Podcasts about FSH

Follicles not responding? Cycle cancelled? Told it is your low AMH? Book a free Functional Fertility Second Opinion before your next IVF decision → fabfertile.com You have done the injections. You have gone in for monitoring. They may have increased the medication already. And then you hear it again. The follicles are not responding. There are one or two growing. Maybe the cycle gets cancelled. Maybe you make it all the way to retrieval and get one egg. When you ask why, the answer comes back the same way every time. It is your low AMH. It is your age. You are a poor responder. Those are real factors, and I am not going to tell you the AMH does not matter. But if you are about to put your body, your finances, and yourself through another cycle, there is a bigger question worth asking. Is low AMH the whole explanation? Because these are two separate statements: I have diminished ovarian reserve, and low AMH explains everything that happened during that cycle. They are not the same statement. In this episode I walk through what AMH does and does not tell you, what I would want to understand about the 90 days before stimulation started, and what to ask your clinic before you go again. The full thyroid panel, including antibodies rather than TSH alone. Blood sugar and how it moves across a day. hs-CRP and unnecessary inflammation. Vitamin D you may be taking and may not be absorbing. Gut health, food sensitivity, the vaginal microbiome, nutrient status, and an autoimmune issue that gets mentioned as an afterthought when it belongs at the front of the file. CHAPTERS 00:00 The follicles are not responding 01:00 About Sarah and the team 01:20 What AMH does and does not tell you 02:00 Two statements that are not the same 02:20 The 90 days before stimulation started 02:40 hs-CRP and unnecessary inflammation 03:00 Optimal, not normal 03:20 Blood sugar regulation across the day 03:30 The full thyroid panel including antibodies 03:50 Nutrient depletion and secondary infertility 04:10 The vitamin D you may not be absorbing 04:30 An autoimmune issue is not a by the way 05:00 A clean diet that may not be the right diet for you 05:30 Hypervigilance and nervous system load 06:20 One client who did not have enough follicles to qualify 06:40 What I am not claiming 08:00 Annie and Miles. AMH 0.15, FSH 33 08:40 What Your Clinic Missed 09:00 What to ask before another IVF 09:40 Thirty days without medication, and doing this in parallel 11:00 Book a Second Opinion with your partner WHAT YOUR CLINIC MISSED If you have no idea which of these markers to run, we have a checklist called What Your Clinic Missed. It is a list of markers worth reviewing before a donor egg decision or before another IVF, so you can look at your own results and go from there. Email hello@fabfertile.ca with MISSED in the subject line and we will send it to you. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION Book with your partner and load your labs into the secure portal. Before the call I review your fertility history and bloodwork from both partners, looking for patterns, unanswered questions and gaps. We are not diagnosing. Sometimes the review confirms that moving forward with the next IVF makes sense. Sometimes there are questions worth addressing first. Book your call with your partner at fabfertile.com If you want to know whether the call is right for you first, email hello@fabfertile.ca with FERTILE in the subject line and tell me a little about your situation. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped, leave a review. It is how other women find this work.

Today, I'm honored to connect with Dr. Salome Masghati, founder of Precision Gynecology, which provides the unhurried, root-cause-oriented care often missing in a system where women are rushed through short appointments, focusing on bioidentical hormone therapy, perimenopause, and menopause. Dr. Masghati has extensive surgical training and specializes in longevity medicine. In today's discussion, we explore the ovary as a signaling hub, not just a reproductive timer, and Dr. Masghati shares her views on hormone replacement therapy timing, intrinsic and infradian rhythm, ovarian function, and the differentiators between PCOS and PMOS in midlife women. We also cover oral versus transdermal estradiol therapy, FSH testing as an independent risk factor for bone and heart health, hysterectomies, ferritin and iron deficiency, coronary vasospasm, elevated Lp(a), estradiol and thyroid therapy, peptides, regenerative and esthetic offerings. Dr. Masghati also offers her personal perspective on what influences orgasms. Stay tuned for today's invaluable conversation with Dr. Salome Masghati on optimizing women's health in midlife and beyond. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How a hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and other surgical interventions can impact ovarian function Dr. Masghati shares her approach to hormone replacement therapy for women going through premature or early menopause How elevated androgen levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation can affect the response to hormone replacement therapy in women with PCOS/PMOS Why Dr. Masghati generally prefers transdermal rather than oral estradiol How optimizing hormone levels can improve libido when women's hormones change  Women may have low ferritin even when their serum iron looks good. Declining estrogen may contribute to coronary vasospasm in women. What women should know about regenerative therapies using PRP Why the source of peptides matters, and why Dr. Masghati specifically advises against using research peptides Bio:  Dr. Salome Masghati is a board-certified gynecologic surgeon who now focuses on hormonal wellbeing, functional medicine, and disease prevention. She specializes in women's health conditions including perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis, gut health, and metabolic dysfunction, using a root-cause and physiologic approach to help women restore balance and optimize their health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Salome Masghati On her website On Instagram Email: team@drmasghati.com 

You've probably heard that your ovaries age 2.5x times faster than the rest of your body. I went looking for that study. It does not exist. In this episode I trace that number back to an uncited supplement company blog post, and then I give you the one that is real: ovarian aging shows up 15 to 20 years earlier than in any other tissue in your body. Your ovaries are not a fertility organ. They are the organ that sets the pace for your bones, your heart, your brain and how long you live. This is the first episode built on my four pillars: Nourish, Stack, Live and Align. I also share what is changing behind the scenes, including my practice, my planner, and where this brand is going next. Work with me one on one as a women's longevity practitioner and holistic nutritionist: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/clients WHAT I COVER The 2.5x ovarian aging myth and where it actually came from Why the Stanford organ aging clocks never included an ovary Senescence and fibrosis: it is not that the seeds run out, it is that the soil goes hard Why less than 2 percent of venture funding goes to women's health, and 90 percent of that goes to fertility Your full lab panel: AMH by age, antral follicle count, day 3 FSH and estradiol Why AMH does not predict whether you will get pregnant this month The birth control trap: if you are on hormonal contraception your AMH is wrong by 14 to 55 percent PMOS and why a high AMH is not extra time Cysts: functional, hemorrhagic, dermoids, and why the pill does not shrink one you already have Endometriomas, and what cystectomy actually costs your ovarian reserve Premature ovarian insufficiency, the 2024 criteria change, and why POI is not early menopause What the food research does and does not support CoQ10, melatonin, inositol, DHEA, vitamin D, NMN and omega 3, ranked by real human evidence Rapamycin, the VIBRANT trial, and ovarian tissue freezing The pelvic bowl in the classical Sanskrit text, and what it actually describes Jing, Tian Gui, and how Chinese medicine predicted the end of fertility at 49 How misalignment shows up in the body, and the guardrail I insist on Why clinical hypnosis is the woo that actually works TIMESTAMPS 08:03 The 2.5x ovarian aging myth, and what is actually true 13:23 Your ovaries are an endocrine organ, not a fertility organ 19:54 The labs to run, and AMH by age 23:55 If you are on birth control, your AMH is wrong 28:03 Cysts, dermoids, and what the pill does not do 32:24 Endometriomas and what surgery costs your ovarian reserve 34:20 Premature ovarian insufficiency 36:43 Nourish and Stack: food, CoQ10, melatonin, inositol, NMN 47:06 Rapamycin and ovarian tissue freezing 49:22 Align: the pelvic bowl, Chinese medicine, and how misalignment shows up 1:00:18 Clinical hypnosis, and my full protocol MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 1:1 client consults: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/clients The LongHer Life community, where this was recorded live: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/longherlife Her Stack Planner: https://biohackingbrittany.com/products/her-stack-planner Shop: https://biohackingbrittany.com/collections/shop Questions for the next live Q&A: info@biohackingbrittany.com CONNECT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackingbrittany/ Website: https://biohackingbrittany.com This episode is for education only and is not medical advice.

In this episode of the Gillett Health Podcast, Dr. Kyle Gillett & James O'Hara sit down with board-certified urologist and men's health expert Dr. Fantus to tackle some of the most controversial and trending topics in urology today.From viral trends like testicular and penile fillers to the real mechanics of preserving testicular size and fertility while on TRT, Dr. Fantus breaks down the science behind HCG, FSH, and peptides. We also dive deep into 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride vs. dutasteride), post-finasteride syndrome, prostate cancer screening nuances, and how AI is rapidly reshaping surgical procedures like Aquablation.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Postpartum Fertility, FIAT - Let It Be & the Return of Your CycleGot baby fever while you're still breastfeeding? You're not alone — and today I'm walking you through what's actually happening hormonally in your body during this postpartum, nursing season, plus how to say "fiat" (let it be) to God's timing for your next pregnancy.We start with Ecclesiastes 3:1 and Mary's own "fiat" to Gabriel, then get into the nerdy fertility science. What is prolactin and how can it suppress ovulation? What does weaning actually do to your hormone timeline? And what about other root-cause issues — such as the thyroid, gut, adrenals, inflammation — and can they keep your cycle from bouncing back?Episode Highlights:Why prolactin can suppress your ovulatory hormones (FSH, estrogen, LH, progesterone) while breastfeedingWhat actually happens hormonally when you wean — and why it can take 2 to 6 cycles to fully resetThe Mary "FIAT" framework for surrendering your fertility timeline to God's planRoot-cause yellow flags to watch for postpartum: sleep, gut health, inflammation, mood, and stress hormonesWhy charting your biomarkers matters even before your cycle has returnedA personal, slightly hilarious story about how Bekah's second son was conceived — and what she'd do differently nowResources & Links:✨I'm sharing a free thyroid labs resource that can help you uncover a major root issue many women never get fully tested for, click here: bekahyawn.com/thyroidlabs ✨ Join Fertility Framework: If you're ready for deeper support, personalized cycle guidance, and faith-filled encouragement, come join me inside Fertility Framework! This is a space where you AND your husband can learn about the science of your cycle while keeping God in the center of your fertility journey and growing towards Him together. Read the testimonies & enroll here: bekahyawn.com/course   ✨If you would like personal support on your journey but are not sure how to get started, book a free 10-minute consult with me here: bekahyawn.com/consult 

 Should I get a $99 fertility check to see where I stand reproductively? Ravi Agarwal, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) at Reproductive Science Center of the SF Bay Area, explains how the clinic's low-cost screen works. He describes the day 2–3 blood draw (LabCorp/Quest) and the three hormones tested (AMH, estradiol, FSH), who might benefit in their 20s and 30s, and what actionable next steps—like monitoring, fertility treatment timing, or egg freezing—might follow surprising results. Learn more about Ravi Agarwal, MD 

It's common to think about hormone tracking as conception tools, but your hormones don't clock out once you've had a baby or are entering perimenopause. Rose MacKenzie, Clinical Manager at MiraCare, returns to Health Youniversity to talk about the benefits of tracking hormones during perimenopause.She explains why one hormone test can miss important patterns and why the standard ”day 21” blood draw can be on the wrong day. She also explains why a high FSH result matters for a lot more than just fertility. This episode is for you if:you're in your mid 30s to mid 40s and want to know the state of your hormones you've been told your FSH or AMH numbers "aren't great" you've had a blood test come back confusing you're curious how  tracking hormone over a cycle provides better datayou think perimenopause deserves your and your medical team's attention you're supporting a patient, partner, or friend through this stageSupport your fertility journey with Preconception Plan at Health Youniversity. Learn more here: https://healthyouniversity.co/programsLearn more about MIRA Fertility Tracking at miracare.com 

TRT: La verdad sobre la terapia de reemplazo de testosterona | Serie completa La testosterona es, probablemente, una de las hormonas más incomprendidas y rodeadas de mitos. En esta serie especial de tres episodios, analizamos desde una perspectiva científica qué es realmente la Terapia de Reemplazo de Testosterona (TRT), quiénes pueden beneficiarse de ella y por qué no debe confundirse con el uso de esteroides para mejorar el rendimiento deportivo. Hablamos sobre cómo el cuerpo produce testosterona de forma natural, qué significan los valores medidos en nanogramos por decilitro (ng/dL), cómo un médico diagnostica el hipogonadismo y qué estudios de laboratorio son fundamentales antes de iniciar un tratamiento, incluyendo testosterona total y libre, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, hemoglobina, hematocrito y PSA. También explicamos los diferentes ésteres de testosterona, como el cipionato, el enantato, el propionato y el undecanoato, sus vidas medias, sus ventajas y desventajas, así como las distintas vías de administración: inyecciones intramusculares, subcutáneas, geles, parches e implantes. Finalmente, desmontamos algunos de los mitos más comunes sobre la TRT. ¿Es lo mismo que usar esteroides? ¿Produce infertilidad? ¿Encoge los testículos? ¿Es necesario utilizar hCG o anastrozol? ¿Aumenta el riesgo de cáncer de próstata? ¿Hay que donar sangre obligatoriamente? Respondemos estas y muchas otras preguntas basándonos en la evidencia científica disponible y en las recomendaciones actuales de la medicina. Si eres un hombre mayor de 30 o 40 años, entrenas con regularidad, has escuchado hablar de la TRT o simplemente quieres entender cómo funciona la testosterona en el organismo, esta serie te dará las herramientas necesarias para tomar decisiones informadas y comprender que la salud hormonal va mucho más allá de una simple cifra en un análisis de sangre. Porque cuando se trata de tu salud, la información correcta siempre será tu mejor herramienta. #eliarevalopodcast #vospodes #mycoacheli #gorillazbarbell #MetCon #indianapolis #jcfit #USArmy

Book a Functional Fertility Second Opinion → fabfertile.com You knew before the nurse called. You had been checking the portal, and there it was. FSH, flagged high. You read the range beside it several times, then searched the number late at night hoping it would tell you what it meant for your future. What came back was not an explanation. It felt like a verdict. Diminished ovarian reserve. Poor responder. Consider donor eggs. A high FSH is a real finding, and this episode does not pretend otherwise. But a number tells you where you are standing. It does not tell you how you got there, and it does not decide for you. In this episode, I walk through what a high FSH does tell us, what it does not, and the questions I would want answered before making another fertility decision. That includes the cycle day the sample was drawn on, whether estradiol was measured alongside it, whether the result has ever been repeated, and the layer of health that sits underneath the number and rarely gets examined. I also share the outcomes I have seen across ten years. Some couples conceive naturally. Some go on to IVF, and it works. Some choose donor eggs. Some choose adoption. Some decide not to pursue children and feel better than they have in years. The goal of this work is clarity, not a promise. CHAPTERS 00:00 The portal, the result, and what it felt like 01:00 What our team reviews and why it looks different 02:00 Both partners, and why this is multifactorial 03:00 What FSH is actually telling us 04:00 Cycle day, estradiol, and whether the test was repeated 05:00 What could be contributing to the bigger picture 06:00 Thyroid, ferritin, vitamin D, blood sugar, inflammation 07:00 Autoimmunity, gut health, endometriosis, sleep, nutrition 08:00 Under-fueling, chronic stress, and what the DUTCH test shows 09:00 The pattern I see in type A women, and my own diagnosis at 28 11:00 Every path we have helped couples take 12:00 What Your Clinic Missed 12:30 Three questions before your next decision 13:30 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion WHAT YOUR CLINIC MISSED The companion guide walks through the markers worth reviewing before a donor egg decision, so you can go through your own results and see what is there. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED, and we will send you the guide. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION A free 45-minute call. Before we speak, I review your bloodwork, your history, your previous treatment, and both partners' health, so the conversation focuses on what has been explored and what questions remain. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It is how other women find this work.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Timmons to talk about what it really means to pursue wellness in a way that supports women's long-term health. We discuss why “strong is the new skinny,” how to think about body composition and aging, the importance of hormone testing, and practical movement habits that support both physical and mental health. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by health messaging or frustrated by “normal” lab results that don't match how you feel, this conversation will give you clarity and encouragement.- I talk with Dr. Timmons about her shift from conventional primary care to a more integrative, root-cause approach.- We discuss why body composition matters more than chasing thinness! Love!- Dr. Timmons explains why muscle mass is essential for aging well, bone health, and independence.- We unpack the difference between “normal” lab ranges and truly optimal health markers.- I ask about key wellness labs women should consider, including glucose, insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure, and ApoB.- We talk through hormone testing, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, TPO antibodies, and FSH.- Dr. Timmons shares how symptoms matter even when lab results look normal.- We explore when hormone replacement therapy may be helpful and why lifestyle still matters first.- We break down realistic movement goals for women, including resistance training, Zone 2 cardio, and short bursts of high-intensity work.- We close with a conversation about mindset, self-care, intuition, and trusting your body.Connect with Dr. Jennifer TimmonsYou can apply to work with her virtually here: https://timmonswellnessmd.com/membership/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertimmonsmd/Check out her informative website: https://timmonswellnessmd.com/New Resource: Breast Health Guide - dailywellnesscommunity.com/breast-health-guide→ Please take 1 minute to show your support of the show!  Apple Podcasts: Sign in and scroll to the bottom to review!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-wellness-podcast/id1651051841Spotify: Leave a rating and follow the show! (Click on the 3 dots.) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melisha-meredithYouTube: Subscribehttps://www.youtube.com/@DailyWellnessCommunity-podcastConnect with Melisha and the Daily Wellness Communityinstagram.com/dailywellnesscommunity/facebook.com/dailywellnesscommunityWebsite: dailywellnesscommunity.comEmail us at: info@dailywellnesscommunity.comSome products I mention may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links. Our family greatly appreciates your support, it helps us keep creating the free resources we make for you all!DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

In this School of Doza episode, we break  down the loop between stubborn belly fat and low testosterone: fat tissue raises aromatase activity, converts testosterone into estradiol, and releases inflammatory signals that can suppress the brain-to-testes axis. He then walks through five everyday factors pushing testosterone the wrong direction—alcohol, fast food, sugar, sitting, and poor sleep—and what to change first when energy, motivation, and workouts have all quietly flattened out. FEATURED PARTNER Zen by MSW Nutrition is the adrenal and adaptogen formula Nurse Doza reaches for when stress is the thing driving the loop. Every one of the five factors in this episode—alcohol, processed food, blood sugar swings, sedentary days, broken sleep—lands on the same stress-response system that sits upstream of hormone signaling. Zen pairs bovine adrenal concentrate with Asian ginseng, eleuthero, schisandra, and rhodiola, plus 150 mg of pantothenic acid, P-5-P (activated B6), and vitamin C, to support the body's adaptogenic response and normal adrenal function—without caffeine.

Warum nehmen viele Frauen in den Wechseljahren plötzlich zu, obwohl sich an Ernährung und Bewegung kaum etwas verändert? In dieser Folge schauen wir auf neue wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zum Hormon FSH, das möglicherweise eine größere Rolle bei Bauchfett, Stoffwechsel und Gehirngesundheit spielt, als bisher angenommen.In dieser Folge mit Hörerinnenfragen sprechen wir über das neue hormonfreie Medikament Elinzanetant, das bei Hitzewallungen eingesetzt wird. Katrin Schaudig erklärt, wie es wirkt, für wen es geeignet ist und welche ersten Erfahrungen es aus der Praxis gibt.Außerdem geht es um diese Fragen: Können Wechseljahresbeschwerden trotz Verhütungspflaster auftreten? Welche Alternativen gibt es, wenn Progesteron nicht vertragen wird? Warum helfen HRT und Östriolcreme nicht gegen vaginale Trockenheit? Welche Hormontherapie kommt für Frauen mit PMDS infrage? Was tun, wenn Myome unter einer Hormontherapie wachsen?Zum Abschluss gibt es eine gute Nachricht: Es gab einen ersten Pilotkurs für angehende Fachärztinnen und -ärzte zum Thema Hormonmedizin. Damit soll in der gynäkologischen Weiterbildung endlich auch das Thema Wechseljahre verankert werden.Links - Hormongesteuert zum Nachlesen- #50 Kälte-Snacks statt Diäten: Neue Wege aus der Gewichtsfalle- #52 PMDS und Migräne: Wenn Hormone krank machen- #27 Wechseljahre: Ein Myom kommt selten allein- Podcast-Tipp: WDR 2 Frag dich fit – mit Doc Esser und JohannaInhaltsverzeichnis:0:02:20 Bauchfett und das FSH0:08:30 FSH regt Fettzellen an0:09:00 FSH hemmt Fettverbrennung0:09:20 Bauchfett hat viele FSH-Rezeptoren0:10:00 FSH fördert Cortisol0:12:20 Synthetische Gestagene können FSH unterdrücken0:14:50 Hormonfreies Medikament Elinzanetant gegen Hitzewallungen0:18:20 Welche Erfahrungen mit Elinzanetant und Fezolinetant?0:21:50 Manchmal Nebenwirkungen mit anderen Medikamenten0:23:00 Kann es unter einem Verhütungspflaster noch Hormonschwankungen geben? 0:26:00 Untergewichtig, seit fünf Jahren keine Blutungen mehr und nun beginnen Hitzewallungen 0:29:00 Pflaster mit synthetischem Gestagen gern auch für Frauen in der Postmenopause0:31:20 Kann ich bei vaginaler Trockenheit auch eine Östriol-Pille nehmen? 0:38:00 PMDS und die späte Perimenopause – welche Hormontherapie?0:42:00 Myome wachsen unter HRT – muss jetzt die Gebärmutter entfernt werden?0:48:00 Gute Nachrichten: Endlich Ausbildungsangebot für angehende Fachärztinnen zum Thema Hormone - Erster Pilotkurs von 50 Stunden

Send us Fan MailA single birthday should not erase your options for menopause care, yet many women hear a flat “no” the moment they turn 65. We challenge that reflex with evidence, clinical nuance, and practical guidance on how hormone therapy after age 65 can still fit into real life, especially when symptoms, bone health, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause are still in the picture. We walk through a blockbuster Medicare claims analysis of 10.9 million U.S. women over 65 tracked from 2007 to 2020, looking at outcomes tied to different hormone therapy types, doses, and routes: vaginal estrogen, transdermal estrogen patches, and oral estrogen. Then we get practical. We talk estrogen patch shortages, progesterone supply problems, and how pharmacy pricing and formularies can block care. We also cover why “hormonal age” of menopause matters, when labs like FSH and estradiol help, and how common supplements like biotin can interfere with testing. If you've been told it's “too late,” listen and bring your questions. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find evidence-based menopause care.Support the show

Why Your Stroke May Not Be Causing Your Brain Fatigue For a long time after my brain surgery, I assumed my body worked like this: the stroke happened in my head, so whatever went wrong afterward would also happen in my head. Fatigue, brain fog, slow thinking all of it filed under “neurological,” all of it explained by the injury I already knew about. That assumption turned out to be wrong, and the way I found out was almost accidental. About eighteen months after my brain surgery, I had thyroid surgery to remove a nodule so large it had pushed my windpipe and esophagus six centimeters out of place. I had no idea it was there. No lump I could see, no difficulty swallowing or breathing that I’d noticed. It was found only because I had a chest X-ray to rule out an infection, and a doctor spotted something that had nothing to do with why I’d walked in. What followed was a slow, confusing recovery from that second surgery, and a wave of fatigue I automatically blamed on my brain, because that was the injury I already understood. It took time to realize the fatigue might be coming from somewhere else entirely: my thyroid. Hormones and Stroke Recovery: The Connection Nobody Talks About I brought this experience to Dr. Robert Hedaya, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center and a pioneer of functional medicine psychiatry, to understand what actually happened, and to ask a bigger question: how many other stroke survivors are dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes that they’ve written off as “just the stroke,” when the real driver is a hormonal system that’s quietly stopped working properly? Hormones and stroke recovery turn out to be far more entangled than most of us are told. As Dr. Hedaya put it plainly: the brain is a hormonal organ. Thyroid hormone, cortisol, testosterone, estrogen every one of them acts directly on brain tissue, and every one of them can be knocked off balance by the stress of a major medical event. Why “Normal” Thyroid Bloodwork Can Still Mean Something’s Wrong One of the most important things Dr. Hedaya explained is that a “normal” TSH result doesn’t rule out a thyroid problem, especially after a stroke. TSH is a signal sent from the pituitary gland, and if a stroke has affected the brain’s signaling pathways, the pituitary itself may not respond the way it should. A survivor can have genuinely low thyroid hormone while their TSH sits comfortably inside the standard reference range, because the system responsible for raising that number in response to a deficiency isn’t functioning correctly. He also raised a striking data point: population studies suggest the average TSH in a healthy population is closer to 1.4, yet most labs still use an upper reference limit of 4.5, a range wide enough, statistically, to miss a real problem. His advice for survivors going into a GP appointment: ask specifically for TSH, free T4, free T3, and reverse T3, not just the standard single-marker test, and come prepared with symptoms written down if a doctor pushes back. A Nodule That Grew in Silence The brain is a hormonal organ. It’s an immune organ. It’s a neurological organ… there’s not one hormonal axis when it’s abnormal that cannot cause neurological or psychiatric problems. -Dr. Robert Hedaya My own nodule is a case study in exactly this kind of silent progression. Dr. Hedaya explained that because it grew inward rather than outward, it never created the visible lump most people associate with a thyroid problem, and because it didn’t press on my vocal cords or laryngeal nerve, I never developed the hoarseness that might have flagged it sooner. My body adapted gradually, and the fatigue that eventually surfaced was easy to misattribute to the injury I already knew I had. Cortisol, Stress, and the Difference Between Pain and Suffering Beyond the thyroid, Dr. Hedaya walked through the role of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and why survivors often struggle to answer a deceptively simple question: “Are you stressed?” His distinction between pain and suffering is worth sitting with: pain is often unavoidable, but suffering is shaped by the story we tell ourselves about a situation, and a stroke can compromise the very brain systems that regulate that stress response in the first place. Testosterone, Estrogen, and the Brain’s Need for Hormones to Rewire The conversation closed on sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, relevant to both men and women, and their role in neuroplasticity. Dr. Hedaya drew a direct comparison to adolescence: the teenage brain rewires itself while hormone levels are surging, and the same principle applies after a stroke. A brain trying to rebuild pathways needs adequate hormonal support to do that work. Without it, recovery can stall in ways that have nothing to do with effort or physiotherapy. What You Can Do About It If any of this sounds familiar fatigue that doesn’t track cleanly with other recovery milestones, or symptoms a doctor has waved off as “just stress,” Dr. Hedaya’s PNIE (psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinology) questionnaire is a useful starting point. PNIE Questionnaire download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7kC5uMFgBfS-gWcUOIHp0kOjGnrzZK5/view?usp=sharing If thyroid function specifically is what you’re navigating, the earlier conversation with Dr. Elena Zinkov, “Stroke Fatigue and Thyroid,” goes deeper into that piece (https://recoveryafterstroke.com/stroke-fatigue-and-thyroid/). And for more from Dr. Hedaya, the first conversation on photobiomodulation and stroke recovery is a good companion listen (https://recoveryafterstroke.com/photobiomodulation-stroke-recovery/). Getting your body back after a stroke is rarely just about the brain. My book, The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened, goes further into the mindset shifts that came out of my own recovery (recoveryafterstroke.com/book). And if this podcast has helped you, you can support its continuation at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Hormones, Fatigue, and the Brain: Dr. Robert Hedaya Returns (Interview) A baseball-sized thyroid nodule hid in plain sight after Bill’s stroke. Dr. Hedaya explains the hormone testing every survivor should ask for. Support The Recovery After Stroke Podcast Bill’s Book: The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became Thethe Best Thing That Happened Highlights: 01:45 Hormones and Stroke Recovery 02:11 Understanding Thyroid Function and Its Impact 17:07 Navigating Thyroid Health with Healthcare Providers 27:09 The Role of Stress and Cortisol 39:09 Nutrition’s Impact on Brain Recovery Transcript: Hormones and Stroke Recovery Bill Gasiamis (00:00) And they noticed a massive lump in my throat and my esophagus and my windpipe were pushed six centimeters. And they said to me, well, can you swallow? Can you breathe? Can you do it? And I was like, yeah, I’m all fine. There’s nothing wrong with my throat. that was the first sign that there was something wrong with my thyroid Bill Gasiamis (00:19) Welcome back to Recovery After Stroke. I’m Bill Garciamas, and today I’m joined again by Dr. Robert Hedeya, clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center and a pioneer of functional medicine psychiatry, whose highland approach to brain health first brought him onto the show for our conversation on episode 404, where we discussed, amongst other things, photobiomodulation, a type of transcript. cranial laser therapy helping some stroke survivors recover lost function. He’s back today for a conversation I wanted to have for a while, the hormonal side of stroke recovery. We’re going to talk about thyroid function, cortisol, and stress physiology, and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and why every one of these systems can directly affect how well and how fast your brain recovers. I’ll also share my own story of a thyroid nodule that grew undetected, which was discovered after my brain surgery completely by accident. if this conversation resonates with you, my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became Thethe Best Thing That Happened goes deeper into the mindset shifts that shaped my own recovery. You can find it at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And if you’d like to help keep this podcast going, you can support it financially at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. Bill Gasiamis (01:46) Robert Hedaya, welcome back to the podcast. Dr Hedaya (01:49) Thank you for having me, Bill. Understanding Thyroid Function and Its Impact Bill Gasiamis (01:51) thank you for being here. The last conversation we had was very well received. And it’s always difficult in a one hour interview to ask all the questions that we could possibly ask about the brain and stroke recovery and all the things that people go through. And… I’ve got a lot of other questions that are related to the brain and the link between other parts of the body and the brain, because we have this sense. Well, I did at least when I was first diagnosed that whatever happens in my head is kind of isolated, that it just impacts my head. But there seemed to be some other impacts and cascading effects. that were occurring, uh, that I didn’t know were linked to the brain injury, Dr Hedaya (02:45) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (02:46) maybe indirectly, but they were perhaps. But one thing specifically that happened to me about, uh, 18 months after my brain surgery was I had thyroid surgery to remove a nodule on my thyroid. And when I was going through the recovery after that, surgery, I noticed that I had fatigue and I thought it was neurological fatigue related to my brain surgery. But it took a long time to develop an understanding that perhaps that batch of fatigue was related to my thyroid. And then that got me thinking all sorts of things. know, if the thyroid also causes the same neurological fatigue that brain injury causes, what people might be missing this in their healing from a brain injury, they might have a compromised thyroid and not know about it. So the first question is, what is a thyroid? What does it do? And why does it cause neurological fatigue? Dr Hedaya (03:54) Okay. So thyroid gland sits in the neck, right? There’s two lobes, there’s one on the right, one on the left, a little kind of island in the middle called the isthmus, and and it controls many functions, metabolism overall, energy overall, just broadly speaking. now it affects the immune system. It’s affects the nervous system. It affects the gastrointestinal system, it affects the muscles, it affects the heart, right? It affects the skin, it affects the nails, it affects the hair. You know, and I could go on and on and on. Okay? Bill Gasiamis (04:34) Wow. Dr Hedaya (04:35) Now the interesting thing about this is that this be a little technical, but the thyroid puts out a hormone called T4 or thyroxine, and this is a little molecule with four iodines in it on it, and that Gives you about 20% of the activity of your thyroid hormones in your body. But then that T4 goes all over the body to different tissues, and each tissue can has its own system to change that T4 into T3 by removing an iodine. T3 has 80% of the thyroid activity. So that means each tissue in the body can control how much thyroid it. It’s using and needs, right? And and has available to it. Okay. So that means the brain, the heart, the liver, the lungs, every tissue has its own enzyme that allows it to kind of modulate how much thyroid, right? Now, so why does that cause neurological fatigue? Well, thyroid in the brain affects neurotransmitters like adrenaline in the brain, which is called nor norepinephrine, noradrenaline. in order for that to work. The T3 has to be in the right amount for the receptors for the noradrenaline to be structurally correct so they can transmit the signal. It’s necessary for production of energy in all the brain cells. It helps the immune system in the brain. It carries molecules from here to there in the brain. it affects serotonin transmission in the brain, so mood regulation, anxiety, obsessiveness, depression. You know, those are just some of the functions of the brain, but it affects every cell in the bane in the brain. So you’re gonna, if your thyroid is off, most likely you’re gonna have some kind of brain problems, particularly, you know, when your thyroid is off, the tissues in your body that are most compromised or most stressed, that’s probably where it’s gonna show up, right? And in the case of stroke, that’s where it’ll show up. Bill Gasiamis (06:44) So it’s possible then, is it possible to overlook it? Is it very obvious that your thyroid is out of, well, is dysregulated or is not working properly? Dr Hedaya (06:56) Well, in general it’s easy to detect. And if you want, I’ll tell you how. So Bill Gasiamis (07:04) Yeah. Tell me how. Dr Hedaya (07:07) so there’s some blood tests that are simple and then s some symptoms. so for most people this holds. When your thyroid is low, you know, you’re gonna be cold easily, you’re gonna have dry skin, brittle nails, hair will fall out. Muscles will be weak, thinking will be slow, movement will be slow, getting up from a chair will be more difficult, going upstairs will be more difficult, your heart rate will slow down, you’ll be constipated. Those are the most common symptoms. If your thyroid is overactive, then you could be have palpitations, oily skin, acne, oily hair. Diarrhea, you know, kind of the opposite. The thing that’s a little confusing with the thyroid is sometimes overactive thyroid can show up and look like it’s underactive symptomatically, or vice versa. So you really need the labs. And the labs are TSH, which is thyroid stimulating hormone, and that’s tells you what the brain is doing. And then free T4. That’s the amount of T4 that’s kind of floating around free, not bound to protein, so it can actually do its job. The way I think of it is like, you know, a lot of the thyroid home is sitting on a bus. It’s not free, it’s bound to protein. Can’t do its job. But the stuff the thyroid this that’s out of the bus or not on a protein, that can do its job. That’s the free T four. And then the free T three, right, which carries eighty percent of thyroid activity. And then the last one is a reverse T3 because sometimes if your tissues in your body are making too much thyroid or getting too much thyroid, they’ll actually, instead of taking the iodine off the T4 molecule on the right side, they’ll take it off on the left side, or vice versa. So they make a fake T3 that doesn’t work. And this way they short circuited okay, you got all this T3. Well, let’s make it into a fake, fake T3 so it can’t do anything. So reverse T3 is also very important. And then you want to measure body temperature. Usually it’ll be low. And then, you know, a physical exam. Those are the ways to do it. If you wanted to go even deeper, you could do some genetic testing. There are genes that will tell you whether you’re converting the T4 to T3 in the brain. Adequately, or maybe you’re more likely to be slow in that regard. So you can have normal numbers in your blood, but your brain might be hypothyroid, right? And there are actually a lot Bill Gasiamis (10:05) Uh-huh. Dr Hedaya (10:05) of studies showing that hypermetabolic, like high doses of free T3, actually reverse treatment-resistant depression because it’s it’s thought that there’s a local in-brain. hypo-low thyroidism. You can have low thyroidism in your heart, in your muscles, but not in the other tissues, you know, because I told you every tissue can control how much it’s making. So if you have a genetic vulnerability, then you you might more be in general be more likely vulnerable to depression or to ADD or to anxiety, things like that. Bill Gasiamis (10:42) Wow. Are you blowing me away? I didn’t expect to hear any of the things that you just said. X. Um, some of the things that you described, the, uh, some of the symptoms that you described, had those intermittently in and out all the time, other than a thyroid nodule, which is what I had, which was obvious on a scan. Dr Hedaya (11:05) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (11:06) What other things caused the thyroid to not function? correctly. So is there lifestyle factors that interfere with the thyroid gland and therefore, you know, then have the cascading effect and take off, take all those other things or some of those other things offline. Dr Hedaya (11:28) So there a number of causes, right? So first of all, let’s take someone who has had a stroke or chronic illness, right? So you’re under stress and that affects your stress hormones, your adrenal glands, cortisol, etc. Well, if your adrenals kind of poop out, then maybe your body says, Well, I can’t handle all this thyroid, even though the amount is normal, it’s like too much. I can’t handle it, so it’ll make less thyroids. Now you develop a hypothyroidism. You could develop it just because all the chemicals in the environment, the ha the hormone interrupting chemicals, there are hundreds of those. you could develop it ’cause of nutritional deficiencies like tyrosine is necessary to make thyroid hormone, copper, you know, things like that. I can’t tell you offhand which which nutritional factors, but people can look that up, what nutritional factors are important. To make thyroid hormone. and then infections like, for example, Lyme disease causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune where your immune system’s actually attacking your thyroid. COVID vaccination, like the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccine, if you are genetically vulnerable, can also cause your immune system to attack your thyroid. So there are many, many causes, plus there are inherited genetic vulnerabilities and it It’s not always low thyroid, sometimes it’s high thyroid, hyperthyroidism, like Graves’ disease, right? You can have antibodies Bill Gasiamis (13:01) Mm-hmm. Dr Hedaya (13:02) that are actually stimulating thyroid activity as well. Bill Gasiamis (13:06) Wow. The environmental toxins. we talking about all day, every day household use kind of environmental toxins? I imagine the external of the house, they’re kind of out of our control, right? We’ll talk about like, you know, like pollution or things that are associated to things that are caused that we don’t necessarily control, but internally inside the house or what we expose ourselves to that we can control. what would some of those environmental toxins Dr Hedaya (13:38) Well Bill Gasiamis (13:39) be? Dr Hedaya (13:40) so for example, you know, in your produce, you know, there are pesticides, or in the man made materials in your car or the man made materials in your home. Let’s say you bought a new home and you have, you know, some kind of synthetic floors or furniture with synthetic materials or materials that are natural that are treated with chemicals for various reasons. Those things all can be not everyone is, but many of them are called homes. hormone interruptors because they actually can change the way your hormones function. You know? So we’re the truth is we’re bathed in these chemicals. They’re everywhere. And very hard to escape them. The best thing you can do is kind of try to detox them using a healthy diet, a lot of crucifer vegetables and lots of vegetables, above ground vegetables that are grown in healthy soil. Without pesticides, organic preferably, right? and then there are supplements you can take, such as metagenics makes something called UltraClear Plus, which helps support the liver, and its detox functions. You know, some people are more vulnerable than others, but you know, these thyroid nodules you like you have, they’re very, very common now. Very common. And that’s you know. In large measure, I think these hormone interrupters that are interfering with how the the thyroid follicles in the thyroid gland are operating. Bill Gasiamis (15:13) Is it possible to have thyroid nodules and not know about it? I, I Dr Hedaya (15:18) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (15:19) say that because I had nodules that were the size of a baseball, apparently in my throat that were growing inwards, that didn’t make a lump outside of my throat, which Dr Hedaya (15:33) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (15:34) I was not aware of. And the way they found it was they did a chest X-ray after brain surgery because I wasn’t recovering well. to check my chest to see if there’s an infection. And they noticed a massive lump in my throat and my esophagus and my windpipe were pushed six centimeters. Dr Hedaya (15:52) Wow. Bill Gasiamis (15:53) I’m not sure what that is in inches. And they said to me, well, can you swallow? Can you breathe? Can you do it? And I was like, yeah, I’m all fine. There’s nothing wrong with my throat. But that was the first sign that there was something wrong with my thyroid before that. there was no sign of it. I ask that because either I’m totally oblivious or it is possible to have thyroid nodules and not know it. Dr Hedaya (16:23) Well, most people don’t know it. Now yours is so massive, but I think it’s kind of what you said is how it grew. If it grew towards your vocal cords or your laryngeal nerve or something, you would have had some pretty bad hoarseness or something like that. But it grew I guess backwards so it didn’t interfere that much. And I guess your s your body adapted gradually over time. You know, yes, it’s very possible for sure. Very common. Bill Gasiamis (16:49) And how would somebody interact with a general practitioner, for example, now to go through the process of understanding, A, their thyroid health and whether or not they have any nodules. Navigating Thyroid Health with Healthcare Providers Dr Hedaya (17:02) I mean in other words, given what we’ve talked about, how should they approach their doctor basically? Bill Gasiamis (17:07) Yeah. Dr Hedaya (17:08) I guess I would say go to AI, get a list of the symptoms of low thyroid or high thyroid or all of them, check them off. So then when you go to the doctor you have a list, check your temperature, check your pulse, although the doctor will should check that. And then you could say, look, I have these symptoms, or maybe you don’t have any. But if you do, you have these symptoms, and clearly thyroid hormone levels can affect the brain. And I’d like a TSH, a free T4, a free T3, and a reverse T3. That’s it. And if they Bill Gasiamis (17:45) Okay, perfect. Dr Hedaya (17:46) say, no, no, we don’t need to do that, you know, a lot of times what they do, they’ll just do a TSH. Or they won’t do the reverse T3. They don’t, unfortunately, look at the thyroid gland in a dynamic way. They say, the TSH is fine. If your thyroid was low, your TSH would go high. We don’t need to do the rest. But that’s not true. That’s not true at all. Because especially if you had a stroke, your pituitary function may be compromised. Your TSH may be fine or low and your low thyroid. As matter of fact, in the last interview, the case that I talked about, who referred me to you, she actually had a low TSH, but she had a very low, I think it was a free T4. Or free T3 or both, whatever it was, but she had too little thyroid hormone, and her pituitary couldn’t respond because of the stroke. Bill Gasiamis (18:37) understood. So that’s a great list of Dr Hedaya (18:37) So so be you have to be dogmatic and you say to the doctor, look Even put into even put into AI and say, look, if the doctor comes back to me and argues against these tests, what should I say? You gotta be prepared because the doctor will steamroll you. You know, that they only allow this, they only allow that, I’ll only do the free T4. Well, that doesn’t tell you how much has been converted to T3, free T3, and it doesn’t tell you, even if the free T3 is normal, that doesn’t mean you’re not overproducing thyroid and and dis you know, and neutralizing it with the reverse T three. So, you know I mean I I mean I think it’s s so important that a thorough look is is really important. If you have the symptoms, you know. Bill Gasiamis (19:22) I agree with you. That list of to-dos, I’m gonna put that on the show notes. People can go and get that list if they don’t wanna go into AI themselves or they haven’t got the time or whatever. They can just download it from there. And then they’ll be able to take that and begin a conversation with their general practitioner. What’s interesting is that I’m in Australia, you’re in the United States. My general practitioner is pushed back when a… when a patient will turn up and say, I have these tests? They’ll say, well, no, you don’t have any condition that is obvious that you need these tests. So it’s not covered. So you don’t need to do it. So my next suggestion to them is no problem. Order the tests and I’ll pay for them. Now it’s not ideal, but if you’re not going to do them for me and I need to know, cause it’s my health, I’m going to pay for them. So just tell me how much it is and I’ll find a way and I’ll make it happen and I’ll pay for it. So that’s another option. Dr Hedaya (20:17) Yeah. But if you go in with your symptom list, right, and you say, Well, that’s not true, because these are the symptoms, you know, that I have, here they are, right here. You can take a look, you know. And then the last thing I’ll say, this gets even more tricky, is the reference range, I’m sure in Australia, but certainly in the United States, the reference range basically is of the TSH, the pituitary home. Is 0.5 to 4.5, meaning you anywhere in that range and your TSH is normal. That is a bad reference range. And I know it to be a fact because I I I guess I won’t waste your time with it, but I did a study on a hundred people and with a very sensitive thyroid test called a TRH stimulation test. and I was able I hired a statistician to calculate this. And say, well, I don’t want to keep doing this test on everybody. What TSH predicts an abnormal TRH stimulation test? And he came back and said to me, Well, once the TSH is over 1.4, it starts to increase your odds of having an abnormal TRH stimulation. So I said, okay, so 1.4 TSH is my cutoff, right? That’s in my mind. I said, okay, that’s that’s my cutoff, that’s when I get suspicious. Later, several years later, a paper came out, a large, large study, called the NHANES Study, Nurses Health, and I’m not sure what it stands for. Thousands of people followed over many, many years, over decades, and they found the mean TSH in the US population is 1.4. So, right where I what right where my study found. So that means statistically, it is not. impossible to have the upper limit of the reference range being at four point five because statistically the upper limit is never more than two standard deviations. So even if your standard deviation is 1.4, which it can’t be, you you’re not going to reach 4.5, right? Unless you have a it’s called a bimodal distribution curve. If you have that, then you’d say, well, it it could be. But we don’t have that with thyroid. So that reference range is wrong. The upper limit of the reference range should be 2.5. And about half the endocrinologists in the United States believe that. And half say, no, no, no, don’t change it. So that’s another sticky point because, you know, easily people get a result and they’ll go to the doc and say, no, the reference range is 4.5. You’re normal. Then you could say, well, look, I have these symptoms, and they could do a literature search. What’s the normal reference point? What in in the N A N HANES N-H-A-N-E-S study? It’ll show you 1.4. and you could take be prepared to go to the doctor and say, Well, here’s a study that suggests that the reference range may be incorrect. and I have symptoms by the way. We don’t treat the lab, we treat the person. So could we give a trial? Just a trial, there’s no harm done, you know, trial. Let’s see let’s start at a very low dose. Let’s see how I feel. Maybe I’ll get better. I’ll come back in a month. Bill Gasiamis (23:45) Yeah, I love that. It’s really good advice, especially coming from someone who is a doctor who think is thinking on the same way as me, for example, the patient. Because that’s like a match made in heaven. And that’s so rare to be able to get that. Often, my challenge to my general practitioner was well, the reference range isn’t that average of a sick population, because it’s usually a sick population that comes to see you to get bloods. It’s It’s not the most healthiest people that come to see you to get bloods. And that’s kind of how I try to like start the conversation of convincing a general practitioner to do a test that they’re reluctant to do. And when I say they’re reluctant, I’m not in there every day. I’m not in there every week. And I’m not putting stress on the system to an extent where I’ve been over using the system. I’m not at all. in there once, twice a year, maybe, you so if I’m in once, twice a year, well, then, I’m not mucking around. Like I’ve come there to investigate something that I’m suspecting is wrong with me. It’s my body. I’m feeling something. had a bit of a look online. This is what I suspect. Don’t try and convince me out of my thinking or my instinct more better. Why don’t we just, work together to get to the bottom of it. If it is something it is, if it’s not, it’s not, and that’s okay. Not a big deal. I’m better to know. then not no, I think, you know, it’s better to be safe than sorry in my mind. Dr Hedaya (25:16) Yeah. I would I would only think only correction I would make is the reference ranges generally are made on normal populations. Now now the thing is who’s normal anymore? Number one. Number two, that’s a statistical norm that doesn’t tell you anything about your genetics. your vulnerabilities, it’s not an individualized statistic. I mean it’s it not an individualized thing. What’s your normal range? And are you out of your normal range? Nobody can answer that, right? Unless you had previous data before you were ill. And you say, well look, I’ve been running at a 1.1 for five years or 10 years and now I’m at 3.2. That’s a big change. Well, you know you’re stressed. Well yeah maybe but here are my symptoms. Always come back to your symptoms. Bill Gasiamis (26:11) Got it, got it. Dr Hedaya (26:12) No. Bill Gasiamis (26:13) You use the word stress just now and my general practitioner says, I might go in and some bloods might be out of whack or some things might be not feeling great. And he’ll say, are you stressed? And I’m like, well, I’m not stressed. like, I’m not stressed in any way that I can say is worse than normal. For example, I’m Dr Hedaya (26:35) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (26:36) just, you know, I’m attending to my clients at work. picking up the kids from school, I’m, you know, making sure the bills are paid. Like I’m just doing the normal things that I always Dr Hedaya (26:48) Right. Bill Gasiamis (26:48) do, which tend to be stressful. And somehow when we talk about stress, cortisol seems to come into the conversation. Dr Hedaya (26:57) Mm-hmm. The Role of Stress and Cortisol Bill Gasiamis (26:58) And I don’t know how to respond to a general practitioner who says to me, am I stressed? Because I’m not experiencing something extreme or dramatic. in the months before I came to see him. So can we have a conversation a little bit about stress, cortisol, what is stress, what is cortisol, are they linked? Tell me about that, give me your thoughts. Dr Hedaya (27:21) Okay. Okay, so this is a multi-layer system. Okay, it starts with your perception and your of a situation and the story you tell about you the story you tell yourself about the the situation and your need for control of a situation and as opposed to saying I’m in the flow of the universe and All right, this is you know, this is the way it is, and I’ll adapt to it. Not so easy by the way, but it’s a much healthier way because most things will not stress you. Now, pain, let’s say you stepped on a nail, you’re gonna have stress, okay? Totally stressful, etc. But there’s a a difference between pain and suffering. Most of our problem is suffering. Suffering is a result of thinking patterns. perspectives of yourself and the world and the future and blah blah blah. I could talk about that for a long time. And that is probably one of the most important places to intervene and to train yourself, etc. Now, once this thing is registered as stress, it goes through back to the hypothalamus and the pituitary where all those hormones are controlled, the hypothalamus and pituitary in the brain, now you’ve God forbid, you’ve had a stroke. Those things may be affected, therefore, those systems may not be working well. In that case, you may not be able to handle stresses that you used to handle. You may not you may not have those shock absorbers. So, how do you measure this? I think the way you measure it again are symptoms, and typically it would be low cortisol and low DHA, d DHEA, and low pregnenolone. And the symptoms would be a lot of fatigue, right? Maybe poor wound healing, muscle aches, body pains, getting sick more easily, cognitive slowing, depression, anxiety, extreme exhaustion, salt cravings, in unstable temperatures, you know, I would say yeah You know, th loss of appetite in severe cases, you know, dizziness on standing. Okay. So those are the low adrenal output things. Now how d how do you measure and again, you think you have a problem, go to an AI thing, make that list, check it off, whatever applies, and you know, work yourself up symptomatically and then ask well, okay, what what are the best tests here? What are the best test. Now the way I test it is I get morning I got a morning like eight to nine a.m fasting ACTH and cortisol. It’s gotta be in the morning around between eight and nine a.m. fasting. I also at the same time get a D, like David, H E A and a D H E A sulfate, and then I also get a pregnenolone. And if I think there’s any kind of sex hormone problem that I want to check, then I will check a free testosterone, FSH, LH, and The testosterone measures the free testosterone is very unreliable. So if it comes out low, you want to do it two more times to double check that. But the other measures are pretty reliable. And then you’ll you’ll know the other thing you can do is you could do something called a Dutch test, which is a urine test that’ll look at your cortisol through the day, or an adrenal saliva test. It’s ASI, alleval adrenal saliva index, the Dutch test. or the ASI, both good tests. and those will tell you what’s going on through the day. Like if you’re not sleeping, it could be because your cortisol high at night, you know. Wake up horrible or in pain. Could be because your cortisol is really low in the morning. Really low. You can’t even get out of bed, you know, can’t get going, right? So these are all all things that you can do to measure and then you can replace these hormones and That’s one thing to do. The other thing to do is to work on how you manage stress. There are millions of ways of doing that, right? From meditation to heart math to Bill Gasiamis (32:05) Mm-hmm. Dr Hedaya (32:06) yoga to you know, there’s just a lot a lot a lot of ways to Bill Gasiamis (32:10) Yeah, let’s go back for a moment and talk about testosterone because when I hear testosterone, I’m hearing you say to a male that I need to have testosterone in my body and at certain levels, et cetera. And sometimes it can fall out of whack and you need to get it tested. I had mine tested recently. It’s all good. But women also need testosterone. Tell me about that. Dr Hedaya (32:35) Yeah, so I was I was thinking of both male and female when I said it, Bill Gasiamis (32:38) Yeah. Dr Hedaya (32:39) because it’s it’s you know, women who are postmenopausal can have it’s much more common to have a low free testosterone loss of libido, you know. testosterone the studies which I’ve reviewed a few times, you know, there’s a debate does it affect the mind, the brain, you know. It seems to have an effect on well being, on vitality muscles, sex drive obviously, libido erectile function, brain cognitive function, some mood effects, etc. So I I think it’s important now i it it has to be managed in women as well as men. You know, in in women testosterone is a step on the way to estrogen as it is in men, right? And in the metabolism, right? So it it should certainly be assessed in everybody. Bill Gasiamis (33:39) Yeah. And estrogen, mentioned estrogen. Now, one of them in my mind, it seems to be more associated again to women, estrogen, especially. And, and then men also have estrogen, need estrogen. Dr Hedaya (33:55) Men also have estrogen. I haven’t studied it so I couldn’t tell you, but I imagine it’s doing something. it probably turns men into better leaders after they’re fifty, is my guess. Let Bill Gasiamis (34:08) more emotionally intelligent. Dr Hedaya (34:10) more emotionally intelligent, less testosterone, you know. You know, I I I Bill Gasiamis (34:15) You know what? That’s a good theory. We’ll run with that for now. I might relate to that, know, who knows. Dr Hedaya (34:22) Yeah. I I think Bill Gasiamis (34:24) Awesome, awesome, so… Dr Hedaya (34:24) Yeah, so w for for women on estrogen, it depends, you know, who are you assessing? Are you that’s a whole complex subject, you know. Is it a young woman who’s menstruating? Does she have premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance, they all kind of travel together, methylation problems, they travel together. is it someone who’s perimenopausal where she’s starting to lose progesterone and getting a lot of PMS? That’s pretty easy. You can replace the progesterone. Is it postmenopausal a woman who’s just kinda lost the estrogen, lost the progesterone? You know, if there’s a family history of cognitive decline or dementia or something like that, there’s great evidence that transdermal estrogen and some oral progesterone bio bioidentic, not synthetic, is great and reduces the risk for lots of disorders later in life for women. You know. So there’s a whole you know, there’s a whole way of working all that up, depending on who who you’re looking at. But very important. Now so the let me Bill Gasiamis (35:31) Yeah, I love it. Yeah. Dr Hedaya (35:34) say this. The important thing here, and this is maybe the most important thing. Someone’s had a stroke, they’re obviously tremendously stressed. You have to look at all the hormones. You can’t the brain is a hormonal organ. It’s an immune organ. It’s a neurological organ. I used to teach psycho, neuro, immuno, and the chronology at Georgetown for a number of years. Okay? And the brain and hormones, you can’t separate it. So if the brain is under stress, the hormonal axes are under stress, and there’s not one hormonal axis when it’s abnormal that cannot cause neurological or psychiatric problems. Okay? So you must, as part of the work of anyone who’s had stroke. You must look at the endocrine, the hormonal axis. You know, you must look at it. Why? Because if you’re trying to recover from a stroke and you don’t have adequate hormones, it’s gonna be much, much harder. Much, much harder. Right? But Bill Gasiamis (36:37) Peace. Dr Hedaya (36:38) if you have if you have the the hormones at good levels, okay, now the the brain has that. If it has its nutrients, it has that, you know, okay, now it can do something, you know. What happens, think about it this way. What happens in adolescence? The brain is being rewired, the body’s growing, brain is rew being rewired. Where are the hormones? The hormones are skyrocketing. They’re necessary for the rewiring. You had a stroke, you’re trying to rewire brain, you gotta have adequate hormones. Bill Gasiamis (37:10) I love it. This is the thing that people miss. You know, we talk about the gap in stroke recovery. Acute phase gets handled Dr Hedaya (37:19) That’s Bill Gasiamis (37:19) 99 % of the time really well. People get patched up and they get sent home in some kind of alive state, whether they are fully functional Dr Hedaya (37:27) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (37:28) or working towards it or whether they are less functional and working towards being more functional, like some kind of stage Dr Hedaya (37:35) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (37:36) of you’re alive and you’re good enough to go home. And then there’s no information after that. So how do we assess address? How, what do we know? What do we not know that we need to know? And this is kind of what this conversation is, right? It’s like, okay, here’s Dr Hedaya (37:53) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (37:53) a whole bunch of things we’ve just discussed. There might have been things that you heard for the first time. Don’t let that, get in the way of your curiosity and investigate the thing that pricked your ears up, whether it was a symptom that Dr. Hedaya mentioned and just do a little bit more work in understanding what that is, take that to your general practitioner and begin the conversation of taking responsibility for your recovery. And in my mind, like there’s gotta be like a foundational thing that people can do to intervene that doesn’t cost most of the time anything extra. And that helps encourage and nourish the brain in overcoming these challenges, but then has the a cascade effect of having the same positive outcome on all the other organs and hormones. And that to me is nutrition. So like, if you’re, if you would suggest to somebody how they might start thinking about their nutrition as opposed to what they might have been doing before stroke, how do you begin that conversation? And what are the two or three fundamental things that they need to consider? about nutrition. Nutrition’s Impact on Brain Recovery Dr Hedaya (39:11) Okay, so If it doesn’t grow that way, don’t eat it. I never saw a bread tree. I didn’t see an ice cream tree or a Twinkie tree. Okay. So if it doesn’t grow that way, don’t eat it. Balance your plate. Balance your plate. And actually our coach, Caroline Hade, is putting out an ebook. I don’t know, should be out at a week or two or three weeks. It’s like, I don’t know, four or five dollars or something. and that will tell you exactly how to balance your plate. and then I would say very important to have three meals and maybe, depending on your how insulin resistant you are, maybe additionally two snacks. and per day, but keep your calories you don’t want to be overweight, okay, because if you’re overweight, you know, that’s a That’s its own risk factor for brain problems, right? but you can’t lose weight in a day, you’re stressed, you’re hungry, you’re tired, you eat the carbs, you know, everybody struggles with that. But that that is one of the biggest enemies of eating eating eating these processed carbs that we all love is one of the biggest enemies of your health. One of the biggest enemies of your health for sure. Bill Gasiamis (40:35) Okay, there are some great resources that people can again look into how to eat to heal the brain. And we didn’t have to have a deep conversation about that. But I love Dr Hedaya (40:45) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (40:45) what you said about balancing the plate. And if it didn’t grow that way, don’t eat it. It’s such a simple thing. If it comes in a packet on a shelf in a supermarket with all fancy pictures Dr Hedaya (40:59) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (41:00) and stickers and a list of ingredients, like it’s probably not nutritional. of food. It’s probably something that’s going to make inflammation worse. It’s probably something that’s going to give you the type of energy that is not helpful. It’s probably going to have a whole bunch of other things. And that’s kind of my approach to healing and recovering my brain. It’s one of the first things I did was just look at my nutrition, immediately stop smoking and drinking. mean, I know it should go without saying, but sometimes you have to have a stroke for it to actually sink in and make sense. and don’t have any alcohol at all. I’m talking about forever if you can, but I didn’t have alcohol Dr Hedaya (41:46) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (41:47) for at least the first four or five years. And now in the next five years or so, maybe I had one glass per year, just because I was, in an event where it was, everyone was drinking and it was almost necessary to have sip or half a sip or act as if I was drinking. So with that, I think we’ll wrap up this conversation today. There’s been a lot for people to digest, go back and listen to it a second time. And a third time that we have some resources in the show notes. And Dr. Hedaya, thank you for joining me again. And I look forward to our conversation that’s coming up in a few weeks time where we’re going to talk about toxin load and neuroplasticity. Dr Hedaya (42:29) Beautiful. Thanks so much for the opportunity, Bill. I hope I hope people get something out of this and they pursue what they need to pursue. Bill Gasiamis (42:36) Well, that’s a wrap on this conversation with Dr. Robert Hedeya. If there’s one thing to take from today’s interview, it is this. The brain is a hormonal organ and recovery isn’t just about the brain healing in isolation. Thyroid, cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, all of it is connected, and all of it is worth checking if your recovery has plateaued in ways that don’t quite make sense. Dr. Hadea’s free PNIE questionnaire is linked in the show notes. Download it, work through it, and take it with you to your next GP visit. If you want to go deeper on the thyroid piece specifically, go back and listen to the earlier episode with Dr. Elena Zinkov on stroke fatigue and thyroid. And if you missed it, the first conversation with Dr. Hedeya on photobiomodulation is a great companion to this one. if this episode has helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. That’s genuinely the best way to help this show reach more survivors. My book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened, is available at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And if you’d like to support the show financially, you can do so at Patreon by going to patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. Until next time, take care of yourself and don’t assume it’s just a stroke. The post Hormones, Fatigue, and the Brain: Dr. Robert Hedaya Returns appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

