Podcasts about l'h

In this episode of the Gladden Longevity Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden speaks with naturopath Gabriela Rosa about the intersection of fertility and longevity. Gabriela shares her journey into the field of fertility, discussing the increasing crisis in fertility rates and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. They explore the role of functional medicine, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors in enhancing fertility. Gabriela emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health, highlighting that fertility issues often signal deeper health concerns. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and awareness in fertility, urging couples to act as if they are already pregnant to optimize their chances of conception.   For Audience ·       Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/ !    Takeaways ·       Fertility and longevity are interconnected. ·       Proper diagnosis is crucial for treating infertility. ·       Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to fertility. ·       Lifestyle changes can significantly impact fertility outcomes. ·       Environmental factors play a key role in reproductive health. ·       Fertility issues can indicate broader health problems. ·       Early intervention is essential for women over 40. ·       Men's health is equally important in fertility discussions. ·       Education and awareness can prevent wasted time in treatment. ·       Acting pregnant before conception can improve fertility chances.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fertility and Gabriela Rosa's Journey 04:08 Understanding the Fertility Crisis 09:20 The Importance of Proper Diagnosis in Fertility 11:51 Exploring Underlying Causes of Infertility 14:28 Functional Medicine Approach to Fertility 19:55 Hormonal Insights: FSH, LH, and AMH Explained 26:06 Personal Experience with PCOS and Fertility 29:17 Fertility as a Reflection of Overall Health 30:07 Understanding Infertility and Its Health Implications 33:57 The Importance of Proactive Health Measures 36:09 Optimizing Health Before Pregnancy 40:59 The Athletic Analogy of Fertility 45:11 The Role of Teamwork in Fertility 48:12 The Need for Evidence-Based Approaches to Fertility   To learn more about Gabriela: Email: info@rosainstitute.com Website: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielarosa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielarosafertility/   Reach out to us at:    Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw    

Send us a textEarlier this week, Bridget interviewed Nat (@fertilityawarenessproject) about all things fertility awareness. This episode recaps Bridget's main takeaways from the conversation.• Fertility awareness works even for those with irregular cycles like PCOS• The method tracks three key indicators: cervical mucus, LH levels, and basal body temperature• Rising estrogen before ovulation changes cervical mucus quality and quantity• LH strips help predict when ovulation is about to occur• Basal body temperature rises after ovulation due to progesterone production• FAM differs from the rhythm method by using your body's specific signals, not calendar predictions• Temperature can be tracked with devices like TempDrop or traditional oral thermometers• Fertility awareness and cycle awareness complement each otherConnect with Nat on Instagram @FertilityAwarenessProject or visit fertilityawarenessproject.ca. Grab her freebies:FAM Fundametals Freebie - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/fam-fundamentalsMindful Mucus Method Waitlist - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/mindful-waitlistMucus Made Easy Freebie - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/mucus-made-easyTempDrop Discount Code: 10% offCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Apply for 1:1 Coaching | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board certified OBGYN and REI, breaks down the complex world of reproductive hormones, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding their menstrual cycle, hormone function, and reproductive health. Key Topics Covered: 1. Hormone Basics -The HPO (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary) Axis -How hormones communicate in the body -Roles of key hormones: GnRH, FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone 2. The Menstrual Cycle Explained -Egg development and ovulation process -Hormone fluctuations throughout the cycle -Normal cycle length and characteristics 3. Hormone Health Insights -Identifying normal vs. abnormal cycles -Impact of prolactin and thyroid hormones -Importance of hormone testing 4. Common Misconceptions -Estrogen dominance -Hormone balance -Effects of biotin on hormone testing Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textThe Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) offers a science-backed approach to natural birth control that helps you understand your fertile window through tracking biological markers like basal body temperature and cervical mucus. Nat, a fertility awareness educator, explains how this method empowers women by providing deeper insights into their cycles and hormonal patterns.• FAM is not the rhythm method or natural cycles, but rather tracks ovulation signs specifically• Reliable ovulation signs include basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and sometimes LH tests• Manual charting is preferred over predictive algorithmic apps• Daily tracking takes only minutes but provides powerful insights about fertility status• FAM works effectively even with irregular cycles or PCOS• Ovulation can be confirmed through temperature shifts, making it possible to identify safe periods• Cervical mucus observations don't require large amounts - subtle signs are equally importantConnect with Nat on Instagram @FertilityAwarenessProject or visit fertilityawarenessproject.ca. Grab her freebies:FAM Fundametals Freebie - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/fam-fundamentalsMindful Mucus Method Waitlist - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/mindful-waitlistMucus Made Easy Freebie - https://fertilityawarenessproject.ca/mucus-made-easyTempDrop Discount Code: 10% off

Tin tức sáng 13-6: Hôm nay, Quốc hội thảo luận lần 2 về sửa Hiến pháp 2013; Cổ phiếu đại gia xăng dầu miền Tây buộc phải rời sàn; VNG của ông Lê Hồng Minh muốn đổi tên; Ngân hàng giảm hàng ngàn nhân sự... là những tin tức đáng chú ý.

Hola :)En el episodio de hoy os intento explicar por qué el estrés crónico (tanto mental como físico) puede afectar a nuestro eje reproductivo directamente y a la misma vez a través de afectación indrecta de otros ejes hormonales como el eje tiroideo y la prolactina contribuir a empeorar los sintomas reproductivos asociados al estrés perpetuando el ciclo de estres--> falta de adecuada sintesis de GnRh--> FSH y LH--> menstruaciones regulares, ovulación producción de testosterona...Asimismo os hablo de varios complementos que SIEMPRE  van detras de las medidas dle estilo de vida, no sustituyen a éstas y son:Estres: magnesio, omega 3, glicina, theanina, reishi, rhodiola, schizandra, ashwagandha, SAME vitaminas del grupo B como B12, B6, B9...Función tiroidea: myoinositol, coQ10, selenio, yodo, vitamina B1 y B3..Prolactina: vitex agnus (sauzgatillo) y magnesioOjala os sirva :) un besitoPara mas información ya sabéis que me tenéis en mi instagram @isabelvina dónde te comparto contenido diario Mi TikTok @isabelvinabas En mi canal de YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQY los suplementos formulados por mi https://ivbwellness.com

In this unfiltered episode of Bubba Uncensored, Bubba, Seth, and Lummy dive into the drama as LH calls in to stir the pot about Shilo Sanders shooting content without Bubba. Tensions rise as the crew unpacks what went down and what it means for the show. Meanwhile, Lummy shares a hilarious—and slightly tragic—story about a woman who walked out on him the moment she found out he worked for Bubba. Raw, real, and uncensored as ever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you exhausted, irritable, gaining weight, and wondering if it's perimenopause… or something else entirely?In this episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika Eva breaks down the crucial difference between true hormonal decline and full-body burnout. If you're a woman 35+ struggling with stubborn belly fat, poor sleep, zero libido, sugar cravings, or mood swings — this is your episode.You'll learn how symptoms of perimenopause often mimic burnout, mineral depletion, and nervous system dysregulation — and why most conventional doctors miss the real cause. Monika unpacks the limitations of bloodwork like FSH, LH, and estradiol, and explains why tests like HTMA and DUTCH Plus give you deeper insight into what your body actually needs.If you've been told “everything is normal” but still feel off, this episode will help you understand why you feel so heavy, puffy, and wired-but-tired — and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

If you're TTC and relying on LH strips and having sex every single day, this episode is your wake-up call. I'm breaking down why that strategy is exhausting and could actually be hurting your fertility by spiking cortisol, lowering progesterone, and throwing off your hormones. Instead, I walk you through a more supportive approach, focusing on the real root causes like blood sugar, gut health, liver support, and inflammation. You'll learn what your body actually needs to feel safe enough to conceive—without wasting time on fertility hacks that don't work.Chapters in this episode:00:00 Debunking Fertility Myths04:54 Understanding the Fertile Window09:52 Optimizing Fertility Beyond TimingWays to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Mentioned in this episode: Grab access to my Free TTC Masterclass here!467. How to naturally increase cervical mucus production473. LH Strips & Apps are NOT confirming ovulation. How to properly track your Basal Body Temp & Cervical Mucus to confirm ovulation & your fertile windowCheck out my favorite BBT tracker, Tempdrop here! Use code AFCORINNE for 15% off! FREE TRAINING! How to build a hormone-healthy, blood-sugar-balancing meal! (this is pulled directly from the 1st module of the Mind Your Hormones Method!) Access this free training, HERE!Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaFree Facebook group: Mind Your Hormones Podcast CommunityEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

Đạo diễn Lý Hải và Nhà sản xuất Minh Hà chia sẻ về quá trình thực hiện phim Lật mặt 8: Vòng tay nắng cũng như nói rõ quan điểm về một số vấn đề mà cư dân mạng đề cập xung quanh bộ phim này.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF answering questions about fertility treatment preparation and potential challenges. She explains why starting early with suppression medications like birth control, progesterone, or Lupron can help align egg growth for a more effective cycle. She breaks down the benefits of using a low-dose gonadotropin protocol to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and emphasizes the importance of checking hormone levels, particularly FSH and LH, before starting to ensure your body will respond well to the trigger shot. Dr. Crawford shares lifestyle recommendations that support fertility, including adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and considering supplements tailored to individual needs. She also highlights the value of comprehensive fertility testing and understanding the financial aspects of treatment so you can make informed decisions every step of the way. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page ⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠⁠calm.com/aaw⁠⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm's entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠aquatru.com⁠⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! Green Chef - Go to greenchef.com/50aaw and use code 50AAW to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Operation Pigmentation, Craig the Barber links up with REAL Rio 97 and Seth Money for another raw and real convo. Rio's fresh off a trip to Georgia and has stories to tell, Craig shares some major life news as he closes on his Habitat for Humanity home, and the crew dives deep into the mindset of women who try to trap men. Plus, they break down that wild LH call Bubba got last week—trust, it's one you don't wanna miss. Tap in!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to 94th Glitch In The Matrix Stories Collection! Today we have 24 stories that will make you question reality itself, submitted and posted by everyday people. Today we have stories about disappearing objects, strange happenings, time skips and quantum immortality. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like or rate the podcast, and leave me a comment with your thoughts if the platform your own supports it! Scary story episodes 2 to 3 times a week (New stories On Wed/Fri, Comps/remasters on Sundays) If you have a story to submit, would like to find where to listen to the podcast, or want to find me on social media platforms, all of that info can be found at https://www.astheravendreams.com You can also send stories into my subreddit (r/theravensdream) or email them to me at AsTheRavenDreams@gmail.com Want to check out some ATRD Podcast Merch? ➤ https://teechip.com/stores/astheravendreams Or for signed merch ➤ https://ko-fi.com/AsTheRavenDreams I wrote a novel, "The Insomniac's Experiment" by Raven Adams! Check it out on amazon (Or you can email me for a signed copy!) Join Patreon to get early access and support the Podcast! ➤ https://www.patreon.com/AsTheRavenDreams Check out my gaming channel with my pal Ghost_Ink ➤ @superNefariousBros On YouTube Disclaimer ➤ Episodes include a content warning for language and sensitive/disturbing content. Listener discretion is always advised. ALL Audio and visuals on this podcast are copyright of AS THE RAVEN DREAMS / RAVEN ADAMS and may not be duplicated, in any format. Bless This Mess. #AsTheRavenDreams #TrueScaryStories #GlitchInTheMatrix Thank you to all of the authors that have stories in today's episode... Sarah B, Marc G, AshleySee, Elisabeth, Artemis, Racecarchick, Julieta M, Heather YB, Lupin F, Moyst-Edd, LH, Blue Rose, kiwithecat8811, Liz Emerald, Ted W, Madds, Heather, Brandon, Virginie, Kevin R, Emily T As Well As Any Author That Has Requested Anonymity. TimeStamps… 1 ➤ 1:31 2 ➤ 6:58 3 ➤ 12:01 4 ➤ 16:17 5 ➤ 23:04 6 ➤ 27:55 7 ➤ 32:21 8 ➤ 36:32 9 ➤ 39:25 10 ➤ 44:49 11 ➤ 46:30 12 ➤ 50:47 13 ➤ 55:46 14 ➤ 58:22 15 ➤ 1:05:13 16 ➤ 1:07:34 17 ➤ 1:09:20 18 ➤ 1:11:25 19 ➤ 1:13:52 20 ➤ 1:17:00 21 ➤ 1:22:22 22 ➤ 1:23:48 23 ➤ 1:27:47 24 ➤ 1:31:42 Ad spots after the first story and around 65 minutes in ----- #TrueScaryStories #AsTheRavenDreams #GlitchInTheMatrix #RedditStories And Remember; You are loved, you are important, and you are valid. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm sharing three stories from clients who got pregnant within ONE week of each other — and each had completely different journeys. One client is 43 and pregnant with her first child. Another wasn't even ovulating and was spotting for weeks. The third had struggled with anxiety, digestive issues, and low energy. These stories are proof that healing your body from the inside out works—without the BS like Mucinex, LH strips, or fertility teas. I break down what they didn't do, what they actually did, and why you don't need to settle for band-aid solutions that aren't moving the needle. Chapters in this episode:02:52 Success Stories: Overcoming Barriers06:04 Understanding Ovulation and Fertility08:53 Holistic Health: Beyond Just Getting Pregnant12:11 The Importance of Root Causes in Fertility15:00 Empowerment and Action: Your Path to PregnancyWays to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Mentioned in this episode: Check out today's sponsor of the show, Branch Basics! Use code CORINNE15 for 15% off + free shipping on Premium Starter Kit (and Laundry Detergent)! Grab access to my FREE Trying to Conceive Masterclass, here! FREE TRAINING! How to build a hormone-healthy, blood-sugar-balancing meal! (this is pulled directly from the 1st module of the Mind Your Hormones Method!) Access this free training, HERE!Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaFree Facebook group: Mind Your Hormones Podcast CommunityEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

In this episode, I'm joined by two extraordinary guests who are transforming the way we think about pet health. Dr. Linda Brent is a primatologist, the Executive Director of the Parsemus Foundation, and a pioneer in hormone-sparing sterilization methods for pets. She has dedicated her career to advancing innovative medical solutions for animals and humans alike. Dr. Ruth Roberts is a holistic veterinary expert with over 30 years of experience. Known as “The Original Pet Health Coach,” she specializes in integrative care, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and her revolutionary CrockPET Diet™, which has helped thousands of pets live healthier lives.Together, we explore the critical role hormones play in pet health and how traditional spay and neuter procedures can impact their well-being.  This episode sheds light on hormone replacement therapy and alternative sterilization methods that could revolutionize veterinary care.Key Highlights:Expert Perspectives: Dr. Brent's advocacy for hormone-sparing sterilization and Dr. Roberts' holistic approach to chronic disease management in pets.Personal Stories: How hormone replacement therapy transformed the lives of Pax and Toby, improving mobility, behavior, and overall health.Innovative Solutions: Exploring alternatives like vasectomy, ovary-sparing spay, and supralorin implants for managing LH levels and preserving pet health.Testosterone Therapy Protocols: Weekly injections for male dogs to restore hormonal balance.Estriol-Based Treatments: Effective solutions for female dogs with incontinence issues.The Complete CrockPET Diet Kit: A holistic diet plan designed by Dr. Ruth Roberts to optimize pet nutrition and overall health._____________________________________________________An article that you won't want to miss:Is Spay and Neuter Really the Best Choice for Your Dog? Experts Speak Out_____________________________________________________Visit our website:https://peterdobias.com/Visit us on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog There is a new federal rule for lab companies that requires them to report your blood tests to you as soon as they are finished, often even before your doctor has seen them.  This rule, deemed unreasonable, was established by individuals without medical expertise (politicians), who know little about interpreting lab data or the workings of doctor's offices. Sending your lab results to you before doctors can assess them is not a decision rooted in sound medical practice but rather in the notion of individual freedom. While this is important, it does not compare to having an expert interpret your results with you. The law requiring that your lab results be sent to you as soon as they are completed does not consider the fact that these results are not designed for laymen to interpret. Additionally, lab results are meant to be analyzed alongside a patient's medical history, age, gender, and medications.  The results are not tailored to report information specific to your situation, which is how a doctor would interpret them. Lab results often lack layperson-friendly explanations. This new protocol can cause anxiety, as patients may panic over results that appear abnormal, even if they are normal for their specific medical condition and treatment. Furthermore, lab companies only request your age and gender. The factors that doctors evaluate when interpreting your results are diverse and numerous, each influencing the overall interpretation. What are the considerations that doctors add to their interpretation? Menopausal status Medical conditions Healthy normal for young and healthy adults The newest recommended ranges for health Body weight Other lab values seen on the same report The problem with you getting your own lab and interpreting it as written is multifactorial: The lab is sent to you digitally with very little explanation except for reference ranges. There is no information about who you are being compared to. Other women, both men and women? Old women? Young women? Women with symptoms or women who are well without symptoms.  The reporting of the lab results to a patient directly may hide problems that need action or create fears that are unnecessary. Anxiety over your results will continue until your doctor's appointment to discuss … so you may experience unnecessary worry in many circumstances. Reference ranges make many assumptions, but labs don't input vital information about you into their computer. your age of menopause, your weight your height (or BMI) previous illnesses and your medications. if you are on hormones or testosterone   Here is a good example. The test for pituitary hormones FSH and LH. When a woman aged 45 is menopausal, and has a very high FSH and LH, the lab says it is “normal” (in the reference range), yet the woman is having severe hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and insomnia.  That is not healthy or “normal”. The same two tests can be used to determine if a person is menopausal. Let's say a 42-year-old woman has elevated FSH and LH, but her estradiol is very high (200-300). To the layperson, this looks like menopause, but in reality, it is the picture of ovulation, not menopause. One has to look at another test, estradiol, to determine whether she is premenopausal and ovulating or menopausal (her estradiol would be very low, and FSH and LH would be high). See the problem? Reference Ranges don't tell you what the doctor is looking for. The same two tests, FSH and LH, are used to diagnose polycystic ovaries (PCO) too.  In women without PCO, the FSH is higher than the LH, but if the LH is greater than the FSH, the diagnosis of PCO should be considered! There is no information about this interpretation in the lab report. Falling within the reference range doesn't guarantee health or absence of symptoms. If patients are to interpret their own lab results, reference ranges should reflect health in every possible scenario. FSH and LH are influenced by BCPs and menopausal HRT. Lab results should be interpreted considering the information regarding BCPs or ERT that the patient is taking. When women are on BCPs and HRT or ERT, their FSH and LH levels are suppressed to an extremely low point. If you are unaware that the patient is taking these hormones, it may appear that the diagnosis is pituitary failure affecting estrogen levels and ovulation. Only doctors can interpret this test. There should truly be a “normal” range for those undergoing hormone replacement therapy, along with a reference range that reflects overall health, rather than merely the average for your geographical area in the US or your age group. Please make an appointment with your doctor to review your lab results so you can understand how they are interpreted. If you have questions about your lab results that are concerning you, schedule a time to discuss them with your doctor. Doctors don't have the time to explain results over the phone or through email—that is what appointments are meant for. Phone calls to doctors' offices are not intended for lab result interpretation. You or your insurance will not compensate the doctor or NP for this service over the phone.   The reference ranges for many tests and medical situations are actually wrong. If you aren't trained as a doctor or Nurse practitioner who interprets metabolic lab results every day, you could get the wrong diagnosis!!! For example, when evaluating a patient for insulin resistance, the reference range was officially changed almost two decades ago. Still, the lab companies have left the normal range very high (insulin> 18). In the revised range, fasting insulin diagnoses insulin resistance if the value is > 10. The resulting outcome is that many people are not diagnosed at a time when they can be easily treated without drugs and are told that they are “normal” when they are really experiencing insulin resistance. This is misleading and just wrong! Lab values are not adjusted to your individual situation.   Many tests are adjusted for gender; however, some are specifically adjusted for women who are menstruating regarding H/H. In other words, men and women have different “normal” H/H levels in the reference range. Women who do not menstruate or who are menopausal should be compared to the same reference range as men, but that does not happen. This leads to menopausal women, who are normal, often being told they have too many red blood cells when that is not the case. Conversely, menopausal women who are truly anemic are told they are normal, which means it takes longer to diagnose their anemia from colon cancer! The H/H should have a reference range that is considered “normal” for a woman's stage in life, depending on whether she is experiencing menstrual periods or not. Many reference ranges are averages for regions of the US and vary between lab companies; therefore, they are not reliable values for comparing patients.   For instance, the Homocysteine test has a normal range that is relatively high, and each lab has different reference ranges. This test serves as a screening tool for MTHFR genetic risk related to embolic stroke and heart disease.   The suggested treatment involves methylated B vitamins; however, the interpretation on the lab printout advises taking B12 and folic acid, which, in my experience, tends to increase the number rather than decrease it. Reference ranges for nutrients, vitamins, and minerals reflect the minimum levels needed for survival, not optimal health. For example, B12 reference range levels for B12 blood levels are listed as 200-1100 pg/ml, yet I was trained to try to achieve 400 -1500 pg/ml. The lower range of the written reference range (200-400) is not healthy. The desired blood levels for vitamins are often controversial, and various medical colleges issue new recommendations on Vitamin D levels each month. Consequently, doctors must determine which level of Vitamin D to recommend for their patients. These institutions not only provide changing reference ranges but also offer differing advice on how frequently to test Vitamin D. This inconsistency arises primarily from the ongoing debate about the minimum acceptable level of Vitamin D. I have more information about your lab results next week that your doctor may not share with you. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the reference ranges on the lab sheet, and you should know the truth in case your doctor doesn't.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog Last time we reviewed why interpreting your lab may lead you to the wrong diagnosis and treatment.  Today we continue our review of each lab panel and why the reference ranges on your lab results may not be the “Healthy Normal Range” that you should compare your results to. Lab reference ranges are established with a one-size-fits-all mentality, ignoring the numerous variables that influence blood results. Have you ever tried on a “one-size-fits-all “ANYTHING? Those clothes may fit 20% of the population but for the rest of us, the garment doesn't fit our width, weight or height! All one-size-fits-all lab reference ranges are much the same.  For example, the standardized “reference ranges” in the US serve as a one-size-fits-all “ideal range” applied to everyone, despite genetic differences, varying latitudes, and the diverse diets that characterize the American multiethnic population. This presents the first problem with using a single range for all people: variations among individuals based on differing genetic needs.  The second issue is that the ranges on the lab report indicate the minimum levels necessary for survival, not necessarily the healthiest blood levels for most individuals. Another example of one size doesn't fit all is the reference range for women's hormones. A range is displayed for cycling women, but there is no healthy range for menopausal women.  Does the range displayed refer to menopausal women with HRT, or menopausal women without HRT to treat their menopausal symptoms? Is the range based on what is healthy, or what is average? We aren't sure. Labs don't ask patients questions that could help interpret lab values. Therefore, they cannot provide a truly diagnostic reference range for any illness. They only consider gender and age, as reference ranges are solely adjusted for these two factors.  A doctor must interpret individual lab results alongside a patient's medical and surgical history, including established diseases, medications, supplements, hormonal treatments, and past lab values. For instance, laboratory companies should offer reference ranges based on whether a patient is menopausal, a woman is undergoing ERT, a man is receiving testosterone, a patient is on thyroid medication, a person is being treated for diabetes, or the diabetic tests are performed to diagnose diabetes.   Some Reference Ranges are Based on comparing results to Misleading formulas The best example of this issue is the Lipid Panel. Doctors use this panel to determine a person's risk for heart attacks caused by atherosclerosis. Most doctors don't know the formula for determining Total Cholesterol. This test doesn't predict heart disease in most patients, as the formula used to arrive at that number is not indicative of the disease. However, doctors have been advised that when   total cholesterol levels are high, a patient should start taking a statin, a drug that reduces blood cholesterol and sometimes lowers the rate of heart attacks in certain individuals, though it is rarely predictive in 50% of the population. The problem with the lipid panel is twofold: the LDL level indicates future atherosclerosis in only about 50% of the population and is not a specific test for future heart disease risk. Total cholesterol is even less predictive of heart disease because it stems from a flawed formula. Doctors interpret a high Total Cholesterol level as an indication that a patient may be at increased risk for heart disease in the future. When I test patients with elevated Total Cholesterol or high levels of LDL using a Cardiac Calcium Scan to measure plaque, only half of them actually produce plaque, and consequently, are not at risk for atherosclerotic heart disease. I believe that the Total Cholesterol number is derived from an inaccurate formula for determining a person's risk of future heart disease. The Total Cholesterol number is calculated using a flawed equation. The equation is as follows:         LDL + 1/5 Triglycerides+ HDL = Total Cholesterol Total Cholesterol = LDL (bad cholesterol) + 1/5 Triglycerides (high risk factor) + HDL (good cholesterol) Let's examine this formula simply like this:   Bad + Bad + Good does not equal Bad. Due to this incorrect formula, thousands, if not millions, of patients have been prescribed statin drugs for a lifetime without justification!  Statins carry risks. The list of side effects is extensive and includes muscle deterioration and statin-associated dementia. Unfortunately, most people who experience statin side effects are women. Women tend to have higher HDL levels than men. Additionally, they typically do not have atherosclerotic plaque until menopause and usually do not develop it after menopause if they undergo estrogen replacement therapy! This gender issue is just one of the problems with laboratory reference ranges that are not adjusted for sex. The total cholesterol values were developed solely from the blood levels of men, who typically have lower HDL levels. Women were excluded from the tests conducted to create this blood panel. For women, I dispel the myth that high total cholesterol predicts heart disease by recommending a Cardiac Calcium Scan to check for plaque. If a woman has no plaque by the age of 50 and is taking estrogen, she is unlikely to develop plaque in the future.  I still test them every 2-3 years to ensure that no metabolic changes have altered their risk, but I don't put much faith in the unreliable cholesterol blood panel. There is another blood test that has deceptive reference ranges: IGF-1 How about the GH-IGF-1 test, the test for Growth Hormone?  IGF-1 is a metabolite of GH that we can measure to determine how much the patient produces.  This hormone aids in healing and replenishing aging cells in patients after their growth is complete.  The healthy normal range with which I was trained, (150-350 MIU), has been changed to an age-adjusted normal that compares a person to others in her age category who had their blood drawn the previous year.  What is wrong with this? Growth hormone (GH) decreases with age and contributes to the declining health people experience as they grow older. Similarly, IGF-1 diminishes with age and illness, which means that the “reference range” essentially reflects that you are “average for the sick individuals who visit Quest to have their IGF-1 levels checked. ” IGF-1 levels can be enhanced through weight loss, testosterone replacement, and an increase in muscle mass. The current reference range does not indicate health or illness; it merely shows whether you fall within the average for your age group. This non-scientific method of determining “health” is widespread in contemporary medicine. By comparing aging individuals to others within the same age group, for hormones that decline with age, based on samples from sick patients who visit a specific lab in the past year, these labs label patients as “healthy” even when they are as ill as other individuals their age who go to that lab! This practice constitutes age discrimination! Regarding hormones, the levels we maintained during our fertile and youthful years correspond to the blood levels indicative of health in all individuals ages. For example: People who check their IGF-1 (Growth Hormone) levels and see a low “52 ng/ml” might feel satisfied that they are within the standard range (50-280 ng/ml). However, they may not realize that this range applies to older, unhealthy individuals, not to healthy young ones (150-350 ng/ml).  This is just one example of the issues that arise when non-medical individuals, who do not monitor these tests regularly, draw conclusions from the numbers.   Some illnesses require more than one blood test for diagnosis If you consider only one of the three tests for diabetes or prediabetes (Fasting Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Insulin), you cannot self-diagnose as diabetic, prediabetic, insulin resistance or healthy.  Diabetes is a disease that has coincided with the rising number of obese individuals.  Both conditions affect nearly 50% of the American population. Blood tests cannot be interpreted accurately unless a patient has fasted for 12 hours; all three tests should be evaluated. When diagnosing diabetes and insulin resistance, we perform three tests to assess whether a patient has insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes. These tests guide our diagnosis and inform the treatment we provide based on their results. Fasting insulin is a highly misleading test. Over 15 years ago, a significant study was conducted that was believed to change the reference ranges for fasting insulin.  The new range set for normal fasting insulin was less than 10 mIU/ml. By publishing the reference range less than 18 mIU/ml, they miss diagnosing many patients with insulin resistance HBA1C is a test that gives a value of average blood sugar over three months. The results are often used alone to determine prediabetes and diabetes; however, considering all three aspects makes the diagnosis and treatment plan more specific for the patient. FBS (fasting blood sugar) is the third diabetes test. It is generally used as a screening test that prompts the ordering of the other two blood tests; however, some patients exhibit symptoms of diabetes and insulin resistance without having elevated fasting insulin levels. Many medications can raise diabetic test values, causing a patient to seem diabetic when they are actually experiencing a side effect of the drug.  One such medication is Atorvastatin.  The solution is not treating diabetes but rather adjusting the medication.  Hormone tests are especially challenging to interpret, Especially when testing free Testosterone in women Here are the problems with the free Testosterone test itself: Women have extremely low levels of free testosterone and testosterone compared to men. I have been informed by Quest that women's free testosterone levels are not reliable with current methods because they are not always reproducible when a test is conducted twice on the same day. This leads me to believe that hormone levels do not always reflect the actual blood levels of free testosterone and estradiol. The levels of testosterone in women are based on menopausal levels of T. Women have long been thought to not produce testosterone, so the “normal” levels are quite low, and 0 used to be considered normal- until one day I managed to persuade a medical director at Quest to increase it to 0.2! Women's testosterone is influenced by their production of E2 and E1, which inactivate free T. Women vary in how their cells respond to testosterone and estradiol. Receptor sites and their genetic acceptance of hormones can mean that the same blood level of testosterone in both sexes does not produce the same effects in all patients. Some women (and men) are resistant to E2 and T, or to one of the two. This indicates that the hormone-free T level may be optimal for one woman while being ineffective in alleviating any low T symptoms for another. The latter individual is T resistant, and we currently have no means outside of research labs to determine which women are sensitive and which are resistant. This requires that doctors and NPs look beyond typical reference ranges to effectively manage E2 and T replacement for women. Lastly some labs use the total testosterone level through a formula determine the free T. This carries inherent risks of reporting the wrong active level of testosterone. Total and free testosterone blood levels for men, are derived from results of older men, rather than from the blood levels that indicate health and the levels at which men experience no symptoms. This leads men to believe they are normal, even though they are symptomatic, and they can't get treatment. There is no time to discuss the reference ranges for LH, FSH, Estradiol, and Estrone; these topics will be addressed in a future blog. I hope I have encouraged you to review your blood work with your doctor or Nurse Practitioner, and not to act as your own doctor by interpreting your blood tests.

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains how individualized protocols can lead to better outcomes in IVF and egg freezing. She breaks down key fertility concepts, including ovarian reserve, AMH levels, follicle counts, and the roles of FSH and LH in egg development. Dr. Crawford also discusses how age affects egg quality, the potential impact of sperm genetics, and why multiple cycles are sometimes needed to achieve a healthy embryo. She emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and lifestyle changes to support reproductive success. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!      Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off unlimited access to Calm's entire library. AquaTru - Go to aquatru.com and use code AAW for 20% off! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a sneak peek at this month's Fertility & Sterility! Articles discussed this month are:   01:47 Puberty progression in girls with Turner syndrome after ovarian tissue cryopreservation 14:55 Optimal Restoration of Spermatogenesis following Testosterone Therapy using hCG and FSH 27:58 Human embryos with segmental aneuploidies display delayed early development: a multi-centre morphokinetic analysis 39:56 Neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorders in children conceived after assisted reproductive technologies: A nationwide cohort study 45:23 Efficacy and safety of estetrol (E4) 15 mg/drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg combination in a cyclic regimen for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea: A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study 51:13 Ovulation trigger versus spontaneous LH surge on live birth rate following frozen embryo transfer in a natural cycle: a randomized controlled trial 60:29 A Cost Analysis of Clomiphene Citrate, Letrozole and Gonadotropin with Intrauterine Insemination using Outcome Data from the AMIGOS Trial   View Fertility and Sterility at https://www.fertstert.org/

If you're trying to conceive or just want to get your hormones in balance—this episode could change everything.After supporting over 1,000 women on their natural conception journey, I've uncovered the subtle yet powerful clues the body gives us long before an infertility diagnosis ever happens. These 10 fertility red flags often get brushed off as "normal" or “just stress”—but they're actually your body's way of waving a big red flag saying: something's off.

One should refrain from LH even if it will have him look foolish in eyes of others, and his reward will be great. LH applies in hints as well, and even if he includes negativity about himself in that of others.

One cannot speak LH even if he is compelled to do so by others, even by his father/Rebbi, or if not doing so will result in losing parnassa

Show Notes: Cara Natterson moved to New York City where she worked for a drug rehabilitation center, and later moved to Baltimore, where she studied at Johns Hopkins Medical School. She eventually returned to L.A. and practiced pediatrics there. Her writing career began at the age of 31 when a co-worker asked her to read his manuscript, which inspired her to write her own book about raising kids. The Body Book Series and Less Awkward Company In 2008, Cara decided to leave clinical medicine and become a full-time writer. In 2011, after speaking at Mattel, she was signed on to write for the Body Book series from American Girl, which has since sold millions of copies. Cara then started touring the country, focusing on puberty education. During this time, she discovered that there was nothing else available for kids whose bodies, brains, feelings, and friends were changing. She launched her own business, Less Awkward, a company that created direct-to-consumer products designed for comfort and health like bras and socks. Cara has since expanded the company to focus on content across social media, podcasting, newsletter, and school curriculum. Health and Sex Education Curriculum In the past year, she has rolled out two platforms: a health and sex education curriculum for schools, which is already implemented in three states, and a membership for parents and trusted adults. Cara talks about the importance of understanding and discussing puberty in young people. She highlights the slower pace of puberty, with girls entering puberty at an average age of 8-9, and boys at an average age of 9-10. She emphasizes the importance of discussing the first signs of puberty, such as breast budding or testicular growth. She also highlights the importance of discussing the issue of first porn exposure, which is a significant concern for parents, family members, coaches, mentors, healthcare providers, and educators. She emphasizes the need to educate children about free porn, which is generally violent and aggressive, and calls for a less awkward approach to discussing this topic. By engaging in conversations about this topic, adults can help their children navigate the challenges of puberty and promote healthier lifestyles. Launching a Direct-to-Consumer Product Cara talks about the shift from a pediatrician to writer to entrepreneur. She initially went to medical school but, although she found it interesting, she also realized that she was more of a creative type. However, her background combined with her creative mind led to the drive to develop comfortable and healthy products. After a chat with a friend about bras, she was convinced that there was a need for comfortable bras for young girls. The two women partnered with a sewer who made a comfortable and healthy bra for their daughters, and later pulled together a team that developed the product over many years. They patented the product and launched the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was initially launched as a mask company, focusing on distribution and production channels instead of bras to supply the then current demand. Six months later they launched their bra products. She talks about the journey from design and development to launching the product and what she learned along the way. Cara's business ethos has always been to do well and to do good at the same time, and she has found this to be a recipe for success. The This Is So Awkward Podcast The conversation turns to Cara's podcast which she started with her partner, Vanessa Kroll Bennett. The podcast addresses the confusion about the length of puberty. It features background episodes and guest appearances with experts from various fields. In October 2023, they published a book called This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained, which explores the changes in puberty and how to talk about them, and it includes essays by kids about their experiences with acne, first periods, and heartbreaks. The podcast has expanded along with content on Instagram and TikTok. All of this content is also available on the website LessAwkward.com. They also have a school-based health and sex education curriculum called That Health Class. Navigating Today's Cultural Complexities Cara emphasizes the importance of pediatricians in understanding and managing the changes in puberty. She explains that kids and their adults are overwhelmed by the complexity of the world and the increased access to a wide and diverse range of information. Pediatricians often lack the time or bandwidth to provide anticipatory guidance for children, an especially big issue given the mental health crisis among children. Cara mentions that pediatricians often turn to the LessAwkward website where they have trained an AI bot on their content. Pediatricians are starting to use it as a healthcare solution when they don't have the time to answer questions but their patients want to be able to anticipate what's coming. The bot is reliable, gated, and trained on good data, making it engaging and entertaining. The levity and warmth of the content make it a valuable tool for pediatricians to recommend. Factors that Contribute to Early Puberty The American Girl Body Book series launched just after a 1997 study showed that girls were entering puberty earlier. It stated that the average age has shifted from 11 to 10, and a follow-up study in 2010 found it to be between eight and nine. The reason for this change is under investigation, but it is believed to be due to a number of factors, including stress, adverse childhood experiences, and antibiotics. Stress causes cortisol surges, which can either trigger the release of hormones like LH and FSH, or cause sex hormones to surge. Adverse childhood experiences, such as witnessing trauma or drug abuse, can increase the risk of entering puberty early. Evolutionary theory suggests that the human body is meant to reproduce before life ends, and so it makes sense that the general stress response might drive earlier development. She mentions Louise Greenspan, a woman who has been researching puberty for decades, has written a book called The New Puberty which further explores this topic. The Male Side of the Story Cara's parenting podcast has a diverse audience, with nearly 20% male listenership. She shares her experiences with male listeners and the challenges they face in connecting with their children. She wrote Decoding Boys, and states, with a degree of jocularity, that there is no data on the connection between testosterone and silence, but it is common among males, especially in their tween years. She shares personal strategies to help connect with tween or teen boys, as they do want to talk and share their thoughts with trusted adults. In the book, Cara shares strategies she has used, and in this conversation, she shares a personal experience on how she encouraged her son to talk to her.  Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Cara's career highlights her interest in sociology and biological anthropology, which she combined at Harvard. She wrote a junior paper about female genital mutilation in Africa and a thesis about HIV prevention in teenagers in Boston suburbs. She had a vivid memory of her thesis advisor, Irven DeVore, who was an interesting thinker and helped her fit her thesis idea into the curriculum. Timestamps: 02:12: Transition to Entrepreneurship  05:46: Insights on Puberty and Parenting 09:20: Launching Less Awkward  15:42: Content Creation and Engagement  29:05: Raising Boys and Communication Strategies  35:15: Daily Routine and Collaboration  37:19: Impact of Social Media and Content Creation  39:14: Influence of Harvard Education  Links: Website: https://lessawkward.com/ Podcast: https://lessawkward.com/podcast-this-is-so-awkward-2/ Instagram: less.awkward TikTok: less.awkward Cara's Instagram: caranatterson Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 Report is recommended by Chris Hull who reports: “Hi. I'm Chris Hull from Harvard's fabulous class of 1992. The featured nonprofit of this episode of The 92 report is The Funds for American Studies. TFAs is an educational nonprofit that develops courageous leaders by providing students who otherwise wouldn't get a chance to come to DC to learn about how to make a difference. I've been honored to have worked with TFAs for more than three decades, since they've allowed me to study at Georgetown. At the same time, I did an internship in Washington, which helped transform my life as it has for so many others over the last half century that it's existed, who otherwise couldn't possibly afford to do such a thing. You can learn more about their work@tfas.org.” To learn more about their work, visit: work@tfas.org

People who engage in LH freely and regularly, as if it was permissible, and don't gaurd themselves from it, are punished far more severely.

LH/rechilus is regarding saying negativities that are true, while "motzi shem ra" (worse) is regarding falsehoods, and although there is a specific prohibition ("lo selech rachil"), one transgresses many more related mitzvos as well (as explained in the pesicha above)

You're doing it all but could there be hidden mistakes hijacking your menopause fitness. Increasing protein, lifting weights, doing high intensity… How can you be this active but not working?  Disclaimer: This could trigger you. The mistakes hijacking your menopause fitness you could be doing on purpose because you were told once this is what you SHOULD DO.  This episode is for all women, and for you. So let's unpack these mistakes hijacking your menopause fitness.  Before anything.. Measure.  If you aren't measuring your body composition - skeletal muscle mass vs. body fat—you won't truly know what's working. I'll link to the 4 Smart scales in my store. You can get a Dexa or go to a gym. #1 Not Consuming Enough Fuel Women are not the same as men on carbohydrate needs. We get little, we disrupt hormones. You are influenced by cortisol, insulin, thyroid, testosterone, growth hormone and the endocrine.   How much fuel do you need? Endocrine dysfunction - ~30-35 calories per kg of FFM in women; but around 15 calories per kg FFM in men. Fat Free Mass (FFM) - say you're 130kg and you have 25% body fat. You need 2923 kcals to keep your body functioning well.   Fueling Your Workouts: Cardio: 30g carbs and 15g protein before Strength: 15g protein before + 30-45g protein after (higher in and after menopause)    Thyroid & Carbohydrates Low carb diets (under 100g) - pivotal point for lower thyroid function.  Serotonin - produced in the gut, declines with low carb diets.  Low-carb diets - don't lead to better weight loss long-term, they cause water loss.   What Happens When You're Under-Fueled?Low Energy Availability from brain (hypothalamus) to body… Hypothalamus signals HPA axis dysfunction Adrenals releases cortisol Thyroid slows metabolism Body conserves energy and breaks down muscle instead of fat for fuel   When You Fast, try one of these: High intensity intervals  Lift heavy weights  High intensity boot camp class  Reduce carbs, maintain a keto-like diet while increasing your walks   Know the Sneaky Mistakes Hijacking Your Menopause Fitness #2 Never REALLY Recovering From Hard Intervals or Hard Workouts  Some bootcamps and spin classes are rapid, high-intensity intervals without adequate recovery. Your cortisol levels during this session accumulate.  It feels like you crushed it, but here's the truth: if you're not giving yourself real recovery, you're not hitting your peak.  When you skip the full recovery, you're not building the strength and power that protect against sarcopenia (muscle loss). Try these: Warm-up A:  Run up a steep hill for 40 seconds Mark that point on the hill Slowly go back down Fully recover, with your nasal breathing. Repeat until you don't make it to the same spot on the hill Warm-up B: Run up a steep hill for 40 seconds Mark that point on the hill Quickly make your way down Cool down within 60 seconds Immediately run up again Repeat until you don't make it to the same spot on the hill They both will feel hard, but only one gets you to your maximum capacity.  The glycolytic fibers - fast twitch that sustain power fatigue quickly. Women have fewer of them than slow twitch and lose twice as fast as slow-twitch fibers. Fast-twitch fibers need power moves — like heavy lifting or box jumps — and plenty of recovery to reload and go again.  You're fooling yourself into thinking you're getting in better shape.  So test yourself… a simple protocol you can do at home. Try a full test battery you can easily do at home - I'll provide access to it in the show notes as soon as it's ready.  Measure. Monitor your waist girth, your body fat percent and your skeletal muscle. Rate your energy, sleep, focus, digestion and elimination. Are you improving, worse or the same? When you're exercising optimally these things also improve. It's not just muscle mass and fat.    Are these Mistakes Hijacking Your Menopause Fitness?   #3 Relying on Caffeine, Bar Codes and Over Emphasis on Packaged Food By nature, your cortisol level is highest at about 8am. You've fasted overnight and if you're not eating soon after waking, especially if you're exercising as a female, your body has stressor on top of stressor: Punched your ticket in midlife (less estrogen, more cortisol) Caffeine (more cortisol)  No fuel (more cortisol)  Exercise (more cortisol)  Fuel before intense exercise.  Fuel again after, especially within the 24 hour period after resistance training or other HARD workouts the need for recovery persists, so it's not just that single meal following activity. #4 Always High and Hard You have never needed high intensity more in your life than whatever age over 40 you are now.  You also need full recovery … between intervals, strength training sets and sessions.  Here's the secret: Muscle gets stronger between sessions. The exercise is the stimulus. The recovery is where fitness happens – the release of hormones, the repair and supercompensation.  Recovery time. Get AT LEAST 48 to 72 hours between hard use of the same muscle groups. Active Recovery. The low intensity movement between your hard sessions is absolutely important in increasing circulation, blood sugar stabilization, improving sleep and mood and overall fitness levels.    Keep It Simple: Movement Time. Walking at the level below where cortisol negatively spikes so you can reduce or optimize it. Short & Intense. Spend small amounts of time in high intensity interval session - where you recover completely between sessions. All Major Muscle Groups. Spend 2-3 sessions a week hitting all major muscle groups or twice to total muscle fatigue. If you're in post menopause, the volume of sets has to be greater compared to a perimenopause woman. Recover. Give yourself at least 48 hours.. 72 is often BEST.  Resources: Flipping50 Membership Flipping50 Insiders Group   Other Podcasts You Might Like: Previous Episode - Is Red Light Therapy the Answer to Aches, Pains and More Movement? Next Episode - 3 Short Strength Training Session Strategies for Women in Menopause More Like This - 12 Strength Training Mistakes in Menopause Robbing Your Results   References: Loucks AB, Verdun M, Heath EM. Low energy availability, not stress of exercise, alters LH pulsatility in exercising women. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1998 Jan;84(1):37-46. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1998.84.1.37. PMID: 9451615. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1998.84.1.37 Naude CE, Brand A, Schoonees A, Nguyen KA, Chaplin M, Volmink J. Low-carbohydrate versus balanced-carbohydrate diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jan 28;1(1):CD013334. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013334.pub2. PMID: 35088407; PMCID: PMC8795871. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013334.pub2 Shulhai AM, Rotondo R, Petraroli M, Patianna V, Predieri B, Iughetti L, Esposito S, Street ME. The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2496. doi: 10.3390/nu16152496. PMID: 39125376; PMCID: PMC11314468. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152496 

Jonni ætlaði að útskrifast nú í vor úr LHÍ en fékk stórt hlutverk í sjónvarpsþáttum og þarf því að fresta útskrift, Hann segir einnig frá litlu dóttur sinni sem greindist með stórt heilaæxli þegar hún var aðeins 2 mánaða gömul. Henni líður vel í dag en Jonni talar um óttan og hræðsluna og hvernig hann ásamt eiginkonu sinni tók á því.

Diễn viên Khánh Huyền, Lý Hồng Ân và Tăng Huỳnh Như kể những câu chuyện hậu trường thú vị khi đóng phim Duyên của đạo diễn Phương Điền, được phát sóng trên kênh THVL1.

Hi Sister! I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on the PMS Made Peaceful podcast, and I just had to share the conversation with you here! If you've ever felt lost in your fertility journey, struggled to understand what's happening with your hormones, or wondered how your faith connects to your cycle, this episode is for you. I dive deep into the spiritual and biological aspects of fertility, sharing how your cycle is truly a reflection of God's design, why Satan targets women's reproductive health, and the practical steps you can take to support your fertility naturally. Whether you're trying to conceive, managing hormonal challenges, or just want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with faith-based encouragement and science-backed solutions that I know will bless you. Episode Highlights: How my journey through multiple miscarriages led me to fertility awareness The biblical foundation of a woman's fertility (Genesis 3 & Revelation 12) The biggest myths about fertility awareness and birth control Why ovulation is the real star of your cycle (not your period!) What cervical mucus, LH levels, and charting can tell you about your health How stress, lifestyle, and spiritual blocks can impact conception Practical steps to support hormonal balance and a healthy cycle In His Good Grace,  Bekah   Resources & Links: ✨I've put together a free faith-filled booklet to help guide you through this journey. It's called Faith-Driven Fertility, and it's full of practical steps and encouragement for trusting God while supporting your body for conception.

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, HMC and Dr. Judy discuss the impact of spaying and neutering on dogs' health, highlighting the rise in aggression and chronic injuries in neutered dogs. Dr. Peter shares his personal experience with his Border Collie, Pax, who showed significant behavioral and physical improvements after undergoing hormone replacement therapy. There is a role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in inflammation and its effects on dogs' health post-neutering. Veterinarians need to question traditional practices and consider hormone-sparing sterilization methods. Learn about the complexity of hormone replacement therapy in females and the ongoing research in this area. Learn why hormonal health is key to our dogs' health and longevity. Fascinating stuff! OFFER: subscribing to Dr. Peter's newsletter leads to a $10 off coupon for them to use on your first order. Website URL: www.peterdobias.com Social Media: IG www.instagram.com/drpeterdobias FB www.facebook.com/drpeterdobias PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT #1The following ad is brought to you by WonderBark. For more than a decade, Einstein Pets brought joy to dogs and dog parents with their all natural dog treats. Now the wholesome, healthy treat company is thrilled to unleash the fun with a brand new name, WonderBark. WonderBark isn't just a name, it's a celebration of the joy, adventure and wonder that dogs bring to our lives. With the same dedication to premium all natural ingredients, they've embraced a fresh, dynamic spirit to inspire every dog and their human to unleash the fuN. Their newest line, Everyday Heroes, celebrates the incredible bond we share with our pets, those everyday moments that make them our true heroes. And with every treat sold, they're giving back to organizations that support pets and people in need. Join them on this exciting journey. WonderBark Same great treats, new adventures waiting to happen. Visit wonderbarktreats.com to learn more and be sure to use code DrMorgan15% for 15% off of your order. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT #2The following ad is brought to you by Raised Right. I'm excited to tell you about Raised Right. They're a family owned human grade pet food company that makes gently cooked whole food recipes for dogs and cats. I feel good recommending Raised Right because most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs, and their recipes are so simple. Many have just 10 ingredients or less, they were able to formulate their adult dog recipes to be complete and balanced using only whole foods without any synthetic vitamins or minerals. Raised Right has also teamed up with both Dr Karen Becker and Dr Barbara Royal to create a new line of veterinary support recipes to help with specific health issues. They formulated low phosphorus recipes for kidney support and low fat recipes for pancreatic support. My own dogs and cats absolutely love Raised Right. Order yours today at RaisedRightPets.com/drJudy. Once again, that's RaisedRightPets.com/drJudy

Is that the streetlight buzzing, or an insectoid monster wanting to lay eggs in my eye? This week on the Vintage RPG Podcast, we welcome the Goblin Archives on to chat about the Liminal Horror! A minimalist game spinning out of Cairn, LH has been wowing folks for a while with its sharp mechanics, spooky visuals and horrifying modules. And a Deluxe edition of the game is coming to BackerKit soon. We get all the details for you! * * * Follow the Liminal Horror Deluxe BackerKit page now! * * * Instagram? Old news. Join the Vintage RPG Newsletter! That's where all the cool kids are now! Stu's book, Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground is for sale now! Buy it! Patreon? Discord? Cool RPG things to buy? All the Vintage RPG links you need are right here in one place! Like, Rate, Subscribe and Review the Vintage RPG Podcast! Edited by the one and only R. Alex Murray. Send questions, comments or corrections to info@vintagerpg.com. Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, YouTube and your favorite podcast clients. The Vintage RPG illustration is by Shafer Brown. Follow him on Twitter. Tune in next week for the next episode. Until then, may the dice always roll in your favor!

In this episode, Tara Thorne dives into the topic of irregular bleeding in perimenopause, explaining what's normal, what's cause for concern, and the key hormonal shifts driving these changes. She breaks down the role of estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid function in midlife bleeding patterns while also discussing when to seek further evaluation. Whether you're dealing with heavy periods, spotting, or unpredictable cycles, this episode will help you understand what's happening and what steps you can take to feel more in control.   In this epsiode:  Why perimenopause can last up to 10+ years and how that impacts your cycle. The role of estrogen and progesterone in irregular bleeding—why hormonal imbalance is a major driver. How low estrogen can also contribute to irregular bleeding, leading to fragile uterine lining and spotting. The importance of progesterone as a natural treatment for heavy bleeding and how it buffers estrogen's effects. Why fluctuating FSH and LH levels can cause unpredictable cycles and stop-start bleeding. The value of having a trusted medical provider and why building a health team is essential in midlife.     MARCH 2025 LIVE TRAINING! THE PERIMENOPAUSE RESET: From rollercoaster hormones to feeling better in midlife than you did in your 20s. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause — Naturally and Confidently. PLUS! The myths & lies that might be the reason you are feeling like a stranger in your own body.   [ CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SPOT ]   Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE

What is it like to travel with a kid on long-haul journeys to Asia, from Singapore, to KL, to Taipei and more (and the secret bathrooms, which one would you choose?).  AF001, the Air France fragrance (only the French!). Should KLM talk to Korean about the new livery? (And where is the red? LH kept a Pantone code at least). The runways hidden in plain sight (we have one in Singapore, one in Switzerland). CDG T1 (again) shortcomings — compare that to the magic of Singapore Changi and the big bathtub plug at Jewel (Changi, where no one can hear your child scream!). Is Air Canada better than JAL?! (not everything coming out of Japan has unicorn status, you know). What is premium economy (a slightly better economy, or a business class minus, no airline seem to agree). When should service happen on long-haul flights? (Bad timing is everything). What on Earth is going on at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (there's a lot of dust on that Aerotrain).We mentioned our friends at Plane Talking UK, here's how to listen/watch themHappy flying! —Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment on each episode, and rate us, on SpotifyReview, and rate us, on Apple PodcastsComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookComment on YouTube (there's no video, just audio!)Search for "Layovers" on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website)If we're missing one, or if you have any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Hey, sister. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of exhaustion, mood swings, and unexplained fertility struggles, you need to hear Sheila's story. Before joining Fertility Framework, Sheila was stuck in a loop of painful cycles, hormonal crashes, and fertility confusion. She had done all the things—tracking with LH strips, searching Dr. Google, and even trying other natural fertility programs. But something was missing. She wasn't seeing progress, and she still had no real answers about her body. Episode Highlights: How PMS, exhaustion, and painful periods are NOT normal—and what to do about it The missing link in natural fertility education that transformed Sheila's journey Why LH strips alone aren't enough & what actually gives you answers How faith plays a key role in healing & surrendering control in this journey How Sheila's symptoms improved in just ONE cycle & what that means for you Your Next Step: Join Fertility Framework Before jumping to expensive doctors or extreme interventions, start with the foundation.

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I am joined by world-renowned fertility specialist and Harvard-awarded scholar, Gabriela Rosa @dr.gabrielarosa, founder of The Rosa Institute. Gabriela has dedicated her career to helping couples overcome infertility, miscarriage, and failed treatments to create healthy families. With over 20 years of experience, her Fertility Breakthrough Program™ boasts a remarkable 78.8% success rate, even for couples who had previously faced long-standing fertility challenges. In this episode, Gabriela explains why infertility is a symptom of deeper health issues and shares how addressing these root causes not only improves fertility but also enhances overall health. She also delves into her innovative, evidence-based approach that combines modern science and natural medicine to deliver transformative results. Be sure to tune in for this enlightening conversation packed with practical advice and hope for anyone navigating the fertility journey! Key Takeaways: Infertility, miscarriage, and failed treatments are symptoms of deeper health imbalances. Gabriela's Fertility Breakthrough Program™ has helped thousands of couples worldwide overcome complex fertility challenges. Addressing the root causes of infertility leads to better reproductive outcomes and long-term health benefits. Low AMH does not mean no baby—natural conception is possible with the right interventions. Fertility challenges are clues pointing to underlying health issues that need attention. Thorough testing and a personalized approach are key to addressing unexplained infertility. Integrating natural and modern medicine optimizes fertility outcomes and overall health. Ignoring infertility as a symptom can increase the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fertility is a whole-body process—issues with egg or sperm quality often stem from broader health concerns. Community and support are essential for navigating the emotional challenges of infertility. Guest Bio: Gabriela Rosa @dr.gabrielarosa is a world-renowned fertility specialist, author, and Harvard-awarded scholar. She is the founder of The Rosa Institute and creator of the Fertility Breakthrough Program™, which has transformed the lives of over 140,000 couples in 110+ countries. Gabriela's work focuses on addressing the root causes of infertility using an evidence-based approach that combines modern science with natural medicine. With extensive training in reproductive health, naturopathy, and public health, Gabriela is passionate about empowering couples to achieve their dream of parenthood while improving their long-term health and well-being. Websites/Social Media Links: Website: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FertilitySpecialistGabrielaRosa  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gabrielarosa/  Fertility Breakthourgh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitybreakthrough/  Fertility Breakthourgh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosainstitutefertilitybreakthrough  For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com  To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility  The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/  Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/  Transcript: [00:00:00]  [00:00:04] [00:01:00]  [00:01:47] ​ [00:01:47] **Michelle Oravitz:** Welcome to the podcast, Gabriela. [00:01:55] **Gabriela Rosa:** Thank you so much, Michelle. It's so lovely to be here. [00:01:58] **Michelle Oravitz:** So lovely meeting you. We just [00:02:00] had a really nice pre chat and I would love for you. I always like to hear an origin story. I would love to get your background and how you got into the work that you're doing right now. [00:02:11] **Gabriela Rosa:** And sure. Look, I think if for me, I've been doing this work since 2001. So it feels like a very long time, probably because it is. when I start seeing my patience, babies graduating from university. I'm [00:02:23] **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh my God. That is crazy. Cause you look so young. [00:02:27] **Gabriela Rosa:** Oh, thank you. It must be all those herbs and nutrients, you know, but, it's funny because like, that's exactly last two years ago, I had this experience of like seeing, literally seeing one of my babies graduating from university and thinking, Oh my God, where did the time go? [00:02:44] You know, like, that's just crazy, but, but it's, it's been wonderful. It's been a wonderful journey. don't know that I have. In a way, I think that, you know, we, as, Steve Jobs says, you can't, or said, you can't join the [00:03:00] dots in advance. You know, sometimes you can only join the dots in retrospect. And as I look back, I think, you know, I don't know that I planned to be where I am, but in a way I plan to be exactly where I am, if you know what I mean. [00:03:14] It's a very strange kind of [00:03:17] **Michelle Oravitz:** It found you. [00:03:19] **Gabriela Rosa:** certainly found me, that's for sure. and it was really through my experiences with patients that That it shaped the specific area that we focus on because we really only treat couples who typically have been experiencing infertility, miscarriage, failed treatments, and really have, you know, have tried everything and nothing has worked like that's who we treat. [00:03:41] And it certainly didn't start out that way. My, passion when I first started doing what I do was that I wanted to make sure We had a contribution to making the world a better place, one healthier baby at a time. And I really had in my young mind that I wanted to help as many people who wanted to have a baby to [00:04:00] prepare, to do preconception preparation, to be the healthiest version of themselves because we know epigenetics matters. [00:04:06] We know that the way in which, you know, prospective parents go into a conception attempt and certainly conception in general will. either increase or improve the health of a child or, decrease it, you know, there is no zero net some kind of effect. There's only ever always positive or negative effects. [00:04:26] Neutral effects are generally kind of weighed down to negative effects. So for me, and I'll talk more about that if you want to, but, you know, for me, it was that whole idea that I wanted to ensure That we were making that contribution. And it was interesting because although some people were really interested in being the healthiest that they could be, most people were not, most people are like, Oh, this is just too much work. [00:04:50] Let's just start trying. And if we have a problem, then we can do something about it. And that was never really my attitude towards it because the way that I see certainly the [00:05:00] work that we do. There is another layer to it, which is not so much about the physical and the functional. Although, of course, we address that our program has a 78. [00:05:09] 8 percent success rate for people who previously, you know, were infertile, lots of failed treatments and all of those things. And we validated those results through my masters in public health at Harvard. So we know that, you know, what we're doing certainly makes a difference. But. It really, for me, the undercurrent and the underlayer of why I wanted to do this work was actually for self actualization of the patients who came to us, you know, it was for really being able to reach one's full potential in terms of health and how that impacted other areas their life. [00:05:43] And that's how I wanted to work. And the people who were coming in for preparation really were not into that kind of work. And so I started to see that the people who are more in alignment with the work that I wanted to do and the legacy that I wanted to leave in the world were the people who [00:06:00] were having difficulty. [00:06:01] And so I started to kind of focus more and gravitate more towards, you know, those, challenging experiences and how to help people overcome them and, Transition and almost kind of transmute what they were going through. And about five or six years into it all, I had a patient who really changed the trajectory of my whole career. [00:06:25] And she had been referred to me by a friend who thought that she should have a conversation with me. She had been infertile for 10 years. She had done multiple failed IVF cycles at the time. And even though now I talk about that case and it's kind of like, Every day in the office for me at the time, it was the first time that I was seeing that. [00:06:44] And so I was like, Ooh, I don't know that we can help that kind of sit or that I can help that kind of situation. You know, I don't know that there's much that I can do, but she was really insistent and quite adamant. I actually talked to her the other day and told her this story because she didn't even know. [00:06:57] Yeah. And she was like, Oh my God, that's so [00:07:00] amazing to know. But you know, it's, what I ended up happening was that because she was so insistent at doing something, she said to me, she said, look, it's going to be my last try. I'm not going to do any more treatment after this. You know, I'm getting older. I don't want to continue this. [00:07:15] It's been long enough. So I said, look, that's fine. Let's do what we need to do and we'll see what kind of result we get. And Three months later, after years of nothing working, she was actually, it was about four months later, she was pregnant and I was like, Oh, okay. So there's, there's something here, you know, but then at the same time, I thought, Oh, that's, that's strange. [00:07:33] I actually doubted my own, my own results, you know, I was like, Ooh, I don't know, I don't really know if this is just one of those. Luke situations, you know, one of those kind of like random occurrences. But then there was another patient who came to me not long after her, who was infertile for 19 years and yeah, and then I was really like going, [00:07:54] **Michelle Oravitz:** Wow. [00:07:55] **Gabriela Rosa:** I really don't think that I can do anything for you. [00:07:57] She was 44 by the time she came to me. I [00:08:00] had a conversation with her. I said, look, it's not usually, obviously what walks through my door is not 19 years of infertility, but just recently I had a lady who had been trying for 10 years. We can give it a go and see what happens. And we did that. About five or six months later, she was pregnant. [00:08:15] And so I was like, okay, now to, you know, randomness can occur, but to is a bit like a lot. and so I started to, after we had that, success, so I had that kind of experience. I started to then really decide that, okay, you know what, I'm only going to treat people who have been. Trying for more than two years and nothing has worked. [00:08:37] And I did that for many, many years. And when I finally went to do our study for the for the fertility breakthrough program and its results when I was doing my masters at Harvard, we realized that Yes, we had a 78. 8 percent live birth rate for people who had been infertile for almost four years on average, plus or minus almost [00:09:00] three years. [00:09:00] So it really helped me to realize that, okay, this definitely makes it, you know, what we do and the methodology that we use, and that obviously I've developed over the years. really does make a difference to address these really difficult, complex cases of couples who, and individuals as well, you know, sometimes we do get solo reproduction patients who come to us who have been experiencing FALD, or egg cycle, or IVF cycle, but mostly couples who know that there is more that they kind of intrinsically know there's more they can do, but they don't know what. [00:09:34] And they also are very unclear typically about why it's not working. You know, they have these unexplained diagnosis of either infertility or failed treatment or miscarriage, and they keep being told, Oh, everything is normal. Just keep trying. And we know that clearly, What is normal is that you have sex, you get pregnant, you hold your baby, that's normal. [00:09:59] A [00:10:00] deviation from that tells me that, okay, there's more that we need to ask in terms of what's going on here and certainly more that we need to answer if we're going to get somewhere. So that's how it all started. And I guess that's how it's going, you know, [00:10:13] **Michelle Oravitz:** That's awesome. I mean, those stories are pretty amazing. I mean, really, really like shockingly amazing. And a couple of things came to mind as you were talking about it. And I love the fact that you were saying about really approaching a person that To make them more vital, like to really improve their overall wellbeing. [00:10:33] And rather than just focusing on disease, you're really focusing on their health and seeing them in almost a positive light. And it is actually, we don't really notice this, but it is actually a perspective. of many healthcare professionals or like older types of healthcare, like not older, I guess more like conventional. [00:10:53] Sometimes they'll focus more on the symptoms and we always say like root cause versus symptoms rather than just [00:11:00] focusing on treating disease. It's like treating health and really kind of a more positive way to approach the journey. [00:11:08] **Gabriela Rosa:** You know, what's interesting is that we see these days that fertility, and I say fertility rather than infertility. Fertility is highly medicalized, right? So it's, it's about finding the problem and treating a problem as if The ovaries and the testicles, i. e. the egg and the sperm, were the only parts that make this process happen. [00:11:36] And we know that it's not. And, you know, what's interesting about it, and I think that, you know, to speak to what you're talking about, the issues here are so much greater than where we find ourselves, because it's a, it's a healthcare system problem. The reality of it is that when it comes to prevention, typically public health is focused on [00:12:00] prevention and the healthcare system is focused on the treatment of disease. [00:12:03] And we see that when it comes to fertility a lot and what ends up happening as a result of it is that It really is just focusing on like, it's almost like, you know, you've got a sore finger. Okay, let's chop that off and fix that problem. Hopefully you don't get to chop it off, but you know, that's typically how it, how it's approached. [00:12:24] And so what ends up happening is that the entire context of the human being that is meant to produce the result of, which really fertility is a, is an outcome. But it's also a retrospective outcome. You know that it's you're holding a baby once you are, like whatever happens before that moment happens is essentially a part of what is going to lead to whatever outcome you have. [00:12:51] And so I always talk about it from this perspective. If you are experiencing Challenges in terms of getting pregnant, keeping a healthy pregnancy to term, [00:13:00] these are end results of many biochemical chain reactions that start all the way, you know, way before the result is meant to occur. What IVF tries to do is immediately work from like the immediate part that you can see, i. [00:13:15] e. egg and sperm. But the reality of it is that there's only so much leverage when it's not very much that you can get from only trying to address those cells, as opposed to all of the biochemical pathways that are leading to the creation of the cells in the way that they are. And that's part of why IVF its own, often fails, because one, it's not looking and addressing What are the reasons as to why we need IVF to begin with? [00:13:41] And what is it that we need to do to improve the chances of conception occurring, whether it's via natural conception or via IVF? I also want to really kind of underline and highlight the point that whether we're talking about any kind of reproductive challenge, whether we're talking about [00:14:00] infertility or miscarriage or failed IVF treatments, It's almost like those are clues. [00:14:05] They're not results. They're not the outcome because the outcome of reproduction is a baby. So if we're having failures in that process that are leading us to not hold our baby, it tells us that, okay, the clues that we have are the symptoms that we're experiencing. Infertility, miscarriage, failed treatments. [00:14:26] Those are symptoms. Right, really to a large extent. And what that means is that we need to treat them as such, because if we don't address the red flags that are infertility on its own, miscarriages on its own, and failed treatments on its own, because failed treatments is relevant here, because the that you have an egg and a sperm together, you have an embryo. You have a baby right in that moment. You have a baby when you transfer an embryo for treatment, [00:15:00] you are pregnant at the time of transfer. No matter what you are pregnant. So if you don't see a positive pregnancy test. That tells us that implantation has failed and that tells us that, okay, there's something there that we need to address. [00:15:14] Why is it failing? Most doctors, most providers don't care about it. They literally just say, oh, you know, it's a like, it's a numbers game. It's the luck of the draw. Just keep trying. Everything is normal. Just keep trying. When I hear that, literally, this is why I have so much gray hair. Because when [00:15:30] **Michelle Oravitz:** But you have beautiful skin. [00:15:34] **Gabriela Rosa:** when I hear that, I just go, Oh my God, like, how can we keep believing this lie that everything is normal, just keep trying whilst we're having very clear symptoms, infertility, miscarriage, failed treatment, that things aren't quite right. [00:15:49] What we also know about these symptoms, and I like to call them symptoms because really, That is what they are. They're telling us that there is some imbalance within the system that [00:16:00] often left unaddressed will lead. It's not may lead. It is will lead to other health conditions being developed in the long term. [00:16:09] And we know that being studies about this that show that. For people who have an infertility diagnosis and just bypass it with any other kind of treatment rather than addressing IVF etc, rather than addressing the issue, what happens is that the risk and the rate of all cause mortality in the future is higher. [00:16:35] So people who are diagnosed with infertility who don't treat it. actually die from all other causes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, at a higher rate than people who actually address their problems. And this was demonstrated to happen and be true for females and for males. So literally, if you're not addressing infertility as a symptom, [00:17:00] you are digging yourself a hole sooner and at a younger age than you otherwise would want to. [00:17:07] Now, I know that this is unpopular and most people are going to feel very confronted by hearing something like this, but the reality is that, sure, you can go and bypass infertility and the symptoms of infertility and go into IVF and get a baby. But are you going to have the quality of life and the ability to be here to raise that child in the long term? [00:17:29] That's a very important question that people need to ask themselves before they simply just jump onto, you know, overcoming the issue with a band aid and just fixing it as opposed to actually truly addressing the root cause of the problem and finding what is the problem. You know, because there are things, for example, if you have antiphospholipid syndrome, which increases the risk of miscarriage, that's also a marker for cardiovascular disease in the long term. [00:17:59] So you're [00:18:00] literally like, if you are ignoring it for, and just take heparin, take whatever to be able to actually take home a baby and not really addressing the underlying concerns that your body is telling you than a present. Well, You are certainly increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. [00:18:18] And like that, there are many other examples. I'll give you an example of insulin resistance. You know, like I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18, I had to really understand how to take care of my body in the best possible way to have regular cycles, despite being told by a medical doctor that. I probably would never have Children. [00:18:37] I was able to conceive two babies twice, literally one and two kind of attempts later by understanding what it is that I needed to do in a holistic way for my body. Now, had I not done that and just jump bypassed the problem with taking metformin, not that I'm saying it can't be a part of the solution, but it can't be the whole solution, right? [00:18:57] I would have probably at this stage in my life right [00:19:00] now. Have pre-diabetes or have already have diabetes because we know that insulin resistance leads to pre-diabetes, which leads to the development of diabetes and that women with PCOS have and are at highest risk. Now by me ignoring my insulin resistance, yes, I'm increasing the risk of implantation failure. [00:19:21] infertility and diabetes in the long term. And like I said, if I don't address that at the, at the point in the time that it matters to overcome fertility concerns and fertility challenges, I am choosing diabetes in the long term. So, and we know that one of the biggest killers in the world these days is diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. [00:19:43] And there are many cancers that are associated with the insulin resistance condition, resistance conditions and pre diabetes. So again, you know, I already have a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Do I want to add to that? No, thank you. [00:19:59] **Michelle Oravitz:** [00:20:00] Yeah. I mean, wow. You know, this is such an important topic that you're bringing up and it's something that I don't even think has really been brought up to this level on my podcast and I've been doing this since 2018. I mean, yes, I've talked about how, like I've had people on and say almost like going through the fertility journey saved my life. [00:20:19] I mean, so yes, people have acknowledged it, but to this detail that you're mentioning, I think it's just so important for people to hear. And I think it is important. It's one of those painful truths. And I think it's important for people to face it and acknowledge it because ultimately you can ignore it, but it's going to come back. [00:20:38] It's not like ignoring it makes it go away. [00:20:41] **Gabriela Rosa:** exactly. And I think that that is, you know, if, people take nothing else out of this conversation today, I think what's important is to understand that you cannot bypass infertility and still be healthy in the longterm. You have to work with your body to understand why is it giving you these symptoms? [00:20:58] What is it that you can do about it? [00:21:00] Not just hearing a doctor say, Oh, everything is normal. Just keep trying. And yet having completely either it. Out of range or out of optimal range test results and continue to think that, well, IVF must be the next solution because it is not. IVF can be part of a solution and it's a wonderful part of the solution for couples who really, truly need it. [00:21:23] And truly, it was developed for women. with tubal factor infertility. So people who had blocked fallopian tubes for some reason, it wasn't developed for the variety of fertility concerns or issues and, causes that we have today. So we can't just expect that we are going to bypass the problem and are going to have absolutely no negative effect in the long term. [00:21:48] And I think that that's a really important thing for people to understand is that. Yes, you might use it as a way to support a process, but not without [00:22:00] addressing, and certainly not by ignoring what's causing it to be needed to begin with. I think that one of the biggest things, and for me this is, you know, something that I'm exceptionally passionate about, is helping people get answers. [00:22:15] you know, we even have a full free program that we give to people. That is a four week program. It's called the fertility challenge. It's completely free. It's literally worth thousands of dollars. And what it does is it helps people to understand, okay, let's understand the diagnosis. For you. Let's understand what are the things that are not working in the way that it needs to and change that. [00:22:38] You know, the objective really is to get answers, get clarity, to be able to personalize the implementation of whatever it is that you need to do so you can conceive however it is that you're going to conceive and finally hold the baby. Not continuing to go out and around in circles until you run out of time completely, because that is sadly what [00:23:00] happens to so many women, so many couples, they try, and I talk to them all the time, and it's heartbreaking, you know, people who have been trying for 10 years to have a baby and feel like, gosh, I'm at the end of my rope, I need to figure out how else I can do this, or I'm really come to terms with never having a baby, you know, like this is the decision and the place that so many of the patients who come to Mirat and I so hope and wish that people can actually have this clarity, have these epiphanies way before they are at that stage. [00:23:32] stage where they literally have their back in a corner and there's nowhere else to move. So those are important things for me. I think that it's, you know, getting clarity and getting answers is the number one thing that's actually going to enable you to implement the right strategy in terms of treatment because you can line up. [00:23:54] 10 men with poor sperm morphology. And you can have 10 [00:24:00] reasons as to why that sperm morphology is problematic in all of those different men. Right? So it's not one size fits all. Exactly. I didn't know for somebody, let's say that they have heavy exposures to like, I've had farmers in my program, you know, heavy exposures to heavy metals and, and heat and, you know, all sorts of things. [00:24:20] And then I've got doctors, heavy exposure to radiation and so on. So, you know, it's, it's one of those things that you really have to understand the context specific need for the patient to be able to properly and effectively address it. Otherwise you're literally just trialing and erroring until. [00:24:38] Unfortunately, many people run out of time altogether.  [00:24:42] **Michelle Oravitz:** I think that the biggest problem is that people just don't even know what they don't know. So they go to doctors and then, I mean, I was one of them and people know this, you know, my listeners know this. I've been on the birth control pill and that was like my solution to irregular periods and it was just like, [00:25:00] take this. [00:25:00] And this is the only thing you can do. And apart from this, there's nothing you can do. And that's, um, you know, such a straight statement and such a definitive statement. Statement that I don't know better. So I just believe it. And then until years later, I find different modality and realize, Oh no, there is something I can do. [00:25:17] So like  [00:25:18] **Gabriela Rosa:** There's lots.  [00:25:19] **Michelle Oravitz:** I didn't know. I did not know what I didn't know until I knew. And so this is why I love having people like you on here, bringing light to this because people need to hear this. Cause I think it's going to start to like light up something in their minds. It's like, Oh, wow, this is something that I can really. [00:25:36] Look into that's number one is people don't know what they don't know. But also number two is that they don't even know they can do anything about it. Then there's a lot of things that you could do about it. And you know, there's so many people say like, Oh, there's nothing you can do. There's no cure. And a cure is kind of like a, you know, very definitive word, but treatment. [00:25:56] I mean, there's things that you can do that actually [00:26:00] can impact it. It's just that that is not something that is in the conventional world. [00:26:06] **Gabriela Rosa:** Yeah. And you know what else is interesting, and I think that this is important for people to understand as well, because it's, it's a bugmare of mine, which is when people go to their doctor and the doctor runs some tests and then they go back for results and they literally are told, Oh, we've done all the tests. [00:26:22] And everything is normal. Now, let's peel this back and let's explain what all the tests actually means because all the tests does not mean all of the tests, okay? And everything is normal definitely doesn't mean that if you're still not holding a baby. And let me explain what that, what I mean by that. [00:26:39] When it comes to the fertility guidelines around the world, which is what doctors will most of the time will be following guidelines because they don't want to be seen as being stupid amongst their peers. Okay, so what happens with this? doctor will typically refuse to prescribe or request a test result unless they [00:27:00] feel validated in doing so. [00:27:02] Okay. And the reason for that, and I've had this conversation with doctors, my own providers, as well as colleagues who tell me this, they say, I can't ask for this test because it's not going to be either approved by insurance, or I'm going to be criticized for requesting this test to which I reply. Well. [00:27:22] What is currently in the guidelines when it comes to fertility diagnosis is that you check for patency in the fallopian tubes, so are the fallopian tubes clear, and usually that's tested these days, it used to be an HSG, these days it's by Hycose, ultrasound with fluid in the tubes and, you know, dye spilling through if the tubes are clear. [00:27:45] The other test that is done is typically your kind of general FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone. Progesterone typically recommended on day 21 of the cycle, which also is not necessarily the right thing because some women have irregular cycles and [00:28:00] lengthened cycles and irregular ovulation. So really progesterone should be occurring seven days post ovulation and not at day 21 of the cycle, particularly if a woman has lengthened cycles or shortened. [00:28:13] cycles. It doesn't mean that a woman is not ovulating in those two instances. It just means that pinpointing ovulation becomes more difficult. And that is pretty much, and then of course, sperm parameters. Most people that come to me, believe it or not, despite years of infertility, have not had a semen analysis done. [00:28:30] or don't have a recent semen analysis that really understands what's going on with sperm right now because sperm changes literally every four months. And so you can have the flu and end up with zero sperm. It actually can happen. And you know, that doesn't mean that that person is azoospermic forever and always, it just means that they've had a severe infection that has wiped out their for a sperm cycle or for a period of time. [00:28:57] So Understanding that the major [00:29:00] things, and some doctors are more thorough and some will prescribe or refer, recommend further tests, but as a bare minimum, they're looking for hormonal balance, looking for ovulation and looking for tubal patiency and sperm parameters. So those are four things. [00:29:15] Out of literally thousands of tests that could be done and that needs to be looked at. And of course, needs to be personalized because testing is also expensive and you don't want to be wasting time doing tests for no reason. So, you know, there is a balance to that. But it's not enough to have four tests and not really exactly know what it is that's being tested. [00:29:37] And your doctor tell you, Oh, you know, we've done all the tests and everything is normal because very little is going to be picked up unless there is some serious major issue. Very little is going to be picked up by those four, you know, four things being tested or four areas being tested. What's going to happen is that you may end up with some clues about what else needs to be tested, but [00:30:00] Typically, it's going to be insufficient to gain a proper diagnosis. [00:30:05] to which what happens from there is that people get diagnosed with unexplained infertility. And hence why unexplained infertility is the major, the biggest category of infertility diagnosis, because more tests have not been done. Now, typically, and this is when [00:30:23] we're  [00:30:23] **Michelle Oravitz:** I mean, that is such a good statement. Keep going. Sorry. [00:30:28] **Gabriela Rosa:** the thing about it is that that's what we're talking about conception and conception attempt failures, which IE infertility is what, how it's labeled. [00:30:38] But when we're talking about miscarriages or implantation failure, it's even worse. Because, guess what? The healthcare system expects that a woman has to have at least three miscarriages before testing is done. Now, really? I mean, I don't know, for anybody who has ever had one miscarriage, it's traumatizing enough. [00:30:58] Waiting to have three [00:31:00] before you actually do any further testing, to me, is pretty extreme. That's why, you know. It's unacceptable. It's, as a woman, I think it's just like, it's ridiculous, right? Now, the other thing then that happens is failed IVF You end up with an embryo. Most people who go into IVF, and it's not everyone, but most people will end up with at least one embryo, and there will be a decision to transfer said embryo. [00:31:23] If it doesn't work, and of course, if the cycle gets cancelled for any other reason before we get to that stage, or even then. after getting an embryo, i. e. embryo doesn't develop, doesn't, you know, there's no blastocysts to transfer, whatever it is. Every single one of those points of failure, so to speak, needs to be questioned and needs to be specifically tested and addressed because otherwise, again, you can end up with the same problem. [00:31:51] Now, In the case of IVF, it's more problematic because it's also extremely costly. In the United States, an average IVF [00:32:00] cycle costs about 17, 000 U. S. dollars. And around the world, you know, the price varies. But let's just go with the United States data. And we look at an average cost of 17, 000. That is whether you get to transfer or not. [00:32:13] you are paying that money. [00:32:15] **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. [00:32:16] **Gabriela Rosa:** you have an embryo or not, [00:32:18] you are paying that money. So the thing about it that I questioned is like, okay, and there are published studies that show that in order to have a close to 80 percent live birth rate, cumulative rate for IVF, i. e. having a baby, close to 80 percent cumulative rate of chance of having a baby, you have to have eight IVF cycles. [00:32:39] That's the average. Now imagine, imagine eight times seventeen thousand dollars, I mean for some people that's a house. [00:32:48] **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. [00:32:49] **Gabriela Rosa:** Right. So no wonder people can't afford to go and do IVF. No wonder there are so many challenges. But even if you can afford it, would you rather do something else first to [00:33:00] understand what is the cause and address that before going and doing another cycle? [00:33:04] You know, we have so many patients who come to us after failed cycles and go, look, I want to prepare to have another better cycle. Typically, those people end up conceiving naturally. They didn't even need IVF to begin with. And when they do, they end up having one or two maximum cycles afterwards, once you understand what the problem is. [00:33:23] So again, hence the critical importance of understanding what is the problem you are dealing with, rather than just expecting that you are going to be okay with some unexplained diagnosis. for your expertise. [00:33:37] **Michelle Oravitz:** So walk us through, like, if you have certain cases, like the ones that you were mentioning, that are really, really complex and many, many years of dealing with. really being on this journey, what are some of the steps you would take? You had mentioned doing testing and functional testing also just for people listening, if you don't know about it, is a lot more in depth and [00:34:00] detailed than what you'll typically get when you go to the doctor's office. [00:34:03] **Gabriela Rosa:** Yeah, no, I agree with that. And look, the testing piece, it's almost, it's a science and an art, right? Because it's almost like you need to balance. various things when requesting a test, you have to balance what is the return on the knowledge that you're going to gain? What's the time spent? What is the money spent? [00:34:22] What are the things that are actually going to give you a lot to be able to do about it versus not very much for a very expensive test? So there's, so for me personally, and certainly, you know, in the first time method, what we use in the pro in our programs, really, what we're looking at is we kind of go back to the drawing board, we collect all the data. [00:34:42] We really look at everything that the patient brings from their lived experience, whether it's test results, other things that they've done, whatever it is, we collect and analyze all of that information to really first understand, okay, what has been done? Where are the gaps? Where are the places of opportunity? [00:34:58] What are the things [00:35:00] that. we need action that is absolutely urgent. And one of the things that we don't actually need to address because there will be addressed as part of addressing the, you know, some of the basic major root issues, root causes. So it's understanding that nuance that actually ends up being able to direct a path, particularly in those cases that we treat that are very difficult and complex because you can do a thousand tests. [00:35:28] You know, there's thousands of tests that you can actually do. Will you do them? No, no. So then we have to really be able to identify, okay, what are the red flags that if we were to understand more about them? Or where the gaps that if we don't know is going to change the direction of our, say, of our choices, then we're starting to look at those things, you know, in cost effectiveness, cost effectiveness analysis, which is a big [00:36:00] field of science, really, the idea is this, if you are going to treat anyway, don't test. [00:36:07] Right. So for example, and there are pros and cons to this, but you know, there are certain things that you're going to treat anyway. So is there a need to test it? Sometimes there is. But sometimes there really isn't and that's the thing that we really need to kind of balance in the whole scheme of things is the things that are going to be absolutely essential and the things that are not really going to be that important. [00:36:34] **Michelle Oravitz:** And what were some of the protocols or what are the types of ways that you treat people or. What is included in the protocols? [00:36:44] **Gabriela Rosa:** It's depends because it's very personalized, you know, so we will use a blend of medical. treatments and even medical diagnostics, of course. And we then are going to utilize the best of all of the worlds that we have access to, whether it's [00:37:00] naturopathic medicine, integrative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, lifestyle medicine. [00:37:04] So we then are putting together a very personalized process. That is going to help that individual that is part of that couple. Because like I said, you know, you have 10 different men, you have 10 different reasons. Therefore, we need to understand what is the reason here and what do we then make as recommendations. [00:37:24] My biggest focus always is minimum effective dose. I want to do the least possible to get the biggest resolved. Right. That is my focus. So I'm always assessing and addressing the case from that lens of like, okay, what do I need to touch? What do I have to leave alone? Because there are certain things that, you know, for example, I'll give you an example of heavy metal toxicity. [00:37:46] Heavy metal toxicity is a really tricky one. In some cases, it will increase the risk of miscarriage. Like, hugely. I had patient once who basically had 40 times the, elevated rate of what's kind of acceptable in a [00:38:00] human. And essentially had had 8 miscarriages a result, was coming to me to figure out, okay, why am I having miscarriage after miscarriage, even though I'm getting pregnant, she was only 30. [00:38:10] So we went on to identify that she had really high level of mercury toxicity, which was causing these miscarriages. And there were other factors too. So we addressed all of it and we had to make a decision in her situation to actually go for medical chelation therapy. Because what ended up happening for her with that high level is that she was going to continue miscarrying. [00:38:32] And we also knew that chelation therapy would take a long time because it doesn't work quickly. It took us 12 months of treating her, doing chelation, doing retesting, more chelation, more retesting to actually get to a point where she could start trying to conceive again. So it's not everybody has that kind of time, which means that we might find high heavy metals in a person and have to leave it alone because literally we have two years until this [00:39:00] is all over, right? [00:39:01] So it just depends on the situation and we have to make those critical clinical decisions that are going to really help the outcome that we are looking for. So it's highly personalized. So it's not. I don't have, we have a framework that we make sure that we don't leave things to chance, that we really are, you know, checking off every box, but we don't have a, this is the only way that we do this because we have to ask and answer questions and address and adapt accordingly. [00:39:29] **Michelle Oravitz:** So I guess, my question wasn't specifically like a protocol that's customized, like for all, cause I get it. We do the same thing, but do you use, what kind of tools do you use [00:39:39] **Gabriela Rosa:** Oh, we use all sorts of things from, yeah, from drug therapy to herbal medicines, to nutritional supplementation, to exercise, to sleep, to diet, like, All of the things, you know, so in terms of what it is that we're going to use, we're going to use whatever it is that we need to use. You know, sometimes we find infections that we're not going to waste time [00:40:00] trying to use. [00:40:00] I was just going to go straight to antibiotics. You know, because that's just the thing that's [00:40:04] going to give us the result the fastest. So, again, even the treatment part is going to be very, I guess, personalized to whatever it is that that person needs, because at the end of the day, I want speed.  [00:40:18] **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah,  [00:40:19] **Gabriela Rosa:** speed and I want effectiveness. [00:40:21] So it's, it's balancing all of those worlds. [00:40:24] **Michelle Oravitz:** definitely have a unique perspective though, in a sense that you use tools that are conventional and, a little bit more alternative and holistic. So it is a really great combination because you can get amazing results with both. Yeah. [00:40:41] **Gabriela Rosa:** way that I see it is like, we really do want to blend the best of both worlds. We don't want to say, Oh no, this is not something that we use. I'm not. Look, honestly, I am not, I'm not a purist. I'm not a purist, you know, like, I don't think that there's only one way to do things. [00:40:57] I think I always am looking for what is the best [00:41:00] way to do something, you know, what's going to get us the outcome that we're looking for, balancing all of the constraints and challenges and situations that we have in front of us. So, but how? And I always say to my patients, I'm completely impartial as to how you get pregnant. [00:41:15] I don't care if we have to use IUI, IVF, you know, like I don't care donor egg. That's not the thing. The thing is, if my patient comes to me and says, look, I'm, I want a baby no matter what. we are going to explore every, every opportunity to be able to do that. Then I also have some patients who come to me and say, I will only try natural conception. [00:41:36] I'm like, okay, cool. Let's explore and make sure that we maximize that opportunity. You know, what are the things that we need to do? But it's, values and preferences of the patient that will determine where we go and what recommendations we will make. [00:41:52] **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. I love that. I mean, I think that that ultimately just shows that you're present with your patient because that is [00:42:00] ultimately what it is. It's not a one size fits all because then it's something that you pre craft and just give out. But when you're present with a patient, you're able to really assess what you have in front of you specifically. [00:42:11] One topic that I did want to actually ask you about, you know, to get your thoughts, A lot of times people will come in with like, What they say, quote unquote, low AMH, which as we know, sometimes fluctuates in itself, but people get really hung up on it in response to how their doctors get really hung up on it, and I've seen this my, in my own office is that it really doesn't make as much of. [00:42:38] I guess the challenge is people think it does. I've seen people with very low numbers that were told that they needed egg donor conceive naturally like multiple times after that. So I just wanted to get your thoughts on that. [00:42:50] **Gabriela Rosa:** Yeah, absolutely. It's a great question. And look, you know, what happens is that AMH levels, which measures the ovarian reserve, it's measuring the hormones that are excreted by [00:43:00] the eggs themselves, right? And so the more of AMH you have, the more eggs you're likely to have, the less AMH, the less eggs you're likely to have. [00:43:08] Yeah. Does it mean that if you have low AMH that you can't conceive naturally and what is the best way to conceive? Well, actually, all the science shows that if you have low AMH, typically the best option for conception is actually natural conception or IUI. As opposed to IVF. Most, and this is why most women with lower MH go to their doctors and they refuse to do IVF cycles if they are good doctors. [00:43:35] If they just want to take their money, they might not be that kind of doctor. Right? And so the reality of it is that Low MH in itself does not preclude a woman from conceiving with her own eggs naturally. I see the same thing in my clinic. In fact, our study, our Harvard study shows that even in the very low MH category, the less than one, the one to four is low, less than one is very low. [00:43:59] [00:44:00] We had the majority of patients conceive by natural conception in that category group. So very possible, very doable. However, it's not as easy as it used to be. Thank you. Right. When a woman had higher AMH, and this is also part of the reason why you need to make sure that you're addressing the full context of the patient, because a woman's ovarian reserve is just going to, it's going to decline at the time, no matter what. [00:44:26] And if you're treating the wrong problem, i. e. let's say, for example, we have very poor sperm quantity, quality, you know, all of those things. And you are continually treating the woman because she has low ovarian reserve. Well, you're actually leaving a lot on the table because she probably with a better sperm partner would actually have already conceived. [00:44:50] And so it's about understanding, again, this is where I always say fertility is a team sport. And I say that for a reason. You can't expect that a woman [00:45:00] with lower age is going to conceive with crappy sperm. If you have a lower age, what you need is superhero sperm, right? And so it's, and men's sperm quality decreases over time as women's fertility decreases over time. [00:45:14] So it's a, it's a matter of understanding. What it means, like, for example, if you have just low AMH and your FSH is normal on day two, then you have a much better chance of conceiving and taking home a healthy baby, whether it's naturally or any other way, than a woman who has low AMH and high FSH. [00:45:34] Because then, if you're having high FSH, it's telling you that already on day two, your ovaries are already struggling to release the eggs that are remaining. So that tells me that, again, IVF is definitely not the best option, and you need to figure out, okay, what else is there that you can, what are the levers that you can pull, because probably egg quality is [00:46:00] not going to be enough. [00:46:01] Right? And so then you have to address and adjust treatment accordingly. But just as a full answer to your question, just as a, as a very big summary, Lower MH does not mean that you can't conceive. It does signal the onset of perimenopause. Typically ovarian reserve lowers quite significantly five to ten years before menopause, and particularly for women who smoke, that happens even five years before women who don't smoke. [00:46:30] So it's certainly if you, if you are trying to get pregnant and you smoke, well, you better stop. Right now, because you are definitely almost kind of poisoning your chances of taking a healthy pregnancy to term at any point, like you're literally certainly decreasing your chances by at least five years compared to non smoking counterparts. [00:46:54] And if your partner smokes secondary, you know, kind of smoke is also going to be a problem. [00:47:00] So, and of course, that's going to be a problem for sperm. So there's all of those, those contexts as well that we have to take into account. But yeah, it's, it doesn't necessarily translate that low AMH means no baby or low AMH means that it must be donor egg situation. [00:47:15] We had patients, and again, this is in our analysis, the majority of patients who had low AMH were told that they needed to have donor egg. We, in the entire sample of 544 patients, we only had 5. 6%. actually need donor egg. So, and the majority were consuming naturally. So, you know, I take that with a very large grain of salt. [00:47:38] **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. And this is why you have to get many multiple opinions and really do your research and find the right practitioner. Maybe a couple of different practitioners. but I love your approach and I think that a lot of what you're saying, first of all, it makes a lot of sense, but it's also, is research based and empowering for people listening. [00:47:59] [00:48:00] And so for people listening who are interested or want to learn more about your work, what are the things that you offer online, like [00:48:08] **Gabriela Rosa:** Yeah. So [00:48:09] **Michelle Oravitz:** far away, [00:48:10] **Gabriela Rosa:** they can go to my website, which is fertilitybreakthrough. com and they can also search my name, which is Gabriella Rosa, G A B R I E L A R O S A. they will find, I have my book, Fertility Breakthrough, Overcoming Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage When Other Treatments Have Failed free on YouTube and Spotify. [00:48:29] So they'll be able to get the audio version there. It's also available on Amazon and every other bookseller. And of course, as I mentioned earlier, you know, we have the free fertility challenge program that is designed for couples who want to overcome infertility and miscarriage, and most importantly, want to find answers, you know, and want to know what it is that they need to do and how to personalize their journey so that they can hold their baby sooner, [00:48:53] **Michelle Oravitz:** amazing, and you work one on one as well, right? [00:48:56] **Gabriela Rosa:** our team does absolutely. So, yes. [00:48:59] **Michelle Oravitz:** [00:49:00] amazing, Gabriella, this is an amazing conversation. I've seen you around before. I've looked at your information before we spoke and I was very impressed and this exceeded my expectations. So thank you so much for coming on. [00:49:14] **Gabriela Rosa:** Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's a real pleasure. [00:50:00]       

2 more lavin: not testifying as an individual in front of court about another's misdeeds when no impact will come from it, joining a wicked group of people who speak LH

Trying to conceive (TTC) and looking for ways to naturally support your fertility? Understanding your hormones—especially progesterone—is key to improving implantation and increasing your chances of pregnancy. In this in-depth guide, we cover everything you need to know, from at-home fertility testing to sperm health and common mistakes that could be delaying your conception journey.Joining us today on this episode is Amy Beckley who will talk about Progesterone & Fertility: What You NEED to Know When TTC. Amy Beckley has a PhD in hormone signaling and founded Proov after her personal battle with infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Amy was given the diagnosis of "unexplained infertility" and told IVF was her best chance at conception. She had her son after 2 rounds of IVF. She then used her science degree and discovered her infertility was due to a simple progesterone deficiency. After having her daughter with just a low cost progesterone supplement, Amy decided to invent a way to test for progesterone at home. Proov was born and now Proov is the most comprehensive at-home system to monitor your whole cycle and discover of there are red flags that could be preventing conception.What You'll Learn in This Video:✅ Why Progesterone is Crucial for Pregnancy – What it does, when it should be high, and what happens if levels drop too soon.✅ How to Track Ovulation at Home – The best methods, including LH strips, BBT tracking, and cervical mucus monitoring.✅ At-Home Fertility Tests: Which Ones Actually Work? – Covering FSH, LH, PDG (progesterone metabolite), estrogen, and HCG pregnancy tests.✅ Sperm Health & Male Fertility – Why it's just as important to test male fertility and what makes a high-quality sperm sample.✅ Common Causes of Infertility – From hormonal imbalances to blocked tubes, PCOS, endometriosis, and more.✅ IVF vs. Natural Fertility Support – What to try before jumping into costly treatments and how to work with your doctor for personalized care.✅ How to Improve Implantation Success – Nutritional tips, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can help prepare your body for pregnancy.✅ Debunking Fertility Myths & Common Mistakes – Avoiding misinformation and understanding how your body truly works.Fertility Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy:✔️ Diet & Nutrition for Optimal Hormones – Mediterranean diet, seed cycling, and key vitamins for progesterone support.✔️ Exercise & Fertility – How movement, blood flow, and stress reduction improve conception rates.✔️ Acupuncture & Alternative Therapies – Can acupuncture really improve fertility outcomes?✔️ Mindset & Emotional Well-Being – Coping with TTC stress, miscarriage, and fertility struggles.Follow Amy on:https://www.facebook.com/groups/121476308499019proovtest.comDon't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let's chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

3 more lavin: prohibition to hate another inside (and not reveal to him, but do reveal to others via LH), prohibitions of harboring resentment for not doing him a favor and also taking revenge (through speaking LH about him)

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains the different types of cysts, including functional and non-functional cysts. She highlights the differences between endometriomas and dermoid cysts, and their respective implications for fertility. Dr. Crawford also covers the potential risks and considerations around surgical removal of cysts. Additionally, she provides guidance on fertility preservation options, such as embryo freezing, for women with a history of ovarian cysts. Natalie answers your questions in this week's FFS - For Fertility's Sake How do I know if I'm ovulating? If the left tube is open and the right tube is proximally blocked, would you repeat an HSG? If I only have egg white cervical mucus on one day, usually the day of or the next day for my LH peak, is this my only fertile day? Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!      Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AAW to get UP TO $300 off today! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 more lavin: don't speak LH and then contract tzara'as and don't be causation for another to sin

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the secrets that most fertility doctors won't tell you about your AMH levels and low ovarian reserve. If you've ever been worried about your egg counts or been told your AMH is low, listening to this episode could change everything.What You'll Discover:• The Truth Behind AMH: Learn why the number of eggs isn't as crucial as their quality and how to interpret your lab results beyond just a number.• Three Critical Factors: Understand how oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and blood flow to your ovaries play a pivotal role in your fertility success.• Daily Protocol Breakdown: Get a detailed, step-by-step guide that includes:  - A powerful morning routine with sunlight exposure and nutrient-packed supplements (like ubiquinol, vitamin C, and specialized vitamin E) taken with healthy fats for maximum absorption.  - Easy yet effective fertility yoga and a brisk walk after lunch to boost circulation and support hormonal balance.  - Evening strategies for optimal nutrition, winding down rituals, and a sleep regimen that harnesses the magic hours for egg cell repair.• Real Patient Success: Hear the inspiring story of a patient with an AMH of 0.1—once told she could never conceive naturally—who, after following this protocol, achieved a miracle pregnancy.• Holistic Fertility Insights: Discover why factors such as FSH and LH levels, age, and personalized nutritional needs are essential to truly understanding your fertility picture.Whether you're under 40 and battling low ovarian reserve or simply seeking holistic, science-backed fertility advice, Dr. Obama's groundbreaking approach provides actionable tips to empower you and your partner's journey to parenthood.Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let's chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we'd love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you're listening to this episode.

What will you learn today on The Hormone Genius with Guest Dr. Stephanie Kafie? What devices and technology are available for women to track their fertility? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these devices? What are natural signs of fertility that women can track and what are the advantages/disadvantages of these? How can femtech be incorporated into natural family planning for avoiding or achieving pregnancy? Dr. Kafie was kind enough to give additional information about femtech (see below), what devices are available, what the research is behind these methods and how they can be incorporated into NFP methods formally (such as Sympto-thermal or Marquette Method) or informally. Inito Pattnaik S, Das D, Venkatesan VA. A quantitative home-use framework for assessing fertility and identifying novel hormone trends by recording urine hormones. Medrxiv 2022 Bottom Line: Inito can be used for urinary monitoring of LH, estrogen and progesterone to help identify ovulation. Thakur R, Akram F, Rastogi V, Mitra A, Nawani R, Av V, et al. Development of Smartphone-Based Lateral Flow Device for the Quantification of LH and E3G Hormones 2020 Bottom Line: Using Inito for urinary hormone testing was comparable to the gold standard for urinary monitoring of LH, estrogen and progesterone. Inito vs. Mira Bouchard TP. Using Quantitative Hormonal Fertility Monitors to Evaluate the Luteal Phase: Medicina 2023 Bottom Line: There are few studies validating femtech devices: 2 studies for Inito, one study on Proov, and one comparing Mira and Clearblue. Further studies are needed to validate these devices. Clearblue vs. Mira Bouchard TP, Fehring RJ, Mu Q. Quantitative versus qualitative estrogen and luteinizing hormone testing for personal fertility monitoring. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021 Bottom Line: Both monitors had dates of ovulation that were highly correlated. Total satisfaction scores were higher for Clearblue than Mira. Marquette Method using Clearblue Monitor - Non-breastfeeding Fehring, R. J., & Schneider, M. (2017). Effectiveness of a Natural Family Planning , MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing Bottom Line: This study showed 98% effectiveness of the Marquette Method in avoiding pregnancy with perfect use in non-breastfeeding women. Marquette Method using Clearblue Monitor - Breastfeeding Bouchard, T., Fehring, R. J., & Schneider, M. (2013). Efficacy of a New Postpartum Transition Protocol for Avoiding Pregnancy. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Bottom Line: With perfect use, this study showed 98% effectiveness of the Marquette Method for avoiding pregnancy during the transition to regular menstrual cycles postpartum. Marquette Method using Clearblue Monitor - Achieving Pregnancy Bouchard, T. P., Fehring, R. J. (2018). Achieving Pregnancy Using Primary Care Interventions to Identify the Fertile Window. Frontiers in Medicine Bottom line: For women who wish to achieve a pregnancy, using a hormonal fertility monitor alone offers to best natural estimate of a woman's fertile phase of her menstrual cycle. Focused intercourse during 24 menstrual cycles can assist couples with achieving pregnancy. Wearable Devices that track fertility - A Review Cromack SC, Walter JR. Consumer wearables and personal devices for tracking the fertile window. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Bottom Line: More research is needed on these devices. Studies have many limitations with limited sample sizes and researchers who may have a stake in the company. For a detailed summary read this review: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/wearables-and-devices-to-track-the-fertile-window-a-review/?mc_cid=7e1bdddb2a&mc_eid=6315adbd87 Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Today, we're doing a fun Q&A episode, tackling two BIG cycle questions. If you've ever been confused about ovulation, cycle timing, or whether your period is actually a real period (yes, that's a thing!), this episode is going to clear up so much for you. Plus, I'm breaking down the ONLY way to truly confirm ovulation—hint: your app and LH strips are NOT enough. Ways to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Balance Your Blood SugarMentioned in this episode: Grab access to my FREE Trying to Conceive Masterclass, here! Shop TempDrop here (Code AFCORINNE)Shop Natural Cycles here (Code CORINNE15)123. Why ovulation strips & apps are NOT accurate & how to truly track ovulation!FREE TRAINING! How to build a hormone-healthy, blood-sugar-balancing meal! (this is pulled directly from the 1st module of the Mind Your Hormones Method!) Access this free training, HERE!Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaFree Facebook group: Mind Your Hormones Podcast CommunityEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

[깊이 있는 경제뉴스] 1) 악성 미분양, LH가 사들인다?.. “CR리츠도 협의” 2) 우크라이나 전쟁, 美·러시아만 종전 회담 시작 - 김치형 경제뉴스 큐레이터 - 손석우 경제뉴스 큐레이터 [친절한 경제] 왜 은행과 금거래소의 금 가격이 다른가요?

This episode goes deeper into the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in regulating the menstrual cycle and its implications for those with PCOS. Discover the essential functions of LH, how it influences fertility, and why it's particularly significant for understanding and managing PCOS symptoms and health.Key Functions of Luteinizing HormoneLuteinizing hormone plays a critical role in both men and women by regulating important aspects of the reproductive system. For women, LH is crucial for managing estrogen and progesterone levels, which are essential to creating the rhythm of the menstrual cycle's phases. Learn how LH operates within a healthy cycle, including the sharp surge before ovulation, which is crucial for releasing the egg.Challenges of LH Imbalance in PCOSMany women with PCOS experience an imbalance in their LH-to-FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) ratio, which can lead to disrupted menstrual cycles and challenges with ovulation. This section explains the typical LH imbalances seen in PCOS, how they affect the body, and the complications that may arise, such as the failure to trigger proper ovulation and the development of cystic ovaries.Limitations of Ovulation Predictor Kits for PCOSYou will learn the limitations of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) for women with PCOS, who may experience misleading results due to chronically elevated LH levels. Explore why these tools often fail to provide accurate readings and how they can lead to confusion about ovulation and fertility windows.Addressing the Root Causes of LH Dysfunction in PCOSUnderstanding and managing the underlying causes of elevated LH and testosterone levels can help improve their effects on the menstrual cycle and overall health. We discuss strategies to discover and manage the common triggers of LH imbalances in PCOS.Your PCOS Period Repair ManualYou can take the quiz to discover your root cause hereLet's continue the conversation on Instagram! What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:https://nourishedtohealthy.com/137

In this episode, we dive deep into women's health, hormones, and physiology—essential knowledge for any coach or health professional guiding female clients. This serves as a perfect primer for the upcoming Women's Health Workshop, where we'll break down these concepts even further. Topics discussed:  - Menstrual cycle as a key health indicator - Progesterone, estrogen, LH, and FSH in female physiology - How insulin resistance, PCOS, and thyroid issues impact progress - Tracking basal body temperature - The impact of birth control on hormonal signaling - Key factors driving dysfunction in female health - Common coaching mistakes  ----------    Women's Health Workshop  ----------  My Live Program for Coaches: The Functional Nutrition and Metabolism Specialization  www.metabolismschool.com ----------  Subscribe to My Youtube Channel:  https://youtube.com/@sammillerscience?si=s1jcR6Im4GDHbw_1 ----------   [Free] Metabolism School 101: The Video Series http://www.metabolismschool.com/metabolism-101 ----------   Grab a Copy of My New Book - Metabolism Made Simple ----------   Stay Connected:   Instagram: @sammillerscience   Youtube: SamMillerScience   Facebook: The Nutrition Coaching Collaborative Community   TikTok: @sammillerscience     ---------- “This Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast and the show notes or the reliance on the information provided is to be done at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program and users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. By accessing this Podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this Podcast, are the property of Oracle Athletic Science LLC, or used by Oracle Athletic Science LLC with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Oracle Athletic Science LLC, which may be requested by contacting the Oracle Athletic Science LLC by email at operations@sammillerscience.com. By accessing this Podcast, the listener acknowledges that Oracle Athletic Science LLC makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast." Commercial Music: Royalty Free Music by Marcus P.

In this eye-opening discussion, we continue our crucial conversation with Dr. Michelle Kutzler about one thing that's shaking up the veterinary world.. Building upon the foundation laid in Part 1, this episode offers deeper insights and practical solutions for pet owners and veterinarians alike on the hormone imbalance in spayed and neutered dogs.Key Highlights:The Hidden Danger: Spaying and neutering can lead to dangerously high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in dogs, causing a range of health problems.Surprising Health Impacts: From joint issues and cruciate ligament ruptures to thyroid problems and even behavioral changes, the effects of elevated LH are far-reaching.A Potential Solution: Learn about an innovative hormone-regulating implant that's showing promising results in treating these issues.Real-Life Success Story: Hear how one dog's life was transformed within days of receiving this groundbreaking treatment.Shocking Statistics:LH levels in spayed/neutered dogs can reach up to 90 ng/mL, compared to just 1 ng/mL in intact dogs during peak times..Studies show a significant increase in fear-related behaviors and aggression in dogs after spaying/neutering.This episode is a must-listen for every dog owner and veterinary professional. It challenges long-held beliefs about pet care and offers hope for dogs suffering from unexplained health issues.Don't miss out on this game-changing information that could revolutionize how we care for our canine companions. Listen now and discover how you can potentially improve your dog's health and quality of life!____________________________________________ An article that you won't want to miss:https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/is-spay-and-neuter-really-the-best-choice-for-your-dog____________________________________________Visit our website:https://peterdobias.com/Visit us on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter#DogHealth #HormoneHealth #SpayNeuter #DogLongevity

Chrissie always dreamed that the birth of her babies would be the happiest days of her life. But with her first two births, they were among the worst. In today's episode, Chrissie expresses the heartbreak she felt after doing everything to prepare for a VBAC and not get it. Though she wasn't sure how her third birth would go, the healing, research, and advocacy she did made all the difference in her experience. She called the shots, listened to her intuition, and ultimately saved her baby's life by being so in tune with herself and her body. And finally, the birth of her third baby was the most beautiful, joyful, and happiest day. Coterie DiapersUse code VBAC20 at checkout for 20% off your first order of $40 or more.How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. We have a CBAC after two Cesareans story coming your way today. This is a story that we felt we should share because it is so important to document our CBAC stories as well. Even though there are a lot of things that are going to unfold within our guest, Chrissie's story, it's so important to see how much she has grown and healed over each experience. Listening to her, a few things came up in my mind as I was listening. It was intuition. We've said it for years, honestly since 2018 when this podcast began. Intuition is so powerful, and sometimes it's hard to turn into and understand what your intuition is or what fear is, but I challenge you right now to start tuning into that. When you're getting the feelings, is it your intuition? Really, really connect with that intuition because it is so powerful. Another thing that I felt was a big takeaway from her story was how much she researched and gained knowledge of her own rights and her own ability to say no or to say, “Not now, not yet. No, thank you.” Women of Strength, I know it's hard, and it's really hard when we're in labor. I know it. But you always have the right to say no. You can always say no. Chrissie really did such a good job at researching and educating herself and arming herself up with the knowledge that she needed to so she could confidently say no when she needed to but also confidently say, “Hey, this is something that needs to change,” and stand up for herself in that time. I do have a Review of the Week, so I want to jump into this, and then turn the time over to Chrissie. Okay, this review is hseller. Hseller, I think is how it is. It says, “Life-changing. I don't even know where to begin. This podcast has honestly been life-changing. I am currently 9 months postpartum after my first Cesarean birth, and I've already binged every episode. I honestly believe The VBAC Link should be a resource for every birthing person, not just VBAC, on how to prevent a Cesarean to begin with. This needs to be part of basic birth education.”Oh, girl. I am with you on this. I am with you on this. It says, “I have shared this podcast and the blog with every friend of mine who is expecting because I wish I would have known about it before my first birth. Listening to the podcast reminds me that I'm not alone in my experiences and that this is possible and to have an amazing, empowering birth is possible. Julie and Meagan deliver facts, stories, and inspiration in such a wonderful way. Hearing their voices when an episode comes on puts me in a happy place. My husband and I have already been talking about baby number two. I can't wait to share my next birth story because with an education and support I now have, I know it will be beautiful and healing regardless of the outcome.”Thank you so much, hseller, for your review. You guys, these reviews really do mean so much. It is now 2025, and we do need updated reviews. You never know. It may be read on the next podcast. We are switching things up this year with educational pieces and topics of reviews and things like that, so you never know. But please, please, please leave us a review. It means the world to us. Meagan: Okay, you guys, I'm seriously so excited. It's always so fun to have multiple people on the show and cohosts, but it's also really fun to have doulas sharing the story or listening to the story with their clients and giving their tidbits. So Chrissie, I'm going to turn the time over to you and then of course, Sarah will be hearing from you, I'm sure along the way as well.Chrissie: All right. Hi, I'm Chrissie. I live in Greenville, South Carolina and I'm going to tell you about my three birth stories. All VBACs and repeat Cesarean stories start with your first C-section. Julian was our first C-section.He was conceived during my husband and I's fourth month of dating. My husband and I both knew marriage and kids were our desire with each other almost instantly, but it was still crazy to think about how fast it happened. Everything was going fine until about 30 weeks when I started to be measuring about a week behind and was scheduled for a growth scan which we couldn't get into until about 32 weeks.During that scan, it was confirmed that Julian was measuring close to the lower 10th percentile and that I, from that point, would be scheduled for regular non-stress tests every week for the rest of the pregnancy. His check at 36 weeks was non-reactive which is not what they like to see. I was sent for a biophysical profile. He was graded so low that I was told to immediately go to labor and delivery and not eat or drink anything, which as a nurse, I know that means they were assuming I may have surgery in the very near future.I was planning to go to work right from my original appointment, so I reported to work, but then went right upstairs and burst into tears of fear. I was given fluid, and he woke up because of the scare. But because of the scare, I was scheduled for an induction at 39 weeks and because I didn't know any better, I was just excited to meet him a week early.On the day of my induction, I showed up bright and early, ready to get things going. I had done no preparation, assuming that my high pain tolerance and grit would serve me well. I wasn't against pain medication, but I was ready to test my limits. Julian passed the non-stress test, so they started Pitocin, and he was doing fine, so they decided to insert a Foley bulb to speed things up.When they inserted it, my water broke, so that kind of put me on the clock. Once I got to about 4 centimeters 12 hours later, I was somehow feeling discouraged and tired and asked for the epidural. My husband said as he was holding my hunched over body that a huge teardrop fell out of my eye as the needle went in and the zing sensation went down my leg.I, was already giving up, but had no idea what I was setting myself up for.Over the next four hours, Julian's heart rate would drop with every contraction while Pitocin was going. They would turn it off, and he would be fine. And then when they restarted it, he would have the non-reassuring heart tones again. I was not explained to why I needed to wear oxygen or keep flipping from side to side or what low heart tones meant. All I know is that at 1:00 AM, they called for a C-section because we were getting close to the 24-hour rupture of membranes.If I had known then what I have learned since then, I would have tried to steer my birth in so many different directions. Unfortunately, birthing people are not given this kind of information upfront, which is. Why I think The VBAC Link is so important for any pregnant person as it could potentially help 1 in 3 women who end up consenting to a C-section to this day. I was devastated. I never thought the dramatic push and bringing baby to my chest at long last was something that wouldn't happen for me, let alone I would mourn missing out on it. I was wheeled into the OR. My arms were strapped down to either side of me. My arms were shaking and pulling uncontrollably to the point that when my Julian was given to me, I was too scared to hold him thinking I would drop him since my arms felt like Jell-O. I've since learned that because my epidural was converted for the C-section that I would feel extremely unpleasant sensations of my innards being pushed and pulled out of my body. All I could think about was my dad saying, "It was the happiest day of my life when you were born," and somehow this was feeling like one of the worst days of my life. I felt a double loss. It took me a long time to get over feeling like a sham for not giving birth the real way, but on the table, they said we gave you a double stitch so you can VBAC the next time. Over the next five and a half years that became an overwhelming objective and purpose in my life. When Julian turned 1, I had my IUD removed. I still had not gotten my period back but was hopeful it would return soon since had started to wean him from breastfeeding. When it did return, it was not normal. I would be spotting for weeks afterward and had a strange dull pain on and off constantly. I was so desperate to get pregnant so that I could get my VBAC thinking that all the horrible feelings I was having would go away. Or so I thought.After what felt like the longest four months ever, I did conceive our daughter, Ellie. It was January 2020. To this day, there are so many songs, books, and kids' shows that I cannot watch because they remind me of the early days of the pandemic. My son and I both got flu A and flu B during the first three months of the year, and it was terrifying to be relieved by a positive flu test.As an ER nurse, I was put on furlough since no one was coming into the ER, and many of us were sent to New York City and hard-hit areas to help where help was needed. I had to tell my manager earlier than I would have liked that I was pregnant and scared to be around some of the symptomatic COVID patients because we did not know what would happen. Sometime in the spring when people couldn't stand quarantine anymore and were going out and socializing again, the patients in the ER spiked, and I went back to work at six months pregnant. Even though it was terrifying, I was glad to be out of the house with somewhere to go and have a purpose.Those winter and spring months were some of the most depressing and hardest to get through in my life up to that point. I spent a lot of the time doing all the things that you can do to achieve a VBAC. I took a mindful birthing course over Zoom because they weren't doing any in-person things at that point.I read several books, did Spinning Babies exercises, hired a doula, etc. The thought of finally getting my VBAC was at times my only motivator to get up and do the things some days, other than the bare minimum to keep my one-year-old and me alive as horrible as that sounds.When I reached 37 weeks, I went into quarantine, and the waiting game began. I walked miles and miles and practiced mindfulness techniques to get through the pain. I was scared that the epidural had led to my son being in distress. So by this point, Ellie had passed all of the extra growth scans. She was head down. Everything looked perfect. By 40 weeks and five days, I became extremely stressed out. I had an induction scheduled for 41 and three days that was making me so nervous. My husband and I attempted to speed things up, breaking my water in the process.As soon as I felt the gush of fluid, I felt my heart sink and was overcome with fear and regret. It was starting just like the first birth I did with the premature rupture of membranes and what I believed would be an inevitable cascade of interventions that would lead to a repeat C-section.The rupture occurred around 3:00 PM, and I decided I should try to rest and wait for things to ramp up. By 10:00 PM, things were regular but not painful. I decided to try and go to sleep, but because of my trauma from the first birth, I wanted to make sure that she wasn't having issues with deceleration. I got my stethoscope out and listened to her heart rate as I had done several times before that point. It sounded normal and I listened to it through a few contractions.Every time, I could hear her heart rate slow very noticeably. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to go to the hospital because I knew what they would say. I didn't want to tell my husband because I knew he would want me to go to the hospital, but I was genuinely concerned for her. So I let my husband listen, and he started getting dressed immediately to go. I knew it was over.When you arrive at L&D, they ask for a reason for you being there. As a nurse, I knew what I was about to say was going to sound insane, but I said, "I think my baby is having distress. I heard her decelerations on my stethoscope at home."I could see the amusement in the triage nurse's eyes as I said this. But she said, "Okay, let's get you hooked up and see what's going on." Sure enough, she was already having category 2 decelerations, and I was only 1 centimeter dilated. The resident said that my contractions were only about 5 minutes apart, but that because of the decelerations, she would be admitting me right away.She said we could try fluids and some position changes, but it was looking like the C-section was going to be the only safe way to get her out since I was so far from 10 centimeters.Before she left the room, she said, "I know this is going to be very disappointing for you since you wanted to VBAC, but you may have saved your baby's life by coming in when you did. It's amazing that you knew to listen and could interpret what you heard."Long story short, nothing worked, and I was prepped for the C-section. My COVID test was negative, so my husband was going to be allowed to come into the OR. Tears were streaming down my face the whole way. I walked into the OR and sat myself on the table for the epidural. I was still in the clothes I had walked in wearing. That's how fast things were going. The epidural was placed, and they started prepping me after a few minutes. They still had the fetal monitor attached for some reason, and we heard her heart drop into the 70s and not come back up. I could hear the sense of urgency on the other side of the drape. And suddenly, I felt several sharp pricks across my abdomen. I was lying there with so many thoughts running through my head. But thankfully, one of those thoughts was, "I wonder why they just poked me like that. Oh, I guess they're checking to see if I was numb. Wait, I felt that."I yelled, "Wait, I felt that."And they were like, "What? Was it dull or sharp?" I yelled, "It was sharp." They poked me again and again, and I kept saying, "It's sharp." We could all hear her heart rate in the background getting slower and slower, and I yelled, "Just put me out. Just put me out."The pre-oxygenation mask went right onto my face, and the last thing I heard before I went out was, "Someone page the STAB team," which is the group of medical providers they call when they're assuming that a newborn is not going to be doing well. I woke up in a daze when I realized where I was and what had happened. I burst into tears again and asked, "Is she okay?"And she was perfect.They actually said she was screaming before they even pulled her out of me fully. Very strong and healthy baby Ellie. But another day that was supposed to be the happiest day of my life which instead was a day even worse than my first birth. I felt completely defeated, hating myself for all the time, effort, money, worry, hope, and mind space that I had put into something that I still didn't get. A few minutes after I woke up, the surgeon came up to me and said, "Your original scar did not heal right. It was defective, and because of the urgency of the situation, we had to cut through a higher area of your uterus so we wouldn't accidentally cut any arteries because the anatomy was obscured by the first scar. We realized while repairing the uterus that it was in the contractile tissue, and you will never be allowed to VBAC again."I didn't really care because I thought we were done having kids, or so I thought. But it made me feel really bad about myself hearing the words "defective", "obscure anatomy" and "not allowed" hung with me for a long time. I wanted to get out of that hospital as soon as I could. All I could think about was my failure and how all the feelings that were supposed to be fixed by this birth were only made worse at my follow- up appointments. At the 6-week check and the 12-week for IUD insertion, I had to actually be let out the back door both times so that the people in the waiting room wouldn't see me hysterically crying. I honestly didn't even want to go to these follow-up appointments because they just further cemented to me that I had failed. And I'm not someone who can be told that I can't. Even though I was for sure believing we were done having kids, I joined the Special Scars group on Facebook just to see if anyone had had a similar scar as mine.I didn't think we would have more kids, but I still wanted to know if I could. Unfortunately, over the past few years, I've only spoken with one other woman who had a similar scar as mine. The fact that it was so uncommon made me hate it even more because I couldn't find any answers about what it meant for me. I did seek counseling following these events, and eventually, I felt better but I still thought about what happened daily and could not stand to hear anything related to birth.Several months later, I started having pelvic pains. I went to be evaluated for an ovarian cyst, but when they didn't find one, they did see how crazy my first scar had healed. Because of the pain, they had agreed to do an exploratory laparotomy surgery to repair the scar thinking it could be the source of my pain and definitely a reason for the spotting I'd had between cycles. During the surgery, they found a large surgical hernia as well that they had to remove momentum from and recommended surgery to fix it in the future. Whatever the reason for the pain was the scar or the hernia, my pain was gone following the surgery and two weeks later we moved to Greenville, South Carolina. Everything seemed fine.Trying to settle into a new house that needs lots of fixing up with a one and a three-year-old takes time. I knew I didn't have an IUD in at that time, but my period hadn't come back yet since my one-year-old would not take to the weaning and I was still nursing her. I wasn't that worried.In August, my period did come back, and I decided to use ovulation strips to see how long after ovulating I was spotting to see if I could figure out if my cycles were in the normal range again. Strangely, the first strip showed up very dark along with the next several strips I tried and I was like, "Oh great, things are out-of-whack still." But that's when I remembered people sometimes interpreting ovulation strips for pregnancy since LH and HCG are such similar-shaped molecules. I decided to use one of the pregnancy strips that comes with the ovulation pack and sure enough, it was also darkly positive. I was inexplicably excited, and I sheepishly told my husband who was also very excited. We went to our eight-week appointment, and there was nothing on the ultrasound. My HCG was high, but the progesterone was low and they called it a blighted ovum. I eventually did pass whatever was in there. This left my husband and I with a new resolve to a third child and crossed the bridge of a third C-section when we got there. I started listening to The VBAC Link again-- something I had to erase from my memory in the past as it was another reminder of my failure to VBAC and not getting to submit my story of healing and success. There was an episode I got to where I really liked what one of the guests was saying. She was a doula named Sarah, and believe it or not, she was based out of Greenville.I knew that if we conceived again, she would be my doula.A year later, after a chemical pregnancy and a loss at 10 weeks, we conceived our second daughter, Leah. I had established care with the midwifery practice for the first few months until they saw my surgical records and transferred me to the OB practice across the street. Additionally, because I was 37 years old at this point, I was sent to maternal-fetal medicine for my 20-week anatomy scan to double-check that everything was looking normal, which it was.At my first appointment with the OB group, the doctor sat down across from me and said, "Well, your anatomy scan looks great. We will also do a growth scan at 32 weeks and 36 weeks because of your previous history of IUGR."And I said, "Sure, that's fine."He went on to say, "So you understand why the midwives transferred your care to us and that you're not allowed to have a vaginal birth, right?" By this point, I'd done some research on my birth rights, special scars, and hospital regulations, and answered calmly, "Actually, you can't tell me I'm not allowed to let something happen on its own. You're not allowed to force me to have a surgery that I do not consent to."He responded, "Well, I'm not sure anyone in this practice or any practice would be comfortable allowing you to VBAC."And I said, "Well, I'm not comfortable just going straight for a C-section at 36 weeks and not at least seeing how things go." I left the appointment pretty upset and even more determined to decide my own fate. As the appointments went by, each OB would say, "You understand that we would like you to schedule a C-section?"And I said, "Yes, but I'm not ready to make that decision yet. I'm still doing my research. What I have found is that the highest estimated rate of rupture after a classical scar is around 15%, but other studies estimate it to be much lower. Additionally, some studies don't distinguish between true rupture and dehiscence. Furthermore, most ruptures are not catastrophic, meaning loss of life, permanent disability, hysterectomy, and so on. Only about 2% of ruptures end this way, and they're often caught through monitoring or other symptoms before they can progress to anything beyond the risks of a typical C-section." Having done this research on my own, I became more confident in my decision to continue on the path of letting my body decide what it was going to do. Sarah, my doula, gave me more confidence. I had told her everything that had happened in my past and she said I had valid feelings and thoughts, and had made logical decisions based on my research.She sent me along her usual workbooks and resources for creating a birth plan, birthing positions, pain management, Spinning Babies, tea dates, etc. I told her I appreciated it, but I'm not going to do those things. I had done all those things and more and that had ended up being one of the hardest parts of my first repeat C-section having realized it made no difference at all. The last thing I wanted to do was spend time trying to be mindful and stretching instead of being mindful with my kids and family who were already there.This ended up being a decision I was very thankful to have made and Sarah was on board and fully understood my reasoning.Weeks went by. At every appointment, the OB would say, "It looks like you've been counseled on this before, and there's no need to go over everything again. Are you ready to schedule your C-section yet?" And I would say, "No, not yet."Looking back, they really didn't go over anything with me. All they said was because of my special scar and lower segment surgery, I was too high risk and not allowed to VBAC.I had done my own research and there are no actual numbers on a high transverse scar which is just above the lower segment, in the upper segment, or on the lower segment scar resection, which is what they classified my surgery as. I feel it's important to get these numbers as C-section rates continue to rise, more versions of special scars will occur and more people could possibly end up with scar revision surgeries before they're done growing their family.At my 37-week appointment, with some encouragement from Sarah, I finally got an OB who would talk to me about my options. She said, "I know we can't make you have surgery that you don't want. You're right. You're in a gray area. We don't really know the numbers for your kind of situation. I think it's reasonable for you to see what happens. If you show up in labor, we will admit you." And I was overcome with relief. Finally, someone was being honest with me. She knew I had done all my research and was overly informed of my rights. I told her that I just didn't want to be harassed or threatened if I came in because that would discourage me from coming in when I would have liked to which is right when labor started. She said I could come in as soon as I thought anything was going on and I would be treated with respect. Circling back to what I learned about EMTALA, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, it basically says if a hospital wants to receive reimbursement from Medicare patients, they may not turn away anyone seeking treatment regardless of their citizenship, legal status, or ability to pay.If a pregnant person arrives in active labor, they must be treated until the delivery is complete or a qualified medical personnel identifies that she's experiencing false labor.Furthermore, the person in labor can only be transferred if there's a hospital that can offer a higher level of care. The hospital I was going to was equipped to deliver VBAC and had a NICU. So I knew they were equipped to handle uterine ruptures, which they do about once a month, I've learned.I did agree to schedule a repeat C-section at 40 weeks and four days. At 40 weeks and one day, I got anxious and tried a half dose of what's recommended for kickstarting things with castor oil. It definitely kickstarted some things, and within about six hours, I was having contractions every four minutes.About two hours later, I was getting anxious to go to the hospital because they just didn't feel right. I felt them from my belly button down, and they didn't feel the same way. I remembered with the Pitocin, they weren't really crampy. They're more burning and sharp. I suddenly started feeling an urgency to get to the hospital so they could do the C-section. I texted Sarah to say, "We're going, but don't worry about coming just yet." My answer for why I had come to the L&D department was painful contractions. I already couldn't talk through them. I was hooked up to the monitors, and we could see that Leah was already having Cat 2 borderline Cat 3 decelerations.It's determined by how much the heart rate drops as a percentage of the baseline heart rate when not in a contraction. We tried some position changes, but I had already felt at peace with the idea of going back for a C-section, and my intuition told me it was time. I was extremely nervous to be strapped down, shaking uncontrollably, and not being able to enjoy my baby again.To my surprise, the spinal worked amazingly. I was calm, my husband was next to me, and I got to make all the decisions. I didn't feel pulling or pressure or tugging at all. It was the first time that I got to cry tears of joy after seeing my baby for the first time. I was informed that I'd had a small rupture and I had a very thin lower segment-like tissue about halfway up my uterus, which is not normal. I ruptured. It wasn't a big deal. We caught it. I knew something was wrong, and I had made the decisions that healed me, and I got my baby here safely. After my second was born, I remember sadly walking around our neighborhood, lost in the thought that I'd met all the important people in my life already and something was not sitting right with that. Never would I have ever imagined that a third C-section would heal everything.What I want people to take from my story is that you have to accept that you might not get your VBAC and work that into the process of attempting a VBAC. You can't put all your eggs in one basket for working towards that VBAC and ignoring the basket that needs some attention in case it doesn't happen.Making your own decisions and being confident in your reasoning makes all the difference. Yes, I did have a third C-section, but I know there's nothing I could have possibly done any differently that would have changed the outcome. I encourage people to do their own research, not just on rupture rates but on birth rights and patient rights.You cannot let your provider decide for you what they think is best for most patients because you're an individual and sometimes there isn't a perfect box to put you in.Your fate should not be determined by a doctor wanting to check a certain box and use that to make decisions that make themselves feel comfortable.Of course, ideally, you can find a supportive provider, but if you cannot, that does not mean that you can't call all the shots. You may rupture it, but it's not always, in fact, not usually some dramatic event. My most dramatic birth was before my special scar and surgery. So keep an open mind. Use the knowledge that you gained to instill confidence in yourself. Not getting your VBAC as a disappointment, but if you go in with the right mindset, it can be beautiful and meeting my third daughter was finally the happiest day of my life.Meagan: Oh, my goodness. I love hearing that. That whole end, I just closed my eyes and can hear you speak. And I was like, yes, all of these things are so, true. And I love that you point out that yes, you had a third C-section. Was it what you wanted in the beginning? Would you have wanted a vaginal birth? I'm sure you did. But, this is what I felt and you followed your intuition yet again. I feel like, along the story, but all stories of, intuition, intuition, intuition. And then hearing that you can have a healing experience. I think that is so important to point out that it can be healing. It can be absolutely healing. And I love that it was for you. I love that you were able to have your husband there and look back and be like, "No, I'm amazing." And you should be really proud of all the work you did, all the research you did advocating for yourself. It's not very easy to advocate for yourself. And I love the message that you gave to the other Women of Strength. Like, learn and advocate for yourself. Know the patient's rights.Chrissie: Yeah. Sarah: I think that's what was so unique and so awesome about your story, Chrissie, because even from  us starting to work together from the beginning, you just knew what you wanted, and you weren't afraid to say that. And you told me kind of like, "Hey, look, this is fine." Like you said, I gave you my packet and all of my welcome stuff for my normal clients. And you were like, "Look, I've done this before, and I know exactly what I want, and I know how I want to go forward with this birth." You were just so empowered and confident on your own, and I was just so excited to be along with you. And obviously, like, every birth doula wants to be there for the physical birth, but we also have to listen to our clients and respect their choices and decisions. When you were like, "Hey, we're going to the hospital, but don't come yet," it's hard to hear that. I was like, "Okay," but you knew exactly where you stood and what you want it. And, you know, I think that's just really awesome and amazing to have clients like you who are totally aware of, like Meagan was saying, your intuition and how you were feeling. So, you know, I think you have such an empowering story, and our stories can really go a long way, and you're gonna be that voice for people who are feeling so similar.Yeah, absolutely. It's hard to hear sometimes. Cause you're like, "That sounds so amazing. I would want to do that, but it can't." I think that's how a lot of people think. "Oh, that's good. She must have a strong personality." You don't have to have a strong personality to stand up and advocate for yourself in a lot of ways. I think a lot of it stemmed from you being informed along the way. You were informed. You knew your rights, you knew the evidence along things. I mean, here you are talking about them, and that's super important. It comes down with that education, because I do feel like the education is what helps us feel empowered enough to stand up and say what we do and don't want.Chrissie: I really don't have a strong personality at all. I was always very intimidated, trying to pump myself up for the next week of whatever week it was, visiting the OB practice, like, "Oh God, who am I going to see today?" But I just approached it with full knowledge of everything that's out there, as far as I know, because I've been researching it for a long time and just knowing my rights, I guess, I know that they know what they can and can't do to me.You can't force someone to have surgery if they're not ready for it. A C-section is a major surgery so I just knew to stand my ground in a polite and respectful way. Eventually, at the end of the wire, someone stood up for me in the practice, and I was very grateful for her because she gave me the last final push I needed to just wait for things to happen.Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. Well, you should be so proud of yourself and I'm so happy for you.And how was this postpartum? How's it been?Chrissie: It's been like, nothing.I mean, I have a third newborn, but I don't for some reason with me, subsequent C-sections, the debilitating pain is not there from what I experienced with the first one. I don't know if there are just so many nerve endings that are not there anymore or I don't know why. It's been super busy. So I don't even have time to think about what could have been or any feeling or thoughts. Thoughts about how I wish I could be feeling differently. But, yeah, very busy with the third and just so happy to have her with us today.Well, I'm so happy for you. Congratulations. I'm glad that even though you maybe didn't have Sarah during your birth, you had her along the way because I truly do feel like having that sounding board in that doula and that support along pregnancy can really impact and motivate people to learn how to trust that intuition and learn what they need to do and what's right for them.Chrissie: Yes, and she's actually helped me since birth because I didn't ask her to come during it. She has come and hung out with my kids and me so I could do certain errands or tasks. Our kids are actually obsessed with each other now, so it's kind of nice. Yeah.Sarah: Yeah. We bonded even more postpartum and now our daughters are movie night buddies, and they all like to play together.Meagan: That is so fun. I love hearing that. That is something that I tell my clients when they hire me. I'm like, "Hey, listen, you do not have to be my best friend, but I want you to know that I'm your lifelong friend." I feel like that just right there sums it up. Like, really. No, not everybody's going to be having their kids play together but I love that relationships can form and create in this manner.Sarah: Yeah. Yeah.Meagan: Okay, you too. Well, thank you again so much for being with us today.Chrissie: Thanks for picking my story.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Dr. Michelle Kutzler's journey into understanding the impact of sterilization on dogs began with a personal experience that shook her professional beliefs. After witnessing the devastating effects of cancer on her in-laws' Rottweilers, it sparked her curiosity about the potential link between sterilization and health issues. A pivotal lecture by Dr. David Waters opened her eyes to the crucial role of ovaries in canine longevity, challenging everything she had been taught in veterinary school.Dr. Kutzler's research revealed that removing gonads leads to elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which can cause a myriad of health problems including urinary incontinence, skin issues, and even cancer.The good news is that there are hormone-sparing alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, which can prevent reproduction while maintaining hormonal balance.In this initial segment of our two-part discussion, we discuss these alternatives and the importance of educating both veterinarians and pet owners about the long-term health impacts of traditional sterilization methods.____________________________________________ An article that you won't want to miss:https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/is-spay-and-neuter-really-the-best-choice-for-your-dog____________________________________________ Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/Visit us on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter#DogHealth #HormoneHealth #SpayNeuter #DogLongevity

Board-Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon joins Lesley Logan to illuminate how to bridge the gap between “normal” lab results and genuine wellness by harnessing hormone insights, gut health strategies, longevity medicine, and integrative care. From understanding the nuanced roles of midwives and doulas to exploring advanced testing for a deeper picture of health, Kristin reveals how following your intuition and seeking daily excitement can fuel a truly fulfilling life at any age.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:The difference between midwives, doulas, and OB GYNs.Turning to personal intuition when seeking healthcare solutions.Why standard labs often miss suboptimal hormone levels.How deeper gut testing supports lasting energy and vitality.Using advanced integrative approaches for longevity medicine.Episode References/Links:FemGevity - https://beitpod.com/femgevityFemGevity on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FemGevity/FemGevity on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/femgevity/FemGevity on Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@femgevityFemGevity on X - https://x.com/FemGevityFemGevity on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/femgevityhealth/FemGevity on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@femgevityGuest Bio:Kristin Mallon is a health tech entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As the co-founder and CEO of FemGevity, she is passionate about improving women's health through innovative solutions. Under her leadership, FemGevity has grown into a successful company that provides essential support to women who need it most.Prior to founding FemGevity, Kristin launched Vibrant Beginning, a high-end supplement line of prenatal vitamins. She is committed to making a significant impact in the healthcare industry and enhancing the lives of women around the world. Kristin advocates for transforming the healthcare narrative from solely providing "sickcare" to developing and offering platforms that support optimal health planning. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS!Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox Be in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates MentorshipFREE Ditching Busy Webinar Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable Pilates Follow Us on Social Media:InstagramThe Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channelFacebookLinkedInThe OPC YouTube Channel Episode Transcript:Kristin Mallon 0:00  There's this huge gap between optimal health and chronic care and crisis care and sick care that needs to be filled. You know, which is like what we're doing, and there's so much to be done. There's so much and then obviously it gets into the whole prevention of chronic care and crisis care in the long term. Lesley Logan 0:19  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 1:03  All right, Be It babe, I have a great human for you to hear from today. So I have been on a mission to help educate women on how to be it till they see it and part of that is you feeling like you have the health and the body and the strength and the stamina and the hormones that take you to where you want to go. And so today's guest is Kristin Mallon. She is part of the FemGevity team. You definitely have to listen to Michele Wispelwey's episode from last year, if you haven't, because the two combined are just absolutely wonderful. I have never had so much hope about women's health since I met them, and now I just feel educated, informed, supported. And so the first part of this episode is gonna feel medical-heavy, ladies, you gotta listen. Those of you, no matter where you are, what's going on, it's really good information. You can share it with a friend. And then, we have a really great, she blew my mind. I'm not kidding. What I expected her to answer and what she answered, wouldn't have guessed it in a multiple choice. And now that I know her, I would always, her tips and some of these things that she does for her life, have me wanting to reevaluate what I want to do in my year and what I want to call in more of. So this is just a chock-full episode. Thank you, Kristin Mallon from FemGevity for being here. And y'all make sure you let us know how this episode helped you. Share this with a friend. Here's the thing, we all have to educate each other and ourselves and support each other and to the few good men listening. Thank you so much. You should know this about women's health. Send it to your friend, your sister or your cousin, because this is how we all get stronger together. Lesley Logan 2:36  All right, Be It babe, this is going to be just so much fun. I have been sharing the reels that this woman has been putting out on Instagram multiple times. I'm like, I'm gonna share this one. I'm gonna share this one. We have Kristin Mallon in the house. She's a co-founder of FemGevity, and I love her. Love Michele. If you listened to the podcast I had with Michele Wispelwey, you know what they are. If you follow me at all, you know I'm obsessed with them and all that they're doing. So Kristin, can you tell everyone who you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at? Kristin Mallon 3:04  Yeah, I'm Kristin Mallon. I'm a certified nurse midwife, and I've been doing women's health for over 20 years, and really focusing on, obviously, being a midwife, the blend of medicine, but also ancient wisdom. Lesley Logan 3:17  Okay, I have a couple of things I wanna just chat with. Is like, first of all, I think midwives feel like, to me, they're becoming more and more popular and more and more accessible. Is that true? And then for the people who don't know what a midwife is, can you kind of break that down? Kristin Mallon 3:30  So, yes and no. I think there's pockets of the country where they're becoming popular and pockets of the country where they're becoming unpopular. There's a big, I think, problem in general, with the, you know, or challenge, I don't always like to say problem with, a big challenge with reimbursements across the board for all people that practice any type of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and so we're not really educating and training enough midwives. I think the desire is there and the demand is there, but then the burnout is high, and there's the business aspect, because most midwives are really altruistic, and they really kind of go into this type of work, because it's their passion. So that needs a little bit more support and needs a little bit more, you know, kind of hand-holding. Midwives are confusing, because people think midwives are doulas, people think midwives are doctors, and then kind of everything in between. So I am a board certified nurse midwife. So that's kind of like the highest level of midwifery training and education that you can get. I have a nursing degree. I have a master's degree in nursing and then I took a board certification that I maintain. You know, every year, there's a certain level of requirement that I have to attain. I deliver all of my births in a hospital, and I do assist on surgeries, and I do minor gynecological surgeries, and I really do everything that an obstetrician does, not really a gynecologist. So someone who's delivering babies working with babies, that's what I do. There's other types of midwives, so there's certified midwives who are midwives that are not nurses. There's lay midwives, which are midwives that are trained in a variety of different ways, usually kind of more culturally-trained. And then there's professional midwives, and their certification is a little bit different. And then all states have different governing boards about how they allow them to practice and not practice. But pretty much, if you're going to have a home birth, you're having a midwife. I know like one OB GYN in my whole career, and I know thousands of people in the birth space that he is a physician that does home births, but 96-ish, 95% of midwives are doing their births in a hospital setting so it's kind of confusing. They really are a nurse and an OB GYN had a baby and that's a midwife.Lesley Logan 5:41  Okay, I love that. Thank you for explaining it, because I think I definitely was one of the oh, it's like a doula. And I have a friend who's a doula, so I know clearly my friend is now finding out I didn't know what she did. Okay.Kristin Mallon 5:53  Well, and doulas are really, I always like to make this distinction and like the opportunity to educate people, because doulas have no medical training, no medical background, no medical certification, no licensing, they have to maintain and they can't perform any medical procedures. Whereas a midwife can do pretty much everything an obstetrician can do, except they can't be a primary surgeon on a surgical case.Lesley Logan 6:13  Yeah, yeah, that makes sense. Okay, so then you have been, so my other thing with what you've been rocking at is that you've been in, like, women's health medical field for 20 years, and I wonder, what have you seen change for the better, and what still needs changing that we can, you know, make sure we're aware of. I'm 42. This is coming out when I'm 42. I love that people are like, wow, you don't look 42. That's great. I would love to stay looking young as long as possible. That's wonderful. But I don't want to feel, I would like to feel young, too. So I'm just really excited about what you do and what you know about women's health.Kristin Mallon 6:49  Yeah, so we've come so far. So in the last 20 years, I think we've made remarkable strides in miscarriage care, in contraception and fertility care, in reproductive care, in breast health, just kind of an awareness, a lot of mental health awareness, a lot of cancer awareness, cardiovascular awareness. I think the areas where we need to improve on is definitely access. Not all women have access to the types of care they want. There's just not enough OB GYNs. And, unfortunately, there's not enough OB GYNs, there's not enough midwives. We're not graduating enough to replace the ones that are leaving the workforce on a year-to-year basis. It's kind of a big problem. And then, of course, which is what FemGevity is all about, is I know everybody can relate so well to this. You go to the doctor, you don't feel right, and they tell you, your labs are normal, but something's still wrong. And that's really where FemGevity was born, or birthed, so to speak, is from that sensation, because I dealt with that for 20 years. I was like, something's still, like, labs are normal, something's still wrong. Okay, let me look, let me dig, let me keep going. Let me pull from functional medicine. Let me pull from integrative medicine. Let me pull from longevity medicine. And let's figure that out. And a lot of that has to do with how women change decade to decade. So men kind of have this big change at puberty, and then they kind of peak, and then they kind of slowly evolve and change really gradually. And women are so different decade to decade. And once I kind of really started to unravel that and pull that back, it was easy to apply that to all the different things, including menopause care and endometriosis care, PCOS care, fertility care, reproductive care, women's health in general, from head to toe. And you know, a big thing that we do at FemGevity is a lot of gut health, like the gut is such a big overlooked thing. People think oh, I'm tired. I need to check for anemia, I need to check my thyroid. But we're like, no, you need to check your gut. We need to check micronutrient levels. We need to look deeper. So that's where I think we still have a long way to go and a long way to come, and that's what we're doing at FemGevity.Lesley Logan 8:50  Yeah, I think every woman listening is nodding their head when you're like, I went to the doctor and like, everything is normal. I actually had a female doctor in the, I forget what department it was, but it was like in these extreme diseases. And the woman, I got sent to her and she's like, do you feel supported by your doctor? And I'm, no, why am I here? This is the scariest place I could be. I am now very scared. Do I have AIDS? What is going on? And she's like, okay, I think we need to find, it was like a gut doctor who sent me there and because he couldn't figure what's going on, because I kept insisting, I'm not right, something's not right, and so I just got passed off. And, you know, a lot of people have, like, experienced a lot of family or in the holidays or birthdays, and you hear someone going, oh, it's what I ate yesterday. It's what I ate yesterday. I'm like, is it though, or is it something from a week ago? Or is it something? Because the gut is such a complicated, to me, it's complicated, place like it's not necessarily what you ate in the last meal. It could be from another meal that you don't remember.Kristin Mallon 8:51  Yeah, absolutely. And I think what you're talking about is it's really not doctors' faults, because the way that the healthcare system is set up, at least in the United States, is it's really crisis care, sick care, catastrophic care, cancer care, you know, the big C's of care. And if you don't have a chronic condition, you're really going to your doctor and you're saying do I have a chronic condition? And your doctor is telling you truthfully, no, you don't have something like diabetes or high blood pressure or cardiac disease, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. And so there's this huge gap between optimal health and chronic care and crisis care and sick care that needs to be filled, which is like what we're doing, and there's so much to be done. There's so much and then obviously it gets into the whole prevention of chronic care and crisis care in the long term. That's where my passion lies. That's what I'm really just I want for myself, I want for my family, I want for my friends. And I'm just like, so excited to let other women know, and men too, that there's an option. There's someone that can help you. There is a medically trained, licensed professional that can help navigate you through that. Well, everything's fine here, but you still don't feel right.Lesley Logan 10:58  Yeah, thank you for explaining that, because it is true that if you're not one of those big C's, you kind of feel like you're in this abyss. And it is amazing that FemGevity's kind of hope is like trying to fill that gap, which is really great. But I think I wonder, I obviously worry, if you don't get someone like you, eventually you end up in a few C's. The thing that's been bothering you that they haven't figured out, because it's not glaringly obvious, it's going to lead you that way. So let's just say most of the women here are over 40. What are some of the things that they need to make sure that they're checking as they're planning their annuals for this year and things like that, I guess, preventative wise, and then also just so that they're aware and they could be watching things as their body changes.Kristin Mallon 11:34  Well, one of the things that I really noticed working with women for so long is that women are really intuitive, and they tend, you know, some women are born and blessed with this great sense of intuition at the age of six, but most women grow and evolve into their intuition. And so there's so many different things women can focus on in their 40s. And I think a lot of times they know, they know, like, should I be focusing on hormone health? Should I be focusing on gut health? Should I be focusing on exercise, diet, nutrition, sleep? You know, the list goes on. And so what I like to do is, I like to, whenever I meet with a woman, is I kind of like to tease that out of her and try to get a sense from what she's already thinking herself, and really encourage her to go along that path and that trajectory like, you know, well, I've been thinking I should work on my sleep. And I've been thinking I should get a sleep tracker. And I'm like, yes, let's do that. What are your symptoms? Okay, I encourage her and say, I can see how that could be related to sleep, or I can see how that could be related to gut, or that could be related to diet. So I think in your 40s, it's really like you already know, and it's just kind of giving yourself the confidence to be like, okay, I know I need to find someone that's an expert in X that can help me unravel what could this possibly be, and then heading down that path. Lesley Logan 12:49  That's really beautiful. How nice Kristin, we could just listen to the intuition instead of like, sometimes people are trying to get you not to listen to it. It's like, focus on this over here. Focus on this over here. I think that's really wonderful and supportive. Kristin Mallon 13:03  Yeah, I mean, I think if you don't know where to start, sometimes, I think women can also have periods of less intuition, which I think is sometimes, like a leveling up, sometimes a stock will go down before it shoots up. And so maybe if you're caught in that place where you're like, you know, I don't know where to start, my mom says this. My sister says this. My friend said this. Usually it's hormones and gut just start with hormones. Get those checked by someone like myself, who's a hormone expert, who can read between the lines of what a normal lab, because a normal lab is saying, okay, you don't have Addison's disease, you don't have Cushing's disease, you don't have diabetes, you don't have hypothyroidism, but yeah, do you have subclinical fatigue related, a low T3? Do you have not enough conversion of the hormone T3 to T4 which any normal endocrinologist is going to be like, that doesn't matter. You don't have Hashimoto's, you don't have autoimmune disease, but you do have something that's affecting you. So hormones is a really good place to start. And then gut health. I mean, we do so many gut tests every day, and we rarely find someone that has like, a perfectly optimal, normal functioning gut. You know, I would say like, 99% of the time there's room for improvement in the gut.Lesley Logan 14:06  That is so funny. As we are recording this, I'm awaiting like, an update on a gut test, because y'all found a parasite the first time. And I was like, oh, well, that.Kristin Mallon 14:15  Oh, fun. Lesley Logan 14:16  I know. I was like, well, that's, you know, and people are like, oh, which country do you think you got it? I'm like you can get it from sushi, guys. It's not like I have to leave the country for this. Who knows? So I'm excited to see if it's gone. And also I had some dysbiosis, and I am excited, because I can tell when my gut health is strong. I have so much more energy. I feel like a more confident person. I feel more unstoppable. My sleep is absolutely amazing. It's not a surprise to me that, like, I had a little gut situation while I was traveling, and my sleep is off. I'm like, something's maybe something's going on there. So I really love that. If they're not working with you at FemGevity, what are they asking for? Because I know when I try to ask my female general practitioner for a hormone test, she specifically said, oh, you can't test those. They change all the time. And I was just like, I'm paying for this. I don't really know what you're worried about. So what should they be asking for or looking at when it comes to getting those things tested?Kristin Mallon 15:10  Yeah, so hormone health. So really, you kind of just want to get all your sex steroid hormones, which include sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol. If you really want to go deeper, you can get your estrone level done and your estriol level done, which you know maybe might not necessarily be necessary, progesterone, testosterone, free and total thyroid, insulin, cortisol. We do a lot of also functional medicine testing within that so usually, like hemoglobin A1C, homocysteine, CBC, looking at lipid panels, chemistry, liver function, kidney function. That's the general census of like, where you kind of want to go down. Prolactin levels are there too. I can even give you a list, because I'm rattling these off the top of my head, if you want to include it in your show notes, of the hormones I recommend getting. Lesley Logan 15:58  Yeah, we love that. Also, we'll transcribe this guys, so you can just go to the show notes and just take a screenshot. Kristin says.Kristin Mallon 16:05  Yeah, and I want to make sure I didn't forget any there too. Lesley Logan 16:07  Yeah, yeah, we'll love that. Kristin Mallon 16:08  For gut health, so there's really two companies that do, I think, so, you know, my business partner, Michele Wispelwey, her whole background was in the diagnostic lab space, so she is like a lab guru and knows everything. And also myself, like working with women and working with labs gone through so many renditions of labs over time, and labs that closed, and labs that were new and startup labs and labs that merged. And so I think there's a pretty standard gut test called a GI-MAP test, and there's another standard gut test called GI Effects. So GI-MAP is by Diagnostic Solutions, and GI Effects is by Genova Diagnostics. And so you can ask for a GI-MAP that's pretty, most really with it, longevity, functional medicine, integrative medicine, doctors are going to know what a GI-MAP test is, and that's kind of your standard gut test. I always caution women about, this is, like, a really classic thing that I saw with the advent so we do a lot of genomics, and we do a lot of genetic testing too. And so 23andMe came on the scene, and everybody was getting this direct to consumer test, and they were giving it to me, and I'm like, oh my gosh, this is so basic compared to what you can get from a licensed physician. And the same thing is true with like, over the counter gut tests. You can get an over the counter gut test that's probably going to cost you a similar amount of money when you go to a licensed medical provider, and it's just not going to tell you anywhere near as much like GI-MAP does, like 88 different pathogens and microbes. You're looking at yeast, parasites, you're looking for H. pylori, you're looking for dysbiosis, commensal bacteria. So good gut bacteria, bad gut bacteria, so many different things. You're getting virulence levels. So you're getting the actual amount. They're what are called PCR tests, which is like the kind of highest standard of care. So this was, like a big thing in COVID, was your COVID test, RNA, or DNA or PCR testing, and the PCR tests were the best tests. So you're just getting so much more when you go with those two companies. Lesley Logan 18:01  Yeah. So how often should we be doing this? We're getting our hormone test every year. Should we be doing a gut test annually? Is this something you have to do more often? How much is too much?Kristin Mallon 18:12  So I think once a year is probably the minimum, because you will be able to track yourself over time and be able to have data on yourself to look back at and say, okay, when I was 36 or when I was 46 or 56 my hormone levels were this and I felt this way. Some people check them every day. There's a, I just said don't do over the counter. But there is an over the counter test called Miracare, which is kind of like a fertility tracking device, where you can pee on a stick, and it will tell you what your daily progesterone and estrogen levels are. It tells you LH and FSH too, but that's not as important to the overall daily hormone picture. So you can do kind of anything but, once a year. The other thing about hormone testing is that it's important to know, like women get so much confusing information, do I need hormone testing? Do I not need hormone testing? Someone's giving me birth control without hormones or giving HRT without having my hormones tested. Like, why do I need it? Or why do I not need it? And so the gold standard hasn't been set yet. We haven't really come to a consensus as a medical community about how often should this be done. You know, we know in diabetes testing that someone should get a hemoglobin A1C like, every three to six months. We know in when someone's being put on a thyroid medication for the first time, we should check their thyroid every four to six weeks until it's managed and at a normal level. So this hasn't been set, which is why you have so many different clinicians with so many different conflicting views, including you don't need it or you do need it. The way we really use labs at FemGevity is once you've been looking at labs like I have for 20 years, you start to notice patterns. And even though these patterns aren't written down in a protocol by the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, I'm just observationally matching it up with women have been telling me x and here's what the lab data is showing me. And so I'm using my clinical judgment. To kind of make those decisions. Also, it is true that your hormones can change so much, so when we look at an estrogen level, let's say you could be 33 in one blood draw and then in another blood draw with just a couple months apart, you could be like 133 but the main thing is is you're not zero, or you're not almost close to zero, and you're not 400 so you're kind of looking at it like a range versus an exact number. We do a lot of hormone balancing, and we do prescribe HRT and hormone replacement therapy. And so women will start on a hormone and their levels will actually go down. And so they're really confused. Well, I'm taking this extra hormone, but my levels are going down. And so it could just be exactly to what you said, like where we caught them in their cycle when we tested the first time, and then where we're catching them in their cycle and we test the second time. And if they don't have a menstrual cycle and are having a period anymore, they're still having ebbs and flows. Hormones are pulsatile. They pulse even like any hormone, like thyroid or insulin, insulin is a hormone, too. You can think about it, it just pulses into the bloodstream. And so are you catching it up on a trop or on a bow? And that's why we need to know. You know, let's say we give someone testosterone, for example, are you coming back with a male level in your bloodstream? Okay, that's too high. We need to cut down. So we're not waiting for symptoms to come up, symptoms of too much testosterone. We're checking the labs to make sure that we're in a ballpark. It's not so specific, and I think that can help women to interpret their labs and also to understand the big discrepancy. Well, this practitioner says this, and this practitioner says this, and neither of them are probably wrong.Lesley Logan 21:34  Yeah, first of all, I love that you have so much experience. As a Pilates instructor, right, when I was a new teacher, I'm like, okay, I don't know what that is. And then, as I've been teaching for almost 20 years, it's okay most people, when I see that, they have a hard time with this. So let's do this exercise over here, because you start to understand the patterns that are happening, and it makes an art to the science, I think. And also I appreciate you explaining that there isn't a gold standard yet, and that's unfortunate, because they just haven't been testing enough. There just hasn't been we lost a lot of time back when they thought HRT was the worst thing that could happen. I feel like we've we're trying to catch up with I feel like they're in the maybe it's just because now I'm 42 and that's what my algorithm shows. But I do feel like there's a lot more people researching this and coming up and testing things out, so we can have more people explore, and then we can learn more things. So that makes me happy. Okay, you and Michele started this amazing company together. Obviously, you're an incredible doctor. You know so much. What has been the funnest thing about starting a business, and what is the hardest thing that you're that you're like you are trying to because here's why I'm coming at this. I feel like I'm looking at, oh, my God, she is a doctor. She probably has her sleep under control, her hormones under control, all these things. Has it been easy to keep a balance in your own life doing this business and what's been the funnest part about what you guys do?Kristin Mallon 23:00  Yeah, so I would say that the funnest part is really getting to work together. Like, we really like each other, and we really get along, and we really have a lot of fun together. And so when we get to work together, it's like you get to work with your best friend. Like every day. It's really a really fun thing. I think, from the challenge perspective, I personally am a really big believer in like vibration attracts like vibration. And so as long as I'm kind of keeping my vibration in check and keeping my self clean, and I'm looking to reflect that reality outside of me, then everything kind of usually everything works out for me, and everything kind of falls into place. It's just kind of been my experience in life. So the challenge is, is that when things get off track, I usually have to remember to look in the mirror and be like, okay, what is it about me that is like, what thoughts or what influences am I allowing to come into my sphere and my energetic field that aren't in alignment with me, because that's being reflected in my outside world. So that's probably the big challenge, I would say. Lesley Logan 24:08  I so understand that, I really do, because it's not at the plate, and ladies, it's not, oh, everything is our fault. It's the, hold on, what did I bring to this energy that is causing this? Because, you know, there are people who just have force of natures, but I find that if I'm feeling a little nervous, if I'm feeling a little frenetic, if I'm feeling like I don't have control over things, and then I go into the business, the way that I ask for something comes from frenetic, non-controlled, not necessarily a specific place, and then it's a domino effect of the communication is off, and it's hold on, you know? So we do have to kind of take a step back and ask ourselves that, and that's the hardest thing to do in the moment. It's so hard in the moment to go. Hold on. Let me take a pause. How's my vibration? What am I bringing to this? Kristin Mallon 24:52  Yeah, it's hard if you say it's hard (inaudible). I always use a quote that I drilled into my mind, which is, like circumstances don't matter. Only state of being matters. And it's the state of being that makes your circumstances. It's not what happens, it's what I do with what happens. And I can usually, almost always have anything that happens be to my benefit and be to my good. It's kind of like going with the flow and being in the river versus trying to, like, paddle in a specific pattern. You don't know where all the rocks are, and you don't know where all the bumps are, and so if you kind of let the river take you, you usually can, you know, it doesn't look straight, and it always you're like, Hmm, I don't know if I would like go all the way over to the right, but then you realize that, oh, there was dead current in the middle of the river, and you needed to get to the side to get to the fast current. So I kind of try to think of that as much as possible. You know, it's not, I don't always win, but I'm winning most of the time, I hope. Lesley Logan 25:48  Kristin, that is so cool. That is amazing. We're clipping that and I'm gonna put that on my wall, because it is, I, especially, most of the women listening to this, they are caring for young children. They have older parents or family members in their life. They have. Kristin Mallon 26:08  Yeah, they're the in betweens. Lesley Logan 26:09  Yes, they have and they have jobs that they have to do. And then it can feel like the circumstances around you are just hard. And so what you just gave us, is such an amazing gift. Is like the state of being, like, how can I focus on that? So do you have tools? Or is it like a mantra that you say, is it that just that the mantra helps or like?Kristin Mallon 26:30  Oh my favorite mantra, I can give you my favorite mantra that works so well. Two words. So what? So what? Whatever it is like, so what? I mean, it works for 99.9% of things. If you're like this, that I'm going to be late, I didn't put the sandwich in the lunch bag, and I didn't do the permission slip, and I forgot to put these slides in a presentation. So what, you know? And I think that's something that's always really helped me to kind of see the forest through the trees. Lesley Logan 27:03  Yeah, I can see that because I am someone who's like, we're going to be late. And unless it's the plane, probably going to be most things are fine, (inaudible) catches the flight (inaudible).Kristin Mallon 27:16  Even if it is the plane being late might have your benefit, might be to your highest good, because maybe you met someone that now you're sitting on a different flight, or you ended up being able to not miss a phone call that was coming through. So, as long as I allow that type of vibration into my field, I usually end up having those results. The other thing that I think is super helpful, that I also kind of like encourage people to do, is, if you just do it a little bit, it kind of becomes second nature, which is to watch your definitions, watch how you define things. Because even like saying, oh, it's hard to do X, yeah, if you say, I'm working on doing X, or I'm getting better at doing X, or I'm improving my X, it's a much different definition than it's hard. And it's so fun for me. Like, when I first started doing this practice a couple years ago, it was so fun to change the definitions of things and just be like, oh, this happened. Well, that happened because it was so funny. My bra was showing or, I don't know, something happened where I didn't get the job I wanted to get, or I didn't get the client I wanted to get. And instead of it being like a failure, it was a learning experience, or instead of it being a mess up, it was an opportunity for growth or development or internal reflection, or for me to get this thing that I'm talking to you about right now, which is that I can choose how I define things. Lesley Logan 28:38  I really like that, because I do think it's fun. I'm going to keep working on catching myself. But one of the ones that sticks with me, because I was raised in a household that doesn't have a lot of money, and so they'd always say we don't have any money. There's no money for that. No you can't have it. There's no money for that. Kristin Mallon 28:50  I was, too.Lesley Logan 28:51  And I was, so was my husband, and we have been really conscious. I can always tell when one of us is in a bad state, because the words we'll say we can't afford that, which is like a not, like a non-sentence in this house, because the better phrase is, we are choosing not to invest in that right now. Oh, you know what? That's great. I'm not investing in that right now. Or that's actually not something we're spending money on today. So it's not that you don't have the money, it's not that you can't afford it. It's just not a priority in this moment. Kristin Mallon 29:20  That's a perfect example of the definitions. That sentiment. So, do you know the book by Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich?Lesley Logan 29:27  Yes, I love it. I listened to the old tape or whatever. I maybe I should do that again as the year starts.Kristin Mallon 29:33  Yeah. Well, that's the epitome of what you just said. That's one of the big lessons that he talks about in that book. And that book influenced The Secret. So that's (inaudible).Lesley Logan 29:42  And everyone you can go to the original source, it's still out there. Do you remember the part? Because you're, I don't know if you maybe it didn't stick with you, but he mentioned the woman who would always put her hand on her left breast and go oh, I'm gonna get cancer. I just know I'm gonna die from cancer. And she'd always say that, and then she died of breast cancer. She like, literally, she kept putting her hand on herself saying she's gonna get it. It's like not saying that anyone who gets cancer did that to themselves. That's not it at all. But it's just like we, our words, have so much power, and we really do. I love that redefining. You guys, how are you going, like, I wonder you guys have to send in to the Be It Pod and to FemGevity which words you're redefining. I think that'd be really fun for us all to see as an experiment. Kristin, what are you most excited about right now? This is out in 2025. What are you excited that's coming up, that you guys are doing? What's going on? Kristin Mallon 30:30  I'm really excited that this concept of, so I think over the years, we've kind of defined it as functional medicine, and then we defined it as integrative medicine, and now we're defining it as longevity medicine, and I'm just so excited to be a part of that ecosystem and the effects that it has. I mean, I work with women primarily, so the effects that it has on women and the aha moments they have, and that feeling that, I think, that liberation that they've been looking for for so long that they're not just like, going down, down, down, down, down, but that they're actually going up, up, up and getting better is like, so rewarding and so fun that I'm just like, so passionate and excited about sharing that with women as much as possible. Anybody who wants to hear me talk about it, I'm like, do you want to hear me talk about optimization of health? Like, I'm totally down.Lesley Logan 31:20  I also like that it's changed to longevity medicine because the other ones were a bit vague and hard for I feel like this is what people want. It's not when you're like, oh yeah, I want a functional medicine. I guess that makes sense, but it doesn't sound sexy. I want a long life where I have longevity. I don't want to just be old. I want to have be strong and energized when I'm older, you know, I want all those things. So I think that's really cool. Since you love to talk about optimal health, is there anything else about optimizing our health that we didn't talk about that we should know about, that we should check on? Kristin Mallon 31:51  I always say don't give up on yourself, because I think women, so many times have been told no, or they go to the wrong doctor, or they hit dead ends and they think there's no hope. And if you don't give up on yourself, and you hear a podcast like this, and you're like, okay, I need to find a longevity medicine doctor. I need to find a hormone balancing expert. Or they can come over to FemGevity if they're in the United States, we can usually work with them in some way. There is a path to not just feeling better, but feeling like fantastic and great and energized. And I know there's people listening that are like, yeah, this girl's crazy. There's no way I'm so chronically fatigued. My kids are little, my parents are dying or sick. There is, there really, really, really, is just keep going on yourself and don't give up until you find the right person and the right practitioner to help you. It's worth it. So worth it.Lesley Logan 32:41  Oh, I love that. Thank you for that gift. That's a good one. We're gonna take a brief break, and then we're gonna find out where people can find you, follow you, work with you and your Be It Action Items. Lesley Logan 32:51  All right, Kristin, where can people find you? I'm gonna give you the link right now. You can go to beitpod.com/femgevity, because you guys can go and get a call and see how they can help you. But where else on the internet are y'all at?Kristin Mallon 33:04  So our website, femgevityhealth.com and all social media channels @femgevity. So we're on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.Lesley Logan 33:15  It's probably really fun to be doctors and researchers that have to then learn social media and all the hacks. And I also love that I've got my captions to actually spell FemGevity out correctly. They can't spell my name, they can't spell my dog's name, but they can spell FemGevity. So that's the way to go, ladies. Yeah, okay, you've given us a lot of great stuff already, but for our action takers who are listening, bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted, steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us?Kristin Mallon 33:48  So my best advice is, whenever in doubt, follow your highest excitement in any given situation. It's a breadcrumb trail that kind of leads you to your biggest and best self. So follow your highest excitement to the best of your ability with no insistence or assumption on the outcome, and it always leads you to the best location, place, time for you.Lesley Logan 34:09  Oh my gosh, you're so cool. Kristin Mallon 34:14  Yeah, you too.Lesley Logan 34:15  Well, thank you, but, yeah, like, what a great tip. That's so fun, because most people say, like, follow your gut. And I've got these people going my gut's off something's wrong. But highest excitement, oh. Kristin Mallon 34:28  It's easy to do, because even if you think about it, you're like, and as soon as we get off this call, right, there's going to be a whole bunch of things you could do. You could check your email, you could take your dog for a walk, you could stretch, you could do Pilates. But if you just tune into like, which one is most exciting, more than any of the others. It'll lead you down a really thrilling and rewarding path.Lesley Logan 34:47  Oh yes, yes, it will, oh yeah, the doctor has ordered that I have to follow my highest excitement. I'm going to do that as soon as I hang up. Y'all please, if you, if this at all has you intrigued, contact FemGevity. It's really nice to have doctors who actually want to look at things and look at patterns, and, you know, don't want to just tell you, it's all good, yep, that problem. I don't know. It's really nice if someone listened to you, and I will just shout out, I was traveling for almost a month, and I got an email from your team going okay, you have to do your call. And I'm like, oh, my God, a doctor that wants me to come for my appointment. They not that other doctors don't. I'm sure I have doctors listening, but you can wait in the waiting room for 45 minutes. You guys make sure. Made sure I made my call, and I'm so glad I did, because I needed that call, and it's just really nice to have someone to look out for my optimal health. So thank you so much for all you do at FemGevity. Lesley Logan 35:40  You guys, how are you going to use these tips in your life? Make sure you tag FemGevity. Tag the Be It Pod. And share this with a girlfriend who, like is frustrated with their health and they're feeling stuck and feeling going in circles. You know, it's kind of nice to be reminded to not give up on yourself. So thank you, Kristin, for that. And until next time everyone, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 35:59  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 36:41  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 36:46  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 36:51  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 36:58  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 37:01  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy