S6 Ep 39: Restoring Fertility with Key Lifestyle Changes with Dr. Sarah Pederson

When “Normal” Isn’t Safe: Chelsey Painter Davis on Advocacy, Risk, and Real Informed Consent In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Chelsey Painter Davis to hear her story, one that challenges assumptions about “routine” medical care and underscores the life-changing importance of informed consent. At just 18 years old, Chelsey was prescribed hormonal birth control without a full conversation about risks or alternative options. What followed was a series of devastating complications, including a pulmonary embolism and pseudotumor cerebri, ultimately leading to permanent vision loss. Later, she discovered underlying blood clotting disorders—Factor V and Factor II—that had gone undiagnosed. Chelsey’s journey didn’t end there. During a later pregnancy, she was encouraged to undergo amniocentesis, until she asked deeper questions and uncovered that the recommendation was tied to abortion planning, not medical necessity. She declined, and her son was born healthy. This episode is a call to awareness, equipping women with the tools and confidence to ask better questions, trust their intuition, and take an active role in their healthcare decisions. Hormone Genius wants YOU to partner with us! PODCAST PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…Q0iRgHqg/viewform MONTHLY SPONSOR: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…al5nkGyA/viewform BRAND PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…d8-G5qaA/viewform Thank you to our podcast sponsors: We Heart Nutrition: 20% OFF CODE GENIUS Grazing Beauty Tallow: grazingbeauty.com 10% OFF Code HORMONEGENIUS Hormone Genius Perimenopause Program at www.hormonegenius.com Salt and Light by Sami toxic free scents at ttps://saltandlightbysami.com/ 10% off code HORMONEHAPPY Medical Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your healthcare routine.h

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Pederson, a holistic OBGYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility, to explore a refreshing and deeply restorative approach to women’s health and fertility. After years in traditional obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pederson recognized a gap in care, one that often prioritizes symptom management over true healing. That realization led her to build a practice centered on identifying and addressing root causes, helping women restore hormone balance and optimize fertility naturally. Together, we dive into the foundational role of nutrition, the power of continuous glucose monitoring, and the often-overlooked connection between gut health and reproductive function. This conversation challenges conventional fertility approaches and offers a hopeful, science-backed path forward for women seeking to understand their bodies more deeply. Dr. Pederson’s journey from conventional OBGYN to holistic care Why a root-cause approach is essential for hormone balance and fertility The “Six Pillars” of hormone health: diet, sleep, exercise, stress, weight, and mindset/spirituality How nutrition, especially protein intake and breakfast timing, impacts hormones The hidden effects of sugar and artificial sweeteners on inflammation and fertility How Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) provide personalized insights into metabolic health The connection between gut health and reproductive function A look into Restorative Reproductive Medicine and how it differs from conventional fertility treatments Key Takeaways 1. Fertility starts with foundational health Dr. Pederson emphasizes that true hormone balance begins with lifestyle: what we eat, how we sleep, how we manage stress, and how we care for our bodies as a whole. 2. Food is powerful data Using tools like CGMs allows women to see in real-time how their body responds to certain foods empowering personalized, effective changes. 3. Gut health matters more than you think Underlying gut dysfunction and inflammation can significantly impact fertility, and addressing these issues can lead to profound outcomes. 4. Healing over bypassing Unlike conventional approaches that may override the body’s natural processes, restorative reproductive medicine works to heal and support the body—leading to healthier pregnancies and long-term outcomes. Interested in being a Podcast Sponsor with THE HORMONE GENIUS? Check out these links next to get more detailson our SPONSORSHIP VISION! PODCAST PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…Q0iRgHqg/viewform MONTHLY SPONSOR: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…al5nkGyA/viewform BRAND PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…d8-G5qaA/viewform Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS 🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery. 🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS 🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care! Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm. Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order. grazingbeauty.com/ The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Olivia Chasteen, Director of SymptoPro Fertility Education, to have an honest and empowering conversation about women’s health, fertility awareness, and the gap between conventional care and true root-cause solutions. So many women are handed quick fixes, band-aid solutions that often mask symptoms rather than address what’s really going on. Hormonal contraception is frequently prescribed as a way to “regulate” cycles, yet it doesn’t actually restore or regulate the body’s natural rhythms, and it comes with real side effects that can impact nearly every system in a woman’s body. Olivia shares how the SymptoPro method, a sympto-thermal approach to Natural Family Planning (NFP), offers a science-based, effective alternative that works with a woman’s body instead of against it. We explore the history and effectiveness of SymptoPro, including how it has helped couples confidently avoid pregnancy when used correctly, while also serving as a powerful tool for those trying to conceive. But this conversation goes far beyond family planning. Cycle tracking is a window into a woman’s overall health. Whether married, single, trying to conceive, or simply wanting to understand her body better, charting can reveal valuable insights from hormonal imbalances to thyroid concerns, luteal phase defects, and more. Olivia explains how even women with no immediate fertility goals can benefit deeply from learning to read the signs their bodies are giving them each day. We also dive into the reality that charting isn’t always straightforward—and that’s okay. If your charts feel confusing or inconsistent, it doesn’t mean your body is broken. It means there’s more to uncover. Olivia walks through practical troubleshooting strategies and emphasizes the importance of individualized support and education. In a culture that often paints the female body as inconvenient or flawed, true healing begins when we learn to understand and respect what our bodies are communicating. There is real support. There are real answers. And there is real beauty in understanding your fertility. What the SymptoPro method is and how long it’s been helping women and couples How effective SymptoPro is for avoiding pregnancy when used correctly How it supports couples trying to conceive Why cycle tracking is a powerful health tool for all women, not just those planning families What your fertility chart can reveal about your overall health Practical tips for when charting feels confusing or overwhelming Why one method may not fit everyone, and how to find the right approach for you The deeper issue with “quick fix” solutions in women’s healthcare Olivia also shares her work as a Certified Lactation Consultant, wellness professional, and instructor serving families in rural Wisconsin where access to fertility education and medical support can be limited, yet deeply needed. Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS 🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery. 🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS 🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami, a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles that enhance the aroma of any space. Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout www.saltandlightbysami.com Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode, Teresa sits down with Myah Jenae, founder of Right to Know, a grassroots women’s health initiative reaching college campuses across the country. At just 22, Myah is helping young women reclaim an understanding of their bodies through cycle literacy, education, and community. Myah shares her personal story of early puberty, severe period pain, and the frustration of being dismissed by healthcare providers who offered hormonal birth control as the only solution. After years of struggling, she found healing through nutrition—eliminating her pain and transforming not only her physical health, but her emotional well-being. Through her work, Myah has spoken to nearly 1,600 college-aged women in just eight weeks. She’s found a striking pattern: the vast majority have felt dismissed or minimized when bringing up concerns about their cycles. Many were made to feel that tracking their cycles was unnecessary or even silly, leading them to disconnect from their bodies. Right to Know exists to change that narrative. The initiative emphasizes both body literacy and identity, helping women understand that painful cycles are not normal and that their bodies are not broken. Myah addresses the deeper “identity lies” many women carry: the belief that suffering is simply part of being female. On campuses, Right to Know sparks conversation in bold and creative ways including signs that read “period cramps aren’t normal” and a period cramp simulator that invites men into the conversation. These encounters open the door to deeper discussions about hormone health, fertility awareness, and alternatives to hormonal birth control. But the mission goes beyond symptom relief. Myah explains how healing her cycle unlocked joy, energy, and the ability to connect more deeply with others. What began as physical healing became a profound emotional transformation. At the heart of Right to Know is community. Their “Big Sister” program equips women to walk alongside others with compassion and clarity, creating spaces where women can learn, track, and grow together. Through shared practices like prioritizing sleep, nourishment, and cycle awareness, participants experience both education and support. Myah’s message is simple but powerful: the female body is not designed for chronic pain. Instead, symptoms are signals an invitation to look deeper and restore balance. Teresa closes the episode with a call to action: share this message. Whether you’re a young woman navigating your own cycle or someone who wishes you had learned this earlier, you have the ability to pass this knowledge on. Change begins with awareness and with the courage to start the conversation. Consider also checking out Cycle MIndfulness Clubs sponsored by Natural Womanhood; https://naturalwomanhood.org/cycle-mindfulness-club-leadership-team/ https://naturalwomanhood.org/making-sense-of-your-menstrual-cycle/ The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional. Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS Grazing Beauty Tallow for Skin 10% discount code HORMONEGENIUS Wonder Cow Colostrum for GUT Health 30% off with Code HORMONEGENIUS

