Ep 06: Living Beyond Numbers with Dr. Ali Novitsky

Send us a message!PCOS is so common, yet so commonly misunderstood. Despite affecting millions of women, its symptoms—and even its name—lead to confusion and delayed diagnoses. PCOS is often referred to as a "disease of exclusion," as it’s commonly diagnosed only after other conditions have been ruled out. This delay leaves many women struggling for years with symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne before receiving a proper diagnosis. Yet, early detection is critical, as PCOS is linked to serious comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.In this episode, triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Sonia Hans pulls back the curtain on this misunderstood condition. From how PCOS is diagnosed to its relationship with metabolic syndrome, Dr. Hans explains why recognition and treatment shouldn’t wait. She highlights the revolutionary advancements in care, including GLP-1 medications, and explores how PCOS evolves during perimenopause and menopause.If you’ve been searching for answers—or know someone who is—this conversation offers clarity, hope, and actionable steps to better understand and manage PCOS.ReferencesFind Dr. Sonia Hans at the following locations:EvergreenHealth Diabetes & Endocrinology Care (for PCOS management)EvergreenHealth Weight Loss & Bariatric CareAudio Stamps00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia's guest, Dr. Sonia Hans, shares her background in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and metabolic health, detailing her journey into these fields and her passion for managing conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and diabetes.03:50 - Dr. Hans explains PCOS as a dysregulated female reproductive hormone system, leading to irregular periods and metabolic disruptions.06:47 - Dr. Hans shares the red flags which indicate someone may have PCOS.12:50 - Dr. Hans explains that PCOS and metabolic syndrome often occur together, with managing one condition helping to control the other.16:49 - Dr. Hans highlights the challenges young women face with body image and weight, stressing the importance of empowering them with knowledge and options for managing PCOS and metabolic disease.21:02 - Dr. Hans discusses treatments for PCOS, including birth control, spironolactone, insulin sensitizers, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, alongside lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise.30:00 - We learn how PCOS transitions in perimenopause, including metabolic changes and increased visceral fat, and how GLP-1s help manage these symptoms and improve health outcomes.35:35 - Dr. Hans shares what to look out for when hormonal imbalances arise, urging women to seek help if they notice changes in energy, sleep, or weight.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!In the first installment of The Endocrine Series, we explored insulin resistance, a condition where your body struggles to use insulin effectively, often worsened by hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Now, we turn our attention to prediabetes—a stage where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. While prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Early intervention is key.In this episode, we’ll discuss how simple lifestyle changes—like adjusting your diet and exercise—can reverse prediabetes, regulate blood sugar, and lower health risks. We'll also cover medical treatments, including anti-obesity medications and hormone replacement therapy, to further support metabolic health. Listen in for practical tips on managing prediabetes and preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.References“I Love Lucy” chocolate factory clipEp. 11: Understanding Insulin Resistance During PerimenopauseAudio Stamps00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia reminds us about insulin resistance and how rising blood sugar levels indicate whether someone is in the prediabetes range, as they begin to exceed normal thresholds.01:56 - Another indicator of prediabetes is the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures average blood sugar over three months and signals prediabetes when levels are between 5.7% and 6.4%.03:05 - Excessive carbohydrate intake and reliance on packaged meals high in refined sugars stress the pancreas and contribute to insulin resistance.04:35 -  Lack of physical activity contributes to pancreatic stress and insulin resistance, as sedentary lifestyles lead to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and changes in body composition.05:55 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia uses an analogy from “I Love Lucy” to demonstrate how the pancreas operates in hyperdrive in prediabetes, producing excessive insulin to manage blood sugar levels.07:15 - We hear practical ways to slow down the pancreas's assembly line by adapting diet and fitness habits.10:58 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes the importance of discussing metabolic medications and hormone replacement therapy with your primary care provider to address prediabetes.