"Your partner is not broken. Your relationship is not unsalvageable. She is simply going through one of the most profound biological transitions of a human life—and she shouldn't have to navigate it alone." — Dr. Rachel PopeWhy This Guide ExistsWhy is it that the most common question women in menopause support groups ask is: "How do I explain this to my partner?"How do you explain that the irritability, the sleep loss, the brain fog, and the sudden physical changes are not personal attacks or signs of a relationship unraveling, but rather the result of a massive, systemic neurological and hormonal transition?To bridge this gap, board-certified OBGYN and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Rachel Pope created this comprehensive audio guide. Written with equal measures of clinical precision and direct, honest language, this guide is designed specifically for the partner who loves a woman in transition. It is not designed to help you "fix" or "manage" her; it is designed to help you understand the profound science of what she is experiencing so you can show up as a true, informed partner.What You Will Learn in This Guide: Perimenopause: The actual timeline (it can last 4 to 10 years), ovarian decline, the pituitary "shout" (FSH), and why standard blood tests frequently miss it. Physical Body Transition: The real thermoregulatory science of hot flashes, night sweats, sleep architecture changes, metabolic shifts (visceral fat distribution), and cardiovascular safety. Psychological Landscape: Why her brain is not betraying her. The neurochemical connection between fluctuating estrogen, serotonin, GABA, sudden anxiety, panic, and "brain fog." Sex, Desire, Intimacy: Demystifying Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), painful intercourse, the drop in testosterone, and the crucial shift from spontaneous to responsive desire. Practical Protocols for Partners: How to own the cognitive labor of the household, optimize the bedroom temperature (65°F to 68°F), utilize better intimacy tools (like UberLube), and support her medical treatment decisions (including Menopause Hormone Therapy).The Partner's Quick Communication Cheat Sheet:Instead of saying the wrong thing, try shifting your language to show partnership:Instead of: "You're being so emotional about this." Try: "I can see this is hard. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."Instead of: "Is it your hormones again?" Try: "What does support look like for you right now?"Resources Locate a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) near you at menopause.org Follow @drrachelpope on Instagram Love, Sex, and MenopauseIf you found this guide helpful, please leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with a friend or partner who needs to hear it!

