S6 Ep. 8: The Silent Struggle: Honoring the Infertility Journey With Compassionate Support

In this deeply moving episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we are honored to welcome Paula Gallagher, infertility coach, ministry leader, and powerful voice of hope for women navigating the heartbreak of infertility. After walking through a decade of primary infertility, Paula felt a calling to transform her own pain into purpose. With compassion and wisdom, she now serves women facing similar struggles—offering virtual one-on-one coaching and leading a thriving parish-based infertility and pregnancy loss support group. Through her Instagram platform, @catholic.infertility.coaching , Paula shares encouragement, education, and even a little humor, helping women feel seen and less alone. In our conversation, Paula opens up about her personal journey through infertility and how it led her to ministry. We also dive into the unique challenges infertile women face in the world of fertility awareness and body literacy—especially when charting feels more painful than empowering. Paula offers practical insights and gentle wisdom for any woman walking this difficult road. ✨ Whether you’re personally facing infertility, supporting a friend, or working in women’s health, this episode is full of grace, truth, and solidarity. 🔗 Learn more about Paula’s work: Website: CatholicInfertilityCoaching.com Resources: CatholicInfertilityResources.com Instagram: @catholic.infertility.coaching We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. - Get 20% off your first order with code GENIUS. - Plus, first-time orders over $50 get a free bamboo capsule box to help build healthy habits. Head to weheartnutrition.com, take the quiz, and use our code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. With supplements this good and a mission this meaningful, you can’t go wrong. We know you’ll love We Heart Nutrition! 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, Jamie and Teresa are joined by Dr. Christopher Stroud, a board-certified OB/GYN at the Fertility & Midwifery Care Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dr. Stroud shares his expertise on ovarian wedge resection, a surgical intervention for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of women's health issues. Key topics include: Understanding PCOS: Dr. Stroud explains the pathophysiology of PCOS and its impact on women's health. Ovarian Wedge Resection: A discussion on this surgical procedure, its indications, and outcomes. Root-Cause Approach: The importance of identifying and treating underlying causes rather than just symptoms. Integrative Care: How combining medical and surgical interventions can offer comprehensive care for women with PCOS. Personalized Patient Care: Dr. Stroud's philosophy on tailoring treatments to individual patient needs and circumstances. Whether you're navigating PCOS yourself or seeking to understand more about women's health, this conversation offers valuable insights into effective, holistic care approaches. Connect with Dr. Christopher Stroud: Website: Fertility & Midwifery Care Center, Phone: (260) 222-7401, Email: [email protected] 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.

👉 Register now for our free informational webinar on October 9, 8 PM CST! Join us live on Zoom to learn more about hormone coaching and the Fiat Institute certification program. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/M-zVlSTCS12qjQ8z7sripQ or visit @fiat_institute on instagram, and visit the link in Fiat Institute's bio for the registration link. Questions? Email [email protected]. Applications are now open for the January 2026 Fiat Hormone Coach Certification cohort! 🎙️ Episode Overview In this special episode, Teresa flips the script and interviews Jamie about the story behind Fiat Institute, why the world desperately needs hormone coaching, and what makes a Fiat-trained coach different. We’ll talk about the broken system of women’s health, the frameworks Fiat uses to help women heal at the root, and the growing global movement of women who are saying “yes” to their calling as hormone coaches. If you’ve ever wondered why women need more than a chart and a prescription, this episode is for you. 🗣️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode The Fiat Beginning – Why Jamie started Fiat Institute, the moment she realized bandaid solutions weren’t enough, and how Fiat became a bridge between natural and holistic care. Seeing the Woman Behind the Chart – Why information isn’t transformation, and how real change begins when we see the whole woman—her story, struggles, and dreams. The Systemic Problem – Why 60% of women are on birth control for health reasons, and how Fiat is challenging the “pill as the answer” mindset. Frameworks that Heal – How GILAS, the Vital 5, and LEARN guide women from symptoms to solutions with practical, holistic steps. Moving Beyond Observation – How Fiat helps women who are “stuck” in charting move from data to true healing. Fiat Coaches = Hormone Doulas – What makes our coaches unique: integrating feminine genius, cycle tracking, and whole-person health coaching. Transformation Stories – From nervous beginners to bold educators, hear how Fiat-trained coaches are impacting women worldwide (U.S., Philippines, Australia, Mexico, Canada). The Certification Journey – What students can expect in the Fiat Hormone Coach Certification Program: deep learning, skill-building, business training, and sisterhood. Who the 2026 Cohort is For – Why this group is special and how to know if you’re the right fit. Your Next Step – If your heart is sparking, how to discern and apply to become a hormone coach. 🎁 Freebie for Listeners Don’t miss Fiat Institute's FREE resource on Fiat Womanhood, Business, and Health—visit www.fiatinstitute.com to get my exclusive resource guide: a curated list of my Top 3 favorite books & podcasts for Health, Business, and Fiat Womanhood. 👉 Register for the live informational webinar, October 9 at 8 PM CST 📩 Apply now for the January 2026 Hormone Coach Certification cohort (visit www.fiatinstitute.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.

