Podcasts about Progesterone

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky concludes his 3-part hormone series by exploring the important relationship between progesterone and thyroid health. While estrogen often receives most of the attention, progesterone also plays a vital role in supporting thyroid hormone sensitivity, reproductive health, immune regulation, sleep, mood, and nervous system function. Dr. Eric explains why symptoms of low progesterone frequently overlap with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, making proper testing and individualized evaluation essential. Dr. Eric discusses how chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid imbalances, and hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can all contribute to lower progesterone levels. He explains the role progesterone plays in Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, fertility, anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual health, while also reviewing common testing options, including serum progesterone and the DUTCH test. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes supporting adrenal health, improving stress resilience, optimizing sleep, and addressing root causes before relying solely on hormone replacement whenever appropriate. The episode concludes with practical recommendations for naturally supporting healthy progesterone levels through stress management, nutrition, targeted nutrients, and herbs such as Vitex, while acknowledging that bioidentical progesterone has an important place for some individuals. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of the thyroid-progesterone connection and how this hormone influences thyroid and overall health, you'll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto' s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric's Graves' disease and Hashimoto's group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric's published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

I'm sure there are days when you sit there, holding your belly or wiping away tears before your period, wondering, “Why do I feel like this every month?”I'm sure because I've been there too, dealing with the mood swings, the spotting, and short cycles, along with advice that honestly just made me feel more overwhelmed.So friend, if you're experiencing at least one of these symptoms, this episode might be a breath of fresh air. I'm unraveling the progesterone mystery for you: what it is, why it matters, and how things like stress, sleep, and that rushed dinner are connected.You'll learn:How to tell if your progesterone is actually low, or just misunderstoodWhy timing matters so much when it comes to hormone testingWhat to focus on first if you want to support your body naturally (without adding 10 new things to your plate)I'm not here to tell you to try harder. I'm here to show you how small shifts (like more sleep) can make your body feel safe enough to do what it was designed to do.So grab your drink, hit play, and let's talk about what your body's been trying to tell you, and how you can start listening with compassion, not panic.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:NEW Private Podcast - 3 Steps to Making Hormones WellNEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Breakfast GuideNourish Tracker - Discount code: HAPPILYHORMONALBook a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meGrab your Happily Hormonal Quick Start GuideHormone 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.Send 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

Estrogen gets blamed for a lot, but is it really the villain?  Debbie breaks down what estrogen actually does, why its fluctuation, not just its level, affects your pain threshold, why perimenopause is often the hardest stretch, and what postmenopause changes.  Plus, the honest limits of relying on a single blood test to explain your migraines. In this episode:  What estrogen actually does in the body beyond reproduction. Why perimenopause fluctuation hits pain thresholds harder than postmenopausal levels.  The liver's role in clearing hormone waste, and what happens when that process breaks down.  Why bloodwork has value but isn't the whole picture. Free resource mentioned: Migraine Sensitivity Scorecard - https://pages.debbiewaidlcoach.com/quiz Resources: FREE DOWNLOAD: Toxic Migraine Triggers Guide Get the complete guide showing you the hidden inflammatory triggers fueling your migraines, including toxins in your medication, environment, and everyday life. https://dwvirtualguide.com/free-guide Book a Free Migraine Breakthrough® Assessment: Let's assess your unique migraine situation and uncover what's been keeping you stuck. https://pages.debbiewaidlcoach.com/breakthroughcall-social-7269 Connect with Debbie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieWaidlCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiewaidl.coach/ Women's Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensmigrainefreedom Website: https://pages.debbiewaidlcoach.com/ Email: freedom@debbiewaidl.com Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching, LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources. Related Episodes: Episode 1: Sex Hormones and Migraines: Why the Advice Keeps Contradicting Itself https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-hormones-and-migraines-why-the-advice/id1727416680?i=1000778526033 Episode 7: The Hormone Hierarchy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-the-hormone-hierarchy-tackling-hormones/id1727416680?i=1000645019506 Episode 3: Progesterone, Testosterone, and the Truth About Bioidentical Hormones (next in this series)  

Joette Calabrese joins Trending with Timmerie, sharing affordable approaches to navigating health using homeopathy. Episode Guide Chronic anemia – healing low iron in men and women? (2:33) Treating the low progesterone behind women’s health: PMS, headaches, heavy periods, infertility, miscarriage (20:35) Can Catholics use homeopathy? (40:16) Helping a daughter overcome the heartbreak of a breakup (48:23) Resources mentioned: More episodes with Joette https://relevantradio.com/?cat=23210&s=joette Joette Calabrese https://joetteslearningcenter.com/ Femmenopathy course https://joetteslearningcenter.com/feminopathy-info-new/ Book Gateway to Practical Homeopathy I https://joetteslearningcenter.com/gateway-1-info-new/ Episode Cold & flu season + boosting immune system https://relevantradio.com/2025/01/cold-flu-season-boosting-immune-system/ Homeopathy kits https://www.boironusa.com/product-category/medicine-kits/ Homeopathic remedies mentioned: Ignatia Amara Sepia Pulsatilla Conium maculatum Podophyllum peltatum Lycopodium clavatum Ferrum phosphoricum (Ferrum phos) Kali muriaticum (Kali mur) Calcarea carbonica Lachesis mutus (Lachesis)

Did you start taking progesterone and now confused if you are supposed to take it every day or only for two weeks? Or maybe you don't have a uterus anymore, and you keep going back and forth on whether you should take it anyway or just leave it? You heard there are both risks and benefits and not sure what to do? We cover: How to take progesterone if you're cycling What to do when progesterone gives you two great weeks of sleep, but told to stop for two weeks. Continuous versus cyclic, and how to tell which one your body would prefer The latest information about progesterone and cancer, heart, and dementia risk What I would personally do about progesterone if I didn't have a uterus   MENOPAUSE TRACKER https://freebie.hackmyage.com/menopause-symptom-tracker MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM GUIDE https://freebie.hackmyage.com/menopause-symptom-chart Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try MitoQ Hormonal Metabolic Control. 15% off with code ZORA http://www.mitoq.com/hackmyage Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/@hackmyageclips Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group (Join 7 days free): https://membership.hackmyage.com/sales-page Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/ Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.

SYNOPSIS:What does it mean to experience yourself as a fertile body? And what happens when your body doesn't seem to be cooperating with your deepest hopes?In this wide-ranging conversation, Ali speaks with Harvard-awarded fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa about fertility as far more than a medical diagnosis. Together they explore the meaning we attach to parenthood, the relationship between fertility and creativity, the impact of trauma and relationships on reproductive health, and why infertility is never simply "a women's issue."Gabriela shares her evidence-based, integrative approach to fertility, explaining how removing obstacles to health often allows the body's innate intelligence to do what it already knows how to do. Along the way, they discuss IVF, implantation, sperm health, miscarriage, Family Constellation Work, embodiment, and the profound question of how we learn to trust the intelligence of our bodies – even when it seems to be saying "not yet."Whether you're navigating fertility challenges, considering parenthood, or simply curious about the body's remarkable capacity for intelligence and healing, this conversation offers a deeply humane perspective on one of life's most meaningful journeys.Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to reconsider one of the podcast's central questions: What becomes possible when we stop treating the body as a problem to solve and begin discovering the body's innate intelligence?To subscribe now, click hereTo be an angel to the podcast, click here To read more about the podcast, click here FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: https://www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:FREE Guided Body Mapping Taster: Heart/Sexuality SplitFive-films series (made by Ali Mezey) on renowned Family Constellation Facilitator, Stephan Hausner's work with transgenerational influences on illnessFOR MORE GABRIELA ROSA: BIO:Gabriela Rosa, DrPH (Candidate, Harvard), is a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist, founder of The Rosa Institute, and author of Fertility Breakthrough: Overcoming Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage When Other Treatments Have Failed. She is a pioneer in telehealth-based integrative fertility care, bringing evidence-based reproductive solutions to individuals and couples around the world.Gabriela is also the creator and host of The Fertility Challenge, a free global online program that supports tens of thousands of participants each year. Through her proprietary F.E.R.T.I.L.E. Method®, she has helped more than 204,000 people across 111 countries. Published research on her signature program shows a 78.8% live birth rate among patients—even after years of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and unsuccessful treatments.SOCIALS:Website: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/Socials: FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMXTIKTOKRESOURCES, DEFINITIONS & INSPIRATION:Tara BrachBuddhist meditation teacher, psychologist, and bestselling author known for her work on mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional healing.https://www.tarabrach.comMartha BeckHarvard-trained sociologist, bestselling author, and life coach whose work explores personal transformation, purpose, and living in alignment with one's deepest values.https://marthabeck.comThe Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.A groundbreaking book exploring how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system, and why healing often requires body-based as well as psychological approaches.https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-scoreJohn GottmanPsychologist and relationship researcher whose decades of research have transformed our understanding of what helps couples build lasting, healthy relationships. He is co-founder of The Gottman Institute.https://www.gottman.comFamily Constellation WorkAn experiential therapeutic approach developed by Bert Hellinger that reveals unconscious family and relational dynamics through spatial representation. It is used worldwide to explore patterns of trauma, belonging, and connection that may influence present-day relationships and well-being.Corpus luteumA temporary hormone-producing structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation. It secretes progesterone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy.EndometriosisA chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain, painful periods, and fertility challenges.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)A common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, fertility, metabolism, and hormone balance.ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)A specialized IVF procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization, often used in cases of male-factor infertility.Sperm parametersThe characteristics measured during a semen analysis, including sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and vitality, which help assess male fertility.Can eggs repair sperm DNA fragmentation?Healthy eggs possess natural DNA repair mechanisms that can repair some damage in sperm DNA after fertilization. However, this capacity depends on the quality of the egg and the extent of the sperm's DNA fragmentation.