What happens when men's health gets reduced to one testosterone number? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Dr. Brandon Smith, MD, a conventionally trained physician practicing at hol+, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about men's health, low testosterone, sleep apnea, TRT, GLP-1s, muscle, stress, hormones, and why so many men are waiting too long to get proactive about their health.Together, they explore why men's health needs a reframe, especially in a medical culture where many men are taught to only go to the doctor when something is clearly broken. Dr. Smith shares what he sees in the exam room, from younger men asking about testosterone before starting a family, to men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s realizing they have spent years pushing through fatigue, stress, brain fog, weight changes, low libido, poor sleep, or changes in performance without knowing where to start.Dr. Taz and Dr. Smith also unpack why low testosterone is not always a simple testosterone problem. Dr. Smith explains the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone, why one lab number is only a snapshot, why testosterone can fluctuate throughout the day, and why morning testing matters. They also discuss why symptoms, context, body composition, sleep, stress, inflammation, chronic illness, and lifestyle all need to be part of the conversation before jumping straight to testosterone therapy.This conversation takes a closer look at one of the most overlooked drivers of low testosterone: sleep apnea. Dr. Smith explains why disrupted sleep can create a stress signal in the body, why men may not realize they are waking up throughout the night, and why the body may lower reproductive hormones when it does not feel safe, rested, or recovered. They also discuss how fasting, chronic stress, high cortisol, poor recovery, and underlying medical conditions can affect hormone levels.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

(00:00:00) 223: Menopause Explained so Even a Husband can Understand (00:00:12) Welcome to the Itchy and Bitchy Podcast (00:00:43) Doc Itchy Medical Pets Supplements (00:01:03) Explaining Menopause in Simple Terms (00:03:39) The Pituitary-Hormone Axis: A Toilet Analogy (00:07:12) Menopause as a Hormone "Dumpster Fire" (00:08:22) Break Announcement (00:08:35) Four Hormone-Chaos Events in Life (00:13:22) Break Announcement (00:14:04) Sleep Disorders and Aging (00:24:10) Break Announcement Here's the deal.Think of your hormonal system like a toilet. Your ovaries are the water tank. When they're full of estrogen, the pituitary gland, your body's master control panel,  sees a full tank and relaxes. Everything flushes smoothly.We break down this hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in plain English, no medical degree required. You'll finally understand why your body is doing what it's doing, and what you can actually do about it.Because you deserve to understand your own plumbing.Itchy & Bitchy is the podcast for anyone who has ever felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit by a broken medical system.  From gut health and hormone health to autoimmune disease and chronic pain, we investigate what science actually says. We examine functional medicine, holistic health, and alternative medicine with the same skeptical If it's pseudoscience, we'll call it. If it's medical gaslighting, patient advocacy failure, or misdiagnosis we'll call that too. For chronic illness warriors, self-advocacy seekers, and wellness skeptics WE OFFER  No filters. No BS. Just the truth your doctor didn't have time to tell you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/itchy-bitchy-podcast--4303608/support.Itchy & Bitchy: Have you felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit by a broken medical system.  From gut health, hormones, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, holistic health, and alternative medicine ... medical gaslighting, patient advocacy , or misdiagnosis we'll call that too.  For chronic illness warriors, self-advocacy seekers: WE OFFER  No BS 

I loved this conversation with Dr. Aimee, also known as the Egg Whisperer. She's so real, honest, authentic and dedicated. In our conversation she shares practical insights, innovative treatments, and inspiring stories to empower women on their fertility journeys. Whether you're just starting or deep into treatment, this episode offers invaluable advice for building your family.   We cover:  The importance of activity and lifestyle habits for fertility Debunking myths around fertility treatments and advice Essential lab markers everyone should know The role of innovative therapies like rapamycin and ovarian PRP Navigating emotionally supportive care and self-advocacy in fertility Future technologies that could revolutionize reproductive health In this episode: Dr. Aimee emphasizes the significance of staying active for fertility, explaining how movement influences inflammation and metabolism She shares her stance on common misconceptions, including the debunking of semen ingestion and the necessity of sex before embryo transfer The discussion highlights the critical lab markers: hemoglobin A1c, iron studies, AMH, FSH, and ultrasounds for ovarian reserve Explore cutting-edge approaches like rapamycin and ovarian PRP to extend fertility potential, including success stories of women over 40 Insights into supporting patients emotionally, delivering bad news with compassion, and advocating for oneself across the fertility journey A glimpse into the future: potential of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), fertility regeneration, and the quest to extend reproductive longevity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and importance of trusted fertility resources 02:05 - The impact of activity and movement on fertility health 01:36 - Myths and overrated fertility advice, including semen swallowing and sex timing 02:38 - Coffee's role in fertility, debunking misconceptions 02:45 - Essential lab markers: Hemoglobin A1c and iron studies 03:21 - Recommended screenings: AMH levels and fertility preservation discussions 04:23 - Women over 40 and natural vs. assisted pregnancy possibilities 05:42 - Critical fertility tests: AMH, FSH, and ovarian reserve 06:44 - Simplifying AMH and FSH: what do these markers really mean? 08:17 - Egg quality assessments and genetic testing limitations 09:19 - Handling retrievals with low follicle counts and the future of single-egg IVF 10:29 - Dr. Aimee's motivation for supportive fertility care over clinic statistics 11:29 - Trends towards IVF with fewer eggs and clinic evolution 12:03 - The journey of the Egg Whisperer and family influences 14:07 - Supporting emotional well-being through compassion, mental health referrals, and personal connection 16:23 - Building a holistic team for fertility success 18:05 - Self-advocacy: knowing your medical records and asking the right questions 20:24 - Expected attrition rates in IVF success and understanding the 'pyramid' 22:37 - Lifestyle, supplements, and experimental therapies for improving outcomes 23:39 - Innovations: rapamycin and ovarian PRP, their potentials and success stories 28:35 - Historical FDA use of rapamycin and current fertility applications 29:39 - The procedure and promise of ovarian PRP 35:16 - The need for more gender-specific women's health research 41:10 - Emerging future technologies, including IVG and fertility regeneration 43:09 - Tips for those beginning their fertility journey and critical questions to ask 44:44 - What does living well mean? Personal insights from Dr. Aimee Resources & Links: Dr. Aimee - The Egg Whisperer Rapamycin case series publication Ovarian PRP details Anti-aging and longevity insights Fertility Tools & Supplements Connect with Dr. Aimee: Instagram Twitter Website Connect with me:  Connect with me on Instagram  ShopMy - What I'm Loving Lately   Email: Hailey@hailey-miller.com

This episode is all about how to survive your HSG. Otherwise known as a hysterosalpingogram. That's a big scary word so let's break it down! Hystero = uterus Salpingo = tube Gram = picture of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is basically a picture of your fallopian tubes. I like to think of the fallopian tube as the embryo transport system. It's where the egg and sperm come together and it's how the embryo will travel to the uterus. Part of fertility screening is not just for FSH, estradiol, and AMH for women. It's not just to see how fast the swimmers are swimming. It's also important to make sure that the fallopian tubes are open! It's the "T" in the tushymethod.com In today's episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm talking more about HSG. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!  Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Send us Fan MailMost people think of the menstrual cycle as bleeding, cramps, cycle day one, or an app prediction. But the period is really the final report — not the main event.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explains the menstrual cycle from the ovary's point of view. Learn how the brain, ovary, and uterus communicate each month, why one follicle becomes dominant, why IVF does not “use up” future eggs, and why so many common menstrual-cycle myths fall apart once you understand the science.We cover myths like whether ovaries take turns, whether one ovary means ovulating every other month, whether bleeding always means ovulation, whether cycle apps really know when you ovulate, and whether everyone needs to wait three months after a miscarriage before trying again.The menstrual cycle is not a calendar, an app prediction, or a right-left ovary schedule. It is a hormone conversation between the brain, ovary, and uterus.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Your Hormones Are Killing You: Oxytocin, FSH, and the Anti-Aging Protocol Most Doctors Ignore Your hormones are running your love life, your intuition, your longevity, and your brain, and most doctors are getting it completely wrong. Host Dave Asprey sits down with triple board-certified OBGYN Dr. Anna Cabeca to break down the clinical science of oxytocin, female pleasure, hormonal optimization, and why fixing your hormones can make your 70s the best decade of your marriage. Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple board-certified OBGYN and fellow of gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine, with additional board certifications in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She is the bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause, and has spent decades researching the clinical intersection of oxytocin, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone on women's hormonal health, metabolism, and longevity. Her work on keto-green nutrition, vaginal and bladder microbiome health, and bioidentical hormone replacement has made her one of the most credentialed and clinically experienced voices in women's functional medicine practicing today. Dave and Dr. Anna break down the real pharmacology of oxytocin, including its role in muscle regeneration, cortisol suppression, mitochondrial signaling, and vagal tone optimization. They expose the toxic ingredients hiding in mainstream lubricants and vaginal hormone creams, including aspartame, parabens, and petroleum derivatives, and explain why the vaginal microbiome is a frontline organ for women's metabolism and anti-aging. They get into the neuroscience of orgasm, pineal gland activation, endogenous DMT release, and the neurochemical cascade behind peak altered states. Dr. Anna also breaks down the Women's Health Initiative disaster, the FDA's recent reversal on bioidentical hormone replacement, and why FSH is a critical and widely overlooked longevity biomarker. High post-menopausal FSH drives neuroinflammation, accelerates bone loss, and degrades brain optimization outcomes, and most physicians are not testing for it. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, longevity, anti-aging, functional medicine, human performance, brain optimization, and taking full ownership of their biology. You'll Learn: Why oxytocin functions as a regenerative hormone that rebuilds muscle, suppresses cortisol, and supports mitochondria signaling What toxic chemicals are hiding in standard lubricants and vaginal hormone creams and what to use instead How orgasm activates the pineal gland and triggers endogenous DMT release and altered neurological states Why female intuition may be directly linked to mitochondrial density concentrated in the ovaries How elevated FSH drives neuroinflammation, bone loss, and accelerated brain aging in post-menopausal women Why the FDA reversed 30 years of flawed guidance on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy How four days of sensory deprivation supercharges melatonin, oxytocin, and endogenous DMT production Why oxytocin combined with ketamine is being used clinically to break trauma patterns and rewire neural pathways How polyphenols, CoQ10, carnitine, and vagal tone training protect cardiovascular health and support longevity Why polypharma accelerates decline and what functional medicine does differently Thank you to our sponsors! - KILLSwitch | If you're ready for the best sleep of your life, order now at https://www.switchsupplements.com/and use code DAVE for 20% off - Gatlan | Book your free consultation at www.gatlan.com/DAVE - Redmond Real - Leaf Toothpaste | Go to https://redmond.com/asprey and use code ASPREY for 15% off your first order. - Neuronic | Go to www.neuronic.online Code DAVE for $100 off Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights inhealth, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Dr. Anna Cabeca, The Girlfriend Doctor, oxytocin, bioidentical hormone replacement, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, vaginal microbiome, Velve lubricant, Julva, Mighty Maca, cortisol suppression, pineal gland, DMT, neuroinflammation, broken heart syndrome, NT-proBNP, vagal tone, dark retreat, orgasmic meditation, Women's Health Initiative, perimenopause, postmenopause, yoni massage, oxytocin nasal spray, cabergoline, prolactin, Pitocin, CoQ10, carnitine, Arterosil, polypharma, keto-green, The Hormone Fix Resources: • Get An Exclusive Offer On Dr. Anna's Products At: dranna.com/tribe • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Trailer 01:37 – What Is Oxytocin? 07:38 – Clean Lube Launch 09:11 – Toxic Lube Ingredients 17:08 – Oxytocin Prescribing 18:58 – FDA Reverses HRT Warning 26:50 – Dark Retreat & DMT 32:15 – Orgasmic Meditation 42:06 – Female Intuition 46:21 – Broken Heart Syndrome 51:15 – FSH & Hormone Monitoring See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Low AMH, failed IVF, or told donor eggs, and still no real explanation for why? This episode looks at the system a standard fertility workup rarely checks: the nervous system, and how chronic stress affects egg quality, progesterone, thyroid function, and ovulation. If you are a high-achieving, Type A woman who has been told your stress is handled and your thyroid is fine, this is the seven things behind low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, and recurrent pregnancy loss that rarely get investigated, including the cortisol pattern, the full thyroid panel, blood sugar, prolactin, and the stress nerves that run directly through the ovary. This episode covers: low AMH and high FSH, the cortisol curve, a single blood draw misses, thyroid antibodies and reverse T3 behind a "normal" TSH, how stress pulls raw material away from progesterone, blood sugar, and the 3 am wake-up, elevated prolactin, and the nervous system inside the ovary affecting egg quality. This episode is for you if you have low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, a failed or cancelled IVF cycle, or recurrent miscarriage, and you have been told donor eggs are your only option, and no one has explained why this is happening. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why the woman who handles everything is the one who needs this 03:00 The seven things, and why this is physiology, not mindset 03:40 One: survival first, and reproduction turned down 05:00 Two: why a single cortisol draw misses the pattern 06:00 Three: thyroid antibodies and reverse T3 behind a normal TSH 06:50 Four: how stress competes with progesterone 07:50 Five: the 3am wake-up is blood sugar, not anxiety 09:00 Six: the prolactin that got flagged, then dropped 09:30 Seven: the nervous system inside the ovary 11:00 What you can actually change 12:30 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion NEXT STEPS What Your Clinic Missed guide: the lab markers behind each of the seven, in writing. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject MISSED. Functional Fertility Second Opinion: a call where I review your full picture, your labs, your blood sugar, and your partner's results, and help you make an informed next decision. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject FERTILE, or book a call with your partner here. I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for weekly episodes on fertility optimization, IVF preparation, and the lab work your doctor probably isn't running. Get Pregnant Naturally: A Functional Fertility Second Opinion. If this show has helped you make sense of your numbers, please leave a review. It helps other women find the show and be their own advocate.

If your doctor has ever told you, "Your labs look normal," while you're struggling with exhaustion, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety, poor sleep, or hot flashes, this episode is for you.Millions of women navigating perimenopause and menopause are told their symptoms are simply part of aging. But what if there was more to the story?In this podcast, we sit down with Jackie Roberts, a midlife health educator with more than 30 years of experience in laboratory medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, to uncover why so many women feel unheard, misunderstood, and left searching for answers during the menopause transition.Together, we explore why hormone symptoms are often treated one at a time instead of looking at the bigger picture. Jackie explains how the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) changed the conversation around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), what we've learned since that landmark study, and the important differences between synthetic hormones and bioidentical progesterone. Most importantly, she shares how women can have informed, personalized conversations with their healthcare providers instead of accepting, "You're just getting older," as the final answer.We also take a practical deep dive into menopause hormone testing and discuss:• The hormone labs that may help tell the bigger story, including FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone • Why timing your lab work during your cycle can make a significant difference • Additional labs that may help rule out other conditions, including thyroid function, iron, ferritin, prolactin, A1C, and glucose • How chronic stress, cortisol, inflammation, and body composition affect your health after 40 • Why strength training, adequate protein, and lifestyle habits become increasingly important during midlife • The powerful role that community, emotional support, and spiritual wellness play in thriving—not just surviving—through menopauseWhether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this conversation will leave you with practical questions to ask, greater confidence when talking with your healthcare provider, and a deeper understanding of what your body may be trying to tell you.If you're ready to stop guessing and start advocating for your health, press play today.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman who deserves to know she's not imagining her symptoms—and she's certainly not alone.BioI bridge the gap between science and spirit in menopause care. With 30+ years in Laboratory Medicine and pharmaceuticals, including Hormone Replacement Therapy, and a background in award-winning coaching leadership, I help women stop fighting their bodies and start working with them. After navigating my own menopause challenges, I now guide women to restore strength, clarity, and connection—physically, mentally, and spiritually.Social Media InstagramFacebookSubstackYouTubeWebsiteMenopause Strength ResetPlease Patronize Our Sponsors  Healthy aging starts from the inside out. Great Lakes Wellness Collagen is made with clean, grass-fed collagen peptides that are iGen Non-GMO tested, dissolve effortlessly in hot or cold liquids, and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. I personally use it to support healthy skin, stronger hair, joint comfort, and gut health. If you're looking for a simple way to nourish your body after 40, this is one of my favorite daily wellness essentials.Learn more by clicking here. Special Discount Code: VIBEWELLNESSWOMANIf you're curious about supporting your metabolism naturally, check out Ora Organic's GLP-1 Up. It's a plant-based supplement formulated with four clinically studied botanical ingredients that help support your body's natural GLP-1 production, healthy blood sugar response, appetite regulation, and energy balance.CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATIONIf you are ready to try natural HRT check out VITAFEM -  A doctor-formulated menopause supplement built for all 5 hormones. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION     

Perimenopause is not a slow fade. It is a hormonal storm that lasts about a decade. Estrogen swings, progesterone slips first, testosterone quietly declines, and growth hormone falls alongside all of it. That is why the workout that worked at 25 stops working at 45. It is why women come to me saying "I am doing everything right and the scale will not budge." Your biology is changing, and your approach has to change with it. In this episode I'm giving you my top recommendations for every pillar so you walk away with a real protocol, not a pile of overwhelm. We cover the exact biomarker labs to ask for, the truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) now that the black box warning is finally off, the protein and blood sugar shifts your body actually needs in this decade, the strength training and lifestyle biohacks that move the needle, the top supplements that matter, and the foundational and advanced peptide and bioregulator stacks I recommend most often. If you'd like to work with me, you can book a free call here. Timestamps: 02:14 - Housekeeping: one-on-one consults are now open 06:09 - What we are covering today (full roadmap) 08:03 - What perimenopause actually is, average ages, the genetic component 13:18 - Progesterone, the first hormone to fall 17:11 - Estrogen, the master regulator that swings 21:05 - Testosterone, the quiet decline that drives libido and motivation 22:33 - DHEA, cortisol, thyroid, insulin, and FSH 31:36 - The exact labs to ask for (and where to get them) 39:38 - HRT, the 2002 study, bioidenticals, and why timing matters 43:38 - Pillar 1: Nutrition (protein, blood sugar, fiber, alcohol) 53:48 - Pillar 2: Lifestyle and biohacks (strength training, sunlight, nervous system, sauna) 01:05:30 - Pillar 3: Supplements (top 5 + herbs) 01:13:03 - Pillar 4: Peptides foundational stack (BPC-157, Epitalon, Selank) 01:23:47 - Advanced peptide layer (CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin, MOTS-c, PT-141, DSIP, Kisspeptin) 01:35:44 - Fringe biohacks (Dutch test, genetic testing, red light, PEMF, CGMs)   Resources: My trusted Peptide Source Guide. Work with me one-on-one. The Her Stack Planner (digital or prints at home). Join The LongHer Life  ongevity community Products mentioned: BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY HigherDOSE (red light face mask, hair hat, full body panel, PEMF mat) code BRITTANY15 Kineon red light laser, code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY Fatty15 C15 essential fatty acid, code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY Naked Nutrition creatine monohydrate, DM for discount Labs I recommend: Function Health (US) Hundred Health (US, ~100 biomarkers). SiPhox Health (US + Canada at-home blood), code BRITTANY20 NIA Health and Felix Health (Canada). Dutch Test (dried urine, ships worldwide). Let's connect: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music This is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advise.