Hey listeners! Got plans for October 10th and 11th? Well, clear your calendars, because the FACTS About Fertility Virtual Conference is coming in hot and you won't want to miss it. Listen in today to Dr. Marguerite Duane and all the incredible work she is doing with FACTS, but also she is now the Director of the first ever Fertility Awareness Based Medical program in a medical school, Duquesne University! We are excited to have Dr. Marguerite Duane Back on The Hormone Genius Podcast. We are looking into lifestyle and how it effects our menstrual cycles today, by hearing many incredible stories from Dr. Duane of patients she has helped over the years get their health back. If you join the Virtual conference in October, you will hear TWO days of inspiring talks, real connection, and expert insight, all from the comfort of your favorite sweatpants. 😎 🎉 Friday Night Lights Kick off your weekend right on Friday, October 10th, with a powerful keynote from the one and only Dr. Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever. She’s diving into Physician Wellness and Infertility, and trust us, this is not your typical talk. Expect heart, humor, and some healing. After that? 🥂 It’s time to mix, mingle, and network during our virtual social hour! Connect with fellow attendees, meet our exhibitors, and soak in the community vibes. 💡 Super Saturday – October 11th Wake up, grab your coffee, and get ready for a full day of fresh perspectives in women’s health. From stress and sleep to nutrition and exercise, our expert lineup is bringing the heat: 🧘‍♀️ Physician Wellness – Dr. Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever 🌀 Stress & the Female Cycle – Teresa Kenney, WHNP 😴 Healthy Sleep & Fertility – Dr. Lynn Keenan 🏃‍♀️ Exercise: Too Much, Too Little, Just Right – Emily Jurschak, PT, DPT 🥗 Nutrition’s Impact on Cycle Patterns – Ginny Noce, MS, RN 🖱️ Registration is open now! Lock in your spot at FACTSaboutFertility.org/2025-facts-virtual-conference 🎓 Want more learning? Take your expertise up a notch with our CME Course Series! With 13 online modules and 16 CME credits available through AAFP, you can dive into real case studies and up-to-date science covering infertility, miscarriage, perimenopause, FemTech, and so much more. Learn on your schedule—because fertility waits for no one. Explore the courses at FACTSaboutFertility.org/professional-cme-course 👩‍⚕️ Join the Movement And if you're a medical professional looking for your people—we’ve got you. FACTS offers membership opportunities that connect you to an empowering community of fertility-forward thinkers. Join solo, with your practice, or bring your whole organization on board. 👉 Sign up today at FACTSaboutFertility.org/join and start building the career—and the impact—you’ve always wanted. 🎧 Whether you’re tuning in from your clinic, couch, or carpool line, FACTS is bringing you the future of fertility—one evidence-based, heart-centered conversation at a time. See you at the conference! #FertilityFacts #MedicalEducation #WomenInMedicine #FABMs #FertilityAwareness #CMECredits #VirtualConference Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor: We Heart Nutrition offers high-quality supplements designed specifically for women's health. Here are three standout features: Bioavailable Ingredients: Their supplements use the most absorbable forms of each nutrient, ensuring your body gets what it needs. Third-Party Tested: All products are tested for purity and potency, manufactured in NSF & cGMP certified facilities. Purpose-Driven: 10% of every purchase supports pregnancy care centers, supporting moms and babies. Visit weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. 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 powerful follow-up episode, Jamie and Teresa dive deep into Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism, taking the conversation to the next level with a focused discussion on treatment options. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction or suspect something’s off with your thyroid health, this is the episode for you. Teresa and Jamie break down every type of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, helping you navigate the often confusing world of thyroid care: 🔹 Levothyroxine (T4) – the most commonly prescribed option 🔹 Desiccated or Porcine Thyroid – a more natural, whole-gland alternative 🔹 Liothyronine (T3) – synthetic T3 support 🔹 Compounded T3/T4 – a personalized and balanced approach Plus, Teresa equips you with tools to become your own thyroid advocate, reviewing the optimal lab ranges you should know and how to talk to your provider about them. Also featured in this episode: 💊 Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – a promising option for Hashimoto’s, helping to reduce thyroid antibodies and inflammation naturally. 