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!Struggling with stubborn pounds around your midsection, despite sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise, is a frustrating reality for many women as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal shifts—particularly a decline in estrogen—can trigger insulin resistance, making it harder to lose weight, control blood sugar levels, and maintain muscle mass.In this episode, the first of my Endocrine Series, we dive into what insulin resistance is, how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens it, and the key steps you can take to monitor and manage it effectively. Tune in for practical tips to help you work with your healthcare providers and take charge of managing insulin resistance, weight changes, and overall metabolic health during perimenopause and beyond.Audio Stamps00:49 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia explains insulin resistance, detailing the pancreas's role and the two primary ways it can malfunction.02:26 - We learn about autoimmune attacks, where malfunctioning white blood cells target beta cells in the pancreas, reducing insulin production and causing type 1 diabetes.03:30 - We discover how changes in body composition and increased visceral fat can impair beta cell function, raising insulin demand and contributing to insulin resistance.06:48 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia highlights how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens insulin resistance, making blood sugar control more difficult for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.08:07 - We hear key steps to monitor insulin resistance, including tracking body changes, screening for diabetes risk, and discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!Menopause is often a misunderstood and misrepresented phase of life, leaving many women to navigate it in silence and confusion. Each year, over one million women in the U.S. enter menopause, yet many feel unsure about when and how to seek support. Am I too young to ask for help? Are my symptoms “severe enough” to warrant a conversation with my doctor?In this episode, we welcome Dr. Naomi Busch, the visionary founder of Seattle Menopause Medicine—a groundbreaking practice born from a conversation among friends at a book club! Join us as Dr. Busch and I passionately debunk some of the most pervasive myths surrounding menopause, providing clarity and confidence for women facing this transition.You’ll discover:Why age should not be a barrier to seeking menopause careThe misconception that significant suffering is required before seeking helpEffective alternative strategies to manage menopausal symptoms without hormone therapyEssential insights into osteoporosis awareness and maintaining bone health post-menopauseKey information about testosterone pellet therapy and its implications for womenTune in now to explore how Dr. Busch’s compassionate, evidence-based approach is reshaping care for women, empowering them to embrace this pivotal stage of life with knowledge and confidence!Audio Stamps01:08 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces today’s guest, Dr. Naomi Busch, who opened Seattle Menopause Medicine in 2023 to guide women through perimenopause and into the menopause transition.04:47 - Dr. Busch addresses how many women are dismissed for being too young for menopause treatment and shares her comprehensive approach to working with women experiencing menopausal symptoms.09:42 - Dr. Busch busts the myth that women must be "suffering enough" to warrant menopause treatment.14:45 - Dr. Busch addresses the misconception that life will be ruined without hormone therapy, highlighting that while it's beneficial for some, many women can effectively manage symptoms with alternative treatments.19:53 - Dr. Busch highlights the importance of osteoporosis awareness, stressing that many women remain uninformed about their bone health, especially post-menopause. 24:38 - Dr. Busch clarifies the misconception that obtaining hormone therapy from a compounding pharmacy is superior to receiving it from standard pharmacies.28:30 - Dr. Busch and Dr. Patil-Sisodia discuss concerns about testosterone pellets for women, regulatory challenges for female testosterone therapies in the U.S., and dosing complexities.ReferencesVisit the Seattle Menopause Medicine websiteThanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!Could we be on the brink of a public healthcare crisis? In this episode, I tackle a pressing issue: while menopause is a universal experience for women, the support systems in place are alarmingly inadequate. I’ll explore how the “menopause penalty” affects our health, relationships, finances, and careers, and why this could lead to a shortage of physicians to care for us.Join me as I reveal shocking statistics that highlight the urgent need for better support in our workplaces and communities. My goal is to inspire you to advocate for more resources and create a nurturing environment for women navigating this significant life transition. Tune in to understand the critical need for change and discover how we can work together to build a better future for all womenReferencesWorking Paper - “The Menopause "Penalty" - Institute for Fiscal StudiesImpact of Menopause Symptoms on Women in the Workplace. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023Understanding the Role of Menopause in Work and Careers - Korn FerryThanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!If you’re navigating the confusing landscape of menopause, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the conflicting advice from well-meaning friends, family, and (often unreliable) online sources. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, a seasoned internal medicine physician with over three decades of clinical expertise, who has pivoted her career to focus exclusively on menopause care.Frustrated by the lack of reliable resources, Dr. Baumgaertel created "The Menopause Menu," a comprehensive guide that blends evidence-based medical information with holistic and integrative approaches. Join us as we discuss what inspired Dr. Baumgaertel to write the book, how her personal journey through menopause and rheumatoid arthritis shaped her approach, and why it's crucial for physicians to listen and advocate for their patients throughout this complex journey.Referenceshttps://www.mymdadvocate.com/https://www.menopausemenu.com/The Menopause Menu, From Hot Flashes to Delicious Dishes: A Symptom-Driven, Nourishing Guide to Mastering Menopause⁠“The School of Essential Ingredients” by Erica Barmeister. Audio stamps00:39 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces today’s guest, author of “The Menopause Menu”, Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, who shares her career journey.06:32 - We learn about Dr. Susan Baumgaertel’s experience with menopausal and perimenopausal patients, exploring what inspired her to create "The Menopause Menu."11:45 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia asks Dr. Susan Baumgaertel about the unique approach she took in structuring the chapters for her book, "The Menopause Menu".15:20 -  Dr. Baumgaertel shares her journey through menopause and rheumatoid arthritis. 20:16 -  Dr. Baumgaertel reminds us that menopause is a long journey, highlighting the importance of doctors listening to patients and not dismissing their concerns during this process.22:40 - Dr. Baumgaertel discusses how her book isn't just for women but also for men, helping them understand what their partners, mothers, or sisters are going through during menopause.24:47 - Dr. Baumgaertel warns against blindly following social media influencers and stresses the importance of individualized care and credible, research-backed information. 28:02 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia praises the heartfelt and relatable quotes from women featured in Dr. Baumgaertel’s book, comparing it to "The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister.32:25 -  Dr. Patil-Sisodia asks how physicians, especially female physicians, can better advocate for their patients.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!Today, there's a strong movement towards body positivity, especially for women and those in larger bodies. However, it conflicts with media pressures that promote a narrow and often unattainable ideal of physical appearance. In my practice, I've seen patients who fit the media's ideal image but struggle with metabolic health issues, and vice versa. So the question I want to delve into is: where does metabolic health fit into this tug-of-war?To help me shed light on this topic, I've invited my friend and obesity medicine specialist, Dr. Matthea Rentea. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of the Rentea Metabolic Clinic, a telehealth clinic serving residents of Indiana and Illinois, specializing in comprehensive weight management. Join us as we discuss why diversity of thought is crucial when considering what's best for health and why metabolic health and body positivity can coexist, regardless of your body size.References:The Obesity Guide Podcast with Matthea Rentea MDEpisode 69: BMI: Proof it Falls Short as a Measure of HealthRentea Metabolic Clinic WebsiteFollow Dr. Rentea on TikTokFollow Dr. Rentea on InstagramAudio Stamps:00:30 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces her guest, Dr. Matthea Rentea, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician and founder of the Rentea Metabolic Clinic.02:21 - Dr. Rentea shares her experiences of why size is not a good indicator of health.03:18 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Patil-Sisodia discuss why terms like 'weight' and 'obesity' can carry significant sensitivity among their patient population.05:42 - Dr. Rentea promotes body neutrality and acceptance, urging patients to embrace diverse health perspectives rather than relying on a singular approach.08:15 - Dr. Rentea advises patients not to focus on specific weight goals but to embrace body diversity and normalize different body types through varied social media representations.12:10 - We learn why health and body positivity can coexist, no matter your body size.13:58 - Remind us that you have the power to change your health at any moment, and you don't owe explanations to others.16:15 - We learn why it’s important to clearly define what “healthy” is going to look like for you.21:35 - Understanding health means acknowledging that everyone experiences their body differently.26:55 - Dr. Rentea shares how she approaches body image work in her practice, helping people accept their current body while pursuing health goals through all of life's changes.