Today I'm joined by Abigale Ball, a past Fertility Framework client who is now eight months pregnant with her second baby — a girl! Abigail opens up about the mysterious, unexplained pain she experienced while trying to conceive her son, the deliverance and inner healing ministry that became a turning point in her physical and emotional healing, and what her cycle charts actually looked like heading into both pregnancies (spoiler: they weren't "perfect," and that's exactly the point).We talk honestly about secondary infertility fears, the difference between relying on the physical versus trusting the spiritual, and what it really means to surrender your timeline to the Lord — even while you're doing the practical work of charting and understanding your body.Episode Highlights:Abigail's story of unexplained reproductive pain and an ER visit that led nowhere medicallyHow deliverance and inner healing ministry became a turning point in her fertility journeyThe prophetic name and vision Abigail received before conceiving her son, SamuelHer shift from relying 80% on the physical to trusting the Lord spirituallyWhat her actual fertility charts showed — a short luteal phase and low thyroid indicators — and how she conceived twice anywayWhy surrender, not a perfect chart, was the turning point both timesEncouragement for anyone sitting on the fence about learning to chart their cycleResources & Links:✨ SALE

☎️ Book Your COACHING INQUIRY Call: https://calendly.com/d/386-k9q-4cg/coaching-inquiry-call-zoom☎️ Book Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION and CALORIE CALCULATION Call: https://calendly.com/d/2p8-mxx-dgf/free-consultation-call-zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠➤ Bloating, Brain Fog & Weight Gain — The Truth About Estrogen Detox | MMP Ep. 299: https://youtu.be/RAta9uC_E-k➤ Top Foods to Lower Inflammation and Accelerate Fat Loss | MMP Ep. 318: https://youtu.be/1Hsa0pmLTVQ➤ Cortisol + Inflammation Grocery List: https://www.vitalityoet.com/cortisol-grocerylistYou were told progesterone would help you sleep, calm your anxiety, and support your hormones through perimenopause and menopause. So why do you feel WORSE?In this episode of the Metabolism and Menopause Podcast, Stephanie Crassweller breaks down the two metabolic pathways your body sends progesterone down — the alpha pathway (which produces the calming neurosteroid allopregnanolone) and the beta pathway (which produces inactive metabolites that do nothing for your brain, mood, or sleep). She explains why standard blood work cannot see which pathway your body favors, why the DUTCH test is the missing piece, and what inflammation, cortisol, thyroid, insulin resistance, and liver congestion have to do with whether progesterone helps you or hurts you.If you started progesterone and feel worse — this episode is for you.What you'll learn:

Perimenopause is a stage of life, not a condition — but most of us reach it with almost no understanding of what our hormones are doing. In this episode, nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Gemma McGuigan joins Nicola to explain why progesterone (not just oestrogen) deserves our attention first, why the nervous system is so often "the big revealer" of underlying health issues, and why so much mainstream biohacking advice doesn't serve women well. Key discussion points: What perimenopause actually is, and why it's often misunderstood Progesterone vs progestin, and what that means for the Mirena coil Why nervous system health shows up first in perimenopause The truth about cortisol and adrenal health Eating for metabolic flexibility  Fuelling before exercise, and why it matters more in this life stage Natural ways to support ovulation and progesterone This episode is sponsored by Revive Active — 26 active ingredients for energy, immunity and heart health, available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods and independent health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com To work with Nicola one-to-one, explore her Hormone Insights & Support Service, the Liberate Food Freedom course, or practitioner mentoring, visit www.nicola-moore.com   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

LeAnn Rimes joins Dr. Mindy for a deeply honest conversation about what perimenopause has brought to the surface in her life.She opens up about the unpredictability of her hormones, the exhaustion of trying to maintain the same pace she has carried for decades, and the difference between anxious thoughts and anxiety that lives in the body. Together, LeAnn and Dr. Mindy explore why perimenopause can make old wounds feel louder, why hormone therapy can help without solving everything, and what it looks like to slow down when your identity has always been tied to performing, producing, and pushing through.This is a conversation about hormones, but it is also about identity, capacity, anger, rest, and the question so many women begin asking in midlife: who do I want to be now?In this episode you'll learn:The difference between mental anxiety and physical “body anxiety” Why LeAnn has had to change her relationship with rest What happens when your life still demands more than your body can give The grief women may experience around motherhood, identity, and missed choices Why hormone replacement therapy is not always a simple fix How perimenopause can force women to reconsider who they have always beenMore on LeAnn RimesLeAnn Rimes is a 2x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, and actress whose career has spanned more than 30 years. She rose to fame as a teenager and has since built a career across music, television, writing, and live performance. In recent years, LeAnn has also spoken openly about mental health, trauma, psoriasis, anxiety, and the realities of growing up in the public eye. She currently stars in 9-1-1: Nashville and is touring in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her album Blue.Website: leannrimes.comLeAnn's Tour DatesLeAnn's Substack: @leannrimescibrianInstagram: @leannrimesSoul of EverLe CandlesFor more resources related to today's episode, visit the podcast episode page: drmindypelz.com/ep355 Connect with Dr. Mindy:Join Reset AcademyWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Mindy on InstagramSubscribe to Dr. Mindy's newsletterDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, fasting routine, or lifestyle.

In part one, Dr. Liz Bartman and I broke down why PMDD happens: the histamine surges, the GABA receptor glitch, the progesterone metabolite that either calms you down or completely wrecks you depending on your unique biology. If you haven't listened to that one yet, start there, because this episode builds directly on it. Now we get into the part everyone actually wants to know: what do you do about it? We talk about why popular fixes like DAO supplements and strict low histamine diets usually fall short, and what to focus on instead, starting with your gut, your liver, and your nervous system. Dr. Liz walks through her actual clinical protocols, including specific nutrients, herbs, and the EndoAccess formulas she uses with patients who have histamine overload, progesterone sensitivity, or both. We also get into the harder conversations: when a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor might help women who are pushing too much allopregnanolone, what's really going on hormonally for women hitting perimenopause with worsening PMDD, and yes, when birth control or even an SSRI might actually be the safest, most compassionate choice, even for someone who leans natural. Dr. Liz makes a case that will challenge how you think about "first, do no harm." This episode is about giving you an actual roadmap, not just information. Because once you understand your own biology, from part one, you can finally stop guessing and start treating the right thing. In This Episode, We Cover: Why DAO supplements and strict low histamine diets usually don't solve the problem long term The gut, liver, and nervous system focused approach Dr. Liz uses first with patients Key nutrients and antioxidants for calming histamine and neuroinflammation, including glutathione support, sulforaphane, green tea, pomegranate, curcumin, NAC, and glycine Why alcohol is one of the biggest hidden disruptors of histamine clearance and hormone balance Specific probiotic strains, including lactobacillus plantarum, and their surprising role in GABA receptor expression The EndoAccess formulas Dr. Liz uses clinically for histamine support and for progesterone sensitive PMDD, including early results from a small group of patients What 5-alpha reductase inhibition is, how it relates to allopregnanolone, and when it may help Why perimenopausal women can suddenly develop worse PMDD, and the surprising role of testosterone, insulin, and FSH The honest conversation about birth control, newer options, and when it may be the safest choice for severe PMDD Where SSRIs fit in, including luteal phase only dosing and what to support alongside them Why the nervous system piece is the part most women skip, and why it may be the most important one Who This Episode Is For This is for women who now understand why they're struggling, from part one, and want an actual plan. It's for anyone who has tried supplements or progesterone with no luck and felt like they were out of options. It's especially for women in perimenopause noticing their PMDD or PMS getting dramatically worse, and for anyone who has felt conflicted about whether birth control or an SSRI could ever be the "right" choice for them.     Sponsors Join the Midlife Women's Peptide Program today and get started for less than $200 a month! Timeline is offering up to 39% off your first order of Mitopure. Gummies. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE use coupon HORMONE Get 15% off Magnesium Breakthrough By BiOptimzers at bioptimizers.com/hormone with coupon code HORMONE.     Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve? At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.   Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.   Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com   Shop the Midlife Solutions Store Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed. Including: • Progesterone • Estrogen Face Cream • Vaginal Moisturizer and more!   Take the Hormone Quiz Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms. Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).   Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.   Midlife RESET HRT Program A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Dr. Karen Adams, obstetrician/gynecologist and Farwell Family Director of the Stanford Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging, studies menopause and, perhaps more importantly, perimenopause – the critical years preceding it. During this time, hormone-related symptoms like mood instability, sleep disruption, hot flashes, and joint pain can be severe even though periods continue. Adams explains that perimenopausal symptoms are often misdiagnosed and improperly treated. She says hormonal therapies are safe and effective in perimenopause and menopause, and can even have heart and bone benefits. “Menopause is inevitable, but suffering is not,” Adams tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Karen Adams Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Karen Adams, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University. (00:02:11) Path into Menopause Medicine How Adams built one of the first clinical programs focused on women over 40. (00:04:19) Menopause and Perimenopause What menopause is and how the hormonal transition often begins years earlier. (00:06:19) Beyond Hot Flashes The wide range of symptoms that can appear during perimenopause. (00:11:09) Pregnancy Risk During Perimenopause Why contraception can still matter until a full year without a period. (00:11:11) Unpredictable Symptoms Why perimenopausal symptoms can be harder to recognize than PMS. (00:13:37) Hormone Therapy How treatment differs during perimenopause and after menopause. (00:22:57) The Women's Health Initiative What the landmark hormone therapy study showed. (00:27:53) Sexual Health and Vaginal Estrogen Why local estrogen can safely treat genitourinary symptoms for many women. (00:30:36) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: menopause care, women's health, and better clinical support (00:32:58) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Mike Hart welcomes Ksenia Petrushkina back for a wide-ranging conversation about using hormones, GLP-1 medications, and peptides more thoughtfully. They explore why lower, individualized doses of tirzepatide may improve tolerability, which blood markers should be monitored during treatment, and how progesterone may support sleep through its effects on GABA. They also discuss women's hormone replacement therapy, personalized testosterone dosing, TRT and fertility, thyroid treatment, low-dose naltrexone, and the difference between evidence-based peptide use and exaggerated online claims. Ksenia Petrushkina is a clinician whose work focuses on hormone optimization, peptide therapy, metabolic health, and highly individualized treatment. Through comprehensive blood testing, symptom assessment, careful dose adjustments, and ongoing patient monitoring, she helps men and women better understand how hormones, medications, and peptides may affect their energy, sleep, inflammation, fertility, body composition, and long-term health. Her approach challenges standardized protocols and social-media biohacking trends, emphasizing personalized medicine, responsible prescribing, and evaluating one intervention at a time.   Quick Coherence Technique — HeartMath https://help.heartmath.com/introduction/quick-coherence-technique/ The Levels of Ghrelin, Glucagon, Visfatin and GLP-1 Are Decreased in the Peritoneal Fluid of Women with Endometriosis — Aleksey M. Krasnyi et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36142272/ Women's Health Initiative — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health-initiative-whi Facial Beauty Age Support Serum for Estrogen Deficiency — Quicksilver Scientific https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/products/facial-beauty-serum Peptides: The Science, Uses & Safety — Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Abud Bakri https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/peptides-the-science-uses-and-safety-abud-bakri Vladimir Khavinson Publications — Professor Vladimir Khavinson https://khavinson.info/publications   Show Notes   00:00 Welcome to the Hart2Heart Podcast 00:57 GLP-1 Starting Doses 03:39 GLP-1 Anti Inflammation Aging 07:15 Motility Supplements Side Effects 09:02 Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide 11:46 Adrenal Fatigue Myth 13:23 Fatigue Bloodwork Checklist 16:16 TRT Hematocrit Sleep Apnea 19:01 Underrated Blood Tests 20:06 Womens HRT Basics 22:21 Testosterone for Women 25:19 Thyroid Treatment LDN NAD 29:31 Progesterone GABA Sleep 32:25 Progesterone for Men Debate 33:43 Testosterone Injection Frequency 36:05 TRT Dosing Frequency 36:45 Why TRT Stops Working 37:50 Creams vs Injections 39:08 Fertility and HCG 41:46 Peptides vs Pharma 44:17 HGH and Secretagogues 45:12 5-Amino-1-MQ Hype 48:15 Topical GHK-Cu Skincare 50:25 Injectable Copper Peptide Hair 52:26 BPC 157 and TB500 58:25 Thymosin Alpha 1 Immunity 01:01:13 Mitochondrial Peptides 01:03:20 Endo 205 and New Peptides 01:04:17 Kavinson and Epitalon 01:08:21 Wrap Up and Where to Find   The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals — using medications only when absolutely necessary. Beyond health science, we explore the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being. Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary  (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as  Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen). If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this podcast is for you.We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.   Connect with Dr. Mike Hart Instagram: @drmikehart Twitter: @drmikehart Facebook: @drmikehart

If you've been on social media lately, you've probably seen it: women swearing that a combo of Pepcid and Claritin, ordinary histamine blockers, gave them their life back during the worst days of their cycle. It sounds too simple to be real, and honestly, it kind of is. But the reason it's working for some women and doing absolutely nothing for others is the whole story, and it's a story almost nobody is explaining correctly. In this episode, I sit down with one of my all time favorite guests, Dr. Liz Bartman, to go deep into progesterone sensitivity, PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and how it's different from garden variety PMS. If you've ever felt like a completely different person for two weeks out of every month, only to feel like yourself again the second your period starts, this episode is going to make you feel seen in a way most conversations about "hormones" never do. We get into what's actually driving PMDD for so many women: an altered GABA receptor that stops responding correctly to a calming metabolite of progesterone called allopregnanolone. We talk about why histamine surges at exactly the wrong time in your cycle, how estrogen and progesterone are pulling the strings behind the scenes, and why some women feel like magic when they take progesterone while others feel like they've been poisoned by it. This is the foundational science you need before you try any protocol, viral or otherwise. This is part one of a two part series. Part two gets into what to actually do about it, but you need this piece first, because throwing supplements or medications at PMDD without understanding your own biology is how so many women end up frustrated and back at square one. In This Episode, We Cover: The real difference between PMS and PMDD, and why PMDD is classified as a mental health condition, not just a hormone imbalance Why normal estrogen and progesterone levels don't rule out PMDD, and what's actually going on in the brain instead What allopregnanolone is, how it works on GABA receptors, and why some women's brains stop responding to it correctly The viral H1/H2 histamine blocker protocol: what it is, why it can bring real relief, and why it isn't a PMDD cure-all The surprising role histamine plays as a neurotransmitter, including its connection to your morning cortisol response Why PMDD symptoms show up specifically in the second half of your cycle, and how estrogen, progesterone, and mast cells are all involved Why roughly half of women with diagnosed PMDD don't tolerate progesterone well, and what that tells us about the root cause How your gut microbiome, specific probiotic strains, and your nervous system state all influence GABA receptor expression and histamine regulation Why declining egg quality and corpus luteum function can cause progesterone to drop too fast in the luteal phase Who This Episode Is For This is for any woman who has ever felt like her brain and body get hijacked in the days before her period, and who has been told it's "just PMS" or that she's overreacting. It's for women who have tried progesterone and either felt amazing or felt so much worse, and never got a real explanation why. It's also for anyone who has seen the histamine blocker trend online and wants to understand the actual mechanism before trying it themselves.     Sponsors Join the Midlife Women's Peptide Program today and get started for less than $200 a month! Head to cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONES for 20% off sitewide! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Try the power of copper peptides on your skin today and get 20% off your order with coupon code km20 here.     Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve? At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.   Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.   Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com   Shop the Midlife Solutions Store Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed. Including: • Progesterone • Estrogen Face Cream • Vaginal Moisturizer and more!   Take the Hormone Quiz Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms. Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).   Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.   Midlife RESET HRT Program A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

If you are a woman 40-plus wondering:✔️ Why can't I sleep anymore?✔️ Why do I feel anxious or overwhelmed for no obvious reason?✔️ Could my hormones really be causing all this trouble?

You're not broken. Your light environment is. If you're waking up at 3 AM and staring at the ceiling for hours, struggling with menopause insomnia, or feeling exhausted despite getting "enough" sleep, this episode reveals the missing piece almost nobody is talking about. Dr. Anna sits down with Dr. Catherine Clinton—licensed naturopathic physician, educator, author of Optimize, and Founder of the Quantum Biology Health Institute—to explore the emerging science of quantum biology and how light, circadian rhythms, mitochondria, and your environment influence sleep, hormones, metabolism, and healthy aging. After overcoming Lyme disease and two autoimmune conditions, Dr. Clinton has spent nearly two decades helping people restore health by working with their biology instead of fighting it. In this conversation, you'll discover: Why progesterone declines by up to 75% between ages 35 and 50, and why that makes sleep so much harder The surprising reason so many women wake up between 2–4 AM Why checking your phone first thing in the morning spikes cortisol and sabotages your sleep that night How just 5 minutes of natural morning sunlight can reset your circadian rhythm, improve mood, support hormone balance, and boost metabolism The simple evening routine—including lighting, temperature, magnesium, tart cherry, and more—that prepares your brain for deep, restorative sleep Why your skin responds to light too, and what that means for your bedroom environment Before you reach for another supplement, peptide, or sleep aid, learn why optimizing your light environment may be the foundation your body has been missing all along. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Dr. Anna and Dr. Catherine dive into fascia, vagus nerve health, trauma, and the body's remarkable ability to heal. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with the woman in your life who's also awake at 3 AM wondering why she can't sleep.     Key Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome and why sleep is the #1 complaint in Dr. Anna's community 02:30 — What is quantum biology, and why modern medicine is just catching up to it 05:00 — Progesterone's 75% decline from 35–50 and its direct link to anxiety and insomnia 08:30 — The science of waking at 2–4am and why it's so common in perimenopause 11:00 — Morning light exposure: why grabbing your phone first thing spikes cortisol 15:00 — The 7-day sunrise challenge and what happened when Dr. Anna's community tried it 20:00 — Making light exposure realistic (you don't need bare feet on grass every day) 27:00 — Evening light: salt lamps, blue light blockers, and the "campfire effect" on melatonin 30:00 — The evening supplement stack: tart cherry, magnesium L-threonate with glycinate 33:00 — Bedroom environment: temperature, blackout curtains, EMFs, and lux thresholds 38:00 — Does light on skin (not just eyes) disrupt sleep, even with an eye mask on? 42:00 — Closing thoughts and what's coming in Part 2 (fascia, vagus nerve, trauma)   Memorable Quotes "You're not broken. Your light environment is." "A good night's sleep starts with a good morning routine." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "LED light is like processed food. Natural sunlight is whole nutrition for your cells." — Dr. Catherine Clinton "You can't out-supplement an unhealthy lifestyle or toxic environment." — Dr. Catherine Clinton "There's only so many lasers, supplements, hormones, and peptides we can take. We have to get the foundations right." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Healing happens when we work with our biology—not against it." — Dr. Catherine Clinton     Resources Mentioned:

Your bloodwork can come back “normal” while cortisol, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction and hidden immune triggers continue driving exhaustion, weight-loss resistance and hormonal decline. Dr. Stephen Cabral joins Dr. Josh Axe to explain why treating an isolated diagnosis may fail when the real problem is an interconnected biological pattern that standard testing never uncovered. Uncover what's really going on in your body with advanced biomarker testing for hormones, thyroid, and metabolism— plus a 1-hour consultation with a Senior Health Advisor! →  http://mybloodwork.com Thank you to our sponsors! Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/axepodcast Manukora Manuka Honey: https://manukora.com/axe Caraway Home: carawayhome.com/drjoshaxe (Use code DRJOSHAXE) for an exclusive discount Watch The Dr. Josh Axe Show every Monday & Thursday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjoshaxe?sub_confirmation=1

Hormone optimization goes beyond testosterone and estrogen. In this episode of the Optimization Academy Podcast, Dr. Greg Jones talks with Ashley Madsen, PA-C, about why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low libido, weight changes, poor recovery, and perimenopause concerns often need a deeper, more personalized approach.They discuss why testosterone levels are dropping in younger men, why many women's hormone symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood, and how stress, sleep, toxins, lifestyle, body composition, and metabolic health can affect hormone balance. Ashley also breaks down common misconceptions around testosterone therapy, estrogen, progesterone, peptide therapy, genomics, and longevity medicine.If you've been searching for answers around low testosterone, perimenopause, fatigue, brain fog, weight resistance, hormone therapy, or recovery, this episode offers a practical look at what may actually be driving those changes, and why symptoms, labs, lifestyle, and personalized care all matter.

In this episode, we are diving into the importance of my two favorite hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone.  I go over the role each of these hormones place in the female body, what it can look (and feel) like when there is an imbalance, and what we can do to fix it! Ready to get answers? Schedule a free discovery call with one of my team members to get personalized next steps:

If you've ever been told you have anxiety or depression without anyone checking your hormones first... this episode is for you. In this episode of Boss Bitch Radio, I dive into a conversation that I believe every woman needs to hear. Too many women are walking out of doctor's offices with prescriptions for antidepressants without ever getting a full hormone panel. While medication absolutely has its place, I'm asking a different question: What if your hormones are part of the real story? We're talking about how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect your mood, sleep, energy, motivation, brain fog, and anxiety - especially during perimenopause and menopause. I also share my own experience with hormone changes, why I believe so many women are being misdiagnosed, and the lifestyle habits that can help support your hormones before we even get into treatment options. This episode isn't about fear or blaming doctors. It's about becoming your own advocate, asking better questions, and making sure you're getting the full picture before accepting that feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally flat is "just part of getting older." #Hormones #Perimenopause #Menopause #MentalHealth   Key Takeaways: 01:41 The 3 Hormones That Control Your Mood 02:46 Why Estrogen Affects Your Happiness 03:58 Progesterone, Anxiety & Better Sleep 05:26 Low Testosterone = Low Motivation? 08:50 Why So Many Women Get Misdiagnosed 10:26 The Stats That Will Shock You 12:26 Why Blood Work Should Come First 13:39 Simple Habits That Actually Help 19:10 When Healthy Habits Aren't Enough 20:39 Getting Real Answers with Hormone Testing 22:39 What I Hope You Take Away From This Episode Links mentioned: Ready to feel like yourself again? Visit Ivologist and use code DIANE50 for 50% off! https://ivologist.com/   Sources & References Menopause & Depression Risk (SWAN Study): Research shows women are 2–4 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode during the menopause transition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21306662/ https://www.swanstudy.org/womens-health-info/depression-menopause/ Antidepressants vs. Hormone Therapy: Approximately 1 in 3 women in perimenopause are prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for mood symptoms, though current guidelines recommend considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when appropriate. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/letters/assessing-the-suitability-of-antidepressant-use-during-perimenopause CDC (2023): Women are more than twice as likely as men to take antidepressants (15.3% vs. 7.4%) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db528.htm How Estrogen Affects Mood: Estrogen plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Fluctuations in estradiol levels during perimenopause and menopause can significantly influence mood https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7075107/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224001828 2025 Research on HRT: A recent study suggests that hormone replacement therapy - particularly when combined with testosterone - may reduce the need for antidepressants in menopausal women https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/22/Supplement_1/qdaf068.081/8119509 Want more? Join the newsletter! Behind the scenes of the pivot, brand partnerships, real life in progress, and the things I'd only tell you in a DM: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/newsletter   Connect with Diane: Website: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/  Come find me on Instagram and reply to my Stories. I actually read everything and your opinion literally shapes the brand work I do:  https://www.instagram.com/thebossbitchdiane/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianeflores_ifbb_pro  Are you a brand looking to work with me? I create content for brands I actually use and love. With 19 years of marketing and sales experience and an audience of women over 40 who are done being ignored by the brands that should be speaking to them. View my portfolio and let's talk: https://buffbunny.my.canva.site/diane-flores-ugc-portfolio  Freebies: Fit Girl Gift Guide: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/fit-girl-gift-guide  My Favorite Supplements: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/myfavoritesupplements  Protein Snack List: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/protein-snack-guide  Lower Body Blueprint: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/lower-body-blueprint  Full Body Training Program: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/full-body-gym-program 

In our first summer series episode, we review a topic that keeps coming back. Hormone therapy for menopause. It was a thing, then it stopped being a thing, now it's a thing again.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References:  Geographic variability of menopausal symptoms   1) Nappi RE et al. Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):875-882. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001793.    2) Nappi RE, et al.  Prevalence and quality-of-life burden of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A European cross-sectional survey. Maturitas. 2023 Jan;167:66-74. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.09.006.    What's the normal duration of symptoms   3) Avis NE, et al. Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):531-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063.  The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies   Rossouw JE et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Jul 17;288(3):321-33. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.3.321.    Anderson GL et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1701-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1701.   Decline in HRT after WHI studies   Sprague BL, Trentham-Dietz A, Cronin KA. A sustained decline in postmenopausal hormone use: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2010. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Sep;120(3):595-603. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318265df42.   Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study Schierbeck LL metal. Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial. BMJ. 2012 Oct 9;345:e6409. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6409.   Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Harman SM, et al. Arterial imaging outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors in recently menopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014 Aug 19;161(4):249-60. doi: 10.7326/M14-0353.   Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Hodis HN et al. Vascular Effects of Early versus Late Postmenopausal Treatment with Estradiol. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 31;374(13):1221-31. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1505241.    Stopping hormonal therapy   Berman RS et al. Risk factors associated with women's compliance with estrogen replacement therapy. J Womens Health. 1997 Apr;6(2):219-26. doi: 10.1089/jwh.1997.6.219.   Grady D, Sawaya GF. Discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Am J Med. 2005 Dec 19;118 Suppl 12B:163-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.051.   Tapering vs. abrupt stop or hormonal therapy   Haimov-Kochman R et al. Gradual discontinuation of hormone therapy does not prevent the reappearance of climacteric symptoms: a randomized prospective study. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):370-6. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000186663.36211.c0. PMID: 16735933.

Between turning 40 and navigating life with a baby, a toddler and two more kids, there is a lot going on in our world right now and we are not holding back! In this candid quarter check-in, Dr. Elana and Steph pull back the curtain on what life actually looks like right now. Steph opens up about turning 40, rebranding an entire decade and the health appointments and mindset shifts she is building into her 40s. Dr. Elana gets honest about the weight of four kids, postpartum fatigue and the three tools she reaches for every time she starts to feel off. If you have ever loved your life and still found yourself running on empty inside it, this one is for you. Topics Covered In This Episode: Steph Turning 40 and Rebranding a Decade Health Appointments Steph Schedules Every Birthday Midyear Goal Check-In and Reflection Practices Backyard Chickens and Disconnecting From Screens Books, Boundaries and Nervous System Shifts in Your 30s and 40s Progesterone, Prioritization and Not Living 100% Granola Dr. Elana Gets Real About Life With Four Kids Postpartum Emotions, the Vasectomy Decision and Marriage Planning a Women's Retreat and What Rest Actually Looks Like Three Things Dr. Elana Does When She Is in a Slump Show Notes: Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to explore Steph Greunke, RD's Mindset and Metabolism Substack, nuanced discussions on fat loss and behavior change for women. Watch this episode on our Youtube channel @medschoolformoms Listen to today's episode on our website This Episode's Sponsors  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by 15,000+ women's health practitioners, including Dr. Elana and Steph. Needed supports optimal health and nourishment throughout the Motherspan--from preconception through perimenopause. Enjoy their range of practitioner-formulated, third-party tested supplements and get 20% off with code DOCTORMOM. Visit thisisneeded.com Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $50 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute. In this episode, we're focusing on progesterone, exploring the differences between progesterone and progestins, how progesterone is used in clinical practice, and how individual responses can vary significantly. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins are not interchangeable How early synthetic progestin studies continue to shape how progesterone is viewed How different routes of progesterone administration produce different effects  Why do some women experience stronger neurological or physical effects than others on the same progesterone dose How cyclical versus continuous use can affect how progesterone is used in the body  Why some women experience sleep or mood changes on oral progesterone The importance of personalized decision-making Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources:  The pharmacodynamics and safety of progesterone doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.002 Profiles of plasma estrogens, progesterone and their metabolites after oral or vaginal administration of estradiol or progesterone doi:10.1016/0378-5122(93)90064-O Pharmacokinetics of progesterone and its metabolites allopregnanolone and pregnanolone after oral administration of low-dose progesterone doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.11.005 Allopregnanolone and mood in the peripartum: a longitudinal assessment in healthy women doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104465 Behavior of Male Gamete Fusogen GCS1/HAP2 and the Regulation in Arabidopsis Double Fertilization doi:10.3390/biom13020208 Tolerance to allopregnanolone with focus on the GABA receptor doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01059.x Effects of exercise training on the cardiovascular system: pharmacological approaches doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.03.010 Sex steroid induced negative mood may be explained by the paradoxical effect mediated by GABA modulators doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.02.003 Paradoxical effects of GABA modulators may explain sex steroid induced negative mood symptoms in some persons doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.061 Progesterone selectively increases amygdala reactivity in women doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4002030 Progesterone and allopregnanolone neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02366-5 Allopregnanolone and mood disorders doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.005 GABA receptor plasticity and neurosteroid cell withdrawal during the estrous cycle doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2800-09.2009 Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study doi:10.1007/s10549-007-9523-x Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review doi:10.1001/jama.2022.24140 Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467611 Progesterone prevents sleep disturbances and modulates GH, TSH, and melatonin secretion in postmenopausal women doi:10.1210/jc.2010-2558

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is far more than simply taking estrogen or progesterone. In this first episode of a new 36-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why hormone therapy should never be viewed as a one-size-fits-all treatment. From puberty through menopause, he explores how hormones change throughout a woman's life, why lab testing matters, and how personalized care leads to better outcomes. You'll learn the differences between estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone vs. progestins, testosterone therapy, delivery methods, and why true informed consent is essential when making decisions about your health. In this episode: ✔️ Why "HRT" is an oversimplified term ✔️ The different types of estrogen and why they matter ✔️ Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins ✔️ Testosterone therapy for women explained ✔️ Why hormone testing and lab work are critical ✔️ Oral vs. topical vs. injectable vs. pellet hormone therapy ✔️ How inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and metabolism affect hormones ✔️ Why hormone health starts long before menopause ✔️ What informed consent should actually look like in medicine This episode lays the foundation for the next 36 episodes, where Dr. McCarthy breaks down hormone therapy into practical, easy-to-understand lessons so you can become a more informed advocate for your own health.  

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

When most people think about hormone balance, they think about estrogen. But according to pharmacist and hormone expert Carol Petersen, progesterone may be the hormone women need most—and the one most often overlooked. In this episode, Dr. Jen sits down with Carol to discuss the critical role progesterone plays in perimenopause, menopause, PMS, heavy menstrual bleeding, fertility, sleep, mood, and nervous system health. They explore why progesterone deficiency often begins long before menopause, how chronic stress impacts hormone production, and why many women are being undertreated or improperly balanced with hormone therapy. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on bioidentical hormones and what true hormone balance really looks like.Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP, is a compounding pharmacist, certified nutritional practitioner, and founder of The Wellness by Design Project. With more than three decades of experience specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Carol has become a respected voice in women's health and personalized medicine. Through education, coaching, writing, and clinical consultation, she helps women better understand hormone balance, navigate perimenopause and menopause, and make informed decisions about their health.This Episode is brought to you by Zeolite:Zeocharge is a "smart binder" made from supercharged zeolite powder, designed to help naturally remove unwanted toxins—like heavy metals and microtoxins—without stripping away the essential nutrients you need to thrive.Support your overworked system and find an exclusive discount for our listeners at: zeolitelabs.com/zeolitediscountWebsite: https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolpetersen17 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessCarol Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ai0M1ZIgucAOjCdSypvVv YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewellnessbydesignproject  PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share! Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/CHECK OUT a list of my Favorite products here: https://www.healthybydrjen.com/drjenfavoritesFOLLOW ME:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/integrativedrmomYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmomFTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored.DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only.  For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

In this episode we engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jerilynn Prior, a trailblazing endocrinologist and professor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Prior shares her 40+ years of research on the importance of progesterone in women's reproductive health, the reality of hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, and how understanding ovulatory disturbances can promote lifelong well-being.This episode is a must-listen for women seeking to optimize their fertility, manage perimenopausal symptoms, and gain deeper insights into their menstrual health.Key takeaways:The importance of balancing estrogen with progesterone for reproductive and overall health.Ovulatory disturbances are common and adaptive but need attention when persistent.Perimenopausal symptoms are often linked to fluctuating estrogen levels and insufficient progesterone.Regular ovulation predicts better bone, heart, and lifelong health.Progesterone therapy effectively reduces menopausal symptoms like night sweats and sleep disturbances.Dr. Jerilynn Prior Bio: Jerilynn C. Prior is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, working on women's health. She has spent her career studying menstrual cycles and the effects of the cycle's changing estrogen and progesterone hormone levels on women's health. In 2002, she founded the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) and serves as the Centre's Scientific Director. She is also the British Columbia Centre Director of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos), a 20-year prospective 9-centre population-based bone and general health study. Dr. Prior studies menstrual cycles, the effects of ovulation and its disturbances on women's later life osteoporotic fracture, heart attack and breast cancer risks. She has studied progesterone as a treatment for hypothalamic (stress related) period disturbances, low bone density, and for hot flushes and night sweats in menopausal women (1 year since their last flow) and in perimenopausal women (who are in the transition but not yet menopausal).Where To Find Dr. Jerilynn Prior: CEMCOR - Center for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research - https://cemcor.ubc.ca/Books: Estrogen's Storm Season - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B078JSRFKRRESEARCHS:Menstrual cycle, follicular and luteal phase variabilitiesHere's a paper we just published in Human Reproduction—showing that it is nonsense to believe the luteal phase is fixed at 14 days. Henry, Sarah https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae215Menstrual cramps and ovulationBecause menstrual cramps are said to only occur in ovulatory cycles, we analyzed cramps in both groups—women with anovulation had more intense cramps that lasted longer! https://doi:10.2147/JPR.S457484.Very important when discussing perimenopauseWe showed significantly decreased night sweats and improved sleep, no change in periods and a significant decrease in perimenopausal interference with daily life.Here's the open access link https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35826-wMore progress toward a new therapy for PCOS—we completed a feasibility study of cyclic progesterone (14 days/cycle) and spironolactone (an anti-androgen)—our primary outcome was a five part PCOS-specific quality of life instrument. This confirms my hypotheses in this blog post some years ago https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/the-case-for-a-new-pcos-therapyEndometriosis and Brown Adipose Tissue—need assistance recruitingWe're currently recruiting for women with endometriosis ages 19-35 who are not using hormones and are without chronic pain https://www.cemcor.ca/endometriosis-and-brown-adipose-tissue-bat-activity-studyWe're studying Brown Adipose Tissue activity in women with endometriosis and normally ovulatory controls.

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

There is an undeniable buzz around testosterone for women right now. While many patients report feeling more energized, happier, and clearer of mind after adding it to their hormone therapy regimen, clinical questions and nuances still remain. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with world-renowned urologist Dr. Mohit Khera, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Andrology Research at the Baylor College of Medicine, to demystify testosterone's role in midlife optimization, the safety data behind it, and why sexual health is the ultimate check-engine light for your overall well-being.Key Takeaways: The Hormonal Triangle (Triple Therapy): Modern midlife medicine must evolve past dual hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone). True optimization requires Triple Therapy—adding systemic testosterone to balance the triangle—alongside localized vaginal estrogen therapy for complete quality of life restoration. Women naturally produce nearly five times more testosterone than estradiol. When testosterone declines, replacing it can significantly augment bone mineral density, lean muscle mass, cognitive focus (brain fog), mood stability, and all four domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain mitigation). The Clinical Safety Reality: Historical fears that testosterone causes breast cancer or cardiovascular events are not backed by data. Large-scale charts and transgender health studies (using ten times the standard female dose) demonstrate excellent safety profiles. In fact, emerging data suggests testosterone may even help decrease breast cancer risk. The "Sex Factor" & Overall Health: Sexual health is a bidirectional barometer for physical and mental health. Rather than just a recreational activity, sexual function acts as a "check engine light." Dysfunction is often an early clinical indicator of undiagnosed depression, diabetes, or future cardiovascular events. The 50/50 Rule: Hormones are not a standalone holy grail; they are synergistic with lifestyle modification. Clinical optimization requires medical therapy (50%) to meet lifestyle modifications (50%) halfway through intentional diet, exercise, sleep, and chronic stress reduction.Upcoming Frontiers in Healthcare:The landscape of hormone therapy regulation is rapidly shifting. Dr. Khera shares recent monumental policy wins, including the FDA's removal of major historical warnings on local estrogens and male testosterone labels. For women, clinical discussions are currently underway with the FDA to bring regulatory approval for female-specific testosterone gels and oral formats to the US market within the next two to three years.

Progesterone is one of the most important hormones for fertility, healthy ovulation, and sustaining early pregnancy, yet so many women are never taught how it actually works.In this episode, Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan sit down with fertility nutritionist Sophia Pavia to break down the truth about low progesterone, luteal phase defects, ovulation quality, and why so many women today are struggling with hormone imbalances, infertility, and pregnancy loss.We unpack how progesterone is made, why ovulation is essential for healthy hormone balance, what “unopposed estrogen” really means, and the signs your luteal phase may need support. Sophia also explains why conventional medicine can be hesitant about progesterone supplementation, when it may be appropriate, and how nutrition, stress, blood sugar balance, and cycle tracking can help support stronger ovulation and healthier progesterone production naturally.If you're trying to conceive, navigating recurrent loss, or simply want to better understand your hormones, this episode is packed with practical education and empowering insight.00:00 Intro + Sophia Returns To The Podcast01:24 Why Low Progesterone Matters for Fertility02:34 Why So Many Women Struggle with Progesterone Today13:17 How PCOS, Endometriosis & Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Affect Progesterone15:49 How Progesterone Is Actually Made in the Body19:59 Estrogen vs Progesterone: What Balance Really Means25:49 Can You Have a Weak Ovulation?33:40 Egg Quality vs Progesterone: Which Comes First?35:24 Why Doctors Often Hesitate to Prescribe Progesterone41:59 When Progesterone Supplementation May Help46:16 Signs Your Luteal Phase Needs Support47:56 How to Support Progesterone Naturally50:42 Where to Find Sophia + Final EncouragementResources From This Episode:Sophia's Website - https://www.ttcnutritionist.com/Follow Sophia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ttc.nutritionistOther Related Episodes:Episode #31: The Power of Progesterone - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000625679300Episode #108: Surviving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy with Sophia Pavia - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000703730128Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Send us Fan MailProgesterone-in-oil shots, also known as PIO shots, are one of the most feared and hated parts of IVF. They are uncomfortable, intimidating, and often leave patients wondering: “Do I really need this, or is my fertility doctor just being cruel?”In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explains why progesterone matters for implantation, how estrogen and progesterone work together to prepare the uterine lining, and why the type of embryo transfer cycle changes everything.The key question is not simply whether progesterone shots are better than vaginal progesterone. The real question is whether your body is making progesterone on its own.Dr. Amols breaks down the difference between ovulatory or modified natural frozen embryo transfers and programmed frozen embryo transfers. In an ovulatory cycle, the body forms a corpus luteum and produces progesterone naturally. In a programmed cycle, there is no ovulation, no corpus luteum, and therefore no natural progesterone production — meaning all progesterone support must come from medication.This episode also reviews the research comparing daily progesterone-in-oil shots, vaginal progesterone alone, and combination protocols using vaginal progesterone plus intermittent PIO injections. The data shows why vaginal progesterone alone may not be enough in programmed frozen embryo transfer cycles and why many clinics still rely on PIO for reliable progesterone support.Dr. Amols also discusses progesterone blood levels, why levels can be hard to interpret with vaginal progesterone, why clinics may differ in their protocols, and how some patients may be candidates for fewer injections or modified natural cycles.If you are preparing for an embryo transfer, taking progesterone, or wondering why your clinic recommends PIO shots, this episode will help you understand the science behind the shot — and hopefully hate your doctor a little less.The bottom line: fertility doctors are not sadists. Progesterone-in-oil may be a literal pain in the butt, but in some embryo transfer cycles, it has an important purpose.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Most women have been told their cycle is something to manage, track for fertility, or push through. What almost no one is saying is that your cycle is a second biological clock running inside your body at all times. The circadian rhythm is roughly 24 hours and is governed by light. The infradian rhythm is roughly 28 days and is governed by the menstrual cycle. Men have one main rhythm. Women have two. This is not a flaw in our design. It is added intelligence. In this solo episode, Michelle walks you through what is actually happening underneath the surface of each phase. Your brain structure shifts across the cycle. Your immune system, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, microbiome, and nervous system are all moving with you. You will learn why the same stressor can feel completely different from one week to the next, why luteal phase cravings are real signals and not willpower failures, and how to begin matching your work, food, and rest to the phase you are actually in. Whether you are trying to conceive or simply want to stop fighting your own body, this episode offers a more accurate map of how you are designed to function.   Key Takeaways: Women have two main biological rhythms. The circadian rhythm is roughly 24 hours. The infradian rhythm is roughly 28 days and is governed by the menstrual cycle. Most lifestyle and research advice is built around the male 24-hour clock, which is part of why so many women feel exhausted. Your brain structure literally changes across the cycle. The hippocampus shifts in volume, connectivity between regions changes, and verbal fluency, spatial reasoning, and pain perception all move with the phases. Feeling like a different person at different times of the month is neurobiology, not emotional volatility. Your immune system is rhythmic. It is more active in the first half of the cycle and shifts after ovulation, when progesterone becomes mildly immunosuppressive to prepare the uterus for a possible embryo. This is why colds, autoimmune flares, and allergies can shift across the month. Basal metabolic rate rises slightly in the luteal phase, and insulin sensitivity changes. The same meal can land differently depending on where you are in your cycle. Luteal phase cravings are often a real signal of higher energy needs. The gut and vaginal microbiomes also shift cyclically with hormones. You are not a static system. Everything inside your body moves with you. Heart rate variability tends to be higher in the follicular phase and lower in the luteal phase. The same stressor can land very differently depending on when in the month it arrives. Your nervous system is operating from a different baseline. From a TCM perspective, the liver works harder in the luteal phase to prepare for menstruation, which can show up as more irritability, less energy, and stagnation when qi is not flowing freely. Working with the cycle is not just a fertility tool. It is a way of living that supports energy, focus, mood, and recovery across the entire month. Practical starting points: track more than your period (energy, sleep, mood, focus, hunger, stress response), match the work to the phase when possible, and eat in a way that responds to what your body is actually doing in each phase.   Host Bio: Michelle Oravitz, L.Ac., FABORM, is a board-certified fertility acupuncturist, Ayurvedic practitioner, and author of The Way of Fertility. She is the host of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, where she explores the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine, modern fertility science, nervous system health, and the deeper, often overlooked terrain of mind-body fertility. Through her clinical practice and online programs, Michelle works with women trying to conceive and with practitioners who want to bring a more holistic, integrated approach into their work.   Research and Resources Cited: Brain structure and function changes across the menstrual cycle (hippocampal volume) Cyclical changes in hippocampal volume across the menstrual cycle Menstrual cycle effects on cognition: verbal fluency and spatial reasoning Pain perception and threat sensitivity across the menstrual cycle Progesterone and immune modulation in the luteal phase Basal metabolic rate variation across the menstrual cycle Insulin sensitivity and the menstrual cycle Gut microbiome variation across the menstrual cycle Vaginal microbiome shifts across the menstrual cycle Heart rate variability across the menstrual cycle Cortisol and HPA axis response across the menstrual cycle   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.  Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

What if your progesterone problem has nothing to do with your hormones, and everything to do with your alarm clock? Stay with me. Your body steals progesterone to make cortisol every time you're stressed, physically or emotionally, and it does this without asking your permission, often before you've even gotten out of bed.In this episode, I'm going rapid-fire through a list of everyday habits that are quietly draining your progesterone production. This isn't a beginner list, and I admit I'm guilty of some of these too! These are the sneaky, "literally everyone does this" kind of habits that feel so normal you'd never think to question them, but your body absolutely notices every single one. So, if you get through this whole episode and somehow find that you don't identify with any of them, please message me, because I will be genuinely shocked.And this matters even if a baby isn't on your radar right now. Building good progesterone today is basically how you bank yourself a smoother perimenopause later, and that's a season I'd love for you to walk into feeling like yourself.Here's what I'm breaking down for you:Why your phone in the morning is priming your nervous system to be stressed for the rest of the day, and yes, switching to email counts just as muchThe real cost of always needing something in your ears, and what I noticed when I finally let myself sit in silence for five minutesWhat it actually means if you're waking up to pee at night, because "I drink a lot of water" probably isn't the full answerTwo light habits almost everyone gets wrong, one in the morning, one at night, and what they're quietly doing to your cortisol and progesteroneThe way you're eating lunch that's messing with your hormones, and it has nothing to do with what's on your plateWhy eating less can slow your metabolism and raise your cortisol, and why discipline has nothing to do with itSome of this stuff is so woven into our daily lives that it feels impossible to even question. My husband legitimately cannot understand why I bought an actual alarm clock instead of just using my phone, and I get it, it sounds a little extra. But once you hear why I made that switch, you'll probably want to make a couple of these same "extra" swaps too. Same goes for the friend who insists she sleeps fine even though she's up to pee twice a night, or the one who can't sit in her car for a five-minute drive without a podcast playing. We've all just normalized so much that our bodies are quietly screaming about it, and a lot of it has nothing to do with food or supplements at all.Here's the thing about progesterone: your body treats it like a luxury hormone. The second you're under any kind of stress - physical, mental, emotional, doesn't matter - your body will steal the raw materials meant for progesterone and use them to make more cortisol instead. So, if a few of these sound a little too familiar, that's not a coincidence. That's your body trying to tell you something.You do not need to overhaul all of these at once; please don't, that never sticks for anyone. Pick the one that hits you the hardest, give it a few consistent weeks, and just watch what shifts. Progesterone doesn't respond to perfection; it responds to consistency, and that's actually really good news.This episode is your permission to question the things you've just always assumed were part of being a busy woman. Hit play, and let's get into it.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:PMS TO PEACE Private Podcast E279: These Emotional Patterns Are Keeping Your Hormones StuckNEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Breakfast GuideNourish Tracker - Discount code: HAPPILYHORMONALBook a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meGrab your Happily Hormonal Quick Start GuideHormone 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.Send 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

Today, we're talking about "Everything you need to know about progesterone" with the CEO and Founder of Proov test, Dr. Amy Beckley. With a PhD in pharmacology, and a history of infertility, Dr. Beckley created a test to confirm successful ovulation at home by tracking PdG. She founded MFB Fertility, Inc. and invented the Proov test in her own basement. Now women can purchase this test, and get results in just five minutes at home. 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, July 13, 2026 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain Egg Freezing 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 were told to try again. Maybe you were told it was bad luck, or to wait until it happened a third time before anyone would look. Here is what changed this year. In 2026, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine updated its definition of recurrent pregnancy loss for the first time since 2012. Two losses now meet the definition, not three, and a positive test that ended early counts. The old number kept women waiting for a third loss before the investigation even started. Here is the part no one tells you. Meeting the definition gets you a workup. It does not guarantee the workup is complete. After two or more losses, up to half of couples are told the same word. Unexplained. The losses are real. What gets called a complete workup is the question. This episode is the 9 specific things we most often find that are rarely checked before a woman is told her losses were unexplained or simply bad luck. Pull it up. Take notes. Bring it to your next appointment. The 9 patterns: Thyroid, the full panel and antibodies, not just TSH Antiphospholipid antibodies, tested correctly Chronic endometritis The reproductive microbiome, vaginal and seminal The gut, hidden gluten, and inflammation Sperm DNA fragmentation The male partner's full bloodwork Blood sugar and metabolic patterns The nervous system and progesterone These are the areas that sit outside a standard miscarriage workup. A 2012 meta-analysis in Human Reproduction, pooling sixteen studies and nearly three thousand couples, found miscarriage rates rose with sperm DNA damage, with about twice the relative risk. Unexplained rarely means there is nothing to find. It usually means the search stopped at the karyotype, one antiphospholipid test, the anatomy, and a TSH. For the full breakdown of every pattern, read the companion article, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: The Functional Fertility Approach, at https://fabfertile.com/blogs/learn/recurrent-pregnancy-loss WHAT YOUR CLINIC MISSED The companion guide walks through all 9 of these patterns in more detail, so you can take it to your next appointment and ask the questions. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED, and we will send you the guide. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION A free 45-minute call where I review your labs, your history, your losses, and your partner's results with you. You leave knowing what your biology has been telling you and what your next decision could be. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It is how other women find this work. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 What "Unexplained" Means and What the 2026 Guideline Changed 01:30 Who's Reviewing Your Case at Fab Fertile 04:00 Thyroid: The Full Panel, Not Just TSH 05:50 Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Tested Correctly 06:30 Chronic Endometritis 07:30 The Reproductive Microbiome 08:30 The Gut, Hidden Gluten, and Inflammation 10:30 What Your Clinic Missed Guide 11:00 Sperm DNA Fragmentation 12:30 The Male Partner's Full Bloodwork 13:50 Blood Sugar and Metabolic Patterns 15:20 The Nervous System and Progesterone 16:30 What "Unexplained" Really Means 17:20 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion

In my perimenopause health journey, I share why I chose progesterone before thyroid medication and how stress, sleep, and hormones intersect.

What happens when the womb is treated as separate from the rest of women's health? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Dr. Kemi Doll, double board-certified gynecologic oncologist, equity scientist, researcher, coach, and author of A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb and Your Survival Guide to Healing, for a powerful conversation about womb health, uterine cancer, fibroids, HRT, health equity, and why so many women are still being taught to normalize symptoms that deserve care.Together, they explore why womb health is not only about pregnancy, fertility, or menopause, but a lifelong part of women's physical, emotional, hormonal, and whole-body health. Dr. Doll shares how her grandmother's death in childbirth, her mother's near-death experience, and her own work as a gynecologic cancer surgeon shaped her mission to bring the uterus back into the center of women's health.Dr. Taz and Dr. Doll also discuss why uterine cancer is rising, why Black women are twice as likely to die after a uterine cancer diagnosis, and how gaps in research, screening, and diagnostic tools may leave women of color especially vulnerable. They unpack the role of ultrasound, endometrial thickness, post-menopausal bleeding, and why women need clearer conversations with their providers when something feels off.This conversation also takes a closer look at the explosion of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, and the questions every woman with a uterus should be asking. Dr. Doll explains why estrogen without proper progesterone protection can increase uterine cancer risk, why some women may not understand the role progesterone plays, and why monitoring the uterus matters when using hormones.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

Thank you for joining us for our 2nd Cabral HouseCall of the weekend!   I'm looking forward to sharing with you some of our community's questions that have come in over the past few weeks…   Matt: Hi Dr Cabral, I'm constantly trying to improve my sleep but can rarely ever get more than 6 to 6 1/2 hours consistently. If I go to bed earlier, I wake up earlier ready to go. Right now I'm taking 2g of taurine, balanced zinc, 500mg magnesium, 100mg theanine, 50mg Apagenin and 3g of glycine. I have no problem falling asleep but consistently wake up around 3-4am. I recently added some Inositol to help get back to sleep but I can't really remember the last time I went to sleep and woke up the next morning by my alarm clock. Just to note, I'm 45 with 3 kids that also like to pop in our room in the middle of the night. Any tips to help get that 7-8 hours I need?       Tricia: Hello Dr C! I'm 57 and I tested my estrogen and progesterone. I'm of course estrogen dominant. I started taking your progesterone support and gosh it is amazing! My sleep has gotten even better! My question is do you think I should take the estrogen supplement too to help balance the two? Are these usually lifetime supplements for post menopausal women? Thanks     Kevin: Just received my annual labs back for annual physical and total Cholesterol is 299, Triglycerides 70, HDL 105, LDL 180, ratio 3.8, and LDL Direct at 182. I have Hashimoto disease, candida for past couple of years and mycotoxins from mold exposure. I cant afford to move out of house so I'm still exposed. I had a functional doctor but can no longer afford the out of pocket expenses. I was on cholestramine powder along with binders but stopped doing them last year because not helping. I'm really worried about having stroke or heart attack. I don't know where to start anymore and been told without moving nothings going to work. What do you recommend I do.? I plan on purchasing Proteolytic Enzymes with Nattokinase to hopefully reduce plaque. What tests do you think would be best for me?       Sienna: Hi Dr. Cabral - hoping you can help! In a country where FM labs aren't an option + entering into mid-40's, surrounded by Perimenopause "fear". I have done your hormone HRA + apart from feeling like I get TRIGGERED a lot easier, I don't have more of the common symptoms (ie night sweats). My cycle the last 2 months was slightly longer but don't want to over think it. I am wondering if there are bloods that can help outline where we are in terms of our hormones (I know saliva is preferable)... I really want to support my hormones, and know you say we can do this naturally well into later life ie 60's! I know estrogen declines + ED is common - would appreciate markers to look at, ranges + if your wife couldn't test what you'd recommend for her :) Thank you for ALL you do! Sienna       Rianna: Hi Dr. Cabral! Sleep it's an area I am REALLY focused on supporting - we know when we are tired everything is harder ;-) & I am all about energy as I move towards my mid-40's.. I track my sleep on Garmin + know you mention Deep Sleep (90 mins) + Rem Sleep (2+ hours) as ideals, but I am no where near there consistently. The only time I get quite close is during my detox. My HRV has improved considerably (almost doubled) since Jan(through substantially reducing alcohol intake + focusing on sleep hygiene). I average on 7 - 7.5 hours sleep, mostly right through or brief wake, + mostly feel great/rested. My REM sleep this morning was 0 minutes (??) - is that reall even possible? 80 mins deep, 6.5 hrs"light" - how much attention would you give it if you feel recharged? Tips? Thx for all you do!     Thank you for tuning into this weekend's Cabral HouseCalls and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Mindset & Motivation Monday show to get your week started off right!   - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3782 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

Is progesterone the most misunderstood hormone in women's health? For decades, women have been told that progesterone is only necessary to protect the uterus. But what if that's only a small part of the story? In this fascinating and thought-provoking episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca welcomes renowned OB-GYN and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Felice Gersh for a deep dive into the science, controversy, and clinical nuances of progesterone therapy in menopause. Drawing on more than 45 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gersh explains why she believes progesterone is far more than a hormone for pregnancy and uterine protection. Together, she and Dr. Anna explore progesterone's role in brain health, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular wellness, sleep, cognition, and healthy aging. They discuss why hormone therapy should never be one-size-fits-all, the differences between progesterone and synthetic progestins, the growing evidence supporting cyclic hormone therapy, and how delivery methods—including oral, vaginal, transdermal, and rectal progesterone—can produce dramatically different effects in the body. The conversation also tackles one of the most controversial topics in women's health: hormone therapy after breast cancer. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why progesterone is a "life hormone," not just a reproductive hormone • The surprising neuroprotective effects of progesterone • How oral progesterone differs from vaginal and transdermal delivery • Why cyclic hormone therapy may more closely mimic natural physiology • The role of allopregnanolone in sleep, mood, cognition, and brain health • How inflammation influences breast cancer risk more than many women realize • Why individualized hormone therapy remains essential for optimal aging If you've ever wondered whether you're using progesterone correctly—or if you've been told you don't need it after menopause—this episode may completely change how you think about hormone health.   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Felice Gersh and why progesterone remains one of the most misunderstood hormones in medicine. 04:30 – Why menopause is a metabolic transition, not simply the end of fertility. 08:45 – Dr. Gersh explains why progesterone should not be viewed solely as uterine protection. 14:20 – The concept of progesterone as a "life hormone" and its effects throughout the body. 21:30 – Cyclic versus continuous hormone therapy and what nature can teach us about hormone rhythms. 28:15 – Neuroprotection, traumatic brain injury research, cognition, and progesterone's impact on brain health. 36:40 – Progesterone versus synthetic progestins: why the distinction matters. 43:55 – Oral progesterone, allopregnanolone, and the surprising effects on sleep, mood, and cognition. 58:10 – The science behind vaginal, transdermal, and rectal progesterone delivery. 1:09:20 – Postmenopausal bleeding, endometrial protection, and important clinical considerations. 1:18:45 – Progesterone, breast cancer, inflammation, and informed consent. 1:31:00 – Final thoughts on individualized hormone therapy and empowering women through education.   Memorable Quotes "I don't call them sex hormones. I call them life hormones." — Dr. Felice Gersh "Progesterone has receptors throughout the body and affects virtually every organ system." — Dr. Felice Gersh "We are not smarter than nature." — Dr. Felice Gersh "Hormone therapy is never one-size-fits-all." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "The underlying issue that caused the cancer wasn't reproductive hormones." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Most women don't need less information—they need better information." — Dr. Felice Gersh   Connect With Guest Website: https://integrativemgi.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FeliceGershMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicegershmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicegershmd/   Connect With Dr. Anna Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor  

Some of the more frustrating symptoms of midlife hormone decline and perimenopause is stubborn fat loss, weight gain, and fat redistribution around the midsection. HRT is often part of what's promoted to manage these metabolic changes, and many women expect to lose weight when they start it. While replacing hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can help with fat loss and muscle gain, some women will experience weight gain for a variety of reasons when they begin using hormones. In this episode I cover the five biggest reasons this happens and what you can do about it. For more info on how I can help you visit my site BetterByDrBrooke. Resources mentioned in this episode: Progesterone cycling: Episode #444 - Should You Be Cycling Your HRT?  Better by Dr. Brooke: adapt + cope - optimal adaptogen blend Better by Dr. Brooke: better + b active - activated b complex Better by Dr. Brooke: better + magnesium - magnesium glycinate complex   Grab the Midlife Is More Than HRT guide free right here if, like me, midlife didn't feel quite like you expected. And be sure to listen to episodes #438 and #439, which were all about the mess that midlife can be, and my 3G + 4R process to tackle it!   Stuff I Know You Will Love If you are looking for an expert prescriber for HRT during your perimenopause or menopause journey but are at odds with your local provider being a bit behind current best practices or you simply can't find anyone near you to help, it is MIDI to the rescue! I've worked with a number of telehealth services in my search for providers that are up to date on modern menopause medicine, have great customer service, and are licensed in all 50 states and I'm so thrilled to have found my provider with MIDI. If you too need help with getting HRT please use this link bit.ly/drbrookemidi to try MIDI with no membership fees and insurance billing available.   Be sure you connect with me in my FREE PRIVATE Facebook group: Hormones & Happiness with Dr. Brooke where other amazing, like-minded women like YOU are already hanging out! Join us!   Follow Dr. Brooke on Instagram and get signed up for my awesome emails here. Seriously, I write really great emails, or so 1000s of women tell me and I'd like to send you one too. To work with Dr. Brooke click here and if you loved this episode, please leave a review!

Do you feel exhausted but can't seem to wind down? That wired-but-tired feeling so many women experience in midlife has a name, and a cause most doctors never address. In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie are joined by Dr. Scott Sherr, a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in health optimization, to explore the connection between chronic stress, hormone changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dr. Scott introduces the concept of the "sympathetic spiral of doom" — the cycle of stress, poor sleep, and cellular energy breakdown that keeps so many women stuck, and shares practical, science-backed ways to break it. The conversation covers methylene blue (what it is, how it works, and who should use it), GABA and nervous system support, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Scott also explains why only 6% of US adults have optimally functioning mitochondria, and what the other 94% can do about it. Key Takeaways: Chronic stress and hormone fluctuations directly impair mitochondrial function Estrogen is a critical mitochondrial optimizer, losing it in perimenopause has real cellular consequences Only 6% of US adults are metabolically healthy; symptoms of the rest range from brain fog to poor sleep to slow recovery Methylene blue supports mitochondrial energy production and works as a bridge while you optimize your health more broadly If a GABA supplement works for you, that's a warning sign worth paying attention to Down-regulating the nervous system too fast, without mitochondrial support, can cause a crash Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most effective once you have a foundational health plan in place Sleep is one of the most powerful levers for mitochondrial health 00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Scott's background 04:13 – Why midlife women's bodies stop responding the way they used to 07:32 – Progesterone, GABA, and sleep disruption 09:04 – What mitochondria actually do and why they matter 13:16 – The 6% metabolic health statistic 17:00 – The sympathetic spiral of doom, explained 21:01 – Cortisol: misunderstood and mismanaged 29:32 – What methylene blue is and how to use it 33:55 – Who should not take methylene blue 38:33 – Performance, travel, and targeted use 47:17 – GABA support and down-regulating the nervous system 55:18 – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: benefits, timing, and protocols 01:00:52 – One action to take today 01:03:09 – Where to find Dr. Scott and his products Guest Links: Dr. Scott Sherr: drscottsherr.com Troscriptions: troscriptions.com Use code LIVINGWELL for 10% off Products mentioned: Just Blue, Blue Cannatine, Tro Calm, Tro Zzz This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com and mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Ready for a Reset, On Your Own Time? If you've been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, foggy, or just not like yourself, our Vitality Reboot Anytime is a simple way to give your body the reset it's been craving. This is our do-it-yourself version of The Art of Living Well Podcast® community detox, designed so you can move through the program whenever it works best for you. You'll receive everything you need to support your body with nourishing foods, targeted detox support, and simple daily practices that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. Subscribe to our Substack for wellness tips, episode updates, and your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist: theartoflivingwell.substack.com Follow us: Instagram: @theartofliving_well YouTube: @theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: The Art of Living Well Podcast TikTok: @theartoflivingwel Spotify and Apple Podcasts Connect with your hosts: theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

Perimenopause is more than hot flashes and irregular periods. In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with Christian nutritionist Chelsea Blackbird to discuss the surprising physical, emotional, and mental changes women experience during midlife hormone shifts. Together they explore the connection between progesterone, estrogen, histamine, anxiety, sleep, trauma, autoimmune conditions, and nervous system health. They also discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), natural support options like evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca, and why foundational habits such as sunlight, sleep, stress regulation, and nutrition matter more than ever during this season. If you've ever thought, "I don't feel like myself anymore," this conversation will help you understand why—and what you can do to support your body through the transition. Key Topics: - What perimenopause actually is - Why women often feel "off" before cycles become irregular - Progesterone decline and estrogen dominance - Histamine, hives, food sensitivities, and hormone fluctuations - Trauma resurfacing during midlife - Anxiety, self-doubt, and neurotransmitter changes - HRT: benefits, limitations, and common misconceptions - Evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca - Testosterone and female motivation, focus, and libido - Autoimmune flares during perimenopause - The role of sunlight in hormone regulation - Nervous system resilience and adrenal health - Sleep and circadian rhythms - Faith-based stewardship of health 
Links Mentioned: Knead Your Cure Conference: https://www.kneadyourcure.com/ Chelsea's website: https://www.thechristiannutritionist.com/ The School of Christian Health and Nutrition: https://go.thechristiannutritionist.com/christiannutritionschool Join Erin's monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Order Erin's new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/

There's a lot going on in the luteal phase, but treating premenstrual mood symptoms might be simpler than you think.In this episode, Lara discusses common drivers of hormonal mood symptoms, such as high histamine, high prolactin, and a higher requirement for sodium. Links:Why progesterone is both good and bad for moodIdentifying a link between prolactin and female painMy iodine article ADHD linked to higher risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute. Today, I'm focusing on all the questions I received about gallbladder health, including HRT-provoking symptoms, supplements that improve gallbladder health, and evidence-based food interventions. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why the risk of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation increases during the menopause transition How estrogen and progesterone HRT have different effects on gallbladder functioning The differences in risk between transdermal and oral HRT How the progesterone in HRT can cause gallbladder issues in some women What TUDCA is, and how it supports gallbladder health The value of TUDCA for women who have had their gallbladders removed How various nutrients and supplements support bile flow and gallbladder health What can contribute to gallstone formation Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Gallbladder Research: Cabrera D, Arab JP, Arrese M. UDCA, NorUDCA, and TUDCA in liver diseases: a review of their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Seminars in Liver Disease. 2019;39(4):397–404. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1696799  Vang S, Longley K, Steer CJ, Low WC. The unexpected uses of urso- and tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of non-liver diseases. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2014;3(3):58–69. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.017  Bai M, Yang L, Liao H, et al. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2024;72(41):22655–22668. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04630  Simon JA, Hudes ES. Relation of serum ascorbic acid to serum vitamin B12, serum ferritin, and kidney stones in US adults. *Archives of Internal Medicine.*1999;159(6):619–624. doi:10.1001/archinte.159.6.619  Walcher T, Haenle MM, Kron M, et al. Vitamin C supplement use may protect against gallstones: an observational study on a randomly selected population. BMC Gastroenterology. 2009;9:74. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-74  Tsai CJ, Leitzmann MF, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Long-term intake of dietary fiber and decreased risk of cholecystectomy in women. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004;99(7):1364–1370. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.30281.x  Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Spiegelman D, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Coffee intake is associated with lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease in women. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(6):1823–1830. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.37085  Moerman CJ, Smeets FW, Kromhout D. Dietary risk factors for clinically diagnosed gallstones in middle-aged men — a 25-year follow-up study. Annals of Epidemiology. 1994;4(3):248–254. doi:10.1016/1047-2797(94)90099-x Association between dietary magnesium intake and gallstones: the mediating role of atherogenic index of plasma. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2024;23(1):82. doi:10.1186/s12944-024-02074-4  Pitt HA, Doty JE, Murphy MM, Schwarz MB. Progesterone alters biliary flow dynamics. Annals of Surgery. 1999;229(2):205–209. doi:10.1097/00000658-199902000-00008

You all LOVE progesterone episodes (because it's such a common imbalance) so today we're talking about 4 physical signs you'll experience if you're moving in the right direction & balancing your progesterone levels out.Ways to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Applications for the next round of Corinne's Trying to Conceive Accelerator are now OPEN! Check out the details here. (round starts mid-June!) Episodes Referenced:287. [Q&A] How do you raise progesterone & lower estrogen levels?163. [PART 1] The causes & symptoms of LOW PROGESTERONE!165. [PART 2] Three simple ways to support progesterone levels193. SPOTTING before your period, CERVICAL MUCUS patterns & LOW PROGESTERONE Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

Maria Emmerich is a bestselling author, nutritionist, and wellness expert known for her practical, science-informed approach to ketogenic and low-carb living. After struggling with her own health and weight challenges, Maria transformed her life through nutrition and has since dedicated her career to helping others improve metabolic health, heal their relationship with food, and simplify healthy living. She is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Keto, The Carnivore Cookbook, and Quick & Easy Ketogenic Cooking. Through her books, coaching, and speaking, Maria has become one of the most trusted voices in the low-carb and keto community. In this episode, Dr. Brian and Maria talk about… (00:00) Intro (01:53) Bioidentical hormone therapy (05:58) Progesterone (08:39) Testosterone (11:15) Tips for hormone testing (12:46) Hormone pellets (15:30) Forms of hormone therapy (17:40) Hormones and sleep quality (19:24) Liver health (22:24) Peptides (33:36) Dietary/lifestyle modifications for treating various diseases (34:32) Magnesium (35:25) B1 Thiamin (36:26) Iodine (37:51) Knowledge and action (40:13) Gut health and carbohydrates (47:20) Strength training and running (48:39) Surfing whales (49:10) Outro/plugs  For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening! Links: Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/ Maria Emmerich: Website: https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/ NEW BOOK: https://keto-adapted.com/product/the-art-of-metabolic-health/ X: https://x.com/MariaEmmerich IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariaemmerich/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaEmmerich Dr. Brian Lenzkes:  Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author Dr. Tro Kalayjian:  Website: https://toward.health Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/ Toward Health App Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.  Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.  Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888  Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

Are you going to feel good all summer, or hit August wondering why you became a different person from the neck up? Summer always feels like the healthiest (and happiest) season - lighter food, a few drinks at the barbecue, more movement, sunshine, a slower pace. So why do so many women feel worse in July and August than any other time of year?Turns out, summer is one of the sneakiest seasons for progesterone. It's because everything you do looks completely right and healthy, but the habits that look the most innocent are the ones that cause harm. And your body keeps a running tab. So by mid-July, it starts sending you the bill, in the form of PMS that's crept back, mood swings you thought you'd fixed, and that specific kind of exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to touch.I'd like you to know: this is not a willpower problem. Your body is just running on less safety than it needs to make progesterone, and it's been doing that since May.Here's what we get into:The summer-specific breakfast habit that feels like a healthy upgrade but spikes your cortisol every single morning (yes, even the organic macro-balanced version)Why your luteal phase in July and August is almost always the worst of the year, and the one thing that actually protects itWhat GLP-1s and rapid summer weight loss do to your estrogen and progesterone, and what to watch for if this is you (or your friend)No one is telling you to skip the barbecue or eat a hot breakfast in a heatwave. This is an honest conversation that helps you actually feel good when August gets here, instead of just surviving it.If you've ever looked at your calendar in September and thought, "Okay, now I actually have to fix myself," this episode is for you. Because the fix is a lot simpler than a full reset, and it starts right now, in June, before compounding even has a chance to happen.Pop it on while you're making dinner tonight. It's about 20 minutes, and it might be the most useful thing you'll listen to all summer.Fix Your Breakfast, Fix Your Hormones Podcast CourseE57: How Much Does Alcohol REALLY Impact Your Hormones?NEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Breakfast GuideNourish Tracker - Discount code: HAPPILYHORMONALBook a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meGrab your Happily Hormonal Quick Start GuideHormone 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.Send 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