon. Being able to customize medicine to a patient's needs and helping providers achieve holistic care of their patients are the cornerstones of her practice. Women's health is a huge focus of her work. She has struggled with her own health issues and is passionate about helping women regain their health, balance and quality of life. In her downtime she enjoys reading, practicing mindfulness, yoga and taking pictures of her three cats.

Kyle and Candace invite our brilliant friend and compounding pharmacist Natalie Gustafson, R.Ph., back into the studio for a two-part interview on Testosterone and DHEA, the ‘workhorse' hormones that actually build and maintain the bone and muscle mass that our strength and stamina depend on, while also supplying the biochemical messengers that drive sexual energy, competitive drive, metabolism, mental clarity, and even our outlook on life! In Part One of the interview we delve in to the need-to-knows: where androgens are made in the body, how they function and work their magic in both men and women… and though we generally associate the androgens with typical male characteristics like heavier bones and muscles, more facial/ body hair, deeper voice, greater drive or aggressive tendencies), we point out that women's bodies need these same hormones (albeit in lesser amounts) to feel strong, smart and sexy. We also review the role these hormones play in supporting the stress response, energy levels, metabolism and the immune system - and what happens /symptoms that arise when androgen levels drop (sore muscles, increased body fat, foggy brain, low sex drive) and the main causes/ culprits (lack of exercise, junk food, stress, aging) behind declining levels. Best ways to test for low Testosterone and DHEA levels, how test results can shed light on the symptoms we are experiencing and what we can do about it – from lifestyle modifications of diet, exercise and stress management to vitamins, herbs and bioidentical hormone options – are covered in detail. BIO for Natalie Gustafson: R.PH and compounding pharmacist for over a decade, she owns Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon. Being able to customize medicine to a patient's needs and helping providers achieve holistic care of their patients are the cornerstones of her practice. Women's health is a huge focus of her work. She has struggled with her own health issues and is passionate about helping women regain their health, balance and quality of life. In her downtime she enjoys reading, practicing mindfulness, yoga and taking pictures of her three cats. Part II we get into what happens when Androgen levels get too high…Stay tuned!

Digging into the pandemic and beyond: what does life look like moving forward? Kyle and Candace have a lively conversation looking over the past 16 months and the lessons we have learned. A fun catch-up time with 2 old friends about the unique time we have been going through and how to cope with stress in a healthy manner! Join us!

Our guest on this episode is Lovely Laban, a Nurse Practitioner: a friend and colleague of Kyle's. Lovely is an N.P. who specializes in aesthetics. She and her husband Jake own several clinics here in the Portland area and in Santa Monica, CA. She shares her story with us and says that she ‘derives her joy in making people feel better about themselves. The discussion today, as usual, is quite lively and we learn a lot about aging and our looks. The fundamentals of beauty starts with our SKIN. Diet/stress/genetics/smoking/sun/environment all determine the condition of our skin and how it ages. We chat about: -Helpful supplements -How protein intake affects skin elasticity -Environmental pollutants -The basics of good skin care -Peels, facials, masks, and facial exercises -Bio-identical hormones and aging -Botox, fillers, and surgery -Fat transfers -Weight loss later in life -Collagen -Acne and hyperpigmentation -Parabens in skincare -Racial and genetic variants as it relates to skin In closing, we ALL agreed: SELF CARE IS NOT SELFISH: when you feel good about yourself, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. How you feel INSIDE is reflected in how you look OUTSIDE. Take care of you TOP 3 by Lovely: 1. Eat a balanced diet, low sugar, hydrate! 2. Topical Retin A plus daily skin care: go from thin(serum) to thick(moisturizer); wear SPF 3. Some injections as able Meditate/seek happiness: again, you are as beautiful as you feel inside. It is OKAY TO CARE ABOUT YOU.