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!From a young age, we're bombarded with ideals about how we should look and pressured to fit into certain numbers—whether it’s on the scale, on clothing tags, or on a BMI chart. But today, we're diving into a different narrative with my good friend and obesity medicine expert, Dr. Ali Novitsky. Can you believe she started her first diet at just six years old? Fast forward nearly two decades and over 20 diets later, she finally uncovered the keys to living authentically in her body.Over the past 10 years, Dr. Novitsky has been teaching people the key strategies to go against diet culture and achieve long term, sustainable weight loss results. And in 2018, I was fortunate enough to be part of one of her first programs, Mind Body Marriage, which was simply life-changing. Join us for an inspiring conversation about reclaiming body autonomy and embracing a life beyond the numbers.References: Muscles and Mindset Program The Fit Collective The Muscles and Mindset Podcast Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on TikTok Audio Stamps: 00:00 Dr. Patil-Sisodia welcomes her guest Dr. Ali Novitsky, a board certified obesity medicine physician and CEO of The FIT Collective. 02:56 - Dr. Novitsky shares her own experiences of diet culture and how she came to adopt a more mindful approach to health. 07:30 - Dr. Novitsky explains how she shifted her mindset around body image and weight and shares how she has broken the cycle of weight-focused thinking with her daughters. 13:30 - We learn the importance of re-scripting our thoughts about weight to focus on body composition and muscle gain rather than the number on the scale. 17:31 - Dr. Novitsky explains how understanding the different body types—ectomorph (naturally thin), mesomorph (muscular), and endomorph (prone to higher body fat)—helps tailor health strategies. 22:42 - We learn the importance of approaching nutrition and strength training in a way that supports muscle retention and overall health, especially during perimenopause. 31:19 - We find out why consistency is key to building sustainable health habits. 34:11 - We explore how to shift mindset around body weight and expectations, emphasizing self-acceptance and living authentically in your own body. 41:12 - Dr. Novitsky shares information about her new program, Muscles and Mindset, and how it’s helping people gain more muscle in less time.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!“Metabolism” is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days. You might have heard people say things like “your metabolism slows down as you age” or “she can eat whatever she wants because she has a fast metabolism.” But how does your metabolism really affect your body? In this episode, we’ll explore how metabolism isn’t a fixed process; it changes with age, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle choices, especially during significant phases like menopause. Join me as we delve into how factors like diet, physical activity, stress levels, and genetics influence our metabolic health. Plus, we look at what happens to our bodies as we age, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. If you’re seeking the confidence to effectively manage your metabolic health, tune in now to uncover insights that will empower you to understand and navigate the shifts in your metabolism with confidence.Audio Stamps02:55 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia uses an analogy to show the difference between the two key categories of metabolism: anabolism and catabolism.05:30 - We learn the difference between metabolism and basal metabolic rate.06:00 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia shares two examples to demonstrate how our bodies respond defensively to protect us when disruptions occur in our metabolic processes or environment.08:34 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes how weight loss plateaus are normal and necessary because of the brain's tendency to maintain a weight set point.11:52 - We find out how metabolism is influenced by family history, genetics (including conditions like obesity and diabetes), and aging, including menopause.12:24 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia discusses the metabolic changes during perimenopause and menopause and how hormone changes can impact metabolism. 14:39 - We hear five key strategies for navigating metabolic changes during menopause.18:43 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia outlines the key takeaways from the episode.ReferencesThe Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms by Lynne PeeplesThanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.

Send us a message!Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of modern womanhood? Women are often told that we can “have it all”, but the truth is that constantly chasing perfection leads to burnout and feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.As we approach midlife, the lines between stress and perimenopausal symptoms really start to blur, leaving us feeling lost and totally unsure of which factors are truly influencing our well-being.In this episode, I’m exposing the hidden challenges faced by women trying to balance competing priorities and societal expectations. Together, we’ll debunk the myth of busyness as a symbol of success and embrace the transformative power of self-awareness as the foundation of genuine self-care.Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.