 Fertility Docs Uncensored Today's episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, Understanding Decreased Ovarian Reserve, the doctors take a deep dive into what decreased ovarian reserve means and how it can impact fertility treatment and family-building decisions. The episode begins with a discussion of how ovarian reserve is evaluated and why several different tests are used together to provide a more complete picture. The docs explain the roles of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol levels, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC), and how these factors interact in assessing a woman's remaining egg supply. The hosts then define decreased ovarian reserve and discuss factors that may increase a woman's risk, including smoking, prior chemotherapy exposure, and inherited conditions such as Fragile X premutation's. The conversation also focuses on treatment options and why fertility specialists often recommend a more proactive approach for patients with decreased ovarian reserve. The doctors explain that a lower egg count does not always mean poor egg quality, particularly in younger women, but it can mean that time is an important factor. They review treatment strategies ranging from ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to in vitro fertilization (IVF), and discuss realistic expectations for IVF outcomes. While patients with decreased ovarian reserve may produce fewer eggs during treatment, many can still achieve successful pregnancies with appropriate care and individualized treatment plans. This episode is sponsored by IVF Florida. 

113. When Jeani scheduled a doctor's visit to address hot flashes, night sweats, and an elevated FSH level, she assumed she was simply following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters who had all entered early menopause. Instead, a routine ultrasound revealed a dislodged IUD, and a month later, on September 11th, a positive pregnancy test that quite literally left her weak in the knees. At 43 years old, with her oldest daughter on the cusp of high school graduation, Jeani found herself forced to completely rewrite the blueprint for her upcoming retirement years. In this episode, she dives deep into the complex, heavy emotions that followed, bravely uncovering the profound sense of shame and unworthiness she carried throughout her pregnancy as she struggled to accept a gift she felt she hadn't planned for or deserved.Jeani pulls no punches when discussing the distinct physical and emotional differences of carrying a baby in her 40s versus her 20s. From an early fetal viability scare and a whole new level of bone-deep exhaustion to a sudden preeclampsia diagnosis at 38 weeks, her path to the delivery room required total mental endurance. She walks listeners through her intense, multi-hour induction in Sioux Falls, detailing the physical agony of a grueling hour-and-a-half push to deliver a sunny-side-up baby—and the incredible labor positioning trick from a seasoned nurse that finally brought her son safely to her chest. Looking back with a heart full of grace, Jeani shares an emotional message for other women navigating later-in-life motherhood, wishing she could tell her pregnant self to banish the embarrassment, accept the support of a baby shower, and fully celebrate the beautiful disruption of a mid-life miracle.Get the resources, transcript, and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode113/Get Rejoova Eggs & Rejoova Repair. Use code FAB for 10% offShop the Show

Discover why hormones are off and what's really driving the imbalance. In this episode, we break down five root causes — from gut dysfunction and disrupted sleep to chronic stress, appetite dysregulation, and omega-3 deficiency — and walk through what you can actually do to fix it. FEATURED PRODUCT Berberine is a powerful botanical compound that acts as a natural GLP-1 supporter — the same metabolic pathway targeted by medications like Ozempic — helping regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and restore appetite signaling from the gut. Since metabolic hormones like insulin and leptin are the first to derail your entire hormone cascade, Berberine directly addresses one of the deepest root causes discussed in this episode. It also supports gut microbiome diversity, making it a foundational tool for anyone working to reclaim hormonal balance naturally.

For most people, donor eggs is at the bottom of the list. It is not where you wanted to land. And if your clinic is recommending it, something in you is saying there has to be more to look at first. Here is what we see every week. The donor egg recommendation rarely arrives after a complete workup. It arrives after looking at the AMH, the FSH, the follicle count, maybe a basic semen analysis, and maybe being told your TSH is normal. Those numbers are real. The diagnosis is real. What gets called complete is the question. This episode is the 11 specific things we most often find skipped before the recommendation gets made. Pull it up. Take notes. Bring it to your next appointment. The 11 patterns: 1. Thyroid, the full panel, not just TSH 2. The gut, including H. pylori 3. Hidden food sensitivities 4. Medications you are already on that affect fertility 5. The vaginal microbiome 6. The seminal microbiome 7. The male partner's full bloodwork 8. Sperm DNA fragmentation 9. Vaginal and seminal cross-contamination between partners 10. The nervous system and HPA axis 11. Liver function and hormone clearance These are the tests that sit outside the standard fertility workup. A 2024 study in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that ovarian reserve markers like AMH do not significantly predict natural conception in women with regular cycles. The donor egg recommendation comes from one snapshot, not the full investigation. If this is the first episode you have landed on in this series, go back and listen to "Told Donor Eggs Are Your Only Option? Ask This First," then "How Long Should I Try With My Own Eggs Before Donor Eggs?" then "The Gut Findings Your Clinic Did Not Look For," and "Multiple Failed IVF And Told Donor Eggs?" This episode brings all of it together. WHAT YOUR CLINIC MISSED The companion guide walks through all 11 of these patterns in more detail, so you can take it to your next appointment and ask the questions. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED, and we will send you the guide. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION A free 45-minute call where I review your labs, your history, and your partner's results with you. You leave knowing what your biology has been telling you and what your next decision could be. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It is how other women find this work. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Donor Egg Recommendation and What Gets Called Complete 01:00 Who's Reviewing Your Case at Fab Fertile 02:00 Thyroid: The Full Panel, Not Just TSH 03:00 The Gut and H. pylori 04:00 Hidden Food Sensitivities 05:00 Medications That Affect Fertility 06:30 The Vaginal Microbiome 08:00 The Seminal Microbiome 08:30 The Male Partner's Full Bloodwork 09:00 Sperm DNA Fragmentation 09:30 Cross-Contamination Between Partners 11:00 The Nervous System and HPA Axis 11:30 Liver Function and Hormone Clearance 13:00 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion

If you've been trying to conceive for a while, you've probably found yourself down a research rabbit hole at some point, reading forum threads at midnight and trying to decode acronyms you barely know. IVF, IUI, FSH, ICSI. The information is out there, but it doesn't always feel like it was written for you.Understanding the difference between your options, and knowing the right questions to ask, can make a conversation with a fertility specialist feel far less overwhelming.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Denise Nesbitt, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist at Hunter IVF, to unpack the key differences between IUI and IVF, including when each is recommended and what to actually expect from both processes. They explore sperm health, egg freezing, success rates, and what's really happening during the two-week wait.This episode is Part 4 of the Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.You'll Hear About:How doctors decide between IUI and IVFWhat actually happens during each fertility cycleWhy sperm health matters more than most people realiseWhat success rates mean and what influences themHow to emotionally prepare for the two-week waitStarting this journey is brave. Having the right information means you can walk into that appointment knowing the right questions to ask, and feeling far less alone in the process.If you know someone who's navigating fertility treatment, share this episode with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & LinksFollow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

Are your hormones changing—or are you simply being told that feeling exhausted, anxious, gaining weight, losing sleep, and struggling with brain fog is just a normal part of aging?In this eye-opening episode of the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, we sit down with women's health expert and nurse practitioner Carolyn Zaumeyer to uncover the truth about menopause, hormone health, and why so many women are suffering unnecessarily.Carolyn breaks down the critical roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and explains how declining hormone levels can impact nearly every system in the body. From hot flashes and night sweats to anxiety, mood changes, low libido, joint pain, vaginal dryness, skin changes, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, we explore the symptoms many women experience but rarely connect to hormones.You'll also learn:• The most common signs of hormone imbalance during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause• How bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works• The differences between estrogen patches, vaginal estrogen, progesterone, testosterone therapy, and hormone pellets• Why outdated hormone research created decades of confusion and fear around HRT• How proper hormone dosing and individualized treatment plans can improve quality of life• The important lab tests women should consider, including estradiol, testosterone, FSH, thyroid markers, vitamin D, and B12• How to advocate for yourself during medical appointments and get your concerns taken seriously• Why treating root causes is often more effective than adding medication after medicationWe also discuss men's hormone health and how optimizing testosterone can impact energy, mood, vitality, confidence, intimacy, and overall well-being.Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, or simply want to better understand your body's changing needs, this conversation provides practical guidance, expert insights, and hope for the years ahead.If you're ready to feel vibrant, energized, and empowered in midlife and beyond, this episode is for you.

Navigating midlife body changes can feel like waking up in a completely different body, even when your routine hasn't changed. Around 15% of active women transition through menopause without experiencing significant weight gain, finding that standard calorie deficits and exercise still work. However, the vast majority notice that previously effective fitness and nutrition habits suddenly stop yielding results. This shift is highly associated with a changing hormonal environment—specifically decreasing estradiol and declining progesterone levels—rather than just the natural ageing process. While it seems logical that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would be the perfect fix, the reality is much more complex. HRT yields highly variable results for body composition; it helps some lose fat, has no impact on others, and can even cause weight gain. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Approximately 15% of active women navigate menopause without significant weight gain and can still successfully lose weight using standard calorie deficits. For many women, the fitness and nutrition strategies that worked five or ten years ago become noticeably less effective during midlife. Accelerated fat gain during menopause is heavily associated with decreasing estradiol and progesterone levels, alongside rising follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Distinguishing between weight gain caused by natural ageing and weight gain caused specifically by menopause remains a complex challenge for researchers. Hormone therapy does not offer a universal solution for weight management, with individual results varying wildly from fat loss to unexpected fat gain. VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what's actually happening in your body — and how to fix it.

Low testosterone isn't just a “male aging” issue — and your thyroid may be playing a much bigger role than you realize. In this episode of Your Thyroid Health, we explore the surprising connection between hypothyroidism and testosterone levels in both men and women.Learn how low thyroid hormone can disrupt key hormones like testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, depression, brain fog, muscle loss, and sexual dysfunction. We also break down why many symptoms of low testosterone overlap with hypothyroidism — and why so many people are misdiagnosed or overlooked.You'll discover:How hypothyroidism affects testosterone productionWhy thyroid dysfunction can disrupt hormone balanceThe warning signs of low testosteroneWhether treating hypothyroidism can restore testosterone naturallyWhen testosterone replacement therapy may — or may not — help

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You are lying awake at 2am, heart racing, covers kicked off, periods all over the place - and someone told you it was just stress. It wasn't.Most women have never been told that perimenopause can start as early as 35 and last up to 10 years. That means the anxiety, brain fog, sleep disruption, and irregular periods you have been brushing off may have been hormone shifts all along.In this episode Dr. Beckford breaks down exactly what perimenopause is, when it starts, and why the average woman waits seven years before getting real answers. That is not okay and it is not inevitable.▶ Why a normal FSH test does not mean your hormones are fine▶ The progesterone decline stealing your sleep every night▶ Why your new anxiety may be hormonal - not psychological▶ Five things you can do right now⬇️ Download the free Menopause Guide: https://go.trulybalancedwc.com/menopause-guide

Hey Rockstars! I have another guest with me on the podcast, Connie Nightingale! Connie is a functional health and performance coach specializing in lab interpretation, hormone balance, and total body optimization. Her approach bridges fitness, nutrition, and root-cause health, helping clients go beyond “normal” labs to truly feel their best.Some topics from today's episode include:⭐️Connie's background as a functional health and performance coach specializing in lab interpretation and hormone balance⭐️How lab ranges are based on population data and may not reflect individual health⭐️The significance of testing timing (female hormones and menstrual cycle phases) for accurate interpretation⭐️The value of monitoring trends over time for better health insights and how to spot hidden health issues using lab trends before symptoms appear⭐️The impact of lifestyle on hormone health, especially during menopause and perimenopause⭐️The dangers of overprescribed hormones and the importance of personalized HRT protocols⭐️Starting with lifestyle modifications before medication adjustments⭐️The importance of taking active participation in health—tracking, questioning providers, and understanding lab data⭐️The potential to reverse or improve health conditions through informed actions and lab insights⭐️Key panels: CBC, CMP, lipid profile, thyroid (including TSH, free T3, free T4, antibodies), sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH)Join the Kickstart Round 14! Kickstart is a guided group coaching experience designed for busy, high-achieving women over 40 who are done with yo-yo dieting and ready to implement proven, sustainable methods for fat loss and strength—tailored to their individual bodies and lifestyles. https://www.rockthatfitness.com/kickstartIf you have a chance, please rate and review the podcast so more women just like you can learn more about the Rockstar way! I appreciate you for your support and love ❤️Connie's Links:Website: https://www.connienightingale.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conniebegonnie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7duTyr-etc9gaobjJC19TAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/conniebegonnieRock That Fitness Links:⭐️Link to join Rock That Fitness Membership Today https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-membership⭐️Join the Rockstar Fit Chicks Weekly Newsletter  https://rockthatfitness.kit.com/e10d0c66eb⭐️Check Out Our Exclusive Offer for Extensive Lab Work with Marek Health ⁠https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-marek-health⭐️Head to the Rock That Fitness Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/rockthatfitness/ ⭐️Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/we-got-thisLicense code: RBWENWHGXSWXAEUE

The donor egg recommendation rarely comes after a complete workup. It comes after AMH, FSH, and an antral follicle count. That is usually where the investigation stops. In this episode, Sarah Clark walks through what is missing from the workup before women are told donor eggs are their only path: the full thyroid panel, not just TSH. Stool DNA testing for H. pylori, parasites, and food sensitivities. The vaginal microbiome. The male partner's blood work, which most clinics do not run. The nervous system patterns most REIs do not connect to fertility. Sarah shares Rebecca's case as a proof point. Rebecca was 27. Her AMH was 0.04 ng/mL. POI diagnosis. Told donor eggs were her only option. Her stool DNA testing revealed H. pylori and a parasite. Her food sensitivity testing showed gluten, dairy, and egg intolerance. She had adrenal insufficiency, thyroid imbalance, mineral depletion, and toxic load on her workup. Her eczema, migraines, and asthma were not separate issues. After targeted work, she conceived naturally in month five. Outcomes vary. Rebecca's case is one of many we use to illustrate what completing the workup can look like. This episode is for the woman sitting with a donor egg recommendation who is not ready to agree before she understands what was actually evaluated. The goal is clarity. Not opposition to your clinic. Not a guarantee of any outcome. Clarity on what your workup did not include, so that whatever you decide next gets made on the full picture. What this episode covers: The diagnosis is real. The investigation is incomplete. Why TSH alone is not a thyroid panel. H. pylori, hidden food sensitivities, and the gut inflammation driver. Eczema, migraines, and asthma as fertility signals. The male partner's workup should include beyond a semen analysis. Nervous system patterns most REIs do not connect to fertility. Next steps: Access the free guide: What Your Clinic Missed. The guide walks through the markers that the Fab Fertile team reviews before a donor egg recommendation. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED. Book a Functional Fertility Second Opinion. We'll review your labs, your history, your full picture, and your partner's picture together, so you know what your biology has been telling you and what your next decision should be informed by. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. About the Host I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for weekly episodes on fertility optimization, IVF preparation, and the lab work your doctor probably isn't running. Timestamps [00:00] The Donor Egg Recommendation and the Investigation Underneath It [01:00] The Diagnosis Is Real. The Investigation Is Incomplete. [02:00] Sarah's POI Story and Why Fab Fertile Exists [03:00] Rebecca's Case: POI at 27, AMH 0.04, ng/mL Told Donor Eggs Were Her Only Option [04:00] Functional Lab Testing Before a Donor Egg Decision [05:00] What We Found: H. pylori, Parasites, Food Sensitivities, Adrenal Insufficiency, Thyroid [06:00] Eczema, Migraines, Asthma: Not Separate Issues From Fertility [07:00] Rebecca Conceived Naturally in Month Five [08:00] What Your Clinic Missed: The Markers Before a Donor Egg Recommendation [09:00] Why a Standard REI Workup Cannot Answer Why Your Numbers Are What They Are [10:00] Medical Gaslighting and the Permission to Investigate Further [11:00] The Functional Fertility Second Opinion: How It Works  

In this episode of Dismantling You, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, a Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and founder of Fleura Fertility, trained at Johns Hopkins and Yale. We dig into how traditional fertility clinics often rely on a one size fits all approach to IVF, and why that can actually backfire for women with low AMH or those trying to conceive over 40. Dr. Jennifer shares the patient experience that changed everything for her: a woman who gave up on growing her family because she thought aggressive, high dose IVF was her only option. That moment became the catalyst for her to build a practice centered on personalized protocols and her signature Goldilocks approach to stimulation, finding the just right dose of medication rather than defaulting to the highest one.We also explore cutting edge fertility innovations including ovarian PRP, which is showing promise in improving markers like AMH and antifollicle count, and rapamycin, an emerging treatment that may help protect egg reserves and delay menopause. Dr. Jennifer breaks down how FSH dosing plays a critical role in egg competence and why monitoring it throughout the cycle, not just at baseline, makes a real difference. We talk about how fertility care is evolving to better support LGBTQ individuals through inclusive language and treatment design, and how AI could soon help standardize ultrasound data and embryo analysis. We wrap up with Dr. Jennifer's rapid fire answers on the most underrated factor in fertility, the biggest mistake patients make when choosing a clinic, and the one belief she had to dismantle in her own career.__________________________________________________Key Highlights

Low AMH, high FSH, two miscarriages, told donor eggs were her only option. At 43, she conceived naturally. Here's what her clinic missed before the donor egg recommendation. This episode is for the woman sitting with a donor egg recommendation. Low AMH or high FSH on the chart. Failed IVF or recurrent miscarriage in the history. A clinic that said the numbers leave you no other options. Sarah Clark walks through the case of a 43-year-old client whose REI told her IVF or donor eggs were her only realistic path. Her FSH was 13.6. Her AMH was low. She had two pregnancy losses behind her. The diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve was not wrong. The numbers were what they were. What had not happened was a structured investigation of why those numbers looked the way they did and whether the rest of the picture had been missed. Eighteen months later, she was pregnant naturally with her own eggs. What the clinic had not investigated was a long list. Her TSH was 3. Accepted as normal, but well above the range her own REI would have flagged before IVF prep. A full thyroid panel was never run. Her stool DNA test showed H. pylori, an infection that impairs nutrient absorption and drives inflammation. She had been gluten-free everywhere else for years, but she had been taking a weekly communion wafer every Sunday without realizing it counted. The cabergoline she was on was lowering her cholesterol and impairing her ability to make sex hormones. Her male partner had not been worked up. His semen analysis showed low volume and low concentration. His blood sugar was elevated. His kidney markers showed stress. The vaginal microbiome had not been tested. The seminal microbiome had not been tested. Her night sweats and disrupted sleep had been mentioned and dismissed. Her case is not a guarantee that anyone else will get the same outcome. Every case is different. The patterns we found in hers may not be the patterns in yours. But the principle holds: a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, or high FSH is a starting point for further investigation, not a complete picture of what is possible. What this episode covers: Why low AMH and high FSH are not the complete picture when donor eggs are recommended Why a TSH of 3 is not normal for fertility even when a clinic accepts it How H. pylori, hidden gluten, and gut infections affect egg quality and miscarriage risk What a full male partner workup looks like when there has been pregnancy loss or implantation failure What a structured second opinion covers when you have been told IVF or donor eggs are your only path This episode is for you if: You have low AMH, high FSH, or a diminished ovarian reserve diagnosis You have had a failed IVF cycle, recurrent miscarriage, or implantation failure You have been told donor eggs are your next step and you are not ready to agree before you understand what was actually evaluated You are in your late 30s or 40s and want to understand whether natural pregnancy with your own eggs is still possible Timestamps: [00:00] Low AMH, High FSH, Donor Eggs Recommended at 43 [01:30] Functional Fertility Testing vs Standard REI Workup [03:00] Thyroid and Fertility: Why TSH 3 Is Not Normal [04:30] Cabergoline, Cholesterol, and Sex Hormone Production [06:00] H. pylori, Hidden Gluten, and Gut Infections in Low AMH Cases [08:00] Vaginal Microbiome and Implantation in Recurrent Miscarriage [09:30] Male Partner Workup: Seminal Microbiome and Sperm Health [11:00] Night Sweats, Sleep Disruption, and the Nervous System [12:30] Constipation, Liver Function, and Hormone Clearance [14:00] Pregnant Naturally at 43: The 18-Month Timeline Take action: If you have been told donor eggs are your only option and you want a structured review of your timeline, your labs, and your IVF history before the next decision, the Functional Fertility Second Opinion is where that review happens.

Most women with low AMH and high FSH get one of two answers about their iron: "it's fine," or "it's low, here's a supplement." Both leave the real problem untouched. Failed transfers, failed IVF cycles, miscarriage, irregular cycles, exhaustion that won't lift, and nobody asking why the iron is low in the first place. This episode shows you what the full iron panel actually reveals. In this episode, Sarah Clark sits down with Fab Fertile clinical advisor Katy Bradbury (registered nurse and nutritional therapist) to break down the iron panel every woman trying to conceive should be looking at. Not just the one number your doctor checked, but the full picture. They get into why the standard iron prescription is one of the worst forms you can take, why high dose iron can actually make things worse, and why symptoms you've been told are unrelated (brittle nails, cold hands, hair loss, ice cravings, exhaustion) could all be pointing at the same thing. What you'll learn: The full iron panel every woman trying to conceive should request, and what the numbers actually mean Why being told "your iron is fine" off one number is missing the picture The link between low iron and failed transfers, miscarriage, irregular periods, and pregnancy complications Why low iron is so common with low AMH, high FSH, DOR, and POI The thyroid and iron connection most doctors miss, especially with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism Hidden reasons your iron is low even when you're eating well: gut infections, H. pylori, SIBO, low stomach acid, celiac, heavy periods Why the standard iron prescription often makes you constipated, nauseous, and no better off What to take instead, and why every other day often works better than every day Iron rich foods that actually move the needle, plus the foods and drinks blocking your absorption without you knowing The thyroid medication timing rule nobody tells you about This conversation is for women navigating low AMH, high FSH, DOR, or POI who have been told their iron is fine without anyone running the full panel. It's also for women who have been on iron supplements for years without anyone asking why the iron got low to begin with, and for anyone who has had a failed transfer, a miscarriage, or a failed IVF cycle and is trying to figure out what was missed. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

Menopause is not just “hot flashes”—it is a systemic hormonal shift that affects almost every organ system. For the emergency clinician, recognizing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause is crucial for expanding the differential diagnosis once life-threatening conditions are ruled out. Dr. Pam Dyne joins us for a crash course on evaluating menopausal and perimenopausal patients in the ED. The “Why”: Why Menopause Matters in the ED The Mimic: Menopausal symptoms can mimic emergencies, including cardiac events, neurologic issues, and acute musculoskeletal injuries. The “Nothing Bad” Trap: After a negative workup (e.g., for chest pain or abdominal pain), telling a patient “everything is normal” often leaves them without answers. Identifying menopause as a potential etiology provides patient-centered closure and a path to treatment. Empowerment: Many medical providers are insufficiently trained when it come to menopause – ED clinicians can help patients advocate for themselves. Physiology Refresher: When the Ovaries Retire The Signal: Prior to menopause, the brain sends FSH/LH to the ovaries, and the ovaries answer with estrogen. The Shift: In menopause, the ovaries “retire.” The brain keeps shouting (higher FSH levels), but the ovaries don't respond. Perimenopause: Hormones fluctuate wildly, cycles become irregular, and symptoms are often at their peak due to inconsistency. Hormone Therapy (MHT): Debunking the Myths A major barrier to treatment is the “mass hysteria” caused by the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. The Correction: Modern re-analysis shows that for healthy females under 60 and within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is extremely safe. (There are some exceptions, including females at high risk for certain cancers) The Benefits: It has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality by 30% and has many potential health benefits, including lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and osteoporotic fractures. The Difficult Pelvic Exam: ED “Hacks” Examining older female patients can be challenging for myriad reasons, including physical limitations and lack of proper ED pelvic exam gurneys. The Upside-Down Speculum: If you can’t use stirrups, keep the patient flat on the bed. Turn the speculum upside down (handle facing up) so it doesn’t hit the gurney. Tip: Push down on the handle; don’t pull up like a laryngoscope. Lateral Decubitus: Perform the exam with the patient on their side (top leg held up) if they cannot flex their hips. Comfort: Use liberal lubrication and consider topical lidocaine gel. The “Hidden” Problem: Always check for old/forgotten pessaries or fecal impaction in cases of pelvic pain or recurrent UTIs. Clinical Pearls: Specific Presentations 1. Post-Menopausal Bleeding Rule: Cancer until proven otherwise. Workup: Speculum exam (confirm source) + Ultrasound (measure endometrial thickness) + Endometrial biopsy (usually outpatient). 2. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, thinning tissue, pH changes, and recurrent UTIs (≥3 culture-proven UTIs in 12 months or ≥2 in 6 months). ED Treatment: ED docs can and should prescribe vaginal estrogen cream. It is not absorbed systemically and is highly effective at preventing future UTIs. 3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Types: Cystocele (bladder), Rectocele (rectum), or Uterine prolapse. Exam Tip: Symptoms are often gravity-dependent. If you don’t see the bulge while the patient is supine, ask them to bear down. 4. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Syndrome of Menopause Presentation: atraumatic joint pain, tendinopathies. Cause: Estrogen receptors are located throughout the MSK system; loss of estrogen leads to inflammation and ligamentous changes. Key Takeaways for the ED Clinician Keep menopause on your differential: Don't dismiss vague aches, mood changes, or urinary issues in women aged 45–60 as “just stress.” Look at the Problem: If a patient has pelvic pain or bleeding, do the exam. You might find a simple fix, like a forgotten pessary or local atrophy. Connect to Care: If you suspect menopause is the culprit, point them toward menopause.org to find a certified practitioner. Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Pamela Dyne, Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine and Chief Physician Wellness Officer at Olive View UCLA Medical Center Resources: North Americal Menopause Society (NAMS) – Menopause.org UTIs and Estrogen: the Overlooked Link, By Ashley Winter, MD; Rachel Rubin, MD; and Howie Mell, MD, MPH. ACEP Now, February 16, 2022 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Menopause *** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

We are long overdue for an updated conversation on low estrogen — and today I'm pulling it all apart. Estrogen has been villainized for far too long, and I want to change that. This isn't just about reproductive health or getting your period. Estrogen is a master communicator that touches your brain, heart, bones, gut, skin, mood, sleep, libido, and so much more.   In this episode, I cover: Why low estrogen is one of the most missed and underdiagnosed issues for women between 35 and 65 The three types of estrogen (E1, E2, E3) and why estradiol matters so much beyond fertility Why estrogen often increases first in perimenopause before it eventually declines — and what that means for your symptoms The symptom clusters to pay attention to, organized by body system: Brain, mood & sleep — brain fog, anxiety, emotional flatness, rage responses, waking between 2–4am Body composition & metabolic health — belly fat shifts, muscle loss, fatigue, insulin resistance Skin, hair & connective tissue — collagen loss, hair texture changes, joint pain, frozen shoulder, ACL issues Vaginal & urinary health (GSM) — dryness, painful sex, recurring UTIs, urgency, bladder changes Cardiovascular & bone health — rising LDL, heart palpitations, hot flashes, bone density loss Gut & digestion — bloating, constipation, new food sensitivities, the estrobolome and estrogen recirculation The symptoms I personally would never ignore (waking 2–4am, joint pain without a clear cause, rapid body composition shifts, recurrent UTIs, brain fog affecting your work, heart palpitations) What to ask your doctor to test: FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, full thyroid panel, fasting glucose and insulin, cholesterol, CBC, SHBG — and when functional testing like DUTCH or HTMA may be useful My thoughts on DIM, sulforaphane, calcium-d-glucarate, magnesium, adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca), omega-3s, creatine, collagen, and vitamin D Nutrition strategies — phytoestrogen-rich foods, cruciferous veggies, fiber, protein targets (30–40g per meal), healthy fats, and what to cut Movement priorities — why resistance training 3–4x/week is non-negotiable for bone, muscle, and metabolic health Hormone replacement therapy — what options exist, how to approach the conversation with your provider, and why your protocol will evolve over time   Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

Sarah Clark was told donor eggs were her only option. No second opinion. No workup. Just an IVF brochure pulled off the shelf. This is the story of what was actually going on, and what nobody looked for. At 28, Sarah was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (now called premature ovarian insufficiency). Her OB/GYN handed her an IVF brochure during the appointment. She went to the REI, got on the donor egg list, and had both her kids through IVF with donor eggs. It took another decade before she discovered the underlying imbalances her REI never screened for: food sensitivities to dairy, gluten, and corn, plus a gut infection with H. pylori, streptococcus, fungal overgrowth and nervous system dysregulation (stressed out but didn;t even know it). In this rebroadcast episode, Monica Cox interviews Sarah about the clues her body was giving her for years before the POI diagnosis, and what she wishes someone had told her in her twenties. What you'll learn: The seemingly unrelated symptoms that were early signals (irregular periods twice a year, cystic acne, fungal rashes, chronic yeast infections, dark circles since age 12) Why a POI diagnosis at 28 doesn't automatically mean donor eggs, and why a second opinion matters The post-pregnancy health collapse that exposed the underlying gut and immune dysfunction Food sensitivities beyond digestion: mood, joint pain, skin, brain fog, autoimmune flares Why partners have to be in the protocol from day one, because infections pass back and forth The four foundational tests: food sensitivity, DUTCH hormone, GI-MAP stool, HTMA hair Why IVF should be the last choice, not the first, given the $60K average spend and three-cycle average Where to actually start: just diagnosed vs. one failed cycle vs. multiple failures behind you Timestamps: 00:00 Why this episode is for you if you have low AMH, high FSH, DOR, or POI 02:00 Diagnosed at 28 with premature ovarian failure, handed an IVF brochure, no second opinion 03:00 The clues in her twenties: irregular periods, acne, fungal rash, yeast infections 07:00 Post-kids health crash: chronic sinus infections, bladder infections, vertigo, antibiotic damage 08:00 Discovering food sensitivities (dairy, gluten, corn) and gut infections (H. pylori, strep, fungal overgrowth) 13:00 Connecting the dots: why every "unrelated" symptom was related 15:00 Why partners must be in the protocol, because infections pass between couples 21:00 Multiple failed IUIs and IVFs: burnout, cortisol, and the case for a pause 24:00 The four foundational tests: food sensitivity, DUTCH, GI-MAP, HTMA 35:00 Where to start: just diagnosed vs. one failed cycle vs. multiple failures This conversation is for women who've been told donor eggs are their only option, who are staring down a POI, low AMH, high FSH, or diminished ovarian reserve diagnosis, and who suspect their REI hasn't looked at the full picture. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

What if your brain fog, stubborn weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue in menopause aren't just "hormones"… but your gut asking for help? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, NP—a globally recognized expert in women's health, intermittent fasting, and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast—to unpack the critical connection between your gut and your hormones. And just in time, Cynthia is releasing her brand-new book, The Menopause Gut, a must-read guide to understanding how your microbiome shapes everything from metabolism to mood. Because here's the truth: you cannot heal your hormones without healing your gut. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Cynthia brings both science and strategy to this conversation—helping you understand what's really happening in your body and how to take your power back.     What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your gut microbiome acts as your body's estrogen control center (the "estrobolome") How inflammation and poor gut health drive weight gain, brain fog, and hormone imbalance The connection between leaky gut, autoimmunity, and menopause symptoms Why your metabolism shifts in midlife—and what actually works to reset it How chronic stress and past trauma (ACES) rewire your gut and hormones The truth about fiber, protein, and lifestyle strategies for gut repair Why hormone therapy alone isn't enough without addressing the gut     Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast 02:30 – Why gut health is the foundation of hormone balance 06:45 – The estrobolome: your gut's role in estrogen detox 12:10 – Leaky gut, inflammation, and menopause symptoms 18:20 – Why weight gain happens (even when nothing changes) 24:50 – Stress, cortisol, and the gut-hormone connection 31:15 – FSH, inflammation, and what your labs are really telling you 38:40 – Trauma, ACES, and long-term hormone disruption 45:10 – Practical strategies to heal your gut in midlife 52:00 – Cynthia's top daily habits for hormone and gut health

During my hiatus, please join me on Substack for written content and Substack Lives (also available on replay)  Go to substack.com and download the APP FREE subscribers get access to most content and Subtack LIVEs PAID subscribers get access to all content, and can attend the monthly ASK ME ANYTHING Webinars.  For a FREE subscription, go to https://drstreicher.substack.com/subscribe. If you choose to become a PAID subscriber, use this link to subscribe, and you will get 30% off (Discount can be applied for the next week)   DrStreicher.Substack.com/podcast200This is my 200th episode! So  I decided to replay a fan favorite. Dr. Steven Goldstein's perimenopause episode was among the top 5 most downloaded, with good reason.  The only thing predictable about perimenopause is that it is …unpredictable. My guest today is Dr. Steven Goldstein, a tenured professor at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine, the past President of the International Menopause Society, Past President of The Menopause Society, and one of the WORLD'S  top experts on the science of perimenopause.   The problem with the standard definition of menopause.  Why bleeding and having a period is not the same thing Why perimenopausal women bleed erratically Why anxiety and other symptoms occur during  How to interrupt FSH and estradiol blood levels The best treatment for perimenopause Why birth control pills work so well during perimenopause Myths about birth control pills  The concept of “suppression and substitution” How long perimenopause lasts What triggers perimenopause Why fibroids often grow during perimenopause How to know if symptoms are perimenopause hormonal fluctuations or something else How long someone can stay on a birth control pill When the 12-month rule doesn't hold When perimenopause and menopause hit before the age of 40.  When perimenopause hits before 40 why it needs to be treated Options if someone can't take birth control pills  When you can ignore irregular bleeding and when it needs to be evaluated What Black women need to know about perimenopause bleeding The likelihood of cancer if there is a uterine polyp and you are not bleeding Link to Steven Goldstein MD https://www.goldsteinmd.com/services/gynecologist-perimenopause-specialist/ Link to John Rock's Error ArticleLauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society.   Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.  

Your TSH is "normal." Your ferritin is "normal." Your glucose is "normal." And IVF still isn't working. Here's why normal lab ranges were never built for fertility and what optimal actually looks like. Most reference ranges are designed to flag disease in the general population, not to optimize egg quality, embryo competence, or implantation. That gap is where a lot of unexplained IVF failure, embryo arrest, and recurrent loss live. In this episode, Sarah Clark walks through the four biomarker categories most often dismissed as "fine" but influence cycle outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, and failed transfers. What you'll learn: - What "normal" lab ranges actually measure and what they miss - Why fertility-optimized TSH sits closer to 1–2 mIU/L, not 4.0 - Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL and what it means for egg energy and endometrial development - Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development - Why hsCRP under 1 mg/L matters for implantation and embryo quality - The full thyroid panel most REIs skip: Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG - Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections - The reframe: normal protects against disease, optimal supports conception Timestamps: 00:00 Why "normal" labs don't mean fertility-optimized 00:30 What conventional reference ranges actually measure 01:30 Why DIY fertility optimization stalls without functional lab review 03:00 TSH "normal" vs optimal and the full thyroid panel REIs skip (Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG) 04:30 How thyroid signaling affects egg quality, ovulation, and pregnancy loss 05:00 Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL: the iron range for IVF and egg energy 06:00 Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development 07:00 hsCRP under 1 mg/L: low-grade inflammation, implantation, and embryo development 07:30 Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections 08:30 Embryo Audit Checklist + Functional Fertility Second Opinion: next steps This conversation is for women navigating diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, embryo arrest, implantation failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss who keep being told their bloodwork looks fine. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I sit down with the incredible Dr. John Norian, a board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with HRC Fertility in Pasadena and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Dr. Norian completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, his fellowship at the NIH, and has served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, providing care to military families. He is a passionate advocate for anyone on a fertility journey, regardless of relationship status or anatomy. We dive deep into some of the most frustrating and complex scenarios that can arise during an IVF cycle:  the ones that leave patients (and sometimes doctors!) searching for answers. Dr. Norian brings his signature warmth, humor, and clinical depth to each challenge, and I think you'll walk away from this episode feeling more informed, empowered, and a little less alone if you've faced any of these situations yourself. In this episode, we cover: What to do when no eggs are retrieved at egg retrieval, including how trigger shot issues and empty follicle syndrome are investigated How to handle immature eggs and what protocol changes (like adjusting trigger timing or adding FSH) can improve egg maturity in future cycles Causes of failed fertilization and solutions like ICSI, calcium ionophore, and PICSI What to do when there's no sperm on retrieval day, including sperm emergencies, unexpected testosterone use, and surgical sperm retrieval options Why embryos may arrest before reaching blastocyst stage and how egg energy (mitochondrial health) plays a role Managing chromosomally abnormal embryos and when to consider karyotyping for recurrent IVF failure Thin uterine lining solutions, from injectable estrogen protocols to Viagra, pentoxifylline, vitamin E, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy Handling uterine fluid before transfer and options for patients who cannot tolerate injections or hormones Resources:Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Find Dr. John Norian at his website. Would you like to learn more about IVF?Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday,  April 20, 2026 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.   Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!  Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates  Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Have you ever sat in the exam room of a fertility clinic — your doctor talking FSH levels, IVF protocols, statistics, donor eggs — while your whole life feels like it’s falling apart and nobody in that room even notices? Rosanne Austin, JD noticed. And she just told the doctors. In this episode, Rosanne pulls […] The post EP372: Baylor College of Medicine Invited Me to Teach New REIs THIS appeared first on Rosanne Austin.

Most women are suffering for years from anxiety, gut problems, low libido, and brain fog because no one is treating the real cause: their hormones. This episode is a masterclass in women's hormone optimization, covering everything from vaginal delivery of bioidentical hormones to why low estrogen destroys your gut, your sex drive, your mitochondria, and your marriage. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, a physician, longevity expert, and the founder and CEO of Inner Balance, a modern women's health company redefining hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aging. She has treated tens of thousands of women across all 50 states and is known for challenging outdated medical models and building science-driven solutions that reflect female biology rather than borrowing protocols designed for men. She created Oestra, a revolutionary hormone therapy delivery system, along with Libida, an on-demand libido solution that targets desire at the brain level, making her one of the most credible and innovative voices in functional medicine and women's longevity today. Together, they expose why conventional medicine has failed women for decades, why patches and pills are nearly useless, and what actually works for anti-aging, metabolism, longevity, and human performance. Dr. Sarah makes the case that hormone replacement therapy is not a last resort for menopausal women. It is a foundational longevity strategy that every woman should consider starting in her 20s. You'll Learn: Why vaginal hormone delivery outperforms every other delivery method for women How low estrogen destroys your gut lining, gallbladder, and immune system long before menopause symptoms appear Why a carnivore or animal-based diet raises estrogen and why fiber lowers it How progesterone converts to testosterone in women, and why you may not need a testosterone prescription The real reason SSRIs get prescribed when hormone replacement therapy should come first Why iodine is essential for breast health, estrogen metabolism, and thyroid function How oxalates from "superfoods" like matcha, spinach, and almonds accumulate in your ovaries, uterus, and kidneys Why both partners need hormone replacement therapy for a relationship to thrive How hormones control mitochondria, dopamine, norepinephrine, and every system in your body Thank you to our sponsors! - Qualia | If you want to take the guesswork out of maintaining high NAD+ levels as you age, go to www.qualialife.com/daveNAD to get clinically proven Qualia NAD+ backed by a 100 day money back guarantee and code DAVENAD at checkout gets you an extra 15% off. - Igniton | Try risk free at Igniton.com and use code DAVE at checkout for 15% off. Backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. - The One Device | Use code DAVE for $10 off at theonedevice.com/dave - Joymode | Go to tryjoymode.com/DAVE Or enter DAVE at checkout for 20% off.Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights inhealth, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Dr. Sarah Daccarett, Inner Balance, women's hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones, vaginal hormone delivery, estrogen deficiency, progesterone therapy, hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, testosterone women, COMT genetics, FSH hormone, iodine deficiency, oxalates health, leaky gut hormones, women's longevity, biohacking, Dave Asprey, human performance, functional medicine, anti-aging Resources: • Visit Sarah's Website and use code ‘PODCASTDRSARAH': https://www.innerbalance.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Trailer 1:15 – Introduction 2:43 – The Gender Gap in Hormone Care 5:14 – Why Women's Hormone Therapy Is Stuck in the 1960s 8:09 – Why Young Women Are Losing Their Hormones 9:33 – Toxins, Birth Control & Hormone Disruption 14:07 – How Fiber Steals Your Hormones 19:53 – Hormones, Libido & Brain Chemistry 32:13 – Pills, Patches & Why They Fail 36:54 – Why Vaginal Delivery Works Best 44:36 – Symptoms of Low Hormones 46:07 – Leaky Gut Is a Hormone Problem 47:38 – How Low Hormones Destroy Relationships 52:28 – Thyroid, Iodine & Sex Hormones 1:00:29 – Progesterone for Men 1:05:18 – Oxalates, Kidney Stones & Your Diet 1:11:13 – Where to Find Dr. Sarah See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the most dangerous thing happening to your body right now has no pain, no warning, and no symptoms at all? One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Most have no idea it is even happening until the fracture changes everything. And for many, that fracture is not just a broken bone. It is the beginning of a cascade that can cost them their independence, their mobility, and in too many cases, their life. In this episode, Dr. Doug Lucas, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon turned bone health and hormone specialist. Dr. Lucas spent years fixing broken bones in the operating room, where he witnessed firsthand how brittle and chalky bone can get long before anyone thinks to check. Now he is on a mission to educate women before it gets to that point. This conversation goes deep into why bone loss accelerates dramatically in the years around menopause, why waiting until 65 to screen is dangerously too late, and how the conventional medical system has essentially no true bone health specialists. You will learn what a DEXA scan actually tells you versus what it misses, what bone turnover markers are and why they matter, and how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even FSH all play a role in what your bones are silently trying to tell you. Dr. Lucas also tackles the questions every midlife woman is asking: Does calcium supplementation actually help? What kind of exercise truly builds bone versus just slowing loss? Are weighted vests, rebounders, and vibration plates worth it? What is the truth about bone drugs like Fosamax and Prolia? And what should women on GLP-1s know about their bone health right now? Whether you have already been told you have low bone density, or you are just starting to think about this, this episode will change how you look at your body, your hormones, and your long-term independence. Do not skip this one.   Learn More About Dr. Doug Lucas Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/dr_douglucas Website ➜ https://drdouglucas.com/    Thank you to our show sponsors! SUNLIGHTEN: Sleep better. Recover faster. Stress less. Get Sunlighten infrared saunas HERE https://sunlighten.com  and use code NATALIEJILL to save up to $1,400!  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast 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 making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.  

Testosterone levels in 40-year-old men are 30 percent lower than their fathers, and most doctors still have no idea what to do about it. -Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Justin Houman, a nationally recognized urologist and Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Fellowship-trained and specializing in men's health, male fertility, and sexual medicine, Dr. Houman combines cutting-edge medical advancements with holistic lifestyle strategies to help men optimize testosterone, sexual health, and reproductive performance at every age. Together, Dave and Dr. Houman tear through the myths, the bad science, and the outdated medical dogma around testosterone, erectile function, fertility, and male sexual health. They cover everything from why testosterone levels have collapsed in a single generation, to the real story behind the FDA black box warning, to practical protocols for men who want to optimize without sacrificing fertility. This is the masterclass on men's health that no one else is having on record. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, longevity, human performance, hormone optimization, brain optimization, anti-aging, functional medicine, mitochondria, and Smarter Not Harder approaches to male health. You'll Learn: Why testosterone levels in 40-year-old men are 30 percent lower than their fathers and what is driving the collapse How low testosterone connects to anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, blood sugar dysregulation, and all-cause mortality risk The truth about the original testosterone and heart attack study and why it still has not been retracted How to preserve fertility while on TRT using Clomid, enclomiphene, and HCG Why daily low-dose Cialis is one of the cheapest and most effective longevity drugs available What shockwave therapy, PRP, exosomes, and Botox injections actually do for erectile function How red light therapy at 660 and 850 nanometers supports testosterone production and nocturnal erections The supplement stack including ashwagandha, tongkat ali, fadogia agrestis, and creatine that supports healthy hormone levels Why porn-induced ED is epidemic in young men and how to reverse it How PT-141 and peptides fit into a complete male optimization protocol Thank you to our sponsors! Pre-order Arthur Brook's new book today at themeaningofyourlife.com. You can also see Arthur speak live at the 2026 Beyond Biohacking Conference fatty15 | Go to https://fatty15.com/dave and save an extra $15 when you subscribe with code DAVE.Establish a powerful foundation for sustained wellness with Pique. Unlock 20% off: piquelife.com/DAVE BrainTap | Go to http://braintap.com/dave to get $100 off the BrainTap Power Bundle. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: testosterone, low testosterone, TRT, testosterone replacement therapy, male fertility, erectile dysfunction, ED, men's health, sexual health, hormone optimization, Dave Asprey, biohacking, longevity, anti-aging, human performance, Dr. Justin Houman, Cedars-Sinai, urologist, shockwave therapy, PRP, exosomes, Botox penis, red light therapy, nitric oxide, Cialis, tadalafil, Viagra, sildenafil, PT-141, Melanotan, peptides, ashwagandha, tongkat ali, fadogia agrestis, creatine, Danger Coffee, Smarter Not Harder, Kyzatrex, clomid, enclomiphene, HCG, prolactin, cabergoline, porn-induced ED, refractory period, fertility, sperm health, spermatogenesis, FSH, LH, estrogen, aromatization, functional medicine, supplements, mitochondria, circadian rhythm, sleep optimization, cortisol, microplastics, inflammation, cardiovascular health, dementia, all-cause mortality, nocturnal erections, penile health, male optimization Resources: • Learn More About Dr. Houman's Work At: https://houmanmd.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Low Testosterone Epidemic 04:23 – Ejaculation & Testosterone 07:30 – Refractory Period & Aging 09:58 – Porn-Induced ED 11:09 – Cabergoline & Prolactin Management 12:42 – Oral Testosterone 13:24 – Testosterone Target Levels 16:46 – Supplements for Testosterone 18:46 – Anxiety-Based ED 26:23 – Penis Enhancement Options 27:37 – Shockwave Therapy 28:57 – Cialis for Longevity 29:56 – Fat & Filler Injections 34:50 – Pre-Sex Optimization 40:13 – Red Light Therapy 42:18 – Heat & Cold for Testosterone 43:35 – Underwear & Microplastics 44:58 – Testosterone & Fertility 49:15 – HCG & Preserving Fertility 52:00 – Testosterone Dosing Timing 53:22 – Creatine & Mitochondrial Health 55:20 – Overtraining Effects 56:24 – Peptides (PT-141) 59:08 – Optimal Diet for Fertility See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.