Candace and Kyle have the pleasure of interviewing our good friend and colleague, Alison MCallister, N.D., a highly respected naturopath in Portland Oregon, who among other things, specializes in thyroid diseases which predominantly affect women to the tune of 5 to 20 times more than men. Because the prevalence of most thyroid diseases increases with age, we see hypothyroidism, Hashimotos autoimmunity and thyroid cancers occurring most often in menopausal women. All the more reason for us to delve into this subject at great length…so much so that we’ve split our conversation with Alison into two parts. We trust you will enjoy and learn from our conversation. This is the second part of our conversation. Part one of our conversation is here. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Show notes

Candace and Kyle get another chance to talk with our favorite mentor, expert and guru on hormones and hormone testing, Dr. David Zava, Ph.D., CEO and founder of ZRT Laboratory, one of the foremost hormone testing labs in the US and globally.   A biochemist by trade and a teacher at heart, Dr. Zava started out as a breast cancer researcher involved in international clinical trials looking into the development of breast cancers genetics and epigenetics of breast cancers. This is yet another challenging listen in which Dr. Zava shares his breast cancer research, as well as cutting-edge science and information women can use to prevent the hormone imbalances that put us at risk for breast cancer and what we can do to prevent a breast cancer or its recurrence. Here are some of the issues and answers we cover in this episode: Hidden hormone imbalances and risks for breast cancer What do these things have to do with breast cancer? – heavy metals/ environmental  toxins– poor diet/insulin resistance – being continually stressed out/ too much Cortisol– not sleeping well/lack of Melatonin How Environmental Chemical Carcinogens like heavy metals and xenoestrogens increase our risks for breast cancer How testing our hormones can alert us to  hormonal risks for breast cancer.  Why  estrogen is called “the Angel of Life” and  “the Angel of Death”  How the buildup of estrogen increases risk of breast cancer (BC) and how supplementing with progesterone can reduce our risk significantly When good estrogens go bad – if they go down the wrong pathways to damage DNA and lead to a BC Genetics vs. Epigenetics – which is more of a risk for BC? The importance of cruciferous vegetables, DIM, Indole 3 carbuncle assist the proper metabolism of estrogens Obesity and the insulin connection to breast cancer  Women, wine and breast cancer here and in Europe Dr. Z’s suggested breast protective supplements and lifestyle changes …and so much more… We are privileged to have Dr. Zava share his formidable knowledge about breast cancer to help women move from awareness to action and prevent a breast cancer that may be waiting to happen.  “Breast cancer risks start to show up with prolonged stress, the high cortisol levels, the lack of sleep, the low melatonin, the poor appetite, the lack of exercise, etc., but if we improve our lifestyle, keep our hormones balanced… eat the right amount of the right foods (eat the rainbow), get enough sleep in a dark room, stop smoking, eat and drink in moderation, reduce our stress levels…if we do each one of those things on a regular basis…. this is going to decrease your breast cancer risk by half.” – Dr. David Zava Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Show Notes to Episode Seventeen

Why it’s a big issue for women and the hormone connection: Part I  We have the pleasure of interviewing our good friend and colleague, Alison McAllister, N.D., a highly respected naturopath in Portland Oregon. Among other things, Alison specializes in thyroid diseases. Thyroid diseases affect women 5 to 20 times higher than in men. And because the prevalence of most thyroid diseases increases with age, we see hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid autoimmunity disease, and thyroid cancers occurring most often in menopausal women. We delve into this subject at great length…so much so that we’ve had to split our conversation with Alison into two parts. We trust you will enjoy and learn much from our discussion, starting with this first episode where we ask Alison a million questions. She gives us great answers and explanations that make it easier to picture complicated concepts in your mind. You’ll learn: A basic understanding of how the thyroid gland works and how this small organ’s functions impact overall physiology.  Some of the tools used to measure the health of the thyroid gland starting with the main symptoms, physical findings, appropriate tests. We sort through the most common thyroid conditions from Hypothyroidism to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to Graves’ disease. Why thyroid issues are more prevalent in women then in men and how thyroid problems and perimenopause go hand in hand. The connection between underlying hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue and low thyroid symptoms.   Why so many women struggling to lose weight are shocked when a thyroid test comes back normal (and what the term “functional hypothyroidism” really means) What other systems we’re looking at when treating thyroid conditions: for example, adrenal health/reproductive hormones. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we discuss how to address and prevent thyroid problems with diet and lifestyle adjustments, hormone rebalancing and appropriate medications.  Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify

This is our first podcast recorded in our ‘real studio’ since the pandemic started! We followed COVID-19 state guidelines but it felt great to be back here with Dan Rhiger and both Kyle and Candace! We decided to go back to our roots and dig into menopause. We have touched on many aspects of perimenopause and menopause in previous episodes but this episode brings it all together. In our previous episode, with Dr. David Zava of ZRT Laboratory, he spoke about the hormonal changes that can start as early as age 35, leading to perimenopause. In this episode, we discuss “what to expect when you are expecting menopause.” Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Show Notes for Episode Fifteen

Candace and Kyle get a rare chance to talk with our favorite mentor, expert and guru on hormones and hormone testing, Dr. David Zava, Ph.D., CEO and founder of ZRT Laboratory, one of the foremost hormone testing labs in the US and globally.   This is a challenging listen that is not only eye-opening but life-changing, chock full of the latest science and information women can use to prevent hormone imbalances from sabotaging our best efforts to feel and look great, no matter our age!   A biochemist by trade and a teacher at heart, Dr. Zava didn’t start out trying to build a company — as a researcher, he wanted to provide health care practitioners and patients with a deeper understanding of the role hormones play in wellness. The more he studied, the more test results he reviewed, and the more patient stories he heard, the more he knew he needed to channel his knowledge into something that enables people to be actively involved in their own health.  We are privileged to have Dr. Zava share some of his formidable knowledge and pearls of wisdom with us and our listeners. “There is no other reason to keep doing the work unless we find out a way to make the world a better place.” – Dr. David Zava Listen on Apple Podcasts Show notes for Episode 14

Taking a deep dive with a fitness expert: frank talk about the best ways to get and stay fit throughout the various phases and challenges of your life In our latest episode, Kyle returns to the recording studio with her guest, Charli Nesbit, fitness expert and instructor. Kyle and Charli explore the importance of a regular exercise routine in women’s lives, in terms of achieving physical fitness, mental wellness and living a productive, happy  and full life (Candace intentionally sat this episode out due to some Covid 19 concerns but she will be back next episode). Join our lively conversation as we answer your questions about exercise: how much, how often, what kind, how to mix it up, how to get and stay motivated, how to get back into a routine and even how to start one in the first place. This is one episode you don’t want to miss and will give you the inspiration that you need to stay active, even during these very challenging times.  Listen on Apple Podcasts Shownotes for Episode Thirteen

In this third part of our wide-ranging discussion with functional nutritionist, Tracy Siegel, we get into the ground rules of good nutrition, what healthy eating is – and is not – and how different diet trends from keto to intermittent fasting stack up in terms of tangible health benefits.  When we recorded these episodes on the essentials of good nutrition for balancing our health and hormones, reducing obesity and preventing disease, little did we know how crucial this information would become  in light of COVID-19…Emerging data during the pandemic tells us that the disease is much more lethal for those with obesity and/or diabetes, who are not only at greater risk of contracting the virus but of succumbing to it.  News like this should serve as a powerful reminder that eating right and maintaining a healthy weight not only protects us but can save our lives!  Join us for a fast-moving conversation that we hope will answer your ‘weighty’ questions and cheer you up with the certainty in these uncertain times that good food is good medicine! Show notes for Episode Twelve

Kyle and Candace are welcoming Julia McAvoy for a great conversation. We’re zeroing in on younger women and their hormones, and are calling it YW-WTF for short! Julia is Kyle’s daughter and is as lovely as her namesake Julia, of Brideshead Revisited. She is also funny as hell and way smarter than we are. She arrived at our recording session brimming over with the kinds of questions women her age (20s-30s) are asking: hormones and birth control, hormones and weight gain, hormones and horrible periods, hormones and yeast infections, hormones and breaking up with your boyfriend every single cycle…WTF?! As you can guess, this is a great conversation that we think you might want to tell your youngers about…daughters, sisters and friends who may be dealing with their own hormonal WTFs and asking the same questions. Big thanks to Julia for allowing us to shine a light into the millennial mind on all things hormonal.  Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Kyle and Candace dive into the hot topic of mental health for women. Statistics are alarming, and our episode was recorded pre-pandemic, so things can only be worse moving forward. Women are much more likely to be on medication for anxiety and depression. Stop what you are doing and listen to this episode to learn about the many hormonal connections affecting your emotional health. You will be so glad you did. There may just be another way for you. Listen on Apple Podcasts Shownotes

In this episode Candace and Kyle get together (six feet apart, of course) to record in their newly-created makeshift studio composed of the bedroom drapes and blankets (feels just like the cozy hidey-holes we made out of “blankies” and sheets when our kids were toddlers) to pivot from the pandemic on this day before Mothers Day to celebrate moms (those you have known, perhaps yourself, and yes, mothers of pets and other living creatures does count)  and to  talk about things that: inspire us make us laugh motivate us connect us observations we have made Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode Nine show notes

We've invited Tracy Siegel, functional nutritionist ‘extraordinaire', back into the studio to discuss one of the most talked about diet trends out there these days – intermittent fasting. Tracy helps us understand why this way of eating has become all the rage: what it is, how it works and if it works! She also shows us the way, with a roadmap for setting up our own intermittent fasting routine for safe and effective weight loss. If you've been intrigued by all you've heard about intermittent fasting yet are unsure about its risks and benefits, much less how to try it out for yourself, you'll want to tune in!

In this second part of our wide-ranging discussion with functional nutritionist, Tracy Siegel, we get into the ground rules of good nutrition, what healthy eating is – and is not – and how different diet trends from keto to intermittent fasting stack up in terms of tangible health benefits.  When we recorded these episodes on the essentials of good nutrition for balancing our health and hormones, reducing obesity and preventing disease, little did we know how crucial this information would become  in light of COVID-19…Emerging data during the pandemic tells us that the disease is much more lethal for those with obesity and/or diabetes, who are not only at greater risk of contracting the virus but of succumbing to it.  News like this should serve as a powerful reminder that eating right and maintaining a healthy weight not only protects us but can save our lives!  Join us for a fast-moving conversation that we hope will answer your ‘weighty’ questions and cheer you up with the certainty in these uncertain times that good food is good medicine!

Before COVID 19 turned our worlds upside down, we went into the studio to record episodes on the major health issues of weight, diet, and lifestyle choices. Today we release the first of these. Now more than ever it is so important to prevent or reverse obesity (a huge risk factor for those with COVID 19). Optimal weight should be the goal of all of us in order to optimize our health span. Our guest is Tracy Siegel, functional nutritionist. And as always, we will link back to the importance of hormone balance. Join us for a lively and informative episode.

Candace and Kyle dive deep into the myths and mysteries of slumber and the biological clock. They explore the diurnal rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle and the hormones that orchestrate it, dissecting our “sleep architecture”. They explain why sleep is so vital to health, and why, when we can't get enough of it, our lives start to unravel into fatigue, anxiety, depression and chronic illness. Note: This episode was recorded in the early days of the Coronavirus, before it was declared a global pandemic but is particularly relevant right now since a good night's sleep is crucial to a healthy, functioning immune system. We hope that what you take away from our discussion will help you to start sleeping better tonight and stay well throughout the present health crisis! We talk about the connection between hormone imbalances and sleepless nights and why it's no coincidence that adults in their 40s and early 50s get the least amount of sleep. We also delve into: the major causes of disrupted sleep what to do when you can't fall asleep or get back to sleep Best practices for sound sleep The trouble with long-term use of prescribed sleeping aids Natural sleep remedies that can work! Sleep myths i.e. you snooze you lose, etc. Great quotes on sleep

After a few weeks off, Women Talking Frankly is back. In these exceptional times, we have decided to digress from our regular podcasts and discuss the most important topic of our times, COVID-19. But this is NOT like everything you are hearing every day. Our episode is meant to not only inform you about the virus, but to also help you find ways to keep you and your family healthy, and to stay positive and connected. We are in this together after all.

Kyle and Candace tear into the major WTFs around MENOPAUSE: why it can be a real challenge to find the help you need during this major life transition, what to expect when you're expecting menopause, how to ask the right questions to get the right answers. Join us in a chorus of women who want to know why their doctors tell them their symptoms of menopause are all in their heads then hand them a prescription for antidepressants. There is a lot to talk about in this episode: How to know when you're in menopause or perimenopause. Which symptoms and imbalances to look out for. Safe solutions (herbs, vitamins and bioidentical hormones) available to every woman for rebalancing hormones naturally.

In Episode 4 Kyle and Candace talk with Compounding Pharmacist extraordinaire, Natalie Gustafson, about how she fell in love with compounding and became determined to raise the bar on prescribed hormone therapies for women. Natalie explains how compounding pharmacists differ from those that fill our prescriptions at the local Walgreens, and why bioidentical hormones tailored to individual need are a better option than one-size-fits-all prescribing for women seeking relief from life disrupting symptoms during perimenopause, menopause and post hysterectomy. We learn more about the history, art and science behind compounding practices and dispel common myths. We also get to hear more about the good fight compounding pharmacists like Natalie and others have been waging on Capitol Hill for years to protect safe access to natural hormones, and we answer the all-important question: Can women rest assured that bioidentical alternatives to HRT are here to stay? Some additional issues and answers we delve into in this episode: How bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic versions (e.g. Premarin), which natural plant substances they are made from, the different forms they can be made into (creams, gels, patches, lozenges) to ensure efficient delivery and absorption, etc. How compounders are training providers to use hormone test results as a guide to safe dosing. Why a compounding pharmacist is an invaluable resource for women and how to find one in your area.

The plot thickens in Episode 3 as we tackle the all-important question: Are these symptoms all in my head? My doctor says so… Kyle and Candace are here to tell you that your symptoms are most definitely not in your head – but in your hormones! In this episode we dig deep into the mother of all hormone imbalances – estrogen dominance – what causes it, how to test for it, and the best natural approaches to rebalancing and relieving symptoms. Kyle shares a case study of estrogen dominance in her practice and from there we get into a lively and wide-ranging discussion of everything from periods, ovulation and birth control to PMS, perimenopause, menopause, HRT and bioidenticals. And once and for all, we share the answer to the vexatious question “How do I know I'm in menopause?” You won't want to miss this episode!

In our second episode, we share what we believe are the truths of hormone balance and menopause and we delve into the whys of testing and treatment of imbalances. We present an overview of the many symptoms women experience through life's transitions. We encourage our listeners to ask questions and be righteously indignant at the lack of reliable information out there. We introduce bio-identical hormones as the best treatment option. And we keep coming back to: ‘It is not all in your head…and help is on the way.'

Before COVID 19 turned our worlds upside down, we went into the studio to record episodes on the major health issues of weight, diet, and lifestyle choices. Today we release the first of these. Now more than ever it is so important to prevent or reverse obesity (a huge risk factor for those with COVID 19). Optimal weight should be the goal of all of us in order to optimize our health span. Our guest is Tracy Siegel, functional nutritionist. And as always, we will link back to the importance of hormone balance. Join us for a lively and informative episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts

Candace and Kyle dive deep into the myths and mysteries of slumber and the biological clock. They explore the diurnal rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle and the hormones that orchestrate it, dissecting our “sleep architecture”. They explain why sleep is so vital to health, and why, when we can’t get enough of it, our lives start to unravel into fatigue, anxiety, depression and chronic illness. Note: This episode was recorded in the early days of the Coronavirus, before it was declared a global pandemic but is particularly relevant right now since a good night’s sleep is crucial to a healthy, functioning immune system. We hope that what you take away from our discussion will help you to start sleeping better tonight and stay well throughout the present health crisis! We talk about the connection between hormone imbalances and sleepless nights and why it’s no coincidence that adults in their 40s and early 50s get the least amount of sleep. We also delve into: the major causes of disrupted sleep what to do when you can’t fall asleep or get back to sleep Best practices for sound sleep  The trouble with long-term use of prescribed sleeping aids  Natural sleep remedies that can work! Sleep myths i.e. you snooze you lose, etc. Great quotes on sleep Click here to hear this episode on Apple Podcasts. Show notes for Episode Six

In our first episode we introduce you, our listeners to us, the co-hosts of WTF. We share our stories, our backgrounds, and why we're committed to having open conversations with women about matters of the body, heart and health. We promise to dig deep and get into it and we live up to those words. Join us and learn about the issues facing you everyday. Know that there is hope for all women and optimal aging is possible.

After a few weeks off, Women Talking Frankly is back. In these exceptional times, we have decided to digress from our regular podcasts and discuss the most important topic of our times, COVID-19. But this is NOT like everything you are hearing every day. Our episode is meant to not only inform you about the virus, but to also help you find ways to keep you and your family healthy, and to stay positive and connected. We are in this together after all. You may also listen to this special episode on Apple Podcasts here. Special Episode show notes here. Candace put together a list of things that are helping to get her through Covid-Time.

Kyle and Candace tear into the major WTFs around MENOPAUSE: why it can be a real challenge to find the help you need during this major life transition, what to expect when you’re expecting menopause, how to ask the right questions to get the right answers. Join us in a chorus of women who want to know why their doctors tell them their symptoms of menopause are all in their heads then hand them a prescription for antidepressants.  There is a lot to talk about in this episode: How to know when you’re in menopause or perimenopause.  Which symptoms and imbalances to look out for. Safe solutions (herbs, vitamins and bioidentical hormones) available to every woman for rebalancing hormones naturally.  Listen on Apple Podcasts Show Notes

In Episode 4 Kyle and Candace talk with Compounding Pharmacist extraordinaire, Natalie Gustafson, about how she fell in love with compounding and became determined to raise the bar on prescribed hormone therapies for women. Natalie explains how compounding pharmacists differ from those that fill our prescriptions at the local Walgreens, and why bioidentical hormones tailored to individual need are a better option than one-size-fits-all prescribing  for women seeking relief from life disrupting symptoms during perimenopause, menopause and post hysterectomy. We learn more about the history, art and science behind compounding practices and dispel common myths. We also get to hear more about the good fight compounding pharmacists  like Natalie and others have been waging on Capitol Hill for years to protect safe access to natural hormones, and we answer the all-important question: Can women rest assured that bioidentical alternatives to HRT are here to stay?  Some additional issues and answers we delve into in this episode: How bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic versions (e.g. Premarin), which natural plant substances they are made from, the different forms they can be made into (creams, gels, patches, lozenges) to ensure efficient delivery and absorption, etc. How compounders are training providers to use hormone test results as a guide to safe dosing. Why a compounding pharmacist is an invaluable resource for women and how to find one in your area. Episode Four Show Notes

The plot thickens in Episode 3 as we tackle the all-important question:  Are these symptoms all in my head? My doctor says so… Kyle and Candace are here to tell you that your symptoms are most definitely not in your head – but in your hormones! In this episode we dig deep into the mother of all hormone imbalances – estrogen dominance – what causes it, how to test for it, and the best natural approaches to rebalancing and relieving symptoms. Kyle shares a case study of estrogen dominance in her practice and from there we get into a lively and wide-ranging discussion of everything from periods, ovulation and birth control to PMS, perimenopause, menopause, HRT and bioidenticals.  And once and for all, we share the answer to the vexatious question “How do I know I’m in menopause?” You won’t want to miss this episode! Show notes for Episode Three

In our second episode, we share what we believe are the truths of hormone balance and menopause and we delve into the whys of testing and treatment of imbalances. We present an overview of the many symptoms women experience through life’s transitions. We encourage our listeners to ask questions and be righteously indignant at the lack of reliable information out there. We introduce bio-identical hormones as the best treatment option. And we keep coming back to: ‘It is not all in your head…and help is on the way.’ Shownotes for Episode Two

In our first episode (on iTunes), we introduce you, our listeners to us, the co-hosts of WTF. We share our stories, our backgrounds, and why we’re committed to having open conversations with women about matters of the body, heart and health. We promise to dig deep and get into it and we live up to those words. Join us and learn about the issues facing you everyday. Know that there is hope for all women and optimal aging is possible. Shownotes for this episode