Hormones Decoded: Vitex and Creatine

Menopause isn’t just a hormone cliff, it’s a whole-body turning point that exposes every habit, stressor and system you’ve been carrying for decades. I’m joined by women’s health expert Susan Hunter, who brings 20 plus years of clinical pattern recognition to the perimenopause and menopause conversation, with a refreshingly grounded take: test where it counts, treat the woman in front of you, and stop chasing one-size-fits-all fixes.We start with Vitex (chaste tree) and get specific about the symptom pictures that make it shine, especially PMS patterns like breast tenderness, fluid retention, cravings, mood shifts and sleep changes. Susan shares the key pathology markers she leans on, including peak luteal progesterone, LH to FSH patterns, prolactin, cortisol and DHEAS, plus the red flags that make Vitex a poor choice. We also talk timing, what “working” looks like over two to three cycles, and how to use planned breaks when Vitex is part of longer-term perimenopause support.Then we zoom out to the foundations of midlife health: protein, muscle mass, bone density and brain function. Susan explains why creatine monohydrate has moved well beyond the gym floor, how she uses it for strength, recovery and cognitive symptoms like brain fog, and how to think about dosing in a practical way. We finish by naming the underestimated driver behind so many midlife symptoms: chronic stress and cortisol, and the simple nervous system tools that actually help women feel steady again.If you found this helpful, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share it with a friend who’s navigating perimenopause, and leave a review to help more women find the show. What’s the one midlife change you want explained properly?Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Is perimenopause a hormonal breakdown or a redirection of power?In this episode, we sit down with naturopath and feminine wisdom teacher Brenda Rogers to reframe menopause through a neuroadrenal lens. Rather than chasing fluctuating sex hormones, we explore what truly moves the needle in clinic: stabilising the nervous system, anchoring blood sugar, restoring sleep depth, and helping women discern what is normal in midlife change. Brenda shares the lived journey behind her book Dragon Time and why clarity, not correction, is often the most therapeutic intervention.Across the conversation, we unpack the leadership emergence of the post-reproductive woman and the cultural blind spots that amplify anxiety, low mood, and self-doubt. You will hear how the “oestrogen veil” thinning can heighten both sensitivity and intuition, why protein-first nutrition and healthy fats calm the brain, and how minerals such as magnesium and calcium support muscular ease and deeper sleep. We also clarify practical testing priorities including fasting glucose, thyroid markers, and inflammatory indicators, while avoiding the common trap of overvaluing sex hormone panels that rarely change clinical direction during perimenopause.Therapeutically, we explore herbs that meet real-life demands: saffron to modulate neuroinflammation and steady mood, kava for muscular tension and focused calm, and Withania to support HPA axis resilience. Brenda reminds us that small, consistent dietary shifts and personalised herbal prescribing outperform supplement sprawl, and that conversations about grief, boundaries, courage, and meaning are as clinically relevant as any lab result.This episode offers a blueprint for transforming hot flushes, fractured sleep, and overwhelm into steadiness, clarity, and renewed purpose.If you are ready to stop pushing through and start directing energy towards what matters most, this is a conversation to share with your patients and your peers.Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a reframe, and leave a review to tell us what you will stop giving your energy to this season.Connect with Brenda: www.brendarogers.com.auShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

What if GLP-1 medications were not the end goal, but a clinical window to rebuild metabolic health with less noise and more intention?In this episode, we sit down with naturopath Wendy Burke to cut through the hype, stigma, and confusion surrounding GLP-1 therapies and focus on what practitioners actually need to know to support patients well. From first dose to exit strategy, this conversation offers a clear, step-by-step framework that protects muscle mass, gut health, and psychological wellbeing while helping patients maintain results long after treatment ends.We start with the gut–brain foundations, unpacking GLP-1 physiology, the incretin story, and how receptor agonