Podcasts about pcos

Feel like you snap at your kids or get overwhelmed right before your period? It's just your hormones speaking.When PMS hits, it can feel like your coping tools vanish. In this episode, I'll share practical strategies for when PMS feels heavy—no willpower or restrictive diets needed. You'll learn how:High expectations can worsen PMS symptomsTo track your emotions for tough daysTo create a “PMS buffer zone” to manage mood swings and protect your energyTune in for tips on navigating tough days with clarity and kindness toward yourself.Book a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meMore about PMS: Ep.32, Ep.62, Ep.195NEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Hormone Imbalance Quiz - Find out which of the top 3 hormone imbalances affects you most!Join Nourish Your Hormones Coaching for the step-by-step and my eyes on YOUR hormones for the next 4 months.Rate the podcast 5 stars and DM me RATING on IG @leishadrews for $20 off the Restored mini-course on blood sugar balance, a key factor in hormone health!Use code HHPODCAST for $50 off Nourish Your HormonesLET'S CONNECT!IG: @leishadrewsMy story+more hormone resources hereSend us a text with episode feedback or ideas! (We can't respond to texts unless you include contact info but always read them)To get the Restored Mini-Course for free leave a rating & review on the show OR share this podcast in your IG story (tag me @leishadrews) or send it to 3 friends - DM or email me a screenshot and I'll send the course your way!Email: support@abundant-lifewellness.comDon't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more women looking for answers.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.This podcast is for women and moms to learn how to balance hormones naturally in motherhood, to have pain-free periods, increased fertility, to decrease PMS mood swings, and to increase energy without restrictive diet plans. You'll learn how to balance blood sugar, increase progesterone naturally, understand the root cause of estrogen dominance, irregular periods, PCOS, insulin resistance, hormonal acne, post birth-control syndrome, and conceive naturally. We use a pro-metabolic, whole food, root cause approach to functional women's health and focus on truly holistic health and mind-body connection.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, Found My Fitness with Rhonda Patrick, Just Ingredients Podcast, Wellness Mama, The Dr Josh Axe Show, Are You Menstrual Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Freely Rooted Podcast with Kori Meloy, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass

On today's Egg Whisperer Show podcast episode, I'm sharing the four things you need to know about PCOS. Too many doctors tell patients that they don't need to worry about managing their PCOS until they are starting a pregnancy (not fertility docs!) This just isn't true. There are tried and true steps that you can take now to bring HOPE back to your health and your fertility. I want to start a PCOS revolution, and to start that, I've started calling it HOPE syndrome instead. H: High Testosterone (or signs and symptoms of high androgens) O: Ovaries with many follicles (typically over 12 per ovary) P: Periods that are irregular E: Exercise and Eating healthy habits are important to have Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Follow Dr. Nidhee Sachdev on Instagram Do you have questions about IVF, and what to expect? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.   Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org  where you can schedule a consultation.

What if your symptoms weren't “in your head”—but the medical system made you believe they were? In this raw and revealing conversation, Dr. Amie Hornaman, host of The Thyroid Fixer podcast, opens up about being misdiagnosed six times, dismissed by doctors, and told she was “fine” while her health was falling apart. From a shocking uterine cancer scare to relentless thyroid struggles, she shares how she refused to be gaslit and started trusting her intuition instead. We dive into the functional testing, unconventional therapies, and emotional resilience it takes to heal when the system fails you—and why every woman needs to be her own advocate. WE TALK ABOUT:  08:30 – “I was misdiagnosed six different times”—the red flags Dr. Amie finally refused to ignore 14:00 - Persevering to finding out the truth after all the misdiagnoses 19:00 - The four most important words a medical practitioner should ask you 24:00 – PCOS panic, fertility fears, and breaking free from health labels 28:50 – Dr. Amie's uterine cancer diagnosis 34:00 – How to not let your diagnosis define you 40:00 – The importance of testing how your body metabolizes your hormones (DUTCH Test, DNA Test) 47:00 – The cheap cures nobody profits from (Kineon code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY) 54:00 – Hope, help, and tagging a friend when you're too exhausted to advocate alone SPONSORS: Pique's Sun Goddess Matcha and BT Fountain Electrolytes deliver clean, science-backed support— use my link to get 20% off plus a free frother and beaker. RESOURCES: Trying to conceive? Join my Baby Steps Course to optimize your fertility with biohacking. Free gift: Download my hormone-balancing, fertility-boosting chocolate recipe. Explore my luxury retreats and wellness events for women. Shop my faves: Check out my Amazon storefront for wellness essentials. Dr. Amie Hornaman's website and Instagram LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music

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    

In this episode, I'm so excited to have Dr. Ashley Dwyer back on the show! We were deep in convo—so you know this episode is packed.Ashley's walking us through:How she identifies and coaches women with complex cases—think PCOS, hormone imbalances, gut issuesThe checklist she uses to assess whether a client truly is “doing all the right things”Why standard diet + fitness plans often don't work for women with metabolic dysfunctionHer go-to lab markers for PCOS (plus the four types you need to know)How stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation play a massive role in outcomesThe reality behind "starvation mode" and metabolic adaptationWe also talk about how to help clients eat more (without spiraling), why grazing all day isn't working, and how to shift women from fear and frustration to results and relief.***Help Us Help More People. When you leave a review on Apple or Spotify, it helps us share the message so that we can raise the industry standards and help more people for free. Join the Facebook community!Are you a new fitness entrepreneur looking to attract clients? Maybe you're looking to dial in your messaging? Or perhaps you're experienced and looking to scale your business?Head on over to Facebook, and request access to my Online Marketing for Fitness Professionals group. Post an introduction about yourself, ask some questions, or let us celebrate your wins with you.BSimpsonFitness Best Next Steps Simple Scaling - Want the fastest most efficient way to start and scale a profitable business in the health and wellness space, with less than 2k followers or DMing 100 cold people a day? Watch this short free training and I'll show you how for free. Tap here to register: https://ptprofitformula.com/simple-scaling-optinPT Profit Formula - 10k in 90 Days or you don't pay, let me show you how it works for free. Learn more here: https://ptprofitformula.com/optin The Complete 10k Per Month Blueprint - FREE - A step -by - step guide to generate consistent 10k months and beyond online https://ptprofitformula.com/your-10k-blueprint 

In this highlight episode of SHE MD, hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney explore the crucial role of nutrition in women's health to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Featuring insights from various experts and renowned guests such as Khloe Kardashian, Dr. Sarah Berry, Dr. Will Cole, Micaela Riley, and more. The episode covers topics ranging from PCOS management to intuitive eating, providing listeners with a comprehensive look at how food choices affect overall well-being.Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii. NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH SPECIAL KEY TAKEAWAYS:Eat whole foods: Replace ultra-processed items with fresh, unpackaged optionsEat the rainbow: Aim for 30 different plant-based foods weekly for nutrient diversityPrioritize protein and fiber: Focus on these nutrients to support metabolism and satietyEmbrace frozen produce: Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables for convenience and nutritionPractice intuitive eating: Tune into hunger cues and eat mindfully without restrictionAdjust for life stages: Tailor nutrition as you age, especially during menopauseStrength train: Incorporate resistance exercises to maintain muscle and bone healthFind joy in food: Remember, eating should be pleasurable, not just functionalIN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro(01:07) Nutrition's impact on health and wellness(06:47) Non-restrictive approach to nutrition and eating(09:29) Eating the rainbow for dietary diversity(13:27) Nutrition advice for menopause and aging(15:58) Actionable tips for better nutrition habitsRESOURCES:OVII website: ovii.comSHE MD Instagram: @shemdpodcastSHE MD website: shemdpodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sperm count “normal”? Motility or morphology still low? There may be one tiny nutrient standing in the way of conception—and most couples overlook it.In this bite-sized Get Pregnant Now Quickie, Dr. Katie reveals the powerful role of selenium, a trace mineral that supports sperm movement, shape, and DNA integrity. From antioxidant protection to boosting motility and morphology, this nutrient could be the missing piece in your fertility puzzle—especially if you've been told “everything looks fine.”In this episode, you'll...-Learn how selenium protects sperm from oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation-Discover foods that naturally support optimal selenium levels-Understand why most men are unknowingly depleted—and how to fix itTune in now to explore how a small mineral can make a massive impact on sperm quality—and your chances of getting pregnant naturally.

In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt delves into the evolving nutritional needs of women across different life stages with expert guest, Rebecca Blake, RD. Dr. Amy and Rebecca discuss the rapid growth of the wellness and supplement industry, which saw the US dietary supplement market valued at $53.58 billion in 2023, and question the efficacy of many popular supplements. Together, they ponder whether these products fill crucial nutritional gaps or simply capitalize on brilliant marketing strategies. Rebecca Blake, a clinical nutrition subject matter expert with extensive experience in the field, shares her nuanced perspective on gender-specific nutritional advice. She argues that while some supplements may be beneficial during times of physiological stress or hormonal changes, the key lies in understanding individual nutritional needs rather than succumbing to one-size-fits-all solutions. Amy and Rebecca critically assess popular trends like cycle syncing and adaptogen use, often finding them unsupported by robust science, yet acknowledge the psychological comfort they may offer individuals. The episode also touches on Rebecca's personal and professional experiences with nutrition and fertility. They discuss the impact of specific supplements and diet modifications on conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and unexplained infertility. While emphasizing the importance of a whole foods-based diet and the limitations of the supplement industry, Rebecca and Amy encourage listeners to be inquisitive and critical about their supplement choices. The episode concludes with practical advice on evaluating and integrating supplements into one's life, urging listeners to consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. /w.rebeccablakenutrition.com IG: @rebeccablakenutrition Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

We've all had that “Oh no… was I the drama?” moment....Phoenix Ash just made hers public. In this emotionally charged yet soul-nourishing episode of Life as P..., P gets raw about nearly fumbling a real one. From second-guessing a breakup to untangling hormonal hurricanes (hey PCOS, perimenopause....we see you), this episode isn't just self-reflection, it's a full-on emotional audit. There's emotional maturity, real-life receipts, and a deep dive into why we sometimes ghost the good ones… only to realize we might be haunted by our own fears instead. Trust, if you've ever self-sabotaged, this one's going to hit like a delayed text from your ex… except more healing and less chaotic.

Welcome to Women's Health Month on the Eat Like Ruby Podcast! For the month of June we have 8 episodes & 4 experts covering a range of women's health topics and how they look alongside being a health conscious gal pursing nutrition, training, body composition and performance goals. Throughout these episodes, we will be covering the menstrual cycle and its phases, PCOS and endometriosis, peri-menopause and menopause, and pre & post natal nutrition and training.Today we are joined once again by Helena McDonald to dive into some tangible information that can be applied when navigating menopause and perimenopause.Follow Helenahttps://www.instagram.com/nutrition.by.helena/?hl=enFollow Eat Like Ruby→ https://www.instagram.com/eat_like_ruby/Performance Nutrition Plans with Ruby;

Health and Fitness with Erin​Exhausted but can't sleep? Struggling with PMS, PCOS, or thyroid issues? Confused by conflicting health advice online? You're not alone — and Erin's here with real, empowering tools to help you get answers and feel better.​In this episode of Energy Shift with Erin, we're diving deep into how inflammation, hormone shifts, and nutrient balance impact women's health — especially in our 30s and 40s. Whether you've been brushed off by doctors or just want a more holistic view of your wellness, this episode is a must-listen.​​Here's what we cover:

What if your bloating, bowels, or other stomach symptoms were more than just a nuisance—and were actually holding you back from getting pregnant or having regular cycles? On this episode of Cycle Wisdom, Dr. Monica Minjeur explores how gut health can silently sabotage fertility and reproductive hormones. From the gut-immune-hormone axis to the estrobolome, we break down what the science actually says about GI symptoms, inflammation, and their link to conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and even miscarriage risk.You'll hear Wendy's story—a night-shift nurse whose infertility journey turned around after treating gut inflammation—and walk away with practical, hopeful strategies to improve your gut and your cycle. We'll also explain the role of testing, including looking for bacterial overgrowth and food sensitivities, and how Restorative Reproductive Medicine can help women restore hormonal health from the inside out.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by symptoms and signs of unexplained elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in an alert and awake patient. The condition has potentially devastating effects on vision, headache burden, increased cardiovascular disease risk, sleep disturbance, and depression.  In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAAN speaks with Aileen A. Antonio, MD, FAAN, author of the article “Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension” in the Continuum® June 2025 Disorders of CSF Dynamics issue. Dr. Monteith is the associate editor of Continuum® Audio and an associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Antonio is an associate program director of the Hauenstein Neurosciences Residency Program at Trinity Health Grand Rapids and an assistant clinical professor at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lansang, Michigan. Additional Resources Read the article: Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Subscribe to Continuum®: shop.lww.com/Continuum Earn CME (available only to AAN members): continpub.com/AudioCME Continuum® Aloud (verbatim audio-book style recordings of articles available only to Continuum® subscribers): continpub.com/Aloud More about the American Academy of Neurology: aan.com Social Media facebook.com/continuumcme @ContinuumAAN Host: @headacheMD Guest: @aiee_antonio Full episode transcript available here Dr Jones: This is Dr Lyell Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Continuum. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio. Be sure to visit the links in the episode notes for information about earning CME, subscribing to the journal, and exclusive access to interviews not featured on the podcast. Dr Monteith: Hi, this is Dr Teshamae Monteith. Today I'm interviewing Dr Aileen Antonio about her article on clinical features and diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which appears in the June 2025 Continuum issue on disorders of CSF dynamics.  Hi, how are you? Dr Antonio: Hi, good afternoon. Dr Monteith: Thank you for being on the podcast. Dr Antonio: Thank you for inviting me, and it's such an honor to write for the Continuum. Dr Monteith: So why don't you start off with introducing yourself? Dr Antonio: So as mentioned, I'm Aileen Antonio. I am a neuro-ophthalmologist, dually trained in both ophthalmology and neurology. I'm practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan Trinity Health, and I'm also the associate program director for our neurology residency program. Dr Monteith: So, it sounds like the residents get a lot of neuro-ophthalmology by chance in your curriculum. Dr Antonio: For sure. They do get fed that a lot. Dr Monteith: So why don't you tell me what the objective of your article was? Dr Antonio: Yes. So idiopathic intracranial hypertension, or IIH, is a condition where there's increased intracranial pressure, but without an obvious cause. And with this article, we want our readers---and our listeners right now---to recognize that the typical symptoms and learning about the IIH diagnostic criteria are key to avoiding errors, overdiagnosis, or sometimes even misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Thus, we help make the most of our healthcare resources. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent disability from intractable headaches or even vision loss, and it's also important to know when to refer the patients to the appropriate specialists early on. Dr Monteith: So, it sounds like your central points are really getting that diagnosis early and managing the patients and knowing how to triage patients to reduce morbidity and complications. Is that correct? Dr Antonio: That is correct and very succinct, yes. Dr Monteith: And so, are there any more recent advances in the diagnosis of IIH? Dr Antonio: Yes. And one of the tools that we've been using is what we call the optical coherence tomography. A lot of people, neurologists, physicians, PCP, ER doctors; how many among those physicians are well-versed in doing an eye exam, looking at the optic disc? And this is a great tool because it is noninvasive, it is high resolution imaging technique that allows us to look at the optic nerve without even dilating the eye. And we can measure that retinal nerve fiber layer, or RNFL; and that helps us quantify the swelling that is visible or inherent in that optic nerve. And we can even follow that and monitor that over time. So, this gives us another way of looking at their vision and getting that insight as to how healthy is their vision still, along with the other formal visual tests that we do, including perimetry or visual field testing. And then all of these help in catching potentially early changes, early worsening, that may happen; and then we can intervene more easily. Dr Monteith: Great. So, it sounds like there's a lot of benefits to this newer technology for our patients. Dr Antonio: That is correct. Dr Monteith: So, I read in the article about the increased incidence of IIH, and I have to say that I completely agree with you because I'm seeing so much of it in my clinic, even as a headache specialist. And I had a talk with a colleague who said that the incidence of SIH and IIH are similar. And I was like, there's no way. Because I see, I can see several people with IIH just in one day. That's not uncommon. So, tell me what your thoughts are on the incidence, the rising incidence of IIH; and we understand that it's the condition associated with obesity, but it sounds like you have some other underlying drivers of this problem. Dr Antonio: Yes, that is correct. So, as you mentioned, IIH tends to affect women of childbearing age with obesity. And it's interesting because as you've seen that trend, we see more of these IIH cases recently, which seem to correlate with that rising rate of obesity. And the other thing, too, is that this trend can readily add to the burden of managing IIH, because not only are we dealing with the headaches or the potential loss of vision, but also it adds to the burden of healthcare costs because of the other potential comorbidities that may come with it, like cardiovascular risk factors, PCOS, and sleep apnea. Dr Monteith: So why don't we just talk about the diagnosis of IIH? Dr Antonio: IIH, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is also called pseudotumor cerebri.  It's essentially a condition where a person experiences increased intracranial pressure, but without any obvious cause. And the tricky part is that the patients, they're usually fully awake and alert. So, there's no obvious tumor, brain tumor or injury that causes the increased ICP. It's really, really important to rule out other conditions that might cause these similar symptoms; again, like brain tumors or even the cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Many patients will have headaches or visual disturbances like transient visual obscurations---we call them TVOs---or double vision or diplopia. The diplopia is usually related to a sixth nerve palsy or an abducens palsy. Some may also experience some back pain or what we call pulsatile tinnitus, which is that pulse synchronous ringing in their ears. The biggest sign that we see in the clinic would be that papilledema; and papilledema is a term that we only use, specifically use, for those optic nerve edema changes that is only associated with increased intracranial pressure. So, performing of endoscopy and good eye exam is crucial in these patients. We usually use the modified Dandy criteria to diagnose IIH. And again, I cannot emphasize too much that it's really important to rule out other secondary causes to that increased intracranial pressure. So, after that thorough neurologic and eye evaluation with neuroimaging, we do a lumbar puncture to measure the opening pressure and to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid. Dr Monteith: One thing I learned from your article, really just kind of seeing all of the symptoms that you mentioned, the radicular pain, but also- and I think I've seen some papers on this, the cognitive dysfunction associated with IIH. So, it's a broader symptom complex I think than people realize. Dr Antonio: That is correct. Dr Monteith: So, you mentioned TVOs. Tell me, you know, if I was a patient, how would you try and elicit that from me? Dr Antonio: So, I would usually just ask the patient, while you're sitting down just watching TV---some of my patients are even driving as this happens---they would suddenly have these episodes of blacking out of vision, graying out of vision, vision loss, or blurred vision that would just happen, from seconds to less than a minute, usually. And they can happen in one eye or the other eye or both eyes, and even multiple times a day. I had a patient, it was happening 50 times a day for her. It's important to note that there is no pain associated with it most of the time. The other thing too is that it's different from the aura that patients with migraines would have, because those auras are usually scintillating and would have what we call the positive phenomena: the flashing lights, the iridescence, and even the fortification that they see in their vision. So definitely TVOs are not the migraine auras. Sometimes the TVOs can also be triggered by sudden changes in head positions or even a change in posture, like standing up quickly. The difference, though, between that and, like, the graying out of vision or the tunneling vision associated with orthostatic hypotension, is that the orthostatic hypotension would also have that feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness that would come with it. Dr Monteith: Great. So, if someone feels lightheaded, less likely to be a TVO if they're bending down and they have that grain of vision. Dr Antonio: That is correct. Dr Monteith: Definitely see patients like that in clinic. And if they have fluoride IIH, I'm like, I'll call it a TVO; if they don't, I'm like, it's probably more likely to be dizziness-related. And then we also have patient migraines that have blurriness that's nonspecific, not necessarily associated with aura. But I think in those patients, it's usually not seconds long, it's usually probably longer episodes of blurriness. Would you agree there, or…? Dr Antonio: I would agree there, and usually the visual aura would precede the headache that is very characteristic of their migraine, very stereotypical for their migraines. And then it would dissipate slowly over time as well. With TVOs, they're brisk and would not last, usually, more than a minute. Dr Monteith: So, why don't we talk about routine imaging? Obviously, ordering an MRI, and I read also getting an MRV is important. Dr Antonio: It is very important because, one: I would say IIH is also a diagnosis of exclusion. We need to make sure that the increased ICP is not because of a brain tumor or not because of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. So, it's important to get the MRI of the brain as well as the MRV of the head. Dr Monteith: Do you do that for all patients' MRV, and how often do you add on an orbital study? Dr Antonio: I usually do not add on an orbital study because it's not really going to change my management at that point. I really get that MRI of the brain. Now the MRV, for most of my patients, I would order it already just because the population that I see, I don't want to lose them. And sometimes it's that follow-up, and that is the difficult part; and it's an easy add on to the study that I'm going to order. Again, it depends with the patient population that you have as well, and of course the other symptoms that may come with it. Dr Monteith: So, why don't we talk a little bit about CSF reading and how these set values, because we get people that have readings of 250 millimeters of water quite frequently and very nonspecific, questionable IIH. And so, talk to me about the set value. Dr Antonio: Right. So, the modified Dandy criteria has shown that, again, we consider intracranial pressure to be elevated for adults if it's above 250 millimeters water; and then for kids if it's above 280 millimeters of water. Knowing that these are taken in the left lateral decubitus position, and assuming also that the patients were awake and not sedated during the measurement of the CSF pressure. The important thing to know about that is, sometimes when we get LPs under fluoroscopy or under sedation, then these can cause false elevation because of the hypercapnia that elevated carbon dioxide, and then the hypoventilation that happens when a patient is under sedation. Dr Monteith: You know, sometimes you see people with opening pressures a little bit higher than 25 and they're asymptomatic. Well, the problem with these opening pressure values is that they can vary somewhat even across the day. People around 25, you can be normal, have no symptoms, and have opening pressure around 25- or 250; and so, I'm just asking about your approach to the CSF values. Dr Antonio: So again, at the end of the day, what's important is putting everything together. It's the gestalt of how we look at the patient. I actually had an attending tell me that there is no patient that read the medical textbook. So, the, the important thing, again, is putting everything together. And what I've also seen is that some patients would tell me, oh, I had an opening pressure of 50. Does that mean I'm in a dire situation? And they're so worried and they just attach to numbers. And for me, what's important would be, what are your symptoms? Is your headache, right, really bad, intractable? Number two: are you losing vision, or are you at that cusp where your optic nerve swelling or papilledema is so severe that it may soon lead to vision loss? So, putting all of these together and then getting the neuroimaging, getting the LP. I tell my residents it's like icing on the cake. We know already what we're dealing with, but then when we get that confirmation of that number… and sometimes it's borderline, but this is the art of neurology. This is the art of medicine and putting everything together and making sure that we care and manage it accordingly. Dr Monteith: Let's talk a little bit about IIH without papilledema. Dr Antonio: So, let's backtrack. So, when a patient will fit most of the modified Dandy criteria for IIH, but they don't have the papilledema or they don't have abducens palsy, the diagnosis then becomes tricky. And in these kinds of cases, Dr Friedman and her colleagues, when they did research on this, suggested that we might consider the diagnosis of IIH. And she calls this idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema, IIHWOP. They say that if they meet the other criteria for modified Dandy but show at least three typical findings on MRI---so that flattening of the posterior globe, the tortuosity of the optic nerves, the empty sella or the partially empty sella, and even the narrowing of the transverse venous sinuses---so if you have three of these, then potentially you can call these cases as idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema. Dr Monteith: Plus, the opening pressure elevation. I think that's key, right? Getting that as well. Dr Antonio: Yes. Sometimes IIHWOP may still be a gray area. It's a debate even among neuro-ophthalmologists, and I bet even among the headache specialists. Dr Monteith: Well, I know that I've had some of these conversations, and it's clear that people think this is very much overdiagnosed. So, that's why I wanted to plug in the LP with that as well. Dr Antonio: Right. And again, we have not seen yet whether is, this a spectrum, right? Of that same disease just manifesting differently, or are they just sharing a same pathway and then diverging? But what I want to emphasize also is that the treatment trials that we've had for IIH do not include IIHWOP patients. Dr Monteith: That is an important one. So why don't you wrap this up and tell our listeners what you want them to know? Now's the time. Dr Antonio: So, the- again, with IIH, with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, what is important is that we diagnose these patients early. And I think that some of the issues that come into play in dealing with these patients with IIH is that, one: we may have anchoring bias. Just because we see a female with obesity, of reproductive age, with intractable headaches, it does not always mean that what we're dealing with is IIH. The other thing, too, is that your tools are already available to you in your clinic in diagnosing IIH, short of the opening pressure when you get the lumbar puncture. And I need to emphasize the importance of doing your own fundoscopy and looking for that papilledema in these patients who present to you with intractable headaches or abducens palsy. What I want people to remember is that idiopathic intracranial hypertension is not optic nerve sheath distension. So, these are the stuff that you see on neuroimaging incidentally, not because you sent them, because they have papilledema, or because they have new headaches and other symptoms like that. And the important thing is doing your exam and looking at your patients. Dr Monteith: Today, I've been interviewing Dr Aileen Antonio about her article on clinical features and diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which appears in the most recent issue of Continuum on disorders of CSF dynamics. Be sure to check out Continuum Audio episodes from this and other issues, and thank you to our listeners for joining today. Thank you again. Dr Antonio: Thank you. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith, Associate Editor of Continuum Audio. If you've enjoyed this episode, you'll love the journal, which is full of in-depth and clinically relevant information important for neurology practitioners. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more and subscribe. AAN members, you can get CME for listening to this interview by completing the evaluation at continpub.com/audioCME. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio.

#278: Can the right foods help you take control of your PCOS symptoms? Dr. William W. Li, internationally renowned physician, scientist, and bestselling author of Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet, joins us to break down the science behind food as medicine for PCOS. Dr. Li has shaped medical treatments for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more, and today, he's sharing how nutrition can transform metabolic health, balance hormones, and support fertility for women with PCOS. If you're looking for a research-backed approach to using food as medicine for PCOS, this episode is for you! This episode is for you if: - You've struggled with insulin resistance & weight loss despite all the different diets you've tried - You want to learn the best foods to balance hormones & lower inflammation - You're curious about what foods actually help with cravings, fertility, and long-term health Where to find our guest: website: https://drwilliamli.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drwilliamli/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/drwilliamli/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drwilliamli Discover our new Berberine supplement here (https://ovafit.org/berberine-advanced/)! Download The Cysterhood App, the largest community of PCOS women learning to lose weight & reverse symptoms with daily meals & workouts designed for PCOS! What's Your PCOS Type? - Take the quiz! Supplements for Women With PCOS (https://ovafit.org/metabolism-plus/) Berberine Advanced (https://ovafit.org/berberine-advanced/) Ovasitol: 15% OFF (https://ovafit.org/ovasitol/) Testosterone Relief Tea (https://ovafit.org/testosterone-relief-tea/) Tallene's Fav PCOS friendly products (https://www.amazon.com/shop/pcos.weightloss?ref=ac_inf_tb_vh) CONNECT WITH US: Website (https://pcosweightloss.org/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pcos.weightloss/) Tik Tok (https://www.tiktok.com/@pcos.weight.loss) Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pcosweightloss/) While Tallene is a Registered Dietitian and Sirak a Personal Trainer, this podcast provides general information about PCOS. It is not meant to serve as fitness, nutrition or medical advice related to your individual needs. If you have questions, please talk to a medical professional. For our full privacy policy, please click on the following link: (bit.ly/PCOSPrivacyPolicy) Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide, we may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting our channel so we can continue to provide you with free content each week!

Get the first part of Ashley's book Addicted To Wellness for free by scrolling to the bottom of LearnTrueHealth.com https://learntruehealth.com   Check Out Ashley's Latest Book, Addicted To Wellness: https://www.learntruehealth.com/addictedtowellness   Get The Same Nutrient Protocols that Ashley Used To Reverse her Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Adrenal fatigue, Infertility, and PCOS 14 years ago! Visit https://TakeYourSupplements.com TakeYourSupplements.com   Miriam Putnam's Website: www.miriamputnam.org 6 Resources to Better Mental Health www.mentalhealthwellnessjourney.com

In this episode, ultrarunner, OB/GYN board certified physician, and mom of two Lauren Puretz, DO, returns to the podcast to dive deep into women's health with a focus on athletes navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Lauren discusses complex reproductive health conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, especially how they present uniquely in athletic populations. She emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, individualization of treatment, and how these conditions can affect energy levels and performance. She offers practical advice for athletes with insulin resistance and stresses the importance of advocacy when pain is being overlooked in clinical settings. The conversation then shifts into training during pregnancy and the often-overlooked postpartum period, where Lauren draws from both medical expertise and personal experience. She breaks down trimester-specific considerations for athletes, safe return-to-sport strategies, and how tools like belly bands can help. The hosts and Lauren tackle common but under-discussed challenges such as postpartum hormone shifts, fatigue, and breastfeeding demands on athletes. The episode closes with a powerful question on what changes Lauren would make in the medical system to better support female athletes across their reproductive lifespan, highlighting the need for more inclusive, evidence-based care and research for all stages—from puberty to perimenopause. SPONSORSHIP:  We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!    USE CODE JUNEBUNNY for 10% OFF in JUNE!   Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

In this episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney & Dr. Thais Aliabadi welcome Wendy Lopez, MS, RD, CDCES & Jessica Jones, MS, RD, CDCES, registered dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes care specialists. They discuss their telehealth platform, Diabetes Digital, designed to help women manage and prevent diabetes through virtual nutrition counseling. The conversation covers various aspects of diabetes, including its types, risk factors, and management strategies.Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii. Sponsors: Ollie: Visit https://ollie.com/SHEMD today for 60% off your first box ofmeals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThemSleepMe: Visit www.sleep.me/SHEMD to get your Chilipad at 20% off with code SHEMDOpill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code SHEMD for twenty five percent off your first month of Opill at Opill.comStrivektin: Discover the Science Behind Great SkiniRestore: Reverse hair loss with @irestorelaser and get $625 off with code shemd at https://www.irestorelaser.com/SHEMD! #irestorepodMedronic: For more information and to take the pledge to talk to your mother or a woman in your life about heart health, visit Alettertomymother.com Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez's Key Takeaways:You don't have to wait until things are “bad enough” to get support: Preventative care is powerful. Whether you're newly diagnosed or just want to feel better in your body, it's okay to seek help now.Take a 10-minute walk after meals: Incorporate a brief walk after your largest meal to help manage blood sugar levels.Virtual care can be deeply personal and community-centered: Diabetes Digital is designed to be flexible, culturally competent, and shame-free — because healthcare should meet you where you are.Balance your meals: Ensure each meal includes carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats for optimal blood sugar control.Incorporate strength training: Engage in strength training exercises 2-3 times a week to maintain muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity.In This Episode: (00:00) Intro (01:19) Introducing Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones(02:17) Origins of Food Heaven and Diabetes Digital(06:26) Food access and physical activity barriers(10:44) Differences between type 1 and 2 diabetes(23:01) Introducing carbs in a balanced way(27:15) Intermittent fasting and diabetes management(28:48) Protein and exercise with GLP1 medications(31:30) Menopause and blood sugar management(43:24) Barriers for women of color entrepreneurs(47:30) How to access Diabetes Digital servicesRESOURCES:Diabetes Digital Website: https://diabetesdigital.co/Diabetes Digital Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/diabetesdigitalco/Food Haven Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diabetesdigitalco/Diabetes Digital Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diabetesdigital.coDiabetes Digital Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xRnLYs57KNAjIpBCrk9WNGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones are nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. With over a decade of clinical experience, they have helped thousands of individuals improve their relationship with food and achieve better health outcomes. Wendy and Jessica are the co-founders of Diabetes Digital, an insurance-covered telehealth platform designed for women of diverse backgrounds to manage and prevent diabetes through 1:1 virtual nutrition counseling. Through their previous work with Food Heaven, Wendy and Jess have made a lasting impact on nutrition and wellness, promoting healthier relationships with food and inclusive health education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tired of feeling like you're the only one doing the work to get pregnant? The truth is: male fertility matters just as much—and it's often overlooked.In this episode, Dr. Katie uncovers five sneaky sperm saboteurs that silently destroy sperm quality—even when semen analysis results look “normal.” From daily heat exposure and EMFs to stress, toxins, and nutrient deficiencies, you'll learn what could be affecting your partner's fertility without either of you knowing.In this episode, you'll...-Learn the most overlooked lifestyle habits that damage sperm motility, morphology, and count-Discover the impact of phones in pockets, saunas, Wi-Fi, and poor sleep on conception-Get practical, science-backed steps to improve sperm health in just 72–90 daysPress play now to uncover how to boost sperm quality naturally and take the pressure off your body—because fertility is a we thing, not just a me thing.

In this powerful episode of The Dr. Terri Show, Dr. Terri sits down with Puerto Rico–based family medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Valdez Cochran to unpack the future of global health through the lens of integrative and preventative care. Dr. Cochran shares her personal journey from conventional allopathic medicine to a transformative root-cause approach—helping patients break free from chronic symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, and low libido through lifestyle changes and hormone optimization. Together, they explore why “normal” lab results often don't equal optimal health, how misinformation around hormone therapy is hurting patients, and what it really takes to help people. From perimenopause to PCOS, testosterone to thyroid health, this conversation touches every life stage and underscores how integrative medicine isn't just personal, it's global. ---- The Dr. Terri Show is presented by Evexias Health Solutions. For more, visit: ⁠https://www.evexias.com ----⁠ Connect more with Dr. Terri:

Let's talk about the #1 tool I recommend to help you to lose weight, reverse insulin resistance, and improve health conditions like pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and PCOS! I'll talk about how to use the tool and ways to improve your blood sugar numbers. .Want to try a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)? Click on the link below to order an over the counter option on Amazon and to see the other items that might help you on your journey! https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourlifenutrition/list/2YNRYC72KJ4UM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_MKN143F9Y5GSNDE4HHSS_1 Schedule a FREE Discovery Call with me here:https://yourlifenutrition.org/nutrition-coaching-application/.Come join our private accountability group, the Goal Getters Group, for all things health, wellness & nutrition! You'll get sample weekly meal plans, recipes, weekly group coaching calls and access to our exclusive Blood Sugar, Wellness, Mindfulness & Movement Challenges to help support you and keep you accountable on your health & nutrition journey AND get access to private messaging with me, your dietitian!Click the link below to join the Goal Getters Group today!https://your-life-nutrition-goal-getters.mn.co/plans/417799?bundle_token=956d00b8819113662d2af66ad9e7049f&utm_source=manual.For health & nutrition tips, recipes & more - follow me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlifenutrition/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourlifenutritionrdn/Email: Brittany@yourlifenutrition.orgShop my Favorite Products!**I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn commissions on qualifying purchases.

  Hello, and welcome to episode 175 of the Childless Not by Choice Podcast. My name is Civilla Morgan. My mission is to recognize and speak to childless women and men not by choice worldwide, reminding us that we can live joyful, relevant, and fulfilled lives, childless by choice.   Whether you have children or not, thank you for tuning in!     What is today's show about? Father's Day and Men's Health   Thank you, Patreon contributors: I would like to thank my Patreon contributors, who support the platform every month.    Your contributions help me pay my podcast producer, my podcast host, Zoom, where I interview most of my guests, and other expenses. Thank you very much!        If you are not yet a Patron, visit patreon.com/childlessnotbychoice to set up your monthly contribution. No matter your giving level, I have a gift for you!   If you prefer to give via PayPal, you can find me there at booksbycivillamorgan@gmail.com.  Your contributions to the platform are greatly appreciated! Thank you!   https://www.patreon.com/Childlessnotbychoice   Questions or comments? Contact me at:   Email: Info@civillamorgan.com                                                  Or   Visit the website at www.childlessnotbychoice.net, look to the left on the home screen, and click on the link below the telephone to leave me an up to 90-second voicemail. Body of episode: FATHER'S DAY  MEN'S HEALTH  So, well before President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis, I had planned on discussing men's health for this year's Father's Day episode. In particular, I wanted to discuss causes of male childlessness, such as Azoospermia.  I've decided to put links in the show notes in regards to Azoospermia. Please check out the links for further information.  The basic definition of Azoospermia per The Cleveland Clinic website is:   ‘Azoospermia means there's no sperm in your ejaculate. Its causes include a blockage along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems or issues with testicular structure or function. Many causes are treatable. For other causes, it may be possible to retrieve live sperm to be used in assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.‘    As I think back through my episodes, I don't believe I've ever discussed men's health, or medical reasons men may be childless.  We've discussed fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, miscarriage, running out of time, aka the biological clock, MRKH, etc.  But I've never gone into much detail regarding issues surrounding the causes of childlessness in men.    I have had the great opportunity to interview several men about their experiences with childlessness, including how they have dealt with it. I will put links in the show notes on interviews I have conducted over the years with these wonderful men. Be sure to take a listen!    I also believe male childlessness is not as openly discussed as female childlessness because men and their spouses may find the issue embarrassing, shocking to their ego in a different way than a woman may feel about her childlessness, or maybe in much the same way.  In either case, there can be emotional and mental pain.    Some of the things that can cause infertility in men include:   AI Overview Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with sperm production or quality, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, infections, and environmental factors. Additionally, lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain drug use can also contribute to infertility.  Here's a more detailed look at some of the key causes: 1. Sperm Problems: Low sperm count (oligospermia): A low number of sperm in the ejaculate. Absent sperm (azoospermia): No sperm in the ejaculate. Poor sperm motility: Sperm are unable to swim properly. Abnormal sperm morphology: Sperm are abnormally shaped, making it difficult for them to fertilize an egg.  2. Hormonal Imbalances:  Reduced testosterone: Low levels of testosterone can affect sperm production.  Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin can interfere with sperm production.  Hormonal disorders affecting the pituitary gland or hypothalamus: These glands regulate hormone production.  3. Genetic Disorders: Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic condition affecting males. Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause blocked reproductive ducts. Myotonic dystrophy: A genetic disorder that can affect sperm production.  4. Infections and Inflammation: Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles.  Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles.  STIs: Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs.  5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Smoking: Smoking can reduce sperm count and quality.  Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm production.  Certain drug use: Anabolic steroids and other drugs can negatively impact sperm production.  Exposure to toxins or chemicals: Exposure to certain toxins, like pesticides, can affect fertility.  Obesity: Being overweight or obese can impact sperm quality.  6. Medical Conditions: Diabetes: Diabetes can affect sperm production and quality. Kidney failure: Kidney failure can also impact sperm production. Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause blocked reproductive ducts. Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases can attack sperm.  7. Other Factors: Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can raise testicular temperature and affect sperm production.  Testicular trauma: Injury to the testicles can damage sperm production.  Previous cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect sperm production.  Undescended testicles: Testicles that don't descend into the scrotum.  Blockages or absences of tubes: Blockages in the reproductive tract can prevent sperm from being released.  This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Whether you have children or not, your health is important. Be sure to go to all of your check-ups, especially if there is a family history of health issues. Get checked, don't wait.   Be OK with advocating for yourself. The healthcare industry may say no, you are too young for a particular test. But if you want that test, be insistent. Keep in mind that if your insurance does not cover the test because you are not of a certain age or whatever their parameters are, you may have to pay out of pocket.   Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men out there who do the work of raising great people for this world.  Happy Father's Day to those of you who did not birth children, but are contributing to a child's life in beautiful and lasting ways.         Research links:   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15441-azoospermia Articles/links of interest: https://ifstudies.org/blog/pronatalism-is-not-popular-yet Episode links to conversations with men: https://childlessnotbychoice.net/episode-143-the-things-men-talk-about-my-conversation-with-dr-robin-hadley/ https://childlessnotbychoice.net/episode-116-my-conversation-with-dave-jackson/ https://childlessnotbychoice.net/episode-141-downriver-nomad-my-conversation-with-rob-hutchings/ https://childlessnotbychoice.net/episode-130-about-fathers-day-and-childlessness/ https://childlessnotbychoice.net/episode-57-men-men-men-men-3/ My contact information: Website: www.childlessnotbychoice.net and www.civillamorgan.com Facebook: booksbycivillamorgan Instagram: @joyandrelevance Pinterest: Civilla M. Morgan, MSM LinkedIn: Civilla Morgan, MSM  

In this engaging Q&A session, Florencia dives into various health topics, including:The carnivore dietProtein intake for those with PCOSUnderstanding ovulationStabilizing blood sugar levelsNFP methodsWeight managementMomentum > motivationAnd more! She shares her personal experiences, insights, and practical advice, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition and wellness.Mentioned in this episode:FLO'S FAVORITE PRODUCTS - SHOPMY

Welcome to Women's Health Month on the Eat Like Ruby Podcast! For the month of June we have 8 episodes & 4 experts covering a range of women's health topics and how they look alongside being a health conscious gal pursing nutrition, training, body composition and performance goals. Throughout these episodes, we will be covering the menstrual cycle and its phases, PCOS and endometriosis, peri-menopause and menopause, and pre & post natal nutrition and training.Today we are joined by women's health dietitian, Helena McDonald to talk about exactly what menopause and perimenopause are and bust some myths when it comes to nutrition, training and body composition that have been related to menopause and perimenopause. Tune in on Friday for part two where we will discuss some tangible information that can be applied when navigating menopause and perimenopause.Follow Helenahttps://www.instagram.com/nutrition.by.helena/?hl=enFollow Eat Like Ruby→ https://www.instagram.com/eat_like_ruby/Performance Nutrition Plans with Ruby;

Do you dread your period every month, only to be met with the same painful cramps and mood swings that never seem to let up? What if you're missing three foundational pieces that could change …well, all of it?If you've been trying to balance your hormones naturally but still feel like you're guessing, or throwing money at supplements hoping something will finally work, this one's for you. Here's what you'll learn:How to figure out what your main hormone imbalance is (hint: painful periods don't always mean estrogen dominance)The hidden contributors that can make PMS worseWhat to track (and how) to understand your cycle, and make long-lasting changes If you're ready to stop guessing and finally feel in control of your hormones, hit play and start feeling less confused and more confident in the next 15 minutes.Book a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meMore about cycle tracking: Ep. 59, Ep. 61NEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Hormone Imbalance Quiz - Find out which of the top 3 hormone imbalances affects you most!Join Nourish Your Hormones Coaching for the step-by-step and my eyes on YOUR hormones for the next 4 monthsRate the podcast 5 stars and DM me RATING on IG @leishadrews for $20 off the Restored mini-course on blood sugar balance, a key factor in hormone health!Use code HHPODCAST for $50 off Nourish Your HormonesLET'S CONNECT!IG: @leishadrewsMy story+more hormone resources hereSend us a text with episode feedback or ideas! (We can't respond to texts unless you include contact info but always read them)Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more women looking for answers.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.This podcast is for women and moms to learn how to balance hormones naturally in motherhood, to have pain-free periods, increased fertility, to decrease PMS mood swings, and to increase energy without restrictive diet plans. You'll learn how to balance blood sugar, increase progesterone naturally, understand the root cause of estrogen dominance, irregular periods, PCOS, insulin resistance, hormonal acne, post birth-control syndrome, and conceive naturally. We use a pro-metabolic, whole food, root cause approach to functional women's health and focus on truly holistic health and mind-body connection.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, Found My Fitness with Rhonda Patrick, Just Ingredients Podcast, Wellness Mama, The Dr Josh Axe Show, Are You Menstrual Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Freely Rooted Podcast with Kori Meloy, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)Why is it still so hard for women to get the healthcare they deserve?In this episode, we're diving into some of the biggest challenges women face in medical care today—from being dismissed or misdiagnosed to the lack of support around weight, PCOS, perimenopause, pregnancy, and menopause. We'll talk about why obesity care shouldn't stop during pregnancy, the lesser-known breastfeeding challenges women with obesity face, and why early support during perimenopause matters more than most people realize.Whether you're a woman trying to navigate your own care or someone who supports women in any capacity, this conversation is a must-listen.Today, I'm so excited to be joined by Sandra Christensen,a board-certified nurse practitioner, obesity specialist, and founder of Integrative Medical Weight Management in Seattle, Washington. She's a Master Fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association, a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and currently serves as president of the Washington Obesity Society. She's also an associate editor for Obesity Pillars and author of A Clinician's Guide to Discussing Obesity with Patients. In 2022, she was named Clinician of the Year by the Obesity Medicine Association.Tune in to the full episode to get the full picture and hear what every woman deserves to know about her health.Connect with Dr. Christensen:Website:  Integrative medical weight management.comLinkedIn: Sandra ChristensenConnect with me:Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Do you have PCOS, menopause, or insulin resistance and feel like weight loss is completely different for you? You've probably joined Facebook groups, read books, and followed experts who told you exactly what to expect with your specific condition. But what if the beliefs you've borrowed from these communities are actually shaping your experience more than you realize? In this episode, we dive into how the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies might be creating the very struggles we're trying to solve. Get ready to question everything you think you know about why weight loss feels so impossible. Click here to join vibe club 01:09: Why People Think Weight Loss Won't Work Common beliefs about why conditions like PCOS, menopause, and insulin resistance make weight loss impossible. 03:30: How Online Communities Shape Your Beliefs The danger of adopting limiting beliefs from Facebook groups and influencers about your diagnosis. 10:00: It's Still About Overeating Real client examples showing that addressing overeating solves the problem, not the diagnosis itself. 18:30: Question Everything You've Been Told Why you should be careful about accepting beliefs from experts and be willing to test them yourself. 24:00: Your Beliefs Create Your Experience How what you think about your condition impacts you more than the condition itself.

Today's episode is a must-listen if you're navigating PCOS and feel like the rules of weight loss just don't apply to you. I'm joined by registered dietitian and PCOS specialist Cory Ruth, whose no-BS, science-backed approach to women's health cuts through the noise and gets straight to what actually works. We're breaking down why weight loss can feel so much harder with PCOS, but how it's absolutely not impossible. We discuss insulin resistance and blood sugar's relationship to PCOS, the specific PCOS hormones at play and their associated symptoms, the gaps in medical care PCOS women receive and how a one-size-all approach might just be why you're stuck – and of course the role of supplements. If you or someone you know has PCOS and was recently diagnosed or simply overwhelmed by all the conflicting tips out there – today's episode will help you walk away feeling empowered, informed, and ready to take action that actually works for YOU. To follow Cory on Instagram, click HERE Learn more about VITA-PCOS supplements HERE Visit Cory's website HERE 1:1 Coaching with Lauren and Our Team of Dietitians: HERE To connect with Lauren, click HERE Submit your question for advice from Lauren on the show HERE Take the free Weight Loss Personality Quiz HERE Shop Our Meal Plans HERE Get Support & Personally Work With Us HERE Related Episodes:

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. Many people interpret it to mean you have big cysts on your ovaries, but that's not true at all. When I hear PCOS I think of it as a call to, &ldquoPlease Confirm this Ovary Syndrome”. So much is misunderstood about PCOS! Women are often told, “oh you don't need to worry about it until you're ready to have babies.” That could not be further from the truth. Today on the podcast, I'm talking about 5 novel treatments for PCOS. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website. Would you like to learn more about IVF?Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

You're listening to Burnt Toast! Today, my conversation is with Lauren Leavell. Lauren is a weight neutral fitness professional and content creator. She focuses on creating inclusive environments for movement and exercise to help clients feel strong and confident, and previously joined us on the podcast back in 2023. Lauren is an oasis in a sea of toxic online fitness and wellness culture. And it has been super toxic lately! So I asked Lauren to come on and chat with us about the recent dramas happening on Tiktok and Instagram.Yes, we get into the girl who said nobody over 200 pounds should take Pilates.We also talk about how to stay grounded when this noise is happening online, and how to seek out inclusive movement spaces—whatever that looks like for you. Today's episode is free but if you value this conversation, please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. Burnt Toast is 100% reader- and listener-supported. We literally can't do this without you.PS. You can always listen to this pod right here in your email, where you'll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also follow us in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and/or Pocket Casts! And if you enjoy today's conversation, please tap the heart on this post — likes are one of the biggest drivers of traffic from Substack's Notes, so that's a super easy, free way to support the show!Episode 197VirginiaLauren, it's so great to have you back on the podcast! It was one of my favorite conversations. It was two years ago that you were here before, I think.LaurenI know! Honestly, we could have a conversation once a month about toxic fitness stuff. VirginiaThere's always something. For anyone who missed your first appearance and has missed the 72,000 times I say “I love Lauren's workouts,” can you introduce yourself?LaurenI am Lauren Leavell. I am a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I've been doing that for almost a decade at this point, which is so wild. I'm not tired of it yet, which is amazing for me. I have a virtual program online, and Virginia is a member of tat community.VirginiaA groupie.LaurenHonestly, yes. Love that. I teach live classes and on demand classes. All of them are body neutral, and most of them are lower impact, because we're here for a good time and a long time. And I also have private training clients who I program Stronger Together workouts for.When I'm not doing that, I'm apparently complaining on the Internet. Well, I try not to complain too much on the Internet. And stalking cats in my neighborhood.VirginiaYou are my favorite Internet cat lady.LaurenHuge, huge accolades here.VirginiaFavorite Internet cat lady. That should be in your bio. And you are talking to us from France right now! Do you want to talk about that?LaurenI'm really leaning into my Sagittarius lifestyle. I just picked up my life in Philadelphia and decided to move to France. People keep asking me, why? And my answer is, why not? My partner and I are child-free except for our two beautiful cat daughters. But they're pretty easy to move. So we packed up our lives and moved to France. We are still really new here, really getting into it. And I'm genuinely just so excited for all the new stimuli. VirginiaOf course for folks listening to this episode, it is now mid-June, so we're going to talk about something that happened a month ago, and it is forgotten in the attention span of the Internet. But I still think it's very important to record for posterity that this happened. So Lauren, can you walk us through what I'm going to call Pilatesgate.LaurenPilatesgate occurred when a woman decided to come on TikTok, and really just rant. You can tell that she was a little bit amped up. She was talking about how she did not believe that people in larger bodies—specifically, if you are over 200 pounds—you should not be in a Pilates level two class. She was really insistent, and talked about how you should be doing cardio or just going to the gym. And then she followed up with: “You also shouldn't be a fitness instructor if you have a gut.” Like, what's going on? The overall tone of it was she was extremely agitated. VirginiaShe felt this deeply.LaurenShe was very bothered. Mind you, the person saying this, obviously, is not in a fat body. She's not in a larger body. I think the tone of her video and how agitated she was is what really sparked the conversation around size inclusivity and fitness and blatant fatphobia and anti-fat bias. But it all started with someone having a very agitated car rant that I'm sure she didn't think would go the way that it went.VirginiaI think she thought people were going to be like, Hell yeah! Thanks for saying the truth. I think she thought there was going to be this moment of recognition that she had spoken something. But I would love to even just know the backstory. I assume she just walked into a Pilates class and saw a fat person and lost her mind? I can't quite understand what series of events triggered the car rant, because I can't imagine having really any experience in my daily life that I would be like, “That was so terrible I need to take to the internet and say my piece about it,” and to have the experience be…I observed another human being.LaurenRight? I think that from from her follow up video it seems like she's been doing Pilates for a while, and maybe was agitated that someone was either getting more attention or she just maybe felt some type of way in general.VirginiaI wonder if the fat person was better at Pilates than her, and that made her feel bad.LaurenIt could be anything. Just like you said, like the presence of being there, maybe even having a conversation with a teacher—something triggered her. It could have even be been seeing something online of like a fat person doing Pilates as an instructor. I know plenty of fat Pilates instructors.And the apology videos were really like, “I need to work on myself.” And also, you know…you could have worked on yourself before releasing that rant into the internet space.VirginiaI give her one tiny point for how it is a very full apology video. So often an apology video is like, “I'm sorry people were upset,” you know? Like, “I'm sorry that this bothered you.” And she is like, I truly apologize. I have to work on myself. This is bad. She does own it to a certain degree.LaurenI think it's also because she experienced consequences. Her membership was revoked and she either lost her job, or at least is on punishment from her job.VirginiaWhich is correct! She should experience consequences. Plus there was a tidal wave of of videos coming out in response to her first one being like, what is wrong with you? This is a terrible thing. The backlash was quick and universal. I didn't see a lot of support content for her. I saw just a tidal wave of people being like, what the fuck?LaurenI think the people who would have maybe supported that kept their mouths shut because they saw what was happening. There are people who support that message and feel exactly the same. It was almost like she was like, channeling that type of rage. And I think, again, the agitation is what sets this video apart from every other video that's released 500 times a day on my FYP somewhere about people expressing anti-fat bias in fitness spaces, right?VirginiaShe said the thing that is often implied, and she said it very loudly. She also said it so righteously. It was a righteous anger in the first video. That, I think, was what was startling about it, I was glad to see the backlash—although, yes, as you're saying, there is so much more out there. And really she looks like she is 12 years old. I think she's like 23 or something. So this is a literal child who has had a tantrum. That happens every day, that some young 20 somethings says a fatphobic thing, right?LaurenI mean, actually, I was, at one point, a young 20 something saying fatphobic things to myself and out in the ether.VirginiaFrom my esteemed wisdom as a 44 year old, I try to be like, Thank God Tiktok didn't exist when I was 23! Thank God there's no record of the things I said and thought as a 23 year old. So, okay, babygirl, you did this and we hope you really do do the work. But as you're saying, she said something that is frequently echoed and reinforced by fitness influencers all over Al Gore's internet.You sent me a Tiktok by a fitness influencer Melania Antuchas, who posts as FitByMa. We see her leaning into the camera at a very uncomfortable-looking angle, saying, “If you don't like the way I train or instruct, don't come to my class because I'm going to push you to be your best self and you just need to take it,” basically. Can we unpack the toxicity of this kind of messaging? Because I do think this kind of messaging is what begets the angsty 23-year-old being appalled that there's a fat person in her Pilates class.LaurenYes, totally. I think that that person may actually be like an Internet predecessor to the rant, if I'm going to be honest. This person's content, against my own will, has been showing up frequently.VirginiaThank you for your service, by the way, that you have to consume all this fitness content, and see all of this.LaurenI've been seeing a lot of this person's videos, and a lot of Pilates instructors have actually had a lot to say about it, because what she's pitching as Pilates is not traditional Pilates, either mat or reformer. It's inspired by, but we really shouldn't be calling it that. And some people were like, “It seems like more of a barre class.” And I'm like, get my name out of your mouth. What are you talking about?VirginiaYou're like, don't you make me take her! I don't want her!LaurenYes, please don't come over here with this. So I think it's a combination of the fact that maybe her workouts feel a little mislabeled to a lot of people who are professionals in the field, and then her teaching style is extremely intense. And that's really what I would love to get into. Because I think if you've been a casual fitness person, you have experienced these type of intense motivational instructors and and maybe when we rewind to when we were the age of the ranter, that would have worked. That does work on a lot of people. What this person is saying is if you don't like it, don't come to my class. There are always going to be people who love a punishing, intense type of motivation because they never experienced anything else. They don't know how to find motivation or how to exercise without the presence of punishment.VirginiaThis is certainly endemic of a lot of CrossFit culture, a lot of boot camp culture. There are a lot of fitness spaces that are really built around this. Like, “no pain, no gain.” You've got to leave it all on the mat. You've got to always show up and give 200% no matter what. And I guess that is, as you're saying, motivating to some people.LaurenTell me about your childhood, if that's what you like. You know? And it's also a result of the United States culture in general, it is extremely punishing. And if we really stop and interrogate why we enjoy this, and why we only feel motivated by this intensity and someone getting up in our face, then we might have to slowly chip away at all the other places where softness has been denied and love and openness and acceptance have been denied. But it's to make you stronger. It's to make you better.VirginiaIt's like capitalism as a workout. LaurenIt's definitely a reflection of that type of culture, because some people maybe won't be motivated by anything softer, because they've never experienced softness.VirginiaAnd they've never been given permission to exist in a more multifaceted way, like you're either successful or you're not. You can either take it or you can't.LaurenAnd pain leads to success, right? Like, even though we all know—well, many of us know that—a lot of successful people have done no no suffering to get there. Other people have done the suffering for them.VirginiaExactly. It's just where you're born, which family you're born into, that lead to the success. The idea that there are no excuses, which was a recurring theme of her videos. Like, you're going to push yourself to be your best self or I'm going to push you to be your best self. That whole thing was so interesting to me because it was like, so you're not allowed to just have a headache one day? You're not allowed to be a neurodivergent person who has different needs and bandwidth? You're not allowed to be human, really, in this in this context.LaurenNo, not at all. And it really shows. I mean, I get it. And I have seen it over and over. But the ableism that exists in fitness spaces is almost like you're almost unable to, untangle them in so many spaces. And that's part of my job. It's been really, really, really interesting to be someone who's attempting to untangle those because how can I be motivational to people who have never experienced motivation outside of the intensity and the ableism and the pushing past. That's why I'm always talking about how unserious it is. Because this woman is telling me I have no excuses, and I have to go 100%. Like, girl, this is literally a 45 minute class. What are you talking about? This is 45 minutes of my life. Like, yes, with consistency you'll get results from fitness. And those don't have to be aesthetic! You will get your results from fitness if you are consistently doing a 45 minute workout. But consistently doing it doesn't mean doing it 100% every time.VirginiaRight? And let's not forget, we're just rolling around on a floor. LaurenWe're rolling around on the floor! Hopefully in a good class, we're mimicking movements that we would like do in our lives that would cause our bodies to meet those muscles. So if I'm moving furniture, it's usually not intensely at a speed run, I just need to be able to pick up my side of the couch! VirginiaAnd move it three feet and put it back down again.LaurenI think the the intensity of fitness is often overblown. And of course, this is hard to say as a fitness instructor who's not thin, because they'll be like, well, that's why you're fat.I think it's really deeply psychologically baked into fitness for a lot of people, that it has to be horrible. And that's my first experience with working out. Like, I thought it had to be horrible. Because I grew up in a family of women who only worked out when they needed to change their bodies. So it was like, oh my gosh. Remember when I was like, seriously working out for six months? It was always a sprint,VirginiaYou can't sustain the Mean Girl workout. Like, that's not a way to live. Or if you can, it's a warning sign that you can live with that much punishment for that long. LaurenYeah, definitely. Growing up, I thought that that's what all workouts were going to be. I did a lot of Stairmaster in my early 20s.VirginiaThe most Mean Girl of all cardio equipment.LaurenYes, I mean, that should have been a warning sign. But, I do think about this now, you know, I'm walking up a ton of stairs every day. I'm like, okay, well, do I need to go on a stairmaster, or am I able to just live my life and have to carry my groceries upstairs?VirginiaRight? I mean, being able to climb stairs is useful. And it's always really hard.LaurenA number one goal of people when I talk to folks, they're like, “I just want to be not winded when I go up and down stairs.” I'm like, I have horrible news for you.VirginiaIt's never going to happen.LaurenIt's a situational thing. You're dressed in regular clothes, carrying up three bags of groceries after carrying them in from your car, or not being warmed up, or carrying, a baby in a baby carrier, those baby carriers that are 400 pounds. Yeah, you're going to be winded.VirginiaI've lived in a fifth floor walk up in a sixth floor walk up, and I never got better at the stairs in the years I lived in those apartments. And I was a skinny 20 something when I was doing that. It never got easier, not one day.LaurenLiterally being out of breath is a sign that we're working those cardiovascular muscles. Just let them be out of breath real quick.VirginiaThat's a really helpful reframing. We jumped so aggressively into chatting about all of this that we should probably spend another beat for anyone who's confused, explaining that people who weigh over 200 pounds are allowed to do Pilates! Can you just explain why what she was saying was total bullshit? LaurenTotally. I think that people, at any weight, can do whatever workout they want or don't want to do. And I think particularly if you're a woman or socialized as a woman there are always these imaginary limitations on what your weight should be. And I think that that's really where the 200 pound conversation came in, right? Because for a not-fat woman, anything over that weight is really unfathomable to them. I definitely remember conversations around that within my own household of like, oh, we can't possibly weigh over this number. And I'm sitting there, like…VirginiaCan you not? Because I'm doing it. Here I am.LaurenSo I think that that's really where that number came from. She pulled out a number that she thought was just like, beyond anything. And I think it's also important to remember that so often, when people are asked to assess what people weigh, they have absolutely zero idea.It's really hard for people to tell other people's weight based on how they look. So I think that that was why that number was picked.VirginiaIt sounds so scary.LaurenIn her head, 200 pounds is really, really big and really scary. And going back to weighing whatever anybody weighs, I think Pilates is a great workout for people who are in, all different types of bodies and diverse bodies. Pilates is super low impact in a lot of ways, and really good for folks who have chronic illnesses, particularly like reformer, because it could be recumbent and you're not putting a lot of stress on your joints in the same way. So the idea that this workout that's really almost like super in line with disability and rehabilitation, to say that there's like a weight limit—again, fatphobia, joining in with ableism—is like, so so off base. So deeply off base.VirginiaFat people can do any workout, but Pilates in particular happens to be a workout that can be extremely body inclusive when it's taught well.LaurenExactly. I think that that maybe also added to some of the outrage and and honestly, some of me thinking it was very funny. I'm not someone who regularly weighs myself, but I've always been someone who was extremely heavy, as a person. Even as a child, there were stories about me versus my cousin who was three years older than me and a boy, and how he weighed less than me for most of our childhood. I have always been so solid. And I think growing up, many of us heard like, oh, that person has the body of a swimmer. That person should play volleyball or basketball or whatever. I'm like, what is this body type meant for? Like, shotput? And then I'm teaching Barre, you know? I think it's just so made up. And yes, maybe it's good for people who swim to have long limbs, great. But when we close ourselves off to types of movement based on body types and weight limits, then people have a harder time finding things that they enjoy, because maybe they don't enjoy something that they “look like they should.”VirginiaJust because you don't have long limbs doesn't mean swimming can't bring you a lot of joy.LaurenRight? Just because I don't have long lean muscles doesn't mean I can't teach Barre. The language around Barre and Pilates is always “long and lean.” And I just feel that's so funny as someone who's not long and lean. I love not being long and lean and and enjoying my classes. Some of the outrage did come from that number being named, because it's a misunderstanding of what real people in the real world weigh when you are not around those types of people. But I also think that there are a lot of limitations put on bodies, particularly larger bodies, and what you can and can't do. I have another video that's actually making a resurgence right now, probably because of this conversation that fat people should only do cardio, because if you lift weights, then you might gain more muscle mass, which would increase your scale weight. So you should only do cardio, because that's how you're going to lose weight, which is inaccurate and very boring.VirginiaAnd it's just really drilling into and this was the core of what she was saying. It's the core of that Melania video, that exercise is only a tool for weight management. That you would only exercise to avoid or minimize fatness, and right?LaurenAnd because Pilates “isn't actually good for burning fat,” you definitely shouldn't be doing it if you're fat.VirginiaYeah, you should be at the gym running. And it's completely ignoring the many other reasons we would exercise, the benefits you can actually achieve. Because, as you're saying, weight loss through exercise is a very murky thing for most people. And it's just ignoring all the other reasons you would do it that are more fun.LaurenYeah, like “I like it.” You're allowed to like things! But again, if you're socialized to only know shame and punishment, then the idea that people do things out of pleasure is hard to wrap your mind around.VirginiaSpeaking of shame and punishment, I wrote recently about Andy Elliott, who is actually a sales trainer, but he's also a bodybuilder. He's always cold plunging. He's always recording from a cold thing of water.LaurenAgain, pleasure, right? We can't have warm water. We made this technology, use it.VirginiaNo, no. He's like in Dubai, sitting in a barrel of cold water, posting his rants. And he posted this video showing off his twelve and nine year old daughters and how he had challenged them to get a six pack in less than two months. And they got shredded in two months. Then in this room full of his male sales trainees, he had them take off their sweatshirts and show off their six packs to a room full of men. It's revolting, on so many levels. But one thing I've been thinking about as I had to look at the Andy Elliot crap and then looking at this other crap, these extreme examples of toxic diet culture in some ways, I think, are unhelpful. Because they make us more dismissive of stuff that's not that. It's like, well, it's not that bad. Do you know what I mean?LaurenIt's moving the the spectrum of what's normal and what's not normal.VirginiaSo it's like, “Well, I didn't say 200 pound people can't come to Pilates, so I'm not being fatphobic.” Or “I'm not showing you a nine year old with a six pack, so I'm not being fatphobic.” But it shouldn't have to be that bad!LaurenIt also somewhat negates the fact that most of us are not exposed to the extreme. We're exposed to the more insidious anyway.VirginiaRight? Because the insidious is what your coworker is saying in the break room at lunch about how she's only eating a salad.LaurenIt's the stuff that we get daily exposure to, as opposed to these extremes where most people can point out, like, oh that's wild.VirginiaMaybe don't force your children to get six packs? It's pretty clear cut. On the other hand, I kind of feel like the needle is moving on what is extreme because of the rise of MAGA and MAHA wellness culture. We're unfortunately normalizing a lot of this really intense and harmful rhetoric.LaurenI've been thinking about it a lot, and I think number one, yes. Also the anti-intellectualism. That also helps push these things, because if someone's shouting confidently enough, they could sell anything. You said that person is in a sales job. Like, that's part of that thing. It's psychological. It's not even based in facts. But I think that it's on the rise, for sure, because it's not being checked. And I also think that in that more insidious way, it's on the rise because people are seeking to fly under the radar, and they're seeking safety in their bodies being read as safe.In this super conservative and rise of fascism, falling in line is a way that some people will seek safety, right? But it obviously, when we get into ranking bodies as good and bad and purity testing bodies. Like, if that even exists, that means someone has to be at the bottom. It's very clear that when we're saying take control. Hyper individual. Yeah, I did it, and you could do it, too, applying your situation to other people's. Like, that's not how science works. Number one, that's not how genetics work. And I think that people of all like races, ages, and abilities, you know, will seek safety in flying under the radar in a regime that's getting scarier and more intense. So I think that bodies and fitness is definitely a way that people will get there.VirginiaYeah, it's a logical survival strategy in a really dark time, for sure.LaurenSo I think that that's part of the reason why even people who wouldn't identify as like MAHA are on their health and wellness, and they don't realize how quickly it gets there, but it does pretty instantly. But as someone who is has multiple marginalized identities myself, I often see people who are in similar situations, and I look at them with a lot of compassion because, yeah. Like, if you're disabled, if you're Black, if you're poor, being fat on top of that, you just checked another box for people. And I feel like that is where this intensity comes from all sides. And that's why we're seeing even more diverse voices echoing this type of message, because people are seeking safety, and they might not even know that that's what they're seeking. But I can see it because I get it.VirginiaYes. That breaks my heart, but it is logical when you have those multiple marginalizations. Fatness is the one that you've been conditioned to think you can and should change.LaurenIt's supposed to be fully within your control. And then that's when we dip into disability being within your control. And the idea that you could just take vitamins or do red light or coffee enemas or something, and you're going to cure your your chronic conditions. Like if you haven't tried it, then you know you're not trying hard enough. So I think it's a really slippery slope, and it gets there very quickly.VirginiaYou've mentioned ableism a few times, obviously, because it's really core to this conversation. I'd love to hear a little more about how you think about ability in your classes. Anyone who's taken your class knows how completely different they feel from the Melania version. You've clearly put a lot of thought into how to be inclusive of ability.LaurenI appreciate that. I work really hard, and I try to advertise myself as someone whose classes are many levels or most levels, because I think even saying that something is all levels is not being fully like aware of the scope of people's ability. So I try to be very clear in my communication. I don't know how I got here, personally. Again, the pendulum definitely swung with me. I was someone who I would consider was Orthorexic and all on my organic everything, blah, blah, blah. Particularly when it like was coming down to my PCOS and how much of that was in my control.VirginiaPCOS triggers a lot of rabbit holes.LaurenRight? And, like the fatphobia in my own family mixed with that. But I think at some point it just clicked, like we all have the ability to become disabled if we're not already, you know? We could. And disability is a spectrum. We usually like start checking off more and more boxes towards that. But because ableism is so rampant, most people would never identify something going on as a disability. Wearing glasses, wearing hearing aids, needing captions, needing accommodations. They wouldn't identify those as a disability because it's horrible to be disabled in this world, so we try to avoid saying that.I think realizing I had so many folks coming to me who were burnt out by all the stuff we just spent all this time talking about—and I was burnt out in that world. And that's how I got spit out the other side. I was like, I'm going to do things differently. And more and more and more people started really identifying with that. And I got to know people individually within my memberships, and they shared about what they had going on, and oh my gosh, your classes have been so great because I have POTS, or I have EDS, or I have chronic pain, or I also have PCOS, I have PMDD—all these things.And because I am who I am, and I'm someone who is neurodivergent and I'm a nerd and I want to know what's good for people who have POTS? What's good for people who have blood pressure issues? What would be like a good modification or variation to throw out there to people who might not even know that that's going on with them, because again, our medical system. Like, oh yeah, I get dizzy sometimes. Like, okay, girl, can we elaborate? But I think that just realizing, no matter who it was, every single person in my membership can contribute to my ability to teach better, because if one person says it, 10 people are probably experiencing it. That's why I love the feedback. I love that! That hurt? I have no idea. I have one body. I literally have only this body, right? You have to tell me if something hurts, right? I don't know, that doesn't hurt me. Or that does hurt me, and I don't do it, but that works for you. So you have to tell me. So I think that that's really where it resulted from people being comfortable feeling honest and sharing, and my desire to continue making things feel good and challenging. Because I think that people think you have to sacrifice movement being challenging. Like it can't it can still be challenging and not horrendous and punishing.VirginiaYes, this is what's hard to articulate when I tell people how much I love your classes. This is the needle you're threading. We think of it as so black and white. Either you're someone who wants to go so hard, like the Melania video, or you're someone who's like, exercise needs to feel like a warm bath, or I'm not going to do it. And there is a middle space. There's a huge middle space.LaurenYes. And that's the neutrality of it all, which is yeah, I'm allowed to do this hard thing and and really invest when we're talking about the consistency and no excuses. But if we're talking about a 45 minute workout that you're doing maybe two times a week, and investing in 30 seconds of challenge or discomfort, and investigating how that feels in your body and doing it. And then after six weeks, suddenly, wow, that thing that was uncomfortable six weeks ago is no longer uncomfortable. This new thing was uncomfortable. And that's why I love movement so much. Because I feel like you can not solve, but get to the bottom of, investigate, interrogate and get to know parts of your body. And and I really do feel like the work that we do in 45 minute classes empowers people enough to go out and tell people at their jobs to eff off, you know? Like, it gives people the ability to get to know themselves well enough to know what they're willing to tolerate.VirginiaI feel like when I do your videos, there's always a point where honestly, I might be watering my plants or just lying on the floor, and then there's always a point where I'm actually so in it and pushing really hard. Do you know what I mean? And it's like, it can be both things. I get to choose which is the part that I'm going to be like, yeah, I'm holding this 20 second plank the whole time. I'm going to go for my heavier weights. We're going to do that.LaurenBecause it doesn't need to add up or count for anything, but it always does, even if you're like, I'm just doing this to do something. That just just doing something will still add up and it'll still come up later. And I think it doesn't need to be that serious. It's never that serious.VirginiaAny other fitness trends that are making you especially grumpy right now, or anything good you want to highlight?LaurenI mean, honestly, the backlash to that rant was good, right? There were so many good responses, I actually followed a couple people. I do think people being able to recognize that as blatant anti-fatness was good. It was a good gut check for a lot of people. And I think that that, yeah, it was good for me. That that made me feel, oh, there are seeds of hope.VirginiaNo, we haven't fallen as low as I fear sometimes.LaurenNo, and it's really hard. I've heard Jessamyn Stanley say, like, “Sometimes I don't remember that people act this way.”VirginiaOh God, yeah. You're really still out there being like this?LaurenYes, yes, yes, yes. So I think there was a lot of silly, goofy and and very good responses to that. I love that push and pull that we can hopefully sometimes see and still have this dialog about. I feel like it's really important. And with so many people intentionally losing weight right now, I think it's really important to see people who are not necessarily in traditional fit bodies doing fitness.VirginiaGod, it's so important. ButterLaurenI was going to be funny and say that my Butter is actually butter, now that I'm living in France.VirginiaYou're living in butter country.LaurenI have been trying different butters all the time. Hopefully people who are listening, maybe their weather is getting better. So this is a, this is like a freebie recommendation, but just a little photosynthesis. Now is a really good time to give yourself space, to open up your body again after a winter. Just a little bit of fresh air and a little bit of sunshine and a little bit of phone getting thrown across the room. Which is what I have been trying to do every single day. It really makes a huge difference. So, phone down, photosynthesis up. That is what's getting me through right now. And I hope that other people can enjoy that. Doesn't mean you even have to go outside! Crack a window, allow yourself to be a human being. And it's free. You don't need a discount code for it. You don't need someone to sell it to you on Tiktok shop. You were allowed to be a person existing for completely free.VirginiaYes, so true. That's really good. My Butter, in honor of you, my favorite Internet cat lady is going to be my cats. I'm going to give them a shout out. Licorice and Cheese. We adopted these kittens last year after my kids begged and begged. I mean, I've always been a cat person, but our old man cats had passed away. We had no cats for a while. And they make me so happy. They just are such love bugs. Because the weather is better, I think Cheese has taken your notes about photosynthesis, and so he's regularly trying to jailbreak, to get outside. He's trying to get outside all the time. So we are having a little cat drama in my house where the kids go outside, forget to close the door. Cheese is on it. He's trying to get out there, and we get him back inside. But we have a screen porch, so they do get to go out and live their best life on the screen porch, which makes them really happy.LaurenOh my gosh, I love when they photosynthesize. My new place has lots of big windows and lots and lots of sunshine, and my girls have just been absorbing the sun. And they're both trying to go out on balconies, which we're doing the same thing you're doing, because one pigeon goes by, and my cat's diving.VirginiaAnd I live in the woods where there are a lot of predators. We did have an old man cat who in the final years of his life, we did let outside, because we were like, you've had a good run. And we're thinking quality of life at that point. But these two babies, I want them for many, many years. We can't risk the coyotes. And I think one of them really gets that. Licorice is like the boss of the house, but he's terrified of the outside. I think he recognizes he's a big fish in a little pond, and he needs to stay that way. But Cheese is like, oh, that's my world. I want to get back there?LaurenYes, maybe a harness? Maybe that can be what the kids do this this summer is harness train Cheese.VirginiaWe've never tried the harness with them.LaurenHe's still young. My girls are full grown, and when I put a harness on them, they fall over. They're like, it's the last day they're ever going to live. They're like my bones don't work anymore. What did you do to me? We've been trying to harness train them so that they can go back outside, because we did have a yard before, but I think if he's young and eager to go outside, he might put that harness on. And that's also a good summer project.VirginiaOh, I feel like my 11 year old's going to get really into this. Okay, I'm going to give it a go. I'm going to report back. Well, Lauren, thank you so much. Tell folks where they can find you. How can we support your work?LaurenYou can find me at Lauren Leavell Fitness and I have a membership—the level up fitness membership, where you can join live classes. You can take on demand classes. Again, it's a silly, goofy mood over here. There are classes of different lengths. You don't need a ton of space or equipment. I currently don't have, really any equipment. I have. I have two pound weights.VirginiaI've been enjoying the recent videos where you're like, well, I'm doing this move that I'd normally have a 20 pound weight with a 2 pound weight.LaurenPretend these are 20 pounds! So we really are accepting of all scenarios that you have going on fitness-wise here. And like I said, the replays are there if you're not someone who gets catches live classes, totally get it. Or you just don't want to come to a live class. And then, if you are looking for more, I do have some workout videos on YouTube, which are kind of a sample of my teaching. They're a little less weird than I normally teach. I'm a little bit more polished on YouTube. And then, of course, Lauren Leavell Fitness on Instagram, and Lauren Leavell Fit on TiktokFay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit virginiasolesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Season 3 of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast!Are you eating regularly but still feeling exhausted, irritable, or out of control with food?In this episode, we're breaking down some of the most overlooked signs that your blood sugar might not be as balanced as you think—and why this can happen even when you're not dieting. If you've struggled with cravings, energy crashes, or feeling “off” after meals, this episode will help you understand what your body is trying to tell you.You'll learn:What blood sugar balance really means (without restriction)Common signs your blood sugar isn't regulatedWhy these symptoms happen even when you're eating intuitivelyA simple next step if you're ready to feel better—without cutting out carbs✨ Whether you're newly diagnosed with PCOS or you're trying to rebuild your relationship with food, this episode will help you start connecting the dots in a more compassionate, non-restrictive way. ✨ Resources & Links ✨ Coming in July! Free Blood Sugar Balance Reset. Join my newsletter to stay updated on sign-up details. ❤️ https://pcosnutritionco.com/newsletter Download Your Free Intuitive Eating Workbook: https://pcosnutritionco.com/workbook Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

You're tracking ovulation, watching your labs, taking the supplements… but something still feels like it's blocking your fertility?! The answer might be in your energy—not your charts.In this unique Get Pregnant Now Quickie, Dr. Katie guides you through a gentle yet powerful somatic practice to help you release the heavy emotions—grief, fear, frustration, resentment—that can silently build up during a long fertility journey and lifetime. This episode isn't about adding more info—it's about clearing energetic space so your nervous system and womb can feel safe, open, and receptive for pregnancy.In this episode...-Learn why unprocessed emotions may be disrupting ovulation and hormone balance-Experience a guided body-based practice to alchemize stored trauma and tension-Discover how to soften your nervous system and restore flow to your womb spaceTune in now to practice the emotional reset your fertility's been waiting for—and learn a tool you can use anytime to feel, process, and heal as you move toward pregnancy.

In this episode, we normalize the conversations around finding hope, battling infertility, and advocating for yourself to get the help that you deserve with La-Anna Douglas. About La-Anna: Mrs. La-Anna Douglas is a Women's Advocate, Published Model, Influencer, Writer, and Motivational Speaker. La-Anna understands that her platform, HopeStillStands, is bigger than her. La-Anna has made it her life's mission to share her experiences with fertility struggles, sexual abuse, depression and reproductive health issues. La-Anna has been married to the love of her life, Tim, for 20 years. She is the proud Mom to two Miracle Daughters, Olivia and Aniyah, after going through a total of 16 years of infertility along with secondary infertility. La-Anna has continued to share her story of being diagnosed with 2 Uteruses, 2 Cervixes called a Didelphys Uterus, Endometriosis, Fibroids and PCOS. La-Anna does not let her past dictate her future by God's Grace. Her purpose is to ignite Hope and to use her voice for women as well as young girls who may be suffering in silence.

No woman or couple should ever experience a pregnancy loss, yet sadly it happens in 1 in 4 pregnancies. Today we break down 8 overarching root-cause reasons that can lead to one or multiple losses. We are highlighting many different situations that can occur within those 8 root causes so this episode feels almost like a masterclass on pregnancy loss. If you are looking for answers beyond what you are getting, or you want to know what to do to prevent a loss along your fertility journey potentially, this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Episode #31: The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility HormoneEpisode #70: PCOS, Mold and Avoiding IVFEpisode #113: Breastfeeding and Trying To ConceiveDr Leah's Free Lab Ranges guideDr. Leah's Pregnancy Loss GuideWomanhood Wellness LabsWomanhood Wellness Membership WaitlistBook: Is Your Body Baby-Friendly?Sperm test: LegacyGolden Genetics - Natalie for Genetic Counseling Stay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott

Functional medicine expert Dr. Austin Lake returns to the podcast, this time diving deep into his specialty—women's hormonal health, from perimenopause to menopause. Dr. Lake's approach centers on addressing root causes and foundational holistic health pillars—not just managing symptoms. In this episode, he brings clarity to how hormonal transitions impact women's lives and highlights the key areas women can control. He empowers you to approach this next season with purpose—not just survive it. We cover everything from hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormones to the difference between natural and conventional approaches. This conversation is both eye-opening and practical, reminding you that this transition doesn't have to be as hard as the world makes it out to be. Whether you're struggling with fluctuating hormones or preparing for perimenopause or menopause, this episode offers a holistic framework and actionable tools to help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and health.

In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you'll explore the dramatic increase in PCOS diagnoses over the last decade and what may be driving this trend. While increased awareness and improved testing play a role, today's discussion goes deeper,  looking at how shifts in lifestyle, dietary habits, and everyday routines may be contributing to the rise in PCOS and metabolic health issues overall. This episode reflects on how body sizes, children's health, and nutrition culture have evolved over the last 30 years, setting the stage for a broader conversation about food quality and hormone health.How Food Culture Has Evolved—and Its Effect on PCOSThe food environment has shifted significantly over the past thirty to forty years. This episode highlights how changes in how often families eat out, the rise of food delivery services, and the  use of sugar may be influencing the development of PCOS symptoms. These lifestyle shifts are not about personal blame but about understanding the environment around us that makes hormone balance harder to maintain.How Busier Lifestyles Are Undermining HealthWe will explore how packed schedules and a rise in extracurricular activities are making nutritious home-cooked meals and consistent movement harder to prioritize. You'll consider how changes in both childhood and adult routines, from after-school sports and less work life balance to sedentary jobs and longer commutes, have made it more difficult to stay active. These societal shifts have gradually pulled people away from the kind of lifestyle that supports metabolic and hormonal health. From Root Cause to Lifestyle Shifts: Building a New NormalYou'll be challenged to think not just about your PCOS root causes, but about how modern living may be activating them. By stepping back and looking at how diet, movement, stress, and environmental factors have evolved, this episode helps you identify meaningful, individualized changes. Whether it's more daily steps, better hydration, or simply being more mindful of what's in your meals, these small changes can lead to big improvements in your PCOS symptoms and overall well-being.What has changed in your life, your habits, your food choices? How does that affect your hormones? Rather than pushing drastic change, this conversation invites you to consider one small thing you can do today to better support your body. You 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/ep-151

Our first “Ask the Naturopath” episode! Dr. Stacy answers all your pressing health questions about the gut testing, nutrition, hormones, and more! We also dive deep into nervous system regulation and how to improve your ability to adapt to stress. Timestamps:[1:41] Intro [3:14] Welcome Dr. Stacy [5:13] What do you think was the big turning point for you when it came to your healing?[10:41] Can you talk about the nervous system? Any thoughts on chilling it out?[16:56] What is the best way to re-build gut health after a round of antibiotics? [22:49] Is there an effective natural treatment for migraines? [27:24] How are you helping your kids navigate screen time and what are your thoughts on cell phone usage? [32:45] How important is HRV and how important is it if it's low?[35:36] I'm curious about experiencing a faster heart rate when I'm having a higher carb day. [37:15] Is MTHFT a real thing or is it just trending? I'm getting conflicting information from doctors. [43:08] What testing should someone be getting on a routine basis (annually, etc), and also for kids?[44:20] Is it possible that taking accutane as a teenager and antibiotics prescribed by dermatologists set me up for autoimmune disease as an adult? [44:53] Any tips to lower thyroid peroxidase antibodies naturally?[46:25] What is optimal t3 for someone with hypothyroidism?[50:13] Hair loss -  I know my thyroid is crazy but do you have any thoughts?[52:09] How do I manage PCOS without birth control? [55:45] What are the first steps to treating mold exposure?[59:06] I've outgrown my current doctor - what are some good ways to find holistic doctors or how to find a naturopath in my area?[1:02:44] Should anyone with chronic health issues be gluten free?[1:03:06] How do you decrease cholesterol without taking medication?[1:06:19] Perimenopause- where do I even start or know who to see for hormone health? Episode Links:Follow Dr. Stacy on instagramDr. Stacy's websiteVibing Well with Dr. Stacy Podcast  Oat Test Well MineralsSponsors:Go to mdlogichealth.com/defend and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to wellminerals.us/creatine and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

Are you looking to manage your hormones but were told to wait until menopause? Do you feel you were ignored by your doctor when you asked about HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, anxiety, depression, brain fog, weight gain, PCOS, or postpartum issues? We invited Dr. Sarah Daccarett, a top hormone expert and founder of Inner Balance to the podcast to give you some clarity and empowerment, because the decline of hormones starts much earlier than you think and most doctors are not hormone experts. The go-to answer for a myriad of symptoms has always been birth control. Birth control is NOT a hormone, and it's not HRT. It's a chemical and shouldn't be prescribed as a treatment. Dr. Daccarett is here to debunk estrogen dominance and explain why you don't need lab work for HRT, you need to be heard. And btw, HRT is safe in case you were scared by the media years ago. Hormones are a source of youth and beauty and wellbeing and they can be optimal no matter how old you are. Help is out there and HRT is your choice. You can have your cake and eat it too. We'll tell you how. Dr. Daccarett's Links:Website: https://www.innerbalance.comInstagram (Practice): @innerbalancemdInstagram (Personal): @sarahdaccarettmd(00:01:23) Welcome Dr. Sarah Daccarett, hormone health expert to the podcast.(00:03:27) How Dr. Daccarett's personal struggles led her down this path.(00:08:40) Why birth control isn't always the answer to regulate hormone imbalances. (00:17:06) If hormone levels decline in our 30s, why are we brushed aside until we are in our mid 40s?(00:25:21) What are the long term impacts of birth control? (00:29:51) How to understand our hormone levels. Where to go, what to look for. (00:37:50) Is HRT like a supplement?(00:39:35) Is HRT safe?(00:45:50) Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy explained. (00:56:53) Why is a vaginal treatment a superior method for HRT?(01:00:40) Does HRT improve anxiety, depression or irritability?(01:09:28) How to prevent pregnancy and be on HRT.(01:10:44) Where to find Dr. DaccarettWant to leave the TTSL Podcast a voicemail? We love your questions and adore hearing from you. https://www.speakpipe.com/TheThickThighsSaveLivesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for Android⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fitness FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thick Thighs Save Lives Workout Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Constantly Varied Gear's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Workout Leggings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Dr. Carrie Bedient (Fertility Center of Las Vegas), Dr. Susan Hudson (Texas Fertility Center), and Dr. Abby Eblen (Nashville Fertility Center) as they welcome their special guest Erica Johnston-MacAnanny from Shady Grove Fertility in Richmon for a candid and informative conversation about what's really going on with your period. Erika breaks down what's considered “normal” in terms of cycle length and dives into what heavy or scant bleeding might be telling you about your health. From anatomical issues like fibroids and polyps to hormonal causes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (common in elite athletes), this episode covers it all. Erica also shares insight on how IUDs and uterine scar tissue can affect your flow. The doctors also tackle some common myths—like whether a regular period always means you're fertile—and explore what it could mean if your once-regular cycle suddenly shortens. Whether you're just curious or actively trying to understand your fertility, you won't want to miss this essential episode… period.

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I am joined by Hannah Davis (@rooted.with.hannah), a Registered Dietitian and certified meditation teacher who specialises in women's health, hormones, and autoimmune conditions. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's while navigating early motherhood, Hannah shifted her clinical nutrition practice to focus on uncovering the deeper root causes of symptoms like fatigue, cycle irregularities, and PCOS. We dive into how nervous system dysregulation often underlies hormonal imbalances and why functional testing, mineral status, and emotional safety are crucial for true healing. From decoding PCOS types to understanding thyroid antibodies and the connection between trauma and calcium retention, Hannah offers a deeply integrative and compassionate lens for supporting women on their fertility and healing journeys. This conversation is packed with practical tools and fresh insights—don't miss it! Key Takeaways: PCOS is not just about ovarian cysts—it's a metabolic and inflammatory condition with many root causes. Nervous system regulation is foundational for hormone balance, digestion, and fertility. Functional lab testing (like Dutch and HTMA) reveals hidden patterns traditional labs may miss. Excess calcium in tissues may indicate trauma or over-supplementation with Vitamin D. Diet, stress, sleep, and gut health all influence autoimmune and hormonal symptoms. Guest Bio: Hannah Davis, RD (@rooted.with.hannah) is a Registered Dietitian and certified meditation teacher with advanced training in functional nutrition, lab testing, and spiritual psychology. She specialises in supporting women with hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, and chronic fatigue through an integrative approach that blends clinical science with deep nourishment and nervous system healing. After navigating her own health challenges postpartum, Hannah now helps women reclaim their energy, resilience, and sense of safety through 1:1 coaching and group programs at Pivot Nutrition Coaching. She's especially passionate about working with mothers, self-healers, and cycle-breakers who are ready to feel like themselves again. Links and Resources: Follow Hannah on Instagram Visit the Pivot Nutrition Coaching website Book Mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk   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/  Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. ------------- Transcript: # Audio: TWF 340- Hannah [00:00:00] [00:01:00] Welcome to the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. I'm Michelle, a fertility acupuncturist here to provide you with resources on how to create a wholesome approach to your fertility journey. **Michelle:** Welcome to the podcast, Hannah.  **Hannah:** thanks for having me. **Michelle:** So I'm very excited to have you on. We're gonna be talking about a lot of really cool topics, but before we get started, I always like to start out with kind of like an origin story and learn how you got into the work that you're doing.  **Hannah:** Yeah. I am a registered dietician. I've been mainly practicing medical nutrition therapy for the last 10 years in a more clinical setting. And you know, and then [00:02:00] I became a mom. I have two. One's almost eight, you gotta say almost eight. And the other one's, and the other one's nine. So they're really, they're really young and I, you know, working at the hospital part-time and I started noticing. **Hannah:** My own symptoms of, of things that just felt like off. And simultaneously I was also becoming more interested in learning about more integrative functional nutrition. And so that really led me down. It, it started off as, oh. A way for me to kind of figure out what was going on with me, because of course, like so many of my, the clients I work with now you know, you go to the doctors, you ask for some labs to be done and they just say, oh, you're absolutely fine. **Hannah:** You might just be stressed. You're stressed out, you're a young mom. Of course it's normal to feel exhausted all of the time and stuff like that. So, I just was like really interested [00:03:00] in doing more digging and so I, we got some training in advanced lab testing and more like integrative functional nutrition. **Hannah:** And so. From there I was able to figure out what's going on with me, and I, I actually have an autoimmune condition. It's called Hashimotos. And so that really affects, you know, your, your energy levels, your, your gut health, your immune system obviously is involved. So I, it was so incredibly validating and it really excited me. **Hannah:** I was like, I feel. If I can figure out a way to use advanced lab testing and combine that with my. More of my more clinical, you know, expertise and combine that together to really like, help women feel empowered about how to support their health and, and how they feel and their showing up in their lives every [00:04:00] day. **Hannah:** And so it just really, really excited me. So that's kind of what got me started with that. And then I, I pivoted towards, towards that about three years ago started my own virtual practice working more in like the women's health space. So like hormones, gut health, autoimmune conditions. **Hannah:** And then I, as I was doing more of that work, I was like, okay, there's. I'm seeing a common theme here. These women at their root, cause a lot of the time is nervous system dysregulation. And I got really. Tired of just saying over and over again. You know, you need to manage your stress a little bit better. **Hannah:** I wanted to be able to give them so much more than that. And obviously I knew that from my own journey. I really had to integrate that. And so, but I wanted to like, figure out how to help my, my clients integrate that. So then I became a certified meditation [00:05:00] teacher. And spent a year studying spiritual psychology, which is like a blend of Eastern ritual and practices with western psychology. **Hannah:** That, yeah. Yeah, yeah. So now I really like to supplement my, programs with giving my clients tools on how to regulate their nervous systems as well. And so, we'll, you know, you know, it's more of like life coaching almost. And then maybe we'll integrate some, some things like, meditation or breath work together. **Hannah:** It really just depends on what the, how the client wants to be supported. So  **Michelle:** Awesome.  **Hannah:** Yeah.  **Michelle:** You know it's interesting 'cause I  **Hannah:** Yeah. **Michelle:** an episode on. Nervous system. Really the vagal tone and  **Hannah:** Yes. **Michelle:** there's a link with a weaker vagal tone and things like endometriosis or  **Michelle:** PCOS, and I thought that was just fascinating. [00:06:00]  **Michelle:** So, yeah, I'd love to really kind of dig deep on all of these things. So just for people listening and they're kind of like hearing nervous system for the first time. 'cause well maybe they've listened to my podcast, maybe not when I talked about the nervous system. But what should people, like, explain the nervous system, explain how the nervous system ties into certain conditions. **Hannah:** I mean, that's a very, like, that's pretty broad because it's like, you know, it really depends on what. **Michelle:** the nervous system like tie into certain conditions?  **Hannah:** I don't know what condition it doesn't, honestly. Uh, the more, the more I get like deep in the weeds with this, so, you know, a lot of my clients we, you know, so I am typically working with people with autoimmune conditions and hormone. I balances gut health, that kind of stuff. And I, you know, I would say the nervous system impacts all of those areas [00:07:00] because ideally, especially when we're talking about women's health and like hormones, things like that we really just want to create safety in the body, right? **Hannah:** So that we can. Manufacture hormones and ovulate naturally and things like that. So, and then, you know, inflammation's another, another piece of that. It really just, it's a great way to, like, it just connects to everything right. **Michelle:** Yeah, well the vagus nerve is incredibly important when it comes to gut health. the stronger the vagal tone, the better the vagus nerve, the better. It's able to lower inflammation in the body.  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** fascinating and interesting. And so what are some of the things that you do suggest for people. they wanna regulate their nervous system and support that aspect.  **Hannah:** So First of all, I think it's important to just figure out what are the systems for that client? What are [00:08:00] the systems that are working for them and what's not? And really get really honest about that. And then, you know, it could be something like starting a. **Hannah:** Very doable meditation practice or some breath work like before, before meals, right? Getting into rest and digest me activating that vagus nerve so that we can digest our food properly. So it really just depends on what is feels a lot most aligned for the client and, and is doable for them. But also I think another big piece of this, which is not really talked about often is eating for blood sugar balance. **Hannah:** Because even like blood sugar swings throughout the day can cause fluctuations in your mood and your anxiety and cravings and all, all of, and even inflammation as well. So  **Michelle:** that  **Hannah:** like a whole body [00:09:00] approach. Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** It's such a good point. And I remember like looking into this and researching like just really the gut brain connection and. And it's interesting 'cause you can see it really go both ways. So if you have imbalanced gut microbiome that can ima impact your brain and your mood and your state and your emotions. **Michelle:** And it actually is linked with certain emotional um, imbalances or like mental disorders. It's really fascinating. And then they found. On the flip side that people who meditated for many years, like Tibetan monks, they had a really vast microbiome that was a lot more enriched and had a lot more diversity. **Michelle:** So it's really fascinating how you really can literally get it at both ends or either end.  **Hannah:** yeah. Like I tell my clients all the time, if you're breathing into your shoulders, the majority of the time it's gonna signal, [00:10:00] or that's gonna signal to the brain that you're in fight or flight. So it's gonna send all the blood to your extremities. It's not gonna be sending the blood to, you know, your, your GI track and your, you know, your organs there. **Hannah:** And so. it's gonna be a lot harder to digest your foods, whereas if you are really taking these deep breaths into your belly, it's sending all the blood there. And that's, that's a, and I mean, I often get skipped, you know, people are just like, no, just gimme a, just gimme a meal plan. I wanna feel better. **Hannah:** I wanna lose weight, or I wanna, you know, but it's like, you really gotta think about not just what you're eating, but how you're eating, like what your nervous system state is. You know, when you're, when you're eating food.  **Michelle:** That's so true. It's  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** true. And it was funny 'cause I was reading about that and it was one of the things to do is just stand. This is why they say like, don't drive and eat at the same time. Because when you're driving naturally, you're gonna be in a little bit more of a fight or flight or kind of ready for anything and. Also just to kind of throw it out [00:11:00] there, it's not bad to be in that state, in that sympathetic state. It's part of life. It's just that sometimes you need that and then sometimes you need the other. But what you're saying is so true, like it's actually like becoming mindful of getting yourself into that state and maybe  **Michelle:** doing those exercises to get yourself in more parasympathetic state, which is more of  **Michelle:** the rest and digest, so that you're priming your body when you do eat. To digest better. So I think  **Hannah:** Yeah. Of course, and, you know, if you're digesting better, you're absorbing nutrients better, which is gonna impact your energy levels, your mood, your hormones, everything. So yeah, there really, I feel like the more I get into it, the, more I see that there really isn't an aspect of our health, our med, our metabolic health, everything that is not touched by, your nervous system. **Michelle:** Yeah, it's really fascinating. I like, the more I dig into this, the more I'm just like so [00:12:00] amazed at how Willy, you know, it's the nervous system is kind of like this wiring of like. Information.  **Michelle:** It's almost like information that kind of signals to your body, all kinds of different states, but especially that safety. **Michelle:** I agree with you. You know, when you, when you feel safe, you can be more creative. And what does that mean really in the body fertility and it also regeneration growth.  **Michelle:** So yeah, it's pretty cool,  **Hannah:** Yeah. And I mean, hormones, that's how hormones work too. They're just chemical messengers in your body. **Michelle:** right? and so talk about PCOS, 'cause I know that you work with P-C-O-S-A lot just to cover. 'cause I think of people don't really understand it fully because it is you know, there's so many different types of PCOS and people get confused and sometimes people show PCOS symptoms, but then some doctors, and we don't know if they're just not like looking. Thoroughly into it. Dismiss it. Oh, that's not PCOS. So  **Hannah:** Right.  **Michelle:** that and just kind of, **Hannah:** Yeah.  **Michelle:** [00:13:00] it is,  **Hannah:** Okay, well, we'll just start what, like, so what is PCOS? So PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. So a lot of people get confused by that right off the bat. They think, oh, so that mean I have cysts on my ovaries. Does that mean that I have it? So it's actually not a physical ovarian condition, like of the presence of cyst, but it's rather a hormonal condition and it's a, what I like to call a spectrum condition. **Hannah:** You know, 'cause there's different varieties and there's different root causes. It's important to understand, first of all what kind of PCOS you have and what the root causes are which is why we, we use functional lab testing in practice. But but yeah, I think a lot of women often it's like a long confusing road full of mixed messages of like just lose weight advice,  **Michelle:** Yeah,  **Hannah:** [00:14:00] you know. **Michelle:** really thin. PCOS patients, so that's where it can get so confusing for  **Hannah:** Right, right, right. And so, A-P-C-O-S isn't in an ovarian condition, you know, what exactly is going on? I mean, in a nutshell, it's basically, blood sugar issues plus inflammation, plus genetic susceptibility, which is going to lead to the ovaries to begin to produce large amounts of androgens. **Hannah:** So, you know, and I say genetic susceptibility because, you know, just because you have like insulin sensi or insulin resistance or diabetes, that doesn't mean you automatically are gonna get PCOS. Some people just have really sensitive ovaries right. And so they're, they're going to develop the, the condition, so I like to talk to my clients about well first of all, we start by running some tests [00:15:00] to find out, you know, what what their root causes are. And then we're gonna really go deep with, you know, working on the blood sugar issues with the inflammation, real food strategies lifestyle interventions, things like that. **Michelle:** One of the things that I find is pretty common just in my own practice, is that. **Michelle:** there's a huge link of gut imbalance  **Michelle:** or, you know, gut microbiome  **Michelle:** imbalance and inflammation, you know, that is part of the contributor to the inflammation and can really impact PCOS conditions.  **Hannah:** Yeah. Because you know, if we, if that inflammation in the gut is going unchecked you know, that's also gonna drive that insulin resistance even more.  **Michelle:** Yeah.  **Michelle:** what are some of the tests that you do for PCOS? Functional  **Hannah:** Well, yeah. Well, first of all, I, I like to start with a Dutch test. It's a, have you heard of [00:16:00] Dutch? The Uhhuh? Yeah. Oh, you do? Okay. Yeah. So I would run a Dutch you know, so that we,  **Michelle:** out just for people  **Hannah:** yeah. Yes, **Michelle:** I've never heard of it before. So it's dried urine testing for comprehensive, or I forget  **Hannah:** it's a Dr. It's a. Yeah, yeah. Dried urine test for comprehensive hormones. I know I used to think, oh, it's of Dutch, like it's from the Dutch, like, you know, but it's just an abbreviation.  **Michelle:** right, right.  **Hannah:** But yes, it's a very unique way to look at hormones. 'cause traditionally before this test was available, you would have to rely on blood work for hormones. **Hannah:** And, you know, saliva for cortisol, which is okay, but it's just not great. So this test really helps us get a lot more specific, a lot more personalized, and helps us get some answers that would probably. Be left unanswered if we were just, you know, looking at, at blood work alone. So, you know, it's gonna tell us, you know, give us a snapshot [00:17:00] of all three sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone. **Hannah:** It's gonna show us how they're being metabolized in the liver. And then what I really like is it looks at your cortisol awakening response. So someone is struggling with sleep, mood, energy levels. Things like that that could also be driving your symptoms and, and your inflammation as well. So I, mm-hmm. **Michelle:** cortisol is your friend in the morning.  **Hannah:** Yes. Yeah. Yeah. And then I like that it also has that organic acid test at the end there, which some of those other markers are gonna be important for looking at, for hormone production. So it's nice if they include that. So I, I like to do a Dutch, I also like to do HTMA testing, which stands for hair tissue mineral analysis. **Hannah:** Because, you know, you know, when we're looking at hormones it's, you know, we, we also wanna be, look thinking about minerals too because and not just like, our minerals through blood [00:18:00] work, but more on a cellular level. Like what is the body doing with those minerals? And how is your body utilizing them? **Hannah:** Are they even getting up into the cell? So, and we can, you know, you know, minerals, they impact hormones, which means they're gonna impact PCOS. So I like that one too. And it's like a little, it's a, it's a nice way to, I like it 'cause it's, it shows your body's like, it's like a blueprint. It shows you your stress pattern. **Hannah:** know how your body is using minerals after you've maybe gone through a season of. Really high stress and you know, the fertility journey too is so stressful on its own that I'm like, yeah, let's look at what your body does with all this stress and how we can really like, you know, deeply nourish your body and, you know, make it feel safe for ovulation. **Michelle:** Yeah, I know that there's a lot of minerals that you can't really test in blood and for example, magnesium. That's a **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** one to test for. So does this test for magnesium as well, like all [00:19:00] minerals or,  **Hannah:** yeah, yeah. It looks at all of the minerals. Specifically the ones that I'm gonna be focusing on. The minerals that impact PCS would be magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron selenium iodine. So, you know, and in a nutshell, you know, these, these minerals. they can exacerbate insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, which is important for like egg quality, sperm quality, things like that. **Hannah:** So women, get your men to your partner.  **Michelle:** Yes.  **Michelle:** So, so this is a hair test.  **Hannah:** yeah, it's a hair. They're using just like a teaspoon amount of your hair to analyze the mineral content in your tissues. **Michelle:** Fascinating. I know they've done those for like heavy metals and, and just testing the  **Hannah:** Yeah, yeah,  **Michelle:** I haven't heard of the mineral testing yet.  **Hannah:** yeah. And this, yeah. And this test does include heavy metals and we look at, mm-hmm.  **Michelle:** heavy metals. Oh, [00:20:00] okay.  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** it's really high. Just like for people that don't have symptoms sometimes I almost feel like it's like high for everybody.  **Hannah:** The heavy metals. Yeah. Yeah. You know, and  **Michelle:** somebody who's not, who doesn't have like,  **Hannah:** yeah, and I mean, we we're exposed to heavy metals all of the time. It's, you know, it's, there's, it's kind of impossible to get around it, you know? It's in our food, our water, the soil, you know. And so my approach is, you know, we might see like an acute. **Hannah:** Exposure to the heavy metals. But what we wanna see is that you, you're able to detox and excrete those heavy metals safely. You know, that's why, you know, we have our detox organs, our liver, right? And so if I ever see those metals like pushing into the tissues, it's just a really good indication that, hey, your liver needs some. **Hannah:** Some attention, like we need to work on supporting that. And also working on not just our [00:21:00] detoxification organs, but our drainage pathways. So like our lymphatic system you know, making sure we're having daily bowel movements that we're sweating all of that. All of that stuff. Yeah.  **Michelle:** Yeah. **Michelle:** for sure. I think that that's key is really detoxifying, and I think that it, you had a good point. You mentioned the word safely because  **Michelle:** that can be an issue, like if you detoxify too harshly. I'm really big on that, especially when you're trying to conceive and you're actively trying, you definitely don't wanna do something that's so strong that it actually circulates more toxins in your bloodstream.  **Hannah:** That's right. Yeah. **Michelle:** So they have like binders, right? Or things  **Hannah:** Yeah, That is one approach for me. I rarely will do like a heavy metal detox with somebody. I will just wanna work with them on, you know, first the foundational things of, are we optimizing the gut health, the, you know, the liver function are we getting those drainage pathways [00:22:00] open? **Hannah:** Because your body should be able to do all that on its own if it's, you know, optimal. but I mean, if someone's already doing like a gut protocol or something with me, then yeah, they, they'll be taking like those types of supplements and then it'll, it'll still act on the heavy metals and things like that, as. **Michelle:** Interesting. So, what are some of the nutrient and lifestyle interventions specifically that you would do for PCOS? Or have you seen, because I, I do know that  **Hannah:** yeah.  **Michelle:** different types, so that could  **Hannah:** Yes.  **Michelle:** the type,  **Hannah:** Yes. Yeah. **Michelle:** the things that people should kind of like look out for, think about?  **Hannah:** Yeah. Yeah. So the first step is, is gonna be improving the quality of your food choices. So, you know, removing inflammatory oils, added sugars a lot of like processed, like ultra processed carbohydrates and, you know, with chemical and artificial additives. Things like that, you wanna replace them with whole real foods. **Hannah:** It's really that simple.  **Michelle:** Yeah. I [00:23:00] know,  **Hannah:** Yeah. Yeah. And then also, you know, the goal is to eat a sufficient amount of carbohydrates to promote ovulation, but while still focusing on those whole real. Food sources, like starchy veggies fruits and then unprocessed whole grains and legumes.  **Michelle:** So really from natural sources,  **Michelle:** complex car carbs. So it's not like simple carbs, not white, you know, avoid those like.  **Hannah:** Yeah. Right. So you, and you would want to make sure you're getting adequate amount of carbohydrates, but you know, if we're also dealing with insulin resistance, then we also need to be talking about you know, maintaining adequate calorie intake and just aiming for. Balance across all the macronutrients. **Hannah:** So, you know, we're pairing those carbohydrates with good quality sources of protein and healthy fats. And, if you're eating a more whole food carbs diet like. Your carbs are coming [00:24:00] from fruits like, and like root vegetables and things like that, then those foods are naturally gonna have more fiber in them, which is also gonna help with things like insulin resistance. **Hannah:** And then I would also be focusing on gut nourishing foods, like, bone broth probiotics from fermented foods, cultured. Products. And then lots of prebiotic fibers. So it also just making sure you're eating a wide range of, plant fibers. Like we're not just eating the same, spinach every day. **Hannah:** You know, let's really mix that up. Maybe like arugula, kale, you know. So that would be the where, where I would start with foods strategies. And then for lifestyle I would be really focusing on exercise. This is a really crucial tool in repairing insulin sensitivity and managing blood sugar levels. **Hannah:** So first I would just focus on increasing your daily movement. So, you know, maybe try tracking your steps. And then maybe you would wanna consider adding in some resistance [00:25:00] training and some short hit style workouts. Since those really show the most metabolic improvements. In general I would avoid, I would avoid like, really long duration cardio on a regular baseball basis, since that's like very stressful on the body. **Hannah:** So exercise is number one. Stress management is key. I know we've already kind of touched on that a little bit. You know, that's a big piece of hormonal. Balance balance since the, your adrenal health, you know, has the ability to impact the function of your sex hormones. I would just evaluate the sources of your stress. **Hannah:** You know, I like to think of it like a bucket, like a stress bucket, and we have all these different inputs pouring in. Some of those things we can't really remove, but some things we can, you can control your nutrition and your sleep quality. You know, you can maybe work on energetic boundaries, right? **Hannah:** Maybe you wanna include things like meditation or [00:26:00] journaling, acupuncture, right? Those are all really nice ways to support yourself. And then sleep. Sleep is also like so major. That's when you know when you're, you can get good quality sleep at night. That's when your, your body's repairing tissue. **Hannah:** And it, it has a lot to do with your hormones, like in like your like your hunger hormones, those ones and then also like cortisol, melatonin, things like that. Everything that just keeps all of the systems working together smoothly. So, yep. Do you. **Michelle:** of sleep. There's a, there like a lot of times we'll increase sugar cravings 'cause you want that quick energy. So  **Hannah:** Yes, **Michelle:** that's one example of how that can impact  **Hannah:** exactly. Yeah. Yeah. If you have like one poor night of sleep, it increases your hunger hormone levels pretty significantly. So we'll see that that issue popping up time and time again. Yeah, so.[00:27:00]  **Michelle:** yeah. And I also have heard, in some  **Michelle:** of like go, literally pivot into autoimmune and how you can address that in the case of Hashimoto's? **Michelle:** 'cause it is so prevalent and a lot of people have it. The first thing that I say is, cut out gluten, corn, and dairy and soy if you can. Now, I always say if you can't do all of them, at least cut out the gluten entirely and talk to us about like what you've done and what you've found to be helpful. **Michelle:** 'cause it is something that if you catch early, you really can sh shift a lot just from diet alone.  **Hannah:** Oh, yes. Yeah, and I've helped. Hundreds of women with that. Exactly. Just you know, we [00:28:00] see, I've seen different stages of, Hashimoto's. You know, so if it's like, you know, stage one where we're seeing the presence of antibodies and maybe they have symptoms, maybe they don't. A lot of those women typically will present with like subclinical hypothyroidism. **Hannah:** So like their thyroid labs look fine. But they're like, I, feel tired all the time. I'm constipated. I can't lose weight, you know? So the first thing I would start with is kinda getting ahead of things with, 'cause the majority of your immune system is in your gut. So I would be doing a GI would run a stool sample, a GI map and see what's going on there. **Hannah:** Because there's different things that could be driving. That immune response. Yeah. It could be coming from things in the diet like gluten. And that test certainly will show us if you're having an immune response to gluten. So in those cases, I would have those clients cut, cut that out. And some people they, they don't, they don't run the test and they [00:29:00] cut out gluten, but they just feel better without it. **Michelle:** See that a lot.  **Hannah:** mm-hmm. I do too. Just kind of anecdotally. I was just gonna say that I think it is because of like, what, what they're spraying on our crops.  **Michelle:** Yeah, **Hannah:** Yep. know that it can impact hormones like big time, that's  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm.  **Michelle:** one for sure.  **Hannah:** Yeah. So, and then, you know, obviously if there's a inflammation or like leaky gut.  **Hannah:** You know, we're gonna wanna address that anyway because that could be driving that immune response and making your symptoms worse, making the antibodies levels worse, right? So I really wanna just get ahead of it with the gut number one. **Hannah:** And then I like to do mineral testing as well, since so many minerals, not only impact PCOS, but they impact your thyroid.  **Michelle:** That's a huge  **Hannah:** Yes, selenium. This is a common thing that I see. I'll see really high amounts of calcium in the [00:30:00] tissues. And that's gonna block your thyroid hormone from getting up into the cell. **Hannah:** So like maybe their thyroid panel looks great, but that, or they're already taking a thyroid medication, but they're, they feel like it's not doing anything for them. I'm like, look, you have a lot of calcium in your tissues. And so like, that's your thyroid hormone's not even getting up into the cell. So of course you wouldn't feel an impact there. **Hannah:** And that also is. **Michelle:** actually? What causes that? Calcification?  **Hannah:** So, I typically see that from over supplementing with vitamin D. So, that will pull the calcium out of the bone and teeth. And put it into the tissues. Yeah. A lot of people get put on vitamin D by their doctor, like maybe they had low levels at one point, and then their doctor never talked to them about weaning off of the vitamin D. **Hannah:** They just kept taking it.  **Michelle:** too high. Yeah.  **Hannah:** Yeah. Or they'll start them off like a really high dose, like I've seen like 50,000 units of, of vitamin. Yeah. [00:31:00] And they, and they just keep taking it like, then they're never told like, Hey, you're actually supposed to tapered off of that after a couple months. I've also seen an influx of people on vitamin D, zinc you know, ever since the pandemic. **Hannah:** So they just kept taking it and they don't know how that's impacted their. Mine. So, so yeah, that's one culprit. I, I'll see. The other thing that I notice, and this is pretty prevalent in the autoimmune community is, and I don't think it's talked about a lot, is significant trauma and certain types of trauma. **Hannah:** It, it's like we call when we see this pattern on an htm. It, we call it a calcium shell where the calcium and the magnesium levels are really high in the tissues. And then we are like really depleted in things like potassium and sodium and other secondary minerals. And it's kind of like the body's way of shielding itself from feeling [00:32:00] big, like feeling really big emotions. **Hannah:** So like a lot of these clients, I, I'll talk to them about this and they have such a flat effect, like with the then we start moving the calcium out of the tissues and then they become, they're, it's like they really need more emotional support throughout that process. It's very interesting. I'm about to actually do an HTMA on myself. **Hannah:** It's been a couple of years, but I've just gone, I'm grieving my mom right now and I, yeah, and it's just been a really rough couple of months. I've just been just going through the motions and kind of in that, like taking care of her, taking care of my girls. Like just everything that we've gone through leading up to this point. **Hannah:** And I'm like, I am so curious to know what's going on with my minerals right now. I would not be surprised if I was having calcium going into my tissues. 'cause I believe that's what was my pattern last [00:33:00] time I ran the test a few years ago. So.  **Michelle:** Oh, that's interesting.  **Hannah:** It's like, yeah, this is my, my unique pattern, you know, so I see that a lot with Hashimoto's and yeah, and, and it's interesting because that pattern, like the high calcium in the tissues and the low potassium, that's really really common with like thyroid stuff in general because, you know, first of all, that calcium's blocking the thyroid. **Hannah:** Hormone from getting up into the cell. It's also gonna be blocking insulin signaling. So there is gonna be a lot of blood sugar swings, and that's gonna be driving the inflammation, making that worse. And then the low potassium, well, you know, potassium is needed for thyroid function as well. So, I see that pattern a lot with that population and it's so fascinating. **Hannah:** And I would just say like, I wouldn't say it's like. It's more like anecdotal, right? Like and you probably see that too in your practice. Yeah. Yeah.  **Michelle:** For different things, not this [00:34:00] specifically, but Yeah. **Michelle:** I mean, you see a lot of that and that's, that matters just because studies are very expensive to have and you can't  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** rely just on studies. You have to really rely on data in general, like your own experience  **Hannah:** Oh, absolutely. **Michelle:** there's so much information that you can get just from that. And then, couple of things. One of the things is, I know that Zyme has been shown to really help, it's an enzyme, it's a pro oleic enzymes that break apart, like fibrous tissue. So I'm curious to  **Hannah:** Oh **Michelle:** if it would help with excess calcium or, you know, deposits because it, it works to break down  **Hannah:** yeah,  **Michelle:** really needed in the body.  **Hannah:** yeah. Yeah.  **Michelle:** up.  **Hannah:** Yeah. That is interesting. Yeah, because when we see, usually the calcium in the tissues is also associated with things like restless leg syndrome, kidney stones, gallstones, all that stuff, you know, because it's just calcification of the tissues. [00:35:00] Right. What I do is I'll get, if that person is, has actually been on vitamin D what I'll do is I'll say, okay, let's just pause on the vitamin D and then I'll get them on, a form of vitamin K two that will target that calcium in the tissues and, and bring it, redirect it back to the bones. So we'll do that for several months. And if that person's still concerned about their, their vitamin D levels and say, let's just get that checked, you know, and depending on where you're at with that, you, you either, you know, probably need supplementation time from time to time, or maybe just during the winter, right? **Hannah:** But it's not a long term. You know, supplement for you because of this pattern, this pattern that you typically have. **Michelle:** Another thing that I was gonna mention is, we were talking about like, antibodies.  **Michelle:** I remember, One of my patients mentioning she had like a, 'cause I was talking to an REI and I was gonna have him, I had him on the podcast and so she had some questions and she had a very low amount of [00:36:00] antibodies that are considered normal. And he said no, because the presence of any antibody, and that's what's crazy to me.  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm.  **Michelle:** normal in labs  **Hannah:** Yeah. Well, yeah. Yeah. The reference ranges for conventional labs or like in more like conventional healthcare settings. They're not, they're designed to show like if you have a chronic disease or not. Not necessarily if you're optimal. Right. Like thriving, you know? **Michelle:** have any, even if it's like minute, it means that there's an autoimmune, like  **Hannah:** Right. And.  **Michelle:** your thyroid.  **Hannah:** Yeah, and I mean, my first thought is like, and just because I've worked in that arena for so long, is I think it's just because they need to have a diagnose, a diagnosis for a chronic disease, number one, so that they can build insurance and blah, blah, blah.  **Michelle:** Yeah, yeah, yeah.  **Hannah:** So they typically can't treat you. They can't, they [00:37:00] technically can't treat you. **Hannah:** Like they don't really run on a, it's more of like a sick care model. It's not really, they can't really treat you for like prevention. Right. That's not like that that's not how insurance companies work. So, I think that that's, that's my theory on that. But, you know, but to, to answer your question, yes, I, I see, low levels that aren't considered Hashimoto's,  **Michelle:** Right?  **Hannah:** but I would label that early stages or stage one, and I would say, let's work, let's, let's order GI Map. **Hannah:** Let's look at what your minerals are doing like that impact your thyroid. Let's just, just start helping you feel better right away so that we can go into remission. I would much rather my client like, just go ahead and work on those things instead of waiting until it's like, you know, now we're seeing tissue damage, you know, and there's a lot of practices. **Hannah:** I don't,  **Michelle:** it if it's early enough, like, but if it's  **Hannah:** yeah.  **Michelle:** really like far gone,  **Hannah:** Yeah. It can, and I don't know if you've run [00:38:00] across this a lot in your practice or with your clients, but I've been told a lot of times that they weren't even able to request or see a specialist or an endocrinologist, I guess, until they were able to see tissue damage. And it's like, wouldn't you wanna just prevent the tissue damage? **Michelle:** crazy to me. Yeah.  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. Yeah, so I'm, you know, I just like to get on it like right away, even if it's like, you know, your antibodies are like five, you know?  **Michelle:** yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Really low, but still,  **Hannah:** Yeah. Really low. Yeah. It's worth working on. Yeah. **Michelle:** I had actually just recently, I had a case where her TSH was like five and she's young, she's in her twenties. And I'm  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm.  **Michelle:** not normal.  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** just a little abnormal. **Michelle:** But that's not a little abnormal for try somebody trying to conceive.  **Hannah:** Yeah.  **Michelle:** and under. So if you  **Hannah:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle:** the thing. If you go to a general doctor or even an ob, they are a little more general in women's health.  **Hannah:** Yeah. **Michelle:** they're not going [00:39:00] to look at it the same way as an REI is gonna look at it, which is a reproductive endocrinologist and they're gonna  **Hannah:** Right.  **Michelle:** it a completely different perspective.  **Michelle:** Yeah, so it's, so those things I think a lot of people just don't realize and they're going in and they get the wrong information or they don't get like the full information and many years go by and it's kind of like, you know, that's why it's so important to really get ahead of it. **Hannah:** Yeah, absolutely. I think you're, you're worthy of feeling better, you know, if, does it have to be something that's chronic or.  **Michelle:** Right.  **Hannah:** Like full on disease state before just feeling better. **Michelle:** Yeah, for sure. So for people who, you know, are curious and wanna learn more about what you do,  **Michelle:** um, what are some of the things that you offer online? Where can people find you? I.  **Hannah:** So for people who are wanting to work one-on-one with me or maybe just start off with [00:40:00] a consultation or some have some labs done you can find me at through Pivot Nutrition Coaching. So the website is pivot nutrition coaching com. And then if, for my social media, I'm on Instagram with Hannah. **Michelle:** Awesome. I'll have all the notes anyway. If anybody like is curious or wants to know exactly how it's written out or find the link, you can find those on the episode notes. So Hannah, thank you so much for coming on today. It was a great conversation. I love really digging deep on just what goes on with these conditions that so many people hear about that are trying to conceive, but they don't really understand it. **Michelle:** And I think. There's so much power and knowledge and understanding and kind of like going beneath the surface. So I think this is one of the things that I like to do on the show is really to educate people on like really what's going on. So you've really shared some great, valuable information, so thank you so much, Hannah.[00:41:00]  **Hannah:** Thank you so much for having me and I, I think that this is such an important, important conversation to have and a valuable platform, so it's really an honor to be here. And hope we can chat again soon. **Michelle:** Thank you.         

Is acne taking over your life? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of the Lisa Fischer Said Podcast, Lisa sits down with acne expert Meg Gaic, a holistic nutritionist and medical aesthetician, to unpack what she calls the real modern epidemic: hormonal acne—and why it's not just about teenagers anymore. Meg shares the truth about Accutane side effects, the dangers of using birth control for acne, and how gut health and cortisol are often the hidden culprits. If you've been told you have PCOS and acne, or you're stuck in a cycle of restrictive diets, food fear, or expensive acne treatments that don't work, this conversation is your lifeline. Learn about Meg's natural acne solutions using the Get Glow Method, her 3-pillared protocol focused on internal healing, acne-friendly skincare, and mindset rewiring. Discover how stress, limiting beliefs, and even social media misinformation contribute to breakouts—and how true healing begins when you stop slapping on topical fixes and start listening to your body. Whether you're dealing with adult acne, post-pill breakouts, or skin and stress connection issues, this episode offers actionable insights, real hope, and a reminder that acne freedom is possible.     Website: https://www.getglowmethod.com/     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getglowmethod     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getglowmethod     EPISODE SPONSOR: https://www.ralstonfamilyfarms.com/     EPISODE SPONSOR: https://www.akelscarpetone.com/     LISA'S LINKS:     Lisa Fischer Said Academy:  https://lisafischersaid.com/academy/     Website:  lisafischersaid.com     For more information on group intermittent fasting  coaching with Lisa, email fasting@lisafischersaid.com     For more information on one-on-one or group health coaching with Lisa, email healthcoaching@lisafischersaid.com     Podcast produced by clantoncreative.com

In this week's episode, I got to sit down with Victoria Myers, period recovery specialist, RDH and  host of the Nourishing Women Podcast to chat about all things Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and fertility. Victoria shares her personal experience and advocates for a better understanding of eating disorders in the fertility space. We covered common misdiagnoses, the need for a supportive care team, and the recovery process when a fertility journey is involved. Learn so many valuable tips and strategies for your own period recovery journey!   Find more from Victoria Myers over on Instagram @nourishingmindsnutrition and make sure to  check out her podcast Nourshing Women Podcast.   Ready to dig deeper on your fertility journey but don't know where to start? Fertility Labs 101 walks you through the full assessment we do with our clients, what the labs mean and how to interpret your results based on optimal guidelines for fertility. Grab your copy for just $17 over at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs    **Please note that Victoria mistakenly stated "low estrogen" instead of "high estrogen" when discussing PCOS lab work in comparison to HA lab work.**  

In this episode of SHE MD, host Mary Alice Haney sits down with Emmy-nominated actress Rhea Seehorn to discuss their journey as a blended family. Mary Alice and Rhea share their experiences forming a blended family, offering insights into the complexities of divorce, remarriage, and stepparenting. They discuss the importance of communication, mutual respect, and flexibility in navigating these relationships. The episode also touches on Rhea's career as an actress, her decision not to have biological children, and the balance between work and family life. Throughout the conversation, both women emphasize the value of female friendships and supporting other women.Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii. Sponsors: Medtronic: For more information and to take the pledge to talk to your mother or a woman in your life about heart health, visit Alettertomymother.comCymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.Midi Health:You deserve to feel great. Book your virtual visit today at JoinMidi.comStrivektin: Discover the Science Behind Great SkinOpill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code SHEMD for twenty five percent off your first month of Opill at Opill.comMyriad: Knowing your family's history of cancer is the first step to understanding your own cancer risk and may qualify you for the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore hereditary cancer test. It's easy, accurate and covered by most insurers. Learn more at GetMyRisk.com Rhea Seehorn's Key Takeaways:1. How to co-parent without chaos: Whether biological or step-parent, your love and presence matter.2. Making a blended family work: boundaries, respect, and lots of grace. Accept that blended families require flexibility and compromise.3.Women need to stop apologizing for ambition: Working moms can be great role models by pursuing their passions.4. Speak up at the doctor's office: Push for proper medical care, especially when facing dismissive responses.5. Open communication: Express needs and boundaries to strengthen relationships.In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to blended families(03:47) How Rhea Met Mary Alice's Ex-Husband(07:35) Perceptions on Dating a Divorcee(10:00) Challenges in a Blended Family and Balancing Career(11:00) Navigating a Biological Child-Free Life In a Blended Family(15:35) What Does Co-Parenting in a Blended Family Look Like?(19:40) How to Make a Blended Family Work?(26:30) What's it like being a Bonus Mom?(30:02) Looking Back and Early Career Experiences(40:15) Five pieces of advice for women RESOURCES:Rhea's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheaseehorn/Rhea's IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781533/GUEST BIOGRAPHY:Rhea SeehornRhea Seehorn is an Actress and Director. In May 2014, Seehorn was cast in the Breaking Bad spin-off prequel series Better Call Saul (2015–2022). Seehorn is widely known as Kim Wexler, a lawyer and the eventual love interest of the titular Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk). The series premiered on February 8, 2015. For her role as Kim, Seehorn has received widespread critical acclaim, won two Satellite Awards for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film, one Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television out of two nominations, and received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, two nominations for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and two for the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode OverviewIn this episode, I take a closer look at compounded medications—what they are, when they're used, and the important nuances behind their growing popularity.From hormone therapy and menopause care to semaglutide and GLP-1s, compounded meds are often described as personalized solutions. But these treatments exist in a regulatory gray area, with real variability in quality, safety, and effectiveness.This episode is about cutting through confusion—without judgment or hype—and offering context to help you better understand your options.What You'll LearnWhat compounded medications are and when they're usedWhy some women rely on them for hormone therapy, PCOS, progesterone intolerance, or GLP-1 accessWhat's different between FDA-approved medications and compounded versionsWhy terms like “bioidentical” can be misleadingThe impact of drug shortages, insurance limitations, and gaps in careWhy It MattersMany people don't realize that compounded medications aren't FDA-approved—and that doesn't automatically make them dangerous or ineffective. But it does mean they operate by different rules. This episode offers a grounded look at what's happening behind the scenes and why these treatments are increasingly common in women's health and beyond.ResourcesRead article on Fear, misinformation, and pharmaceutical messianism in the promotion of compounded bioidentical hormone therapyCheck out the blog post version of this episode here, which includes all citations.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok,

Have you been told “everything looks normal,” but month after month you're still not pregnant? If you've been given the vague label of unexplained infertility or you don't feel clear on 'why' you can't get or stay pregnant, this episode is for you.In this empowering solo episode, Dr. Katie Wood breaks down why “unexplained infertility” is not a true diagnosis—it's a sign your body needs deeper investigation and real support. You'll discover the 5 most common, often missed root causes of fertility struggles, from hormone imbalances and poor egg quality to male factor infertility and emotional blocks. Plus, Dr. Katie shares actionable next steps to finally get the answers (and results) you deserve—without more guessing with surface-level lab work or another failed IUI or IVF cycle.In this episode, you'll discover...-The 5 overlooked root causes of fertility issues doctors rarely address -How stress, sleep, blood sugar, and past trauma can impact ovulation and implantation-Exactly which labs and steps to take if you've “tried everything” but aren't conceivingTune in now for a complete breakdown of what to explore before starting or repeating IVF or another IUI—and how to uncover the real reason you're not getting and staying pregnant (yet).

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter This is part two of a two-part mini-series on fertility and reproductive health. Paula Amato is a leading expert in female reproductive health and infertility, widely recognized for her contributions to advancing fertility treatment and research. In this episode, which follows last week's conversation on male fertility, Paula explores the biology of female fertility, including how hormonal changes regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation, what those patterns reveal about fertility potential, and why both partners should be evaluated early in infertility workups. She discusses the role of the fallopian tubes, the causes of miscarriage, the impact of age and lifestyle on fertility, and treatment options for conditions like PCOS—including the emerging use of GLP-1 agonists. The episode also covers the evolution of IVF, advances in pre-implantation genetic testing, egg freezing, and the promise and limitations of next-generation reproductive technologies. We discuss: The finite nature of a woman's egg reserve, how it changes over time, and the basic process of ovulation and fertilization [3:00]; How hormones influence egg selection, and how and why chromosomal errors lead to most miscarriages [5:30]; The full journey of conception—from hormonal cues triggering ovulation, to fertilization, embryo development, implantation, and early pregnancy risks [16:30]; How infertility is defined and diagnosed, and the broader trends contributing to rising infertility rates [25:15]; Fallopian tube damage: how STDs and scarring impact fertility and raise ectopic pregnancy risk [31:30]; Unexplained infertility: how doctors evaluate ovulation and cycles—and why more research on women's health is needed [41:00]; The defining symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its hormonal characteristics, and its relationship with insulin resistance [44:00]; Managing PCOS without pregnancy: cycle regulation, androgen suppression, and insulin resistance treatment [46:00]; The treatment approach for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive: GLP-1 use, ovulation induction, and timing protocols [49:45]; Barriers to getting informed fertility care for PCOS: limited provider knowledge and access, insurance gaps, and next steps when ovulation treatments don't lead to pregnancy [55:45]; Fertility treatment for women with unexplained infertility, risk of multiple pregnancies with superovulation, and more [1:03:00]; Intrauterine insemination (IUI): process, success rates, and when in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes the better option [1:07:00]; The history of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and how access and acceptance have evolved over time [1:16:45]; The step-by-step process of IVF [1:19:30]; The IVF lab process: egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and freezing [1:26:30]; Genetic testing and embryo selection in IVF: aneuploidy screening, polygenic traits, and ethical concerns [1:41:15]; Embryo transfer in IVF: timing, uterine preparation, and implantation support [1:47:30]; Egg donation in IVF: indications, donor guidelines, and other considerations [1:50:45]; How to choose the right IVF clinic [1:54:45]; Innovations in fertility on the horizon, advice about freezing eggs, and more [2:02:00]; Optimizing fertility through lifestyle: diet, stress management, sleep, exercise, and supplementation [2:07:45]; Promising areas of fertility research [2:15:45]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Gabby Reece sits down with Jiaming Ju, a former economist turned Chinese medicine practitioner, to explore the root causes of health and healing. Jiaming shares how personal trauma, including losing her home in a fire, led her to embrace acceptance, grounding, and traditional practices. They discuss the cultural differences in health issues between the U.S. and China, especially how emotional well-being and lifestyle shape physical health. The conversation highlights the importance of patient-centered care, especially around women's health topics like fertility, menopause, and menstrual cycles. Through the lens of Chinese medicine, they emphasize self-awareness, emotional connection, and the power of personalized healing. SPONSORS OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code REECE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Ritual: Start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. That's ritual.com/GABBY for 25% off. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Challenges of Modern Medicine 02:28 Navigating Personal Trauma 04:42 The Healing Power of Acceptance 09:45 The Impact of Childhood Experiences 12:24 Understanding Trauma and Healing 19:25 The Journey from Economist to Healer 24:03 Grounding Practices in Times of Change 30:23 The Dynamics of Marriage and Family 34:34 Integrating Traditional and Modern Practices 46:52 Cultural Perspectives on Movement and Nutrition 50:04 The Impact of Lifestyle on Family Dynamics 52:57 Consultation Approaches in Chinese Medicine 56:02 Understanding Emotional Connections to Physical Health 01:00:14 Customized Health Solutions for Modern Issues 01:04:12 The Role of Environment in Mental and Physical Health 01:10:11 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care 01:16:15 Finding Balance in Daily Life 01:22:23 Menstrual Health and Societal Expectations 01:26:14 Navigating Women's Health Challenges 01:31:51 Understanding Menopause and Its Impact 01:38:50 Cultural Perspectives on Aging and Health 01:47:45 Practical Health Tips for Young Adults 01:55:41 Exploring Chinese Medicine and Its Wisdom For more Gabby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbyreeceofficial The Gabby Reece Show Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEINLNlGvIceFOP7aAZk5A KEYWORDS Chinese medicine, trauma, healing, acceptance, personal growth, mental health, holistic health, marriage, family dynamics, emotional well-being, nutrition, movement, family dynamics, Chinese medicine, emotional health, customized health, mental health, patient care, daily balance, menstrual health, women's health, menopause, cultural perspectives, Chinese medicine, health tips, fertility, PCOS, emotional health, digestion, aging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton!  Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave.  In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS.  With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women. Why sex education should include the concept of consent. The impact of coming off oral contraceptives. Changing the narrative for all women. Why do women need more time to get aroused? The mind-body connection. How hormones and menopause influence women's sexuality. Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond. How to avoid endocrine disruptors. Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program. Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD. Bio: Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine. She is board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgmental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate, Dr. Brighten is completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances. She empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and hormones through her website and social media channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia's ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten On her ⁠website⁠ Find Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene Brighten Order your copy of⁠ Is This Normal⁠ Dr. Brighten's ⁠digital cookbook⁠ 

Ever replayed the day in your head and thought, “Why did I snap like that?”. You love your kids with everything you've got—so why is it so hard to show up the way you want to?If you're stuck in a cycle of mom guilt, irritation, and exhaustion, there's a chance your hormones, not your parenting, are the real culprit. This episode goes beyond the surface to unpack how burnout and hormone imbalances are silently shaping your motherhood experience, and what to do about it.Here's what you'll learn:The key difference between guilt that keeps you stuck, and guilt that can spark real changeWhy burnout doesn't just “happen”—and what your guilt is actually trying to tell youWhy “survival mode” feels normal, and how to finally break out of it without giving up everything you loveIf you're ready to stop ending your days in self-blame and start creating more capacity for joy, presence, and patience, you'll want to hear this.Book a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meNEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Hormone Imbalance Quiz - Find out which of the top 3 hormone imbalances affects you most!Join Nourish Your Hormones Coaching for the step-by-step and my eyes on YOUR hormones for the next 4 monthsRate the podcast 5 stars and DM me RATING on IG @leishadrews for $20 off the Restored mini-course on blood sugar balance, a key factor in hormone health!Use code HHPODCAST for $50 off Nourish Your HormonesLET'S CONNECT!IG: @leishadrewsMy story+more hormone resources hereSend us a text with episode feedback or ideas! (We can't respond to texts unless you include contact info but always read them)Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more women looking for answers.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.This podcast is for women and moms to learn how to balance hormones naturally in motherhood, to have pain-free periods, increased fertility, to decrease PMS mood swings, and to increase energy without restrictive diet plans. You'll learn how to balance blood sugar, increase progesterone naturally, understand the root cause of estrogen dominance, irregular periods, PCOS, insulin resistance, hormonal acne, post birth-control syndrome, and conceive naturally. We use a pro-metabolic, whole food, root cause approach to functional women's health and focus on truly holistic health and mind-body connection.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, Found My Fitness with Rhonda Patrick, Just Ingredients Podcast, Wellness Mama, The Dr Josh Axe Show, Are You Menstrual Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Freely Rooted Podcast with Kori Meloy, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass

Resources for the Community:___________________________________________________________________https://linktr.ee/theplussidezpodcast Ro - Telehealth for GLP1 weight management https://ro.co/weight-loss/?utm_source=plussidez&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=comms_yt&utm_content=45497&utm_term=55Start your perimenopause HRT journey with Winona  https://winona.pxf.io/gOLeV0______________________________________________________________________Start your perimenopause HRT journey with Winona  https://winona.pxf.io/gOLeV0 Part 2Let's talk about the change. Chances are, it's already happening, and nobody handed you a guidebook.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cathleen Brown, Medical Director at Winona, to finally demystify perimenopause and menopause. We're bringing this conversation to our audience because so many people on a GLP-1 journey are also navigating hormonal shifts. Whether it's perimenopause, menopause, or just the hormonal chaos of midlife, these changes can impact everything—from weight and sleep to mood and metabolism.We're here to break it all down.From night sweats and mood swings to insulin resistance and hormone shifts, we cover it all with real talk and science-backed solutions. Dr. Brown walks us through the current landscape of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even Osphena. She also addresses the past fears about HRT—strokes, heart attacks, cancer—and how updated research is changing the conversation around safety, longevity, and quality of life.We also explore the role of GLP-1 medications in the menopause space, especially for those with PCOS, insulin resistance, or other metabolic challenges. Could these meds be part of a modern menopause toolkit? Dr. Brown shares her perspective.And yes, we get personal too. As Winona patients ourselves, we're sharing what's worked, what hasn't, and what questions we had going in—so you don't have to figure it all out alone.What you'll hear in this episode:What perimenopause and menopause actually are (and why it matters)Why hormone disruptions are common during the GLP-1 journeyGLP-1s and menopause: emerging research and real-world useHRT today: what's changed, what's safer, and what's workingTestosterone, Osphena, and how to treat painful sexHabiSend us Fan Mail! Support the showKim Carlos, Executive Producer TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dmfkim?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dmfkimonmounjaro?igsh=aDF6dnlmbHBoYmJn&utm_source=qr Kat Carter, Associate Producer TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katcarter7?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mrskatcarter?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

For today's bonus episode, I sat down with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian and the CEO and Co-founder of Culina Health. Culina Health provides one-on-one, culturally responsive, virtual nutrition care that is covered by all major health insurance plans. Vanessa and I discuss food compatibility, her cancer diagnosis, reconnecting with her now husband, GLP-1s and dating, and so much more!Culina Health's award-winning nutrition care is trusted by over 10,000 patients and 2,000 healthcare providers nationwide. Our diverse, multilingual team of registered dietitians provides nutrition care for sustainable weight loss, diabetes and prediabetes, gastrointestinal health, eating disorders, general healthy eating, and more. We accept all major insurance plans, and we offer affordable out-of-pocket options. Sign up today at www.culinahealth.com.Get More We Met At Acme!Youtube: @wemetatacmeIG: @lindzmetz @wemetatacme @wemetatbabySubstack: @wemetatacme + @wemetatbabyWebsite: @wemetatacmeChapters06:31 Founding Culina Health09:48 Nutrition Myths and Realities21:15 Dating and Nutrition29:21 Couples and Food Preferences30:37 Men and Eating Disorders34:31 PCOS and DietingProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.