Podcasts about Progesterone

How Long Does It Take You to Wake Up? The Cortisol Cheater Question You hit snooze six times. You need two cups of coffee before you can hold a conversation. Or the opposite: your eyes open at a level ten, heart already going, anxiety already running. There is a name for what is happening, and there is a test for it. Dr. Terri sits down with Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP, the naturopathic physician known as the Queen of Hormones, for a conversation about the hormone testing almost nobody is ordering. Not blood. Not saliva. Urine metabolites, which show you not just how much of a hormone you have, but where it goes after your body is finished with it. Because that turns out to be the part that matters. Estrogen can travel down three different pathways, and one of them is protective while another is genotoxic. Testosterone can convert into something far more potent, which is why some women get hair loss and jawline acne on a dose that works beautifully for someone else. Progesterone can knock one woman out in ten minutes and do almost nothing for the woman next to her on an identical dose. None of that shows up on a standard panel. They also spend real time on cortisol, which has become the most misunderstood hormone on the internet. Dr. Carrie makes the case that we are doing to cortisol exactly what we did to estrogen after the Women's Health Initiative: blaming the messenger, missing the message, and reaching for supplements to suppress something the body is doing on purpose. This one is for anyone who has been told their hormones are fine, or who has tried hormone therapy and quit because of side effects nobody could explain. What you'll discover: What urine metabolite testing actually measures, and why hormones have to go somewhere (02:03) The three estrogen pathways, and which one you want to push toward (04:45) The pathway that explains breast tenderness, spotting, and estrogen sensitivity (07:58) Why testosterone causes acne and hair loss in some women and not others (09:23) Alpha versus beta: why two women on the same progesterone dose have completely different nights (11:16) Whether the route you take progesterone changes the effect (14:20) What cortisol metabolites reveal about your thyroid that a TSH will not (19:39) Free T3, reverse T3, and reference ranges that are normal but not optimal (21:39) Poor, poor cortisol: what it is actually doing for you, and why we get it backward (26:29) The everyday medications quietly suppressing your cortisol results (30:11) Serum, saliva, or urine: which cortisol test answers which question (34:57) The cortisol awakening response, and the cheater question you can answer yourself (36:24) When a urine metabolite panel is worth the money, and when it is not (40:22) Cruciferous vegetables, DIM, and the caution nobody gives you before you start (42:39) Supplements that support the DHT pathway, and why sourcing decides whether they work (47:01) Alcohol as a bully: how the liver decides what gets detoxified first (52:55) You are not stuck with the hormone you were dealt. You are working with a pathway, and pathways are modifiable. The Dr. Terri Show is presented by EVEXIAS Health Solutions. For more, visit: https://www.evexias.com Connect with Dr. Terri:

Fall is coming, and with it, that itch to overhaul your whole routine. Please don't.That urge to overhaul everything hits me too every single fall. New routine, new rules, a five-step morning ritual that looks great written down and lasts about two days before real life shows up and knocks it sideways.I'm skipping all that this year. Instead, I'm sharing the exact non-negotiables that have stuck for me, the ones actually making a difference in my nervous system and my progesterone, without turning my mornings into a performance.This episode is me literally walking outside with my glasses in my hand, recording on a 6:30 am walk, because I wanted to show you a hormone-supportive morning doesn't require a silent home office and an extra hour you don't have.Here's what we're getting into:The one free thing I do every single morning that touches cortisol, blood sugar, and hormones all at onceWhy my breakfast is not always "picture perfect" and what I actually drink most mornings to hit my protein goals fastThe slightly ridiculous lymphatic movement I learned on Instagram that I now do in my backyard, kids watchingWhat I'm doing on purpose to protect my sleep, even on the nights everything falls apartWhy skipping my 6 am workout class is sometimes the smartest thing I do all weekThe mindset shift that finally got me out of the all-or-nothing routine trapIf you've ever built yourself a pretty little morning checklist, color coded and full of hope, and then quietly abandoned it by day three, this one is for you.A morning routine that supports your hormones isn't a matter of doing more. Your body is listening for one very specific message first thing in the morning, and that message is safety. When your nervous system reads a room as safe, that's your body's green light to make progesterone, keep estrogen in check, and hand you the steady mood and energy you've been chasing all year.That safety signal doesn't come from a perfect list. It comes from a handful of consistent things, done imperfectly, again and again.For me that starts with morning sunlight. I bring this up constantly on the podcast because it really is the top non-negotiable, and it costs nothing, which I love pointing out. Early morning light hits your eyes in a way your kitchen lights and your phone screen simply can't fake. It tells your body it's daytime in the language your biology actually understands, and that one signal ripples out into your cortisol, your blood sugar, and your hormones.Then there's breakfast, which you've heard me talk about more times than you can count because it genuinely changes everything. Some mornings that's a real plate of food. Other mornings, especially in a high-stress season when my appetite has vanished, it's a protein hot chocolate made in my countertop frother while I plan a real breakfast for later. I walk through exactly what that looks like in the episode, because so many of us carry this quiet belief that if we can't do it perfectly, we shouldn't bother at all. That belief is exactly what keeps you stuck.I also get into the small movement practice I do most mornings to get my lymph and fascia moving after a night of stillness, and why I'm being so intentional right now about protecting sleep on both ends of the day, even when that means skipping a workout I genuinely wanted to go to.If you're in a season where you feel like you're doing everything right and your body still isn't cooperating, or if you've built routine after routine that never actually sticks, this episode might land differently for you. Less about adding one more thing. More about getting honest about what actually matters and letting the rest go.I also want to name something I see constantly with the women I work with, and honestly with myself too. This paralyzing sense that healing your hormones has to be complicated, specific, and nearly flawless to count for anything. That belief works against you every time. Overwhelm and fear aren't neutral background noise. They're stress signals your body reacts to, and stress sits right in the middle of the road between you and the hormone balance you're working so hard for.So this episode is my invitation to simplify. Not to add another list to your already overflowing plate, but to get really clear on the small handful of things that move the needle for your body, and to let everything else be optional.Next time you catch yourself scrolling for the "perfect" morning routine at 11 pm, remember this episode instead. The version of you six months from now, the one with more energy and steadier moods, is built by the boring, repeatable stuff, not the Pinterest-worthy version you never actually do.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:PMS to Peace Private PodcastFix Your Breakfast, Fix Your Hormones Equip ProteinNEED 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)FREE Podcast Training - Simply Nourished CyclesDon'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

Half a million of you on Instagram. I still can't quite get over that number.To celebrate, this episode is all you — an open Ask Me Anything where I answer the questions you've actually been sending me. No guest, no agenda, just me working through your real questions about hormones, menopause, sexual health, and the stuff nobody explains to you in a normal doctor's appointment.We cover a lot of ground — how I ended up a urologist obsessed with female sexual health in the first place, the myths about hormone therapy I am still correcting in 2026, DHEA, the estrogen patch shortage, why your labs don't always tell the whole story, and yes, the Ferrari engine analogy makes another appearance. If you've been wondering something and never had the nerve to ask your own doctor — there's a good chance I answer it here.In This EpisodeHow I got here. My background as a urologist and how that path led me into female sexual health — a specialty most people don't expect a urologist to end up in.Hormones, menopause, and aging. Why hormones matter so much more than most of us were taught, and what's actually happening in your body during the menopause transition.Hormone therapy myths, corrected. I'm clearing up the misinformation that's still floating around about HRT — including specific questions on risk for women with a Factor V (Factor two) clotting diagnosis.DHEA and vaginal estrogen. What they do, why the estrogen patch shortage is happening, and what to switch to (gels, oral options) in the meantime.Testosterone, decoded. Comparing creams versus injections, how to interpret SHBG, and why I care more about how you feel than what the lab printout says.Progesterone tolerance. What to do when the standard dose doesn't agree with you, and where extended-release formulations fit in.Persistent UTIs on vaginal estrogen. Why they still happen even when you're doing everything "right," and what else might be going on.Weight gain and menopause. What the data actually says — and what gets blamed on hormones that isn't really about hormones at all.Talking about sex — with clients, with partners. A layered, step-by-step way to open the conversation about low libido without it feeling like a confrontation.Individualized care. Why hormone management should never be one-size-fits-all, and how I think about lab testing versus symptoms.What's next. vulvar DHEA, book clubs, and more ways to keep learning together.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Join The Circle and use code "PODCAST": https://holplus.co/circle/ What if the fasting, workouts, and eating patterns that are supposed to improve your metabolism are actually working against your hormones? In this episode of hol+ with Dr. Taz MD, women's hormone expert Alisa Vitti explains why women in their reproductive years have a second biological clock that most health and fitness advice completely ignores. Known as the infradian rhythm, this approximately month-long cycle affects metabolism, cortisol, immune function, brain activity, energy, appetite, and exercise performance.Alisa breaks down the follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual phases and explains how nutritional needs, metabolism, and stress tolerance change throughout the cycle. She shares how the Cycle Syncing Method can help women adjust their food, exercise, recovery, and daily routines to better support these biological changes.Dr. Taz and Alisa also challenge some of the most popular advice given to women about intermittent fasting and fasted exercise. Alisa explains why she believes women should fuel before working out, why glucose is needed to build lean muscle, and how combining carbohydrates with protein and fat may support blood sugar stability and workout performance.Alisa shares her personal experience with PCOS, maintaining a significant weight loss, losing additional body fat by eating more, and intentionally building muscle as she approaches 48. She explains why blood sugar regulation is the first step she recommends for women experiencing PMS, PCOS, infertility, fibroids, perimenopause, or other hormonal concerns.The conversation also explores progesterone, estrogen dominance, cortisol, HRT, ovarian aging, hot flashes, strength training, environmental exposures, and the habits that may help women protect their hormonal health throughout every stage of life.In this episode:Why women have both circadian and infradian biological rhythmsHow the menstrual cycle affects metabolism, cortisol, immunity, and the brainWhat happens during the follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual phasesWhy women may need more calories during the luteal phaseHow blood sugar instability may affect cortisol and progesteroneWhy Alisa says women should never work out in a fasted stateWhat to eat before strength training to support lean muscleHow Alisa structures protein, carbohydrates, and meal timing throughout her dayWhy strength training is important during every phase of the cycleHow to modify cardio and recovery throughout the menstrual cycleWhy eating more helped Alisa lose additional body fat and build muscleThe relationship between blood sugar, PCOS, PMS, and perimenopauseHow fasting recommendations may change after menopauseWhere HRT fits into a broader hormone-support strategySimple habits that may support healthier hormonal agingWhether ovarian aging can be slowed or partially reversedAbout Alisa Vitti:Alisa Vitti is a women's hormone and functional nutrition expert, bestselling author, and creator of the Cycle Syncing Method. She is the founder of FLO Living and creator of the MyFLO app, which helps women adjust their nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle practices to the different phases of their menstrual cycle. After experiencing PCOS, weight challenges, acne, and an absent menstrual cycle in her teens and early twenties, Alisa began studying nutrition, functional endocrinology, and women's hormonal health. Her experience became the foundation for FLO Living and her bestselling books, WomanCode and In the FLO.Connect with Alisa Vitti:https://floliving.com/https://www.instagram.com/alisa.vitti/About Dr. Taz:Dr. Tasneem Bhatia (Dr. Taz) is a triple board-certified integrative medicine physician, bestselling author, and founder of hol+, a multi-location integrative medicine practice.Learn more: https://doctortaz.com/aboutStay Connected:Connect further with hol+ at https://holplus.co/ and don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+.Book a Hol+ Consultation:https://holplus.co/locations/virtual/Follow Dr. Taz on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/https://www.instagram.com/liveholplus/Subscribe to the audio podcast:https://holplus.transistor.fm/subscribeSubscribe to the video podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcastsProduced by https://ClipGrowth.com (Producer: Pat Gostek)

“Progesterone will hold up the mirror for you and show you about your habits. Estrogen is forgiving—progesterone is not.” For so many women with vestibular disorders, symptoms get dramatically worse right before their period or around ovulation, and the answer they’re usually given is “take birth control” or “drink more water.”  That, of course, is not enough. I brought in Dr. Saru Bala, Naturopathic Doctor and Women’s Hormonal Health Specialist, to break it all down. Get ready to nerd out on all things hormones! In this episode, we’re talking about what hormones actually are, how your cycle phases impact your vestibular symptom, why your liver is way more important than you think, the estrogen-histamine-MCAS loop, and what bloodwork you should be asking for. In this episode, we'll dig into: What are hormones What to pay attention to with women's hormones The phases of your cycle What progesterone is reflecting back about your habits  The basics that impact your hormones the most Bloodwork Dr. Saru recommends for her clients Why you want to get a full thyroid panel The liver’s role in hormone metabolism How to support your liver The estrogen-histamine loop How MCAS plays a role here Why gut & liver support are essential for histamine, MCAS, and hormone issues Why women are taking much longer to feel better than even 5 years ago If you take nothing else away from this, remember your hormones, liver, gut, and nervous system are all talking to each other. When you start supporting them, things are able to start changing. Meet: Dr. Saru Bala Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Prior to attending medical school, she graduated from University of Texas at Austin where she received her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. She's done extra training in women’s health and naturopathic endocrinology and wants to talk to you about all things women’s health. Connect w/ Dr Saru Bala Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/periodpractice Period Solutions Academy: https://www.drsarubala.com/periodsolutionsacademy Links Mentioned: Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit Rise Centered Alarm Clock: https://risecentered.com?sca_ref=7113075.4mnDvPsCZ8H Free Resources: ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor Work with Dr. Madison: For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com Otherwise, I'll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit! Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/ Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit Love what you heard?Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you! This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. hormonal health, women’s health, naturopathic doctor, vestibular migraine, chronic dizziness, birth control, vestibular disorders, PMDD, what is optimal bloodwork, optimal lab values, thyroid panel, lifestyle changes, period problems, understand your period, gut liver and hormone connection

No food on this planet's going to fix your progesterone, and estrogen dominance is not nearly as simple as the word makes it sound.I know, I know. That's a lot to hit you with in one sentence. But I needed to say it before we even got started, because these two things get more misinformation thrown at them than almost anything else in the hormone space.That's exactly why I brought my friend Dr. Heather Rhodes on the podcast this week: she and I both get the same questions over and over in our practices, and we're both so tired of watching women chase quick fixes that were never going to work in the first place. So we sat down and answered your biggest hormone questions, no fluff, no clickbait, just the actual truth about what's going on in your body. We're covering estrogen dominance, progesterone production, the "no time to balance my hormones" excuse, and what actually moves the needle when it comes to feeling good in your body again.Fair warning: we are busting a few myths in this one, including one that might make you side-eye your favorite wellness influencer just a little.Here's what we get into:The mindset trap behind "I don't have time to balance my hormones" and why your brain might be the one keeping you stuckThe blunt truth about whether food alone can raise your progesterone (spoiler, it's more complicated than any reel will tell you)The sneaky reason your labs keep coming back "normal" even though you feel like a completely different person for two weeks a monthFour (maybe five) totally different reasons you could be dealing with estrogen dominance symptoms, and why treating all of them the same way can backfireWhy going back to basics, not adding more supplements or more rules, is usually where the biggest shifts happenA mindset shift Heather shares about what your symptoms are actually trying to tell you, and why hearing it might change how you see your whole cycleLet's start with time, because I think almost every woman I know says some version of "I just don't have time for this." Heather made a point that stuck with me. If your brain is locked onto the belief that you don't have enough time, that is exactly what it's going to keep proving true. And being stretched that thin, having everyone need a piece of you all day long, can literally be part of what's throwing your hormones off to begin with.Here's the part that surprised me though. You're already eating. You're already making food choices every single day. You're probably already moving your body in some way. The work isn't necessarily adding more to your plate; it's getting more intentional about what you're already doing. Heather said something to a client once that I think about constantly: "You didn't need to go back to the basics. You were already doing the basics. You just weren't very good at them yet." Ouch. But also, kind of a relief.Then we got into progesterone, and this is where I need you to sit down for a second. That reel telling you "eat these foods to boost progesterone" is oversimplified; Heather flat out says there are no foods that increase progesterone. None. You could eat three buckets of ashwagandha a day (please don't), and if your nervous system doesn't feel safe, your body still isn't going to prioritize making more of it. Your progesterone being low is a signal, not a supplement deficiency. It could be stress, it could be undereating, it could be your body simply not feeling safe enough to ovulate well. Nutrition matters, don't get me wrong, but it's a piece of a much bigger picture.And can we talk about estrogen dominance for a second? Because I feel like every woman I know has self-diagnosed this one at some point, myself included. Here's the thing that Heather broke down so well. You could have all the classic "high estrogen" symptoms and actually have low estrogen that's just not clearing properly. You could have symptoms because you're not ovulating at all, which means estrogen is the only hormone showing up, even if your levels are technically low. You could be dealing with estrogen mimickers from your environment, your skincare, your food containers, or your job if you work in a salon. There are at least four, maybe five, completely different roots that can all look identical on the surface. That's exactly why grabbing an estrogen blocker off the internet without knowing your actual cause can leave you worse off than when you started.I know this can feel like a lot. Heather made a comment that made me laugh because it's so true: your brain will absolutely convince you that fixing this is going to take way more time and effort than it actually will. But once you know your starting point, the changes are usually smaller and simpler than you think. One of my favorite moments in this episode is when we talk about seeing your symptoms as your body talking to you instead of your body being broken or working against you. That shift alone changes how you show up for yourself every single day.If you've been spinning your wheels trying every protocol on the internet and nothing sticks, this episode will help you understand why and give you a clearer starting point than another list of foods to eat.Press play and let's figure out what your body's actually been trying to tell you this whole time.CONNECT WITH DR. HEATHER:WebsiteIG: @drheatherrhodesNEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Fix Your Breakfast Secret PodcastNourish 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)FREE Podcast Training - Simply Nourished CyclesDon'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

Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows!   This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track!   Check out today's questions:    Katie: Hi! Love listening to the podcast and grateful you give a chance to submit questions! I had an allergic reaction on my face and neck a few months ago. Derm called it atopic dermatitis. This came on after a micro needling treatment. First and last unfortunately. That has all resolved now, but I'm left with this hypopigmentation around my mouth and neck (neck has the worst inflammation) where spots are white now, especially if I tan. Any suggestions on how to resolve this loss of pigment? Thanks!!       Anonymous: Hi! I am 34 years old. I have always thought I have PMDD, after ovulation I feel more sad/depressed/anxious amongst other things. I also have very painful heavy periods for context if it's helpful. I noticed the last 3-4 months the symptoms I have leading up to my period have been changing. I have started sweating more, which also smells more which has never been an issue for me. I also feel a little nauseous for a few days before my period amongst other things that aren't coming to mind right now. I'm wondering if something could have shifted in me to cause this? Do you have any insight, if I could afford to test I would, but I was hoping you'd have some insight for me. Thank you so much.       Trish: Hi Dr Cabral - I wrote in a few weeks ago asking the difference between Estrogen support and balance. The reason I'm not sure which one to use is I took your individual labs you offer for Estrogen and Progesterone. Results on both were in the yellow low range tip of red range. The email recommended I take progesterone support and Estrogen support but I was told I was estrogen dominant which I thought would mean I take Estrogen balance. This is why I'm confused as to which estrogen to take. I take all the other products the email protocol is recommending. Thanks for your advice. You are so appreciated for the work you do.       Mohamed: Hey Dr.Cabral, hope all is well. My question is regarding Reverse Osmosis water and lower pH versus alkalinity (CaCo3). These two are different from my understanding, the alkalinity is the water's ability to buffer acid/resist changes in pH. If Aquatru RO water filters everything, the alkalinity would in theory be very minimal. In comparison, Gerolsteiner or other high Bicarb mineral water have higher buffering capability. I'm asking regarding my research into urine pH and tumor (microenvironment). I want to increase urine pH along with other strategies. Since tumor Microenvironemt (extracellular) is typically acidic. Want to try increasing alkalinity and observe via urine pH to enhance effect of other strategies such as diet etc. How can I increase alkalinity of water? and best foods?        Paige: Hey Dr Cabral! I found I have some sort of bump over my liver April of 2024 seemingly superficial and I notice no symptoms or pain or discomfort with it is just annoying when I do yoga as it stays local but I can feel it move slightly in the local area. I just did a 21 day detox and felt like it may have gone down a little. I am going to be doing the big 5 test to determine any other underlined concerns that may help but just curious what you would do in my circumstance if anything. Thank you I greatly appreciate your time and knowledge Sir. Have a great day!       Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!      - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3844 - - - 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!  

In Part 2 of Tara's conversation with Dr. Lindsey Berkson, they continue the discussion by looking at the different forms and delivery methods of HRT, including Bi-Est, estradiol, estriol and progesterone. They discuss why the way a hormone is delivered can matter, why vaginal progesterone may work differently from oral or topical progesterone, and why individual response matters when choosing a delivery method. The conversation then moves into testosterone and breast health, including the role of hormone metabolites and estrogen receptors. Dr. Berkson also shares her thoughts on mammograms and breast cancer screening, including her own experience of finding breast cancer shortly after receiving a negative mammogram. This episode ultimately comes back to one of the biggest themes of the entire conversation: don't blindly follow a protocol simply because it's considered standard. Understand the evidence, understand the limitations, and make informed decisions with appropriate medical support.   In Part 2: Why Tara switched to an estradiol patch Dr. Berkson's history developing menopause supplements Progesterone, puberty and menstrual health Why hormone education is missing from conventional medical training Why Bi-Est? Bringing estradiol and estriol back into the conversation Testosterone, muscle, brain health and breast health Why progesterone delivery needs to be individualised Oral vs vaginal vs topical progesterone How Dr. Berkson approaches mammograms, ultrasound and other screening methods The breast cancer Dr. Berkson discovered after a negative mammogram Why Dr. Berkson created Everything Breast Cancer and her personal mission to help women navigate breast cancer Dr. Lindsey Berkson Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN was a Distinguished Hormone Scholar at the Center for Bioenvironmental Research (CBR: Tulane/Xavier Universities). She is a leading figure in integrative medicine, renowned for her expertise in hormones, nutrition, digestion, and environmental science. With a background as a clinician, professor, bestselling author, and radio show host, she brings a wealth of experience to her work. At the CBR, she collaborated with pioneers in estrogen and sex-steroid receptor research. Dr. Berkson is also a respected educator, teaching MDs and pharmacists in advanced certification courses. She has developed innovative nutraceuticals, holds patents in bioidentical hormone therapy, and has contributed to groundbreaking research on dialysis/pharmaceutical medications and nutrition. Dr. Berkson consults internationally, focusing on medical nutrition for breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, renal problems, and complex health issues. Dr. B's Links: Email - admin@drlindseyberkson.com Webpage - www.drlindseyberkson.com Memberships - www.drlindseyberkson.com/membership Agile Thinking Substack - https://drlindseyberkson.substack.com/ Biotics Products - https://drlindseyberkson.com/bioticsproducts/ Hormones: Vilified to Vindicated (Course) - https://drlindseyberkson.com/v2v/ Oxytocin Medicine - https://drlindseyberkson.com/oxytocinmedicine/ **Get $100 off Dr. Berkson's Everything Breast Cancer and/or Everything Hormones Courses by using the code: PC100TARA https://drlindseyberkson.com/everythingbreastcancer/ https://drlindseyberkson.com/everything-breast-cancer-nonprofessional/ https://drlindseyberkson.com/everythinghormones/ Estradiol vs. Bi-Est Debate, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-p82VW1weA&t=2508s Watch Tara's Instagram Live with Dr. Berkson here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN6ieQRE0PI/   Fix Your Gut Masterclass Stop Blaming the Food! The Real Reason You've Still Got Bloating and Pooping Problems and How to Fix Your Gut for Good. In this free, live masterclass Tara will walk you through the real reason your gut symptoms keep coming back, no matter what you've tried, and what actually needs to happen to fix them properly, at the root, for good. [Save your spot HERE]  

Does estrogen really cause breast cancer? It's one of the biggest fears women have when considering HRT, and in this conversation, Dr. Lindsey Berkson takes Tara back to where much of that fear began. They unpack the history of the Women's Health Initiative, how the original messaging around hormones shaped medical practice, and what later analyses of the research have shown. Dr. Berkson explains why she believes estrogen has been misunderstood, including the difference between estrogen's effects on different receptors and why "estrogen-positive" breast cancer does not necessarily mean estrogen caused the cancer. They also discuss research involving women with ER-positive breast cancer who received estrogen and what those studies reported. Dr. Berkson then shares her own breast cancer story and why it ultimately led her to spend decades researching hormones. This is a fascinating conversation about how medical messaging evolves, why women need to understand the details behind the studies, and why Tara believes these are conversations women deserve to have. In Part 1:  The history of the Women's Health Initiative and why it was created What the early research was actually showing about estrogen and breast cancer The controversial press release that changed the conversation around HRT What 20 years of reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative revealed Oral vs topical vs vaginal estrogen: why delivery method matters Tara's experience with vaginal progesterone and sleep/anxiety The controversy surrounding oral progesterone The debate around estriol What "estrogen-positive" breast cancer actually means The theory behind estrogen and progesterone fueling breast tumors   Dr. Lindsey Berkson Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN was a Distinguished Hormone Scholar at the Center for Bioenvironmental Research (CBR: Tulane/Xavier Universities). She is a leading figure in integrative medicine, renowned for her expertise in hormones, nutrition, digestion, and environmental science. With a background as a clinician, professor, bestselling author, and radio show host, she brings a wealth of experience to her work. At the CBR, she collaborated with pioneers in estrogen and sex-steroid receptor research. Dr. Berkson is also a respected educator, teaching MDs and pharmacists in advanced certification courses. She has developed innovative nutraceuticals, holds patents in bioidentical hormone therapy, and has contributed to groundbreaking research on dialysis/pharmaceutical medications and nutrition. Dr. Berkson consults internationally, focusing on medical nutrition for breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, renal problems, and complex health issues. Dr. B's Links: Email - admin@drlindseyberkson.com Webpage - www.drlindseyberkson.com Memberships - www.drlindseyberkson.com/membership Agile Thinking Substack - https://drlindseyberkson.substack.com/ Biotics Products - https://drlindseyberkson.com/bioticsproducts/ Hormones: Vilified to Vindicated (Course) - https://drlindseyberkson.com/v2v/ Oxytocin Medicine - https://drlindseyberkson.com/oxytocinmedicine/ **Get $100 off Dr. Berkson's Everything Breast Cancer and/or Everything Hormones Courses by using the code: PC100TARA https://drlindseyberkson.com/everythingbreastcancer/ https://drlindseyberkson.com/everything-breast-cancer-nonprofessional/ https://drlindseyberkson.com/everythinghormones/ Estradiol vs. Bi-Est Debate, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-p82VW1weA&t=2508s Watch Tara's Instagram Live with Dr. Berkson here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN6ieQRE0PI/   Fix Your Gut Masterclass Stop Blaming the Food! The Real Reason You've Still Got Bloating and Pooping Problems and How to Fix Your Gut for Good. In this free, live masterclass Tara will walk you through the real reason your gut symptoms keep coming back, no matter what you've tried, and what actually needs to happen to fix them properly, at the root, for good. [Save your spot HERE]  

If you've suddenly become more forgetful, easily overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or feel like your brain simply isn't working the way it used to, there's a physiological reason.Perimenopause isn't just about periods, hot flashes, or fertility. It's a major neurological and metabolic transition. Estradiol and progesterone influence your brain, nervous system, neurotransmitters, sleep, mood, memory, focus, and even how you respond to stress. When those hormones become unpredictable, your brain has to adapt too.You'll learn:Why perimenopause can feel like "PMS on steroids"How fluctuating estradiol affects memory, focus, mood, and motivationWhy word-finding, brain fog, anxiety, and overwhelm can suddenly show upHow progesterone and GABA influence that feeling of calmWhy these symptoms have real physiological explanationsSix foundational areas that can support your brain and body through this transition: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress regulation, connection, and reducing toxin exposureUnderstanding what's happening won't make every symptom disappear, but it can replace some of the confusion with context—and help you better support your body through this season.I'm also sharing details about our FREE community screening of The M Factor II: Before the Pause on August 29 in the Jacksonville area. Join us as we continue breaking the silence and creating better conversations around perimenopause.Register through the link in the show notes.I know it's not that easy, but it really is that simple.RSVP Now to secure your seat at the screening of M Factor II: Before The PauseCheck out the Facebook Event: M Factor II: Before The PauseSupport the showGet Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.comJoin the Thrive Collective Facebook groupLet's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.comPodcast Produced by Virtually You!

The final episode in this series gets honest about HRT, birth control, and bioidentical hormones.  Debbie explains the cortisol-progesterone connection, testosterone's role as women age, and why feeling better on a hormone treatment isn't always the same as your migraines actually improving. In this episode:  Why cortisol and progesterone compete for the same building block  What's normal aging decline versus what's a warning sign  The truth about why HRT and the pill can feel like they're working Real community stories of hormones finding their own balance Ready to find out where you stand?  Book your free Migraine Breakthrough® Assessment: https://pages.debbiewaidlcoach.com/breakthroughcall-social-7269 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 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 Hi, I'm Debbie Waidl, Migraine Freedom Expert and Functional Health Coach. I help women over 40 find freedom from chronic migraines by getting to the root cause, not just masking the symptoms. Show Notes Related Episodes: Episode 1: Sex Hormones and Migraines: Why the Advice Keeps Contradicting Itself Episode 2: Estrogen Didn't Betray You: What's Actually Happening to Your Pain Threshold Episode 7: The Hormone Hierarchy 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.  

You're waking up at 3 a.m. drenched, your moods don't feel like your own, and your once-predictable period has gone haywire. You finally ask for help — and you're told to just take a birth control pill, or to come back when your cycles stop.Here's what I want you to know: you don't have to wait to feel better, and the pill is one option, not the only one.In this episode, I take that myth apart and lay out the whole menu. I start with what I rule out first — because thyroid disease and insulin resistance can masquerade as perimenopause — and the full lab panel I run to catch them. Then the two questions that actually decide your treatment: do you need contraception, and what are your cycles doing? You'll hear why a birth control pill and menopausal hormone therapy are not the same medicine, how the hormonal IUD can cover contraception and protect your uterine lining while you add estradiol for symptoms, and why the delivery form — patch, gel, spray, ring, or pill — is part of the decision.Whatever you start with, hormone therapy is never one-and-done. The magic happens in the edits.Referenced in this episode:Progesterone vs. Progestins (Episode 253) → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-253-the-hormone-question-i-answer-multiple/id1541657642?i=1000769336110Come work with us at skywomenshealth.com.

In this episode we break down progesterone: why it's so important for pregnancy, signs you might have low progesterone & how you can naturally support those levels for a healthy pregnancy!Ways to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code FIESTA to get it for $222! Valid until midnight on 8/7)Mentioned in this episode: Join the email list here! (to hear about the Fertile Ground Fiesta

You can fall asleep fast, exhausted the second your head hits the pillow, and still be wide awake by 2am with your mind racing and no idea why. Maybe you're waking up drenched in sweat, assuming it's a hot flash, when it's actually something else entirely. In this episode, I'm breaking down the fifth S in the 6S Method, Sleep, and why it might be the missing piece even when you're doing everything else right.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why all six S's work like an overflowing bucket, and why sleep can undo every other piece of the puzzleMy own story of waking up drenched in sweat at 2-4am for months, and what was actually causing itWhy night sweats don't always mean hot flashes, and how poor detoxification can show up as sweating at nightHow a dysregulated nervous system keeps you "sleeping with one eye open," even after eight hours in bedWhy blood sugar instability during the day causes cortisol to wake you up at nightThe role progesterone and GABA play in falling asleep and staying asleep, and why that changes in midlifeWhy sleep is when your body actually burns body fat, and what happens when you don't get enough of itThe circadian rhythm basics that set the stage for better sleep, starting with how you wake up in the morningTIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Introduction: Sleep, the 5th S in the 6S Method 02:19 — Why the six S's flow into each other like an overflowing bucket 04:37 — Melissa's story: gaining 10 pounds out of nowhere despite doing everything "right" 07:28 — Why we don't sleep well in midlife, starting with the nervous system 09:45 — Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic sleep, and "sleeping with one eye open" 11:06 — How unstable blood sugar during the day triggers cortisol at night 13:09 — Progesterone, GABA, and why midlife sleep gets harder 16:34 — Detoxification, poor gut health, and night sweats explained 17:33 — Why sleep is when your body actually burns body fat 20:44 — Circadian rhythm basics: eating within an hour of waking, morning workouts 23:02 — The cortisol and melatonin relationship, and winding down in the evening 26:15 — Sunlight, screens, and blue light before bed 29:31 — How the Strategy piece of Well Nourished (labs) supports better sleep 31:51 — Well Nourished waitlist details, enrollment guarantee, and what's next

Send us Fan Mail8 Signs Cortisol Is Eroding Your ProgesteroneAnd Why No Supplement Will Fix It Until You Address the Source of the StressEveryone is talking about cortisol.Some are  talking about progesterone.Take this supplement.Balance your hormones.Support your cycle.But what if we've been asking the wrong question?In this episode, Lisa explores why your hormones aren't simply "out of balance"—they're responding to the messages your nervous system receives every day.You'll learn the eight common signs chronic stress may be affecting progesterone, why perimenopause isn't something to fix but something to navigate, and why understanding the source of your stress is just as important as understanding your hormones.Because biology is only one third of the story.If you've been waking at 3am, feeling more anxious, noticing changes in your cycle or wondering why you don't quite feel like yourself anymore, this episode will help you start connecting the dots.In This Episode⚜️ The 8 signs cortisol may be affecting progesterone⚜️ Why your nervous system influences your hormones⚜️ The hidden stress patterns that often go unnoticed⚜️ Why perimenopause is a transition—not a failure⚜️ How Burned, Unarmoured and Wellness Alchemy connect the biology, psychology and spirituality of midlife"Your hormones aren't the problem. They're responding to the life your nervous system believes you're living."Resources mentioned in this episode✅ Download the FREE Hormone Symptom ChecklistStart connecting the dots between your symptoms and what your body may be trying to tell you.✨ Book a Wellness Alchemy ReadingGo beyond the symptoms and explore your biology, psychology and spirituality together. We'll uncover the hidden patterns behind your hormones, nervous system and Armour Weight™, creating a personalised path forward.

As part of our Best of the Body Pod series, we're revisiting one of our favorite Body Pod conversations with one of our favorite guests. So many women think they have to wait until they've gone a full year without a period before hormone therapy is even on the table, but Dr. Heather Hirsch, founder of Join the Collaborative, says that's one of the most persistent myths in women's health. Her breakdown of the THRIVE Method and how to actually approach hormone decisions is just as useful now as it was the first time this episode aired.In this episode of The Body Pod, hosts Hailey and Laura sit down with Dr. Hirsch for a wide-ranging conversation on perimenopause and menopause care, digging into her THRIVE Method: a framework for approaching hormone decisions through tracking symptoms, reviewing health history, researching safety data, and investigating one hormone at a time.The discussion digs into testosterone therapy for women (still, as Dr. Hirsch puts it, a "data-free zone"), the safety and underuse of vaginal estrogen even in women already on systemic hormones, and the physiology behind genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). She also makes the case that bone health deserves the same proactive treatment women's health gives to conditions like pre-diabetes, and highlights the growing role of strength training in protecting bone density during midlife.For women who aren't ready for (or can't use) hormone therapy, Dr. Hirsch outlines a tiered approach starting with lifestyle changes and supplements before moving to non-hormonal medications or hormone therapy itself. She closes with a reassuring message: hormone therapy doesn't have to be all-or-nothing, and can be trialed short-term before making a longer-term decision. Listeners can find Dr. Hirsch at Join the Collaborative jointhecollaborative.com and on Instagram @HeatherHirschMD.Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your midlife goals and body. Start training with a 10-day free trial →Finish 2026 Strong. Two expert-led ways to close out the year, each with a community of women learning and training beside you. Be first in line → when we open doors for early access to Fat Loss Happens Education course and the Shred Happens challenge.

Provider directory CBT-I: https://cbti.directory/ Book: Quiet Your Mind and Get To Sleep: https://www.abct.org/books/quiet-your-mind-and-get-to-sleep-solutions-to-insomnia-for-those-with-depression-anxiety-or-chronic-pain/Sleepio web based app with virtual therapistSomryst CBTI appCBTi coach free appInsomnia coach free appYour risk of all of the chronic diseases of aging, how healthily you age, and how powerful you're able to be in your life are all affected by how well you sleep.  Good sleep is a tremendous advantage to all areas of your life, but unfortunately elusive for over 50% of American adults and up to 85% of perimenopausal women.  There are so many good and effective tools to try for improving sleep.  And while it's great to have options, they can make sleep seem like a harder problem to solve than it is.  Different problems have different solutions, and sleep is no exception.  Where to focus your resources gets way easier to decide once you understand the 4 aspects of sleep and which one of them is tripping you up.  Poor sleep is absolutely a solvable problem, and worth the effort to finally figure out.  And you won't have to do so by randomly guessing anymore.Are you ready to give your cells their best chance to not have to stop living before they die by allowing them access to physiologic levels of hormones, but aren't sure how to even get started?  Join the waitlist for my new beta program here and help me figure out how best to help wonderful women like you get the hormone care they deserve!Join the Waitlist HereCome visit me: www.healthcouragecollective.comemail me: healthcouragecollective@gmail.com

Precision Hormone Health: Testosterone, Menopause, Muscle, Sleep, and Proactive Longevity: Endocrinologist Dr. Florence Comite details her book “Invincible: Defy Your Genetic Destiny to Live Better, Longer” and her precision-medicine approach to proactive longevity. She discusses testosterone decline beginning in the 30s in both sexes, stress-related low T (including in special forces), and testosterone's roles in energy, cognition, motivation, muscle, bone, and chronic disease risk. Comite argues genes are a “draft” and health destiny can be altered through epigenetic-like choices, individualized data, and early monitoring. For women, she emphasizes estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in perimenopause/menopause, preferring bioidentical hormones and criticizing WHI's use of Premarin/Provera and older participants. She covers osteoporosis prevention, muscle as an “organ of longevity,” protein intake, resistance training, continuous glucose monitors for individualized diet, sleep quality tracking via wearables, and selective use of DHEA, pregnenolone, growth hormone pathways, and peptides with attention to sourcing and risk.

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.

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.

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!