📚 Resources mentioned: Dr. Westin Childs Dr. Isabella Wentz 🧡 Support Your Health with We Heart Nutrition This episode is proudly sponsored by We Heart Nutrition, a supplement brand crafted with women in mind. ✨ Why we love them: Bioavailable Ingredients – designed for maximum absorption Third-Party Tested – purity and potency you can trust Purpose-Driven – 10% of profits go to pregnancy care centers 🎁 Use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order at weheartnutrition.com Whether you're just beginning your thyroid journey or searching for better answers, this episode gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of your thyroid health. 👉 Tune in now and share with someone who needs to hear this! #HormoneGenius #ThyroidHealth #Hashimotos #Hypothyroidism #WomensHealth #FunctionalMedicine #WeHeartNutrition Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, one of the most common autoimmune disorders affecting women, with expert guest Teresa Kenney, NP. You’ll learn what Hashimoto’s is, how it differs from other thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease, and why so many women in their 30s and 40s and beyond are being diagnosed. Teresa breaks down the basics, shares insight into testing and diagnosis, and helps us uncover the often-overlooked root causes of this condition, from stress and inflammation to gut health and nutrient deficiencies. She also offers clear, compassionate advice on lifestyle strategies, when medications might be necessary, and what true healing can look like. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, are still searching for answers, or want to support someone you love, this episode is packed with information, validation, and hope. Highlights from the Episode: What exactly is Hashimoto’s, and how is it different from hypothyroidism or Graves’ disease? Why women in their 30s and 40s are particularly vulnerable Symptoms that could signal an undiagnosed thyroid condition The real story behind “normal” labs and why many women still feel terrible The key labs to ask for—beyond just TSH (including Free T4, Free T3, (reverse T3) and Thyroid Antibody panel. How thyroid antibodies like TPO and Tg help identify autoimmune thyroid disease Root causes and triggers: stress, gut health, inflammation, and more Which nutrient deficiencies are most common in Hashimoto’s How diet, sleep, and movement play a role in managing symptoms First steps if you’ve just been diagnosed and feel overwhelmed When medications are necessary, and how lifestyle changes still make a difference Can Hashimoto’s go into remission? One thing we didn't get to touch upon in this episode is Low Dose Naltrexone and its use in Hashimotos, so check out our previous episode on this: Season 5 Episode 13! Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and a powerful reminder: You are not alone, and there is a path forward. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they’ve got something for you and they got an amazing Men’s multi for the husband or dad in your life. - Get 20% off your first order with code GENIUS. - Plus, first-time orders over $50 get a free bamboo capsule box to help build healthy habits. Head to weheartnutrition.com, take the quiz, and use our code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. With supplements this good and a mission this meaningful, you can’t go wrong. We know you’ll love We Heart Nutrition! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

"I believe women cannot protect what they do not know. If we are illiterate about our own bodies, if we don’t understand how they’re designed to work in a state of health, we are deprived of our right to true informed consent in healthcare decisions. And this is never more critical than in decisions about reproductive health, including birth control." This is particularly true with young women with intellectual disabilities. Katie Vidmar who is not only an expert in menstrual cycle literacy, and having a daughter who has Intellectual disabilities, Katie will walk us through how we can help a young woman understand the gift and goodness of her body. All humans deserve to be honored in the goodness of there own bodies, to be given the same respect and value as any person, despite their intellectual challenges. Katie will show how we can serve this population with the dignity that women with these intellectual challenges deserve. It is a beautiful conversation that will touch many of you who know a young women in this situation. "This is about being pro–informed consent. Women deserve the freedom to make choices rooted in knowledge, not fear or misinformation. Liberation begins when we discover the brilliance of our bodies and learn to work with them—not against them." And the truth is, we already have models for doing this. Body Literacy. Cycle Tracking. Menstrual Health Triage. Simplified Fertility Awareness. These tools exist, and they’ve been brought successfully to under-resourced populations. ✨ About Katie E. Vidmar Katie E. Vidmar, MTS, is a Body Literacy and Fertility Awareness Educator from North Dakota. She’s dedicated to bringing holistic women’s health to underserved populations. She created Elevate, a training program that equips healthcare professionals with tools for introducing Body Literacy, Cycle Tracking, Fertility Awareness, and root-cause menstrual health care. She’s also the creator of Cycle Wise, a Body Literacy video series for community health centers; co-author of Cycle Aware, a middle-school curriculum; and host of the series Reframing Women’s Health. Katie currently serves as the Director of Programs at Natural Womanhood and lives in Bismarck, ND, with her husband and family. Resources: Support Group for parents with ID link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW5MeGKvb-wlhg7ZkvX7YuKU83FZhgwgtFm_YbciG3swHzlg/viewform Website-https://katievidmar.com/ Natural Womanhood-https://naturalwomanhood.org/ Period Genius course: https://www.naturalwomanhood.courses/ Link to a pictorial Cycle Tracker, where young women can track their cycles with 3 colored pencils, is right here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r87imCb2h0TtSoPNZEDPRZDjXoHpWIuu/view?usp=sharing Katie says, "Here is a book called The Girls Guide to Growing: Choices and Changes in the Tween Years Up by Terri Couwenhoven. I recommend this book for its puberty-related content. I do not endorse all the content on topics related to sexuality." The Body Literacy Project, your go-to source for both Public Policy and School-based Body Literacy curriculum, is launching September 2025. Here you'll be connected with suggested language for school district policy and model legislation, as well as the Body Literacy Project Curricula Cycle Aware for adolescent females and Men in the Making for adolescent males. https://www.thebodyliteracyproject.org/ Thanks to our Podcast Sponsor! Head to weheartnutrition.com, take the quiz, and use our code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. We know you’ll love We Heart Nutrition! 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, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes of the season, swapping summer shenanigan stories, and sharing some exciting new projects in the works. We have been working super hard on a new Perimenopause program that will hopefully change your life :) First up: a sneak peek at our upcoming Perimenopause Program, launching in October! If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this program is for you. Here’s what we cover in this portion of the episode: Why “quick fixes” don’t work for a woman’s changing body How the 4x4 Challenge (4 daily habits for 4 months) builds lasting transformation The Inner Work: reflection, rhythms, mindset, and grace How this approach is different: no gimmicks, no overwhelm, no shame Tools you’ll receive, including checklists, journal prompts, and community support Options to go through the program on your own or with us in a private Facebook community Want to be the first to know when the Perimenopause Program is available? Fill out our quick interest form here: https://forms.gle/CEUcoMs3eM9EwttT8 We also share some personal updates! Jamie’s husband, Justin, just launched a brand-new venture offering Executive Functioning services to help middle school, high school, and college students strengthen skills like organization, time management, focus, and self-motivation. 📩 Email him at [email protected] or visit https://forms.gle/GTe9g9aURQytNTvh8 to setup a time to chat about his services. Teresa’s husband just released a new children’s book — perfect for families looking for engaging, wholesome reading for their kids. The Fox Who Ate the Bear – Amazon This has been such a full and exciting season — thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this community. We can’t wait to bring you even more insightful, encouraging, and empowering conversations in Season 6. If you're looking for the best supplements—backed by research and made by a family-owned company that aligns with your values—you need to check out We Heart Nutrition. - Made with bioavailable ingredients so your body actually absorbs the nutrients—no fillers, no junk. - Carefully crafted to meet your unique health needs. - With over 1,000 5-star reviews, real customers are sharing how these supplements have transformed their health. - Get 20% off your first order with code GENIUS. - Plus, first-time orders over $50 get a free bamboo capsule box to help build healthy habits. Head to weheartnutrition.com, take the quiz, and use our code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. With supplements this good and a mission this meaningful, you can’t go wrong. We know you’ll love We Heart Nutrition! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

We are welcoming a special guest to the Hormone Genius Podcast, Christin Willis. An entrepeneur, incredibly accomplished mom of five, and passionate woman on all things related to female health. Christin believes the “one-size-fits-all” model in women’s health is outdated. In this empowering episode, Christin Willis— co-founder of We Heart Nutrition—gets real about hormone health, nutrient depletion, and why birth control isn’t a cure-all. She shares her journey through anemia, pregnancy, postpartum, and entrepreneurship, and how it shaped her passion for giving women real, research-backed solutions. We talk about why ovulation matters, how motherhood keeps her grounded, and the biggest myths women believe about their hormones at every stage of life. Plus, Christin shares simple, actionable steps to start feeling like yourself again—without the overwhelm. You’ll Learn: Why most women are unknowingly nutrient-depleted—and what to do about it How to choose supplements based on your symptoms (not trends) The one conversation Christin wishes her mom had with her What makes We Heart Nutrition different—and why their mission matters Special Offer: Take the quiz at weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Bonus: Orders over $50 get a free bamboo capsule box! We Heart Nutrition: Pro-mama and Pro-family because your health deserves more than a bandaid. Connect with We Heart Nutrition: 🌿 Website: weheartnutrition.com 📲 Instagram: @weheartnutrition 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/weheartnutrition Opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

Do you have heavy periods, feel bloated, have headaches, bad PMS, or struggle with infertility and/or fibroids? Have you ever considered that these symptoms—and many more—could be related to a hormone imbalance? Estrogen dominance is one of the most commonly misunderstood hormone issues. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what estrogen dominance actually means. We explore the critical role of your liver and gut in estrogen detoxification and how dysfunction in these systems can lead to symptoms like heavy periods, breast tenderness, anxiety, fatigue, and stubborn weight gain. You'll learn how your liver goes through a two-phase detox process to neutralize estrogen, and how the gut's microbiome—including the estrobolome—can either help or hinder that elimination process. We also unpack a lesser-known but powerful enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which can cause estrogen that was supposed to be excreted to be reabsorbed back into the body—essentially recycling hormones and contributing to estrogen dominance. This often happens when gut health is compromised due to dysbiosis, constipation, or poor diet. Whether you're in your reproductive years, navigating perimenopause, this episode will help you better understand the physiology behind estrogen dominance and how to begin addressing it at the root. We Heart Nutrition offers high-quality supplements designed specifically for women's health. Here are three standout features: Bioavailable Ingredients: Their supplements use the most absorbable forms of each nutrient, ensuring your body gets what it needs. Third-Party Tested: All products are tested for purity and potency, manufactured in NSF & cGMP certified facilities. Purpose-Driven: 10% of every purchase supports pregnancy care centers, aligning with their pro-life mission. Visit weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.