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, the hosts sit down with Dr. Marina Suri, an OB-GYN with more than 30 years of experience in restorative reproductive medicine and women’s health. Together, they explore a refreshing and hopeful perspective on fertility, longevity, and what women can do naturally to support their hormone health and reproductive lifespan. Dr. Marina introduces the idea of “biological age” versus chronological age. While we cannot stop time, she explains that the health of our bodies is deeply influenced by lifestyle choices. The same habits that support longevity. The conversation dives into practical, foundational approaches that often get overlooked in conventional medicine. Rather than focusing first on expensive biohacking trends, Dr. Marina encourages women to start simple: eat whole foods, reduce ultra-processed foods and sugar, move the body regularly, and prioritize nutrient sufficiency. She shares how deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and omega-3s are incredibly common in her patients and can significantly impact hormone health and fertility. The hosts also discuss the overwhelming amount of health information women encounter online today. Dr. Marina reminds listeners that the basics matter most. A Mediterranean-style diet, reducing inflammatory foods, regular exercise, and stress management are still some of the most evidence-based ways to improve fertility and overall wellness. Another major topic of the episode is low-dose naltrexone (LDN), a therapy gaining attention in restorative reproductive medicine.More recently, she has seen promising use in fertility support, particularly for women with inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS. She discusses both the potential benefits and considerations of using LDN, including common side effects like vivid dreams and sleep changes. The discussion also highlights the growing concern surrounding endocrine-disrupting chemicals in modern life. From plastics and water contaminants to personal care products and cleaning supplies, Dr. Marina explains how environmental toxins may be impacting fertility, hormone balance, and even sperm counts. She shares practical ways women can reduce exposure without becoming fearful, including using water filters, cleaner products, and tools like the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living App. The episode closes with a beautiful reflection on body literacy and the importance of women understanding their cycles and hormones. Dr. Marina encourages women not to take fertility for granted and to become more in tune with the natural rhythms of their bodies. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help women understand that they are not powerless when it comes to their health and fertility. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, encouragement, and empowering reminders that small lifestyle changes can truly transform hormone health, fertility, and long-term wellness. Interested in being a Podcast Sponsor with THE HORMONE GENIUS? Check out these links next to get more detailson our SPONSORSHIP VISION! PODCAST PARTNER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdffY6WpATSUZfVtaQDlgCH1TDvvR5o3u-1G_sxUzQ0iRgHqg/viewform MONTHLY SPONSOR: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBmq62f7FcAs6aGqD_2wrHyWlXRm66bhzvqF2M1Pal5nkGyA/viewform BRAND PARTNER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBu46XqvMbmi8dqt8LBzUE0r22Gj39Ou9tbXSeN6d8-G5qaA/viewform We love partnering with brands that align with our mission of empowering women through hormone education and whole-body health. Visit WeHeartNutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. The information shared on the Hormone Genius Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast hosts or sponsors.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, Jamie and Teresa sit down for a fun, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation all about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum tips they’ve learned through their own experiences as mothers. Between the two of them, they’ve experienced twelve pregnancies, countless lessons learned, and plenty of “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?” moments. From practical comfort hacks to labor mindset shifts, this episode feels like sitting down with trusted girlfriends who just get it. The conversation begins with a simple but game-changing pregnancy comfort tip: proper support while sleeping. Teresa shares how something as small as placing a pillow between the legs can dramatically reduce hip and pelvic discomfort, especially later in pregnancy. She also opens up about her experience with severe symphysis pubis pain during her eighth pregnancy and the surprising solution that brought relief almost overnight, supportive shoe insoles called Walk Fit. Jamie jumps in to share her love for full pregnancy body pillows and how much better she slept once she finally tried one. From there, the episode dives into one of the most fascinating topics: helping breech babies turn naturally. Teresa explains the practice of moxibustion, an ancient technique connected to acupuncture and acupressure that uses heat on a specific point near the pinky toe to encourage baby movement. She shares stories of several women whose babies turned successfully after trying it and discusses the clinical studies that support the practice. Jamie adds in additional tips she learned during pregnancy, including curb walking, bouncing on an exercise ball, and staying upright rather than reclining to encourage optimal baby positioning. The conversation also touches on the emotional side of early pregnancy. Jamie vulnerably shares how lonely and confusing her first trimester felt when she expected more guidance and celebration from the healthcare system. That experience eventually inspired her to create a more supportive and celebratory environment for pregnant women through her nonprofit women’s health center, where every trimester is acknowledged and celebrated. As the discussion shifts into labor and delivery, Jamie and Teresa share some of their most meaningful lessons learned through childbirth. They discuss the importance of relaxation, breathing, and surrendering to the process rather than fighting contractions. Jamie reflects on how reading Ina May Gaskin’s book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth completely changed the way she approached her fourth delivery, helping her experience her most peaceful and empowering birth yet. The episode is filled with practical labor wisdom too, everything from flipping side to side during contractions to using peppermint oil during transition nausea. Teresa shares another lesser-known tip involving evening primrose oil to help soften and prepare the cervix for labor, while also emphasizing the importance of pelvic floor support and nourishing the body throughout pregnancy. There is much more in this podcast about tips for pregnancy, so buckle up and listen! This episode is equal parts practical, heartfelt, humorous, and empowering, a reminder that women truly do learn best from one another and that sharing wisdom across generations still matters deeply today. Our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. For just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, We Heart Nutrition, a company we love for clean, effective supplements that support whole-body hormone health. Visit www.weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Disclaimer: This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In Part 2 of our menopause series, we move beyond the basics and into the nuanced, often misunderstood realities of hormone therapy. This episode tackles some of the most common concerns women face in midlife—from unexpected bleeding to the role of testosterone—and revisits the cultural fears that have shaped menopause care for decades. We begin with an important and often alarming symptom: spotting while on menopause hormone therapy (MHT). While it can be common, it is never something to ignore. Using a simple but powerful analogy, estrogen acts like the “bricks,” building the uterine lining, while progesterone serves as the “mortar,” stabilizing it. When that balance is off, the lining can shed—resulting in bleeding. But because postmenopausal bleeding can also signal more serious conditions, including cancer, proper evaluation is essential. We walk through what that evaluation typically looks like, from pelvic ultrasound to endometrial biopsy when needed, helping women understand both the “why” and the next steps without unnecessary fear. From there, we revisit one of the most pivotal moments in women’s health history: the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. Its findings were widely misinterpreted, creating lasting fear around hormone therapy that impacted both patients and providers for over two decades. One of the most significant consequences was the black box warning placed even on low-dose, localized vaginal estrogen, despite its strong safety profile. In a long-overdue shift, that warning was finally removed in November 2025, opening the door for more women to access effective treatment without hesitation or stigma. We then turn to a topic gaining increasing attention: testosterone therapy for women. For many postmenopausal women, it can be truly transformative, supporting libido, energy, motivation, and even muscle mass. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Testosterone requires careful, individualized dosing and monitoring by a knowledgeable clinician. While some side effects like acne or increased facial hair can occur, excessive dosing carries the risk of irreversible changes, such as voice deepening. We also discuss the different delivery methods and why precision matters when it comes to hormone balance. Throughout this episode, the goal is not just to inform, but to reframe. Menopause is not a condition to fear, and hormone therapy is not the enemy it was once made out to be. Instead, this is an invitation to approach midlife with both knowledge and confidence, understanding that the female body is complex, but not unknowable. We’re also setting the stage for Part 3, where we’ll zoom out even further to explore the role of lifestyle, metabolic health, and the nervous system in shaping the menopause experience. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or unsure about your options in this season of life, this conversation is for you. Second, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. For just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. WonderCow uses high-quality, thoughtfully sourced bovine colostrum that’s easy to use daily and fits well into a foundational, root-cause approach to health. ✨ Exclusive Listener Discount Hormone Genius listeners get 15% off a one-time purchase or 30% off your first subscription. Use code HORMONEGENIUS or visit: 👉 wondercow.com/HORMONEGENIUS A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, We Heart Nutrition, a company we love for clean, effective supplements that support whole-body hormone health. Visit www.weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. The information presented in HGP is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this powerful episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Becca, wife, mother of three young children, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and founder of Bella Vera Wellness. A 2014 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former helicopter pilot, Becca brings a unique perspective on discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to be “mission ready.” Now a certified hormone coach and fertility educator, Becca is passionate about helping women understand their bodies, advocate for root-cause medical care, and embrace the beauty of their feminine design. Drawing from her personal journey through multiple fertility charting methods and restorative reproductive medicine, she shares how women can move from confusion and frustration to clarity, confidence, and healing. Becca is the owner of Bella Vera Wellness, where she offers hormone coaching and fertility awareness education rooted in restorative, root-cause medicine. She is also the co-host of the podcast For Her, With Love, where she walks alongside women navigating their health, fertility, and faith journeys. A wife and mom of three children under the age of five, Becca understands firsthand the demands of motherhood and the importance of sustainable, life-giving health. Her background as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot shapes her approach: structured, intentional, and focused on equipping women with the tools they need to thrive. What We Cover in This Episode 1. A “Mission Ready” Female Body Why a fully functioning, restored female body is not a luxury, but a necessity How hormonal health impacts energy, mental clarity, and overall performance Reframing women’s health through a lens of strength, purpose, and design 2. Navigating the Military Medical System The challenges of seeking root-cause care within military healthcare How to advocate for morally aligned, comprehensive care despite systemic barriers 3. The Power of Fertility Awareness & RRM Becca’s experience using four different fertility charting methods The role of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) across different life phases Differences between approaches like FEMM and NaPro, and how each can serve women uniquely Why fertility charting is a lifelong tool, not just for family planning 4. Education, Empowerment, and Advocacy Why every woman is capable of understanding her body Drawing parallels between military training and learning fertility awareness Encouragement for women, especially in demanding careers, to take ownership of their health 5. Embracing Feminine Design The invitation to embrace both the beauty and the challenges of womanhood Finding meaning and life in the “cross” you’ve been given How aligning with your body’s design leads to deeper freedom and peace Connect with Becca Bella Vera Wellness – Hormone coaching and fertility education Podcast: For Her, With Love (co-hosted by Becca) 🎧 Intro Episode: Intro to Becca (S1E4) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intro-to-becca/id1867882766?i=1000751559927 We Heart Nutrition 20% off with code: GENIUS Wonder Cow Colostrum 30% OFF your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius 10% OFF Grazing Beauty Tallow at grazingbeauty.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Hormone Genius Podcast on your favorite platform Follow us on Instagram: @hormonegenius Download our free toolkits at hormonegenius.com — they’re front and center on our homepage! Interested in our PERIMENOPAUSE PROGRAM? Browse offerings here: hormonegenius.com/courses The information presented in HGP is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Jen Winkler—wife, homeschooling mom, and functional health and hormone coach—for a deeply honest and hope-filled conversation about what it really looks like to heal the female body. After years of doing everything “right,” Jen still found herself struggling with epilepsy, PCOS, insulin resistance, and anxiety. Like so many women, she followed the conventional advice—yet her symptoms persisted. Instead of settling, she went deeper. Through studying nutrition, hormones, and metabolic health, Jen began to shift her approachfrom controlling and restricting her body to actually supporting it. That shift changed everything. Under medical supervision, Jen was able to reverse many of her symptoms and even reduce her epilepsy medication. But her story doesn’t stop there. One of the most powerful parts of her journey has been learning how to reintroduce foods she once feared, especially carbohydrates and witnessing the transformation in her gut health, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance. Through before-and-after gut testing, she saw firsthand how the body responds when it’s nourished instead of deprived. Now, as a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Functional Blood Chemistry Specialist, Jen helps women step away from rigid diet rules, like extreme keto or carnivore and move toward a more balanced, whole-food approach that supports long-term healing. This episode challenges the idea that restriction equals health, and instead invites women into a more sustainable, personalized way of living. We also address a major gap in women’s healthcare: the over-reliance on hormonal birth control as a first-line solution. Jen shares why she believes most hormonal imbalances can be addressed at the root without defaulting to suppression, and how Natural Family Planning offers women a real, effective alternative for avoiding pregnancy. In this episode, we cover: Jen’s journey through epilepsy, PCOS, insulin resistance, and anxiety Why “doing everything right” still wasn’t enough—and what changed The connection between metabolism, hormones, and overall health Transitioning out of restrictive diets like keto and carnivore Why reintroducing carbohydrates can support thyroid, gut, and hormonal health What gut testing can reveal, and how her results dramatically improved How symptoms act as signals, not problems to silence Supporting insulin resistance and PCOS through a root-cause approach Jen also shares her work helping women navigate complex hormonal challenges, including insulin resistance, PCOS, and metabolic dysfunction and you can read more by checking out Natural Womanhoods article on this topic here: https://naturalwomanhood.org/intermittent-fasting-for-pcos/ This conversation is for the woman who feels stuck… Who has tried the diets, followed the rules, and still isn’t seeing results. Instagram & YouTube: @jenwinklerwellness Website: www.jenwinkler.me Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS 🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery. 🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS 🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

This episode unfolds as a candid Q and A, exploring some of the most common and often confusing questions women have about menopause, menopause hormone therapy MHT, and what it really means to age well as a woman. By the time women seek help, many feel unlike themselves. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, and a noticeable decline in mood. Libido often drops. Weight gain can feel sudden and unexplained. Hair may thin. Skin becomes dry, and eyes can feel gritty. Vaginal dryness can lead to discomfort and even pain with intercourse. When women seek care, they are often met with what has historically been considered standard treatment, synthetic hormones, frequently in the form of birth control pills or hormonal IUDs. In some cases, therapies used in older studies such as the Women’s Health Initiative are still being prescribed, despite those studies being widely reanalyzed and often misunderstood. This is where understanding the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones becomes critical. Bioidentical hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Synthetic hormones are structurally different. Over time, research has increasingly suggested that these synthetic compounds may carry more risk, while bioidentical hormones appear to be significantly safer. MHT has been shown to support cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and protect cognitive function. There is growing evidence that it may even reduce overall mortality when used appropriately. This reframes the entire conversation. Instead of asking how do I get through menopause, the question becomes how do I support my health for the next 30 to 40 years. A helpful framework is to think in five year increments. Every five years, a woman can reassess. Am I still benefiting from this. Do I want to continue protecting my bones, heart, and brain. For many women, the answer is yes. Others may choose to stop later in life as priorities shift or new health concerns arise. The key is ongoing, informed decision making. Another increasingly common scenario involves women who are well into postmenopause, sometimes 10, 15, or even 20 years beyond their last period, who are just now learning about hormone therapy and wondering if it is too late. We know that starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause offers the most significant cardiovascular benefit. Starting later may still help with symptoms, but the protective effects are less clear. There may also be a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly when using oral estrogen. When it comes to safety, bioidentical hormones, especially when delivered through the skin via a patch, gel, or cream, carry a very low risk of blood clots. Oral estrogen has a slightly higher risk, which is why transdermal options are often preferred, particularly for women with additional risk factors. That said, no medical treatment is entirely without risk. What matters most is understanding the data, weighing the risks and benefits, and making an informed decision that aligns with personal health goals. Menopause is not simply an end point. It is a transition into a new phase of life. With the right information, support, and care, it can be a time of strength, clarity, and renewed health rather than decline. We Heart Nutrition 20% off with code: GENIUS Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius 🎧 Subscribe to The Hormone Genius Podcast on your favorite platform Follow us on Instagram: @hormonegenius Download our free toolkits at hormonegenius.com — they’re front and center on our homepage! Interested in our PERIMENOPAUSE PROGRAM? Browse offerings here: hormonegenius.com/courses Disclaimer: The information presented is not medical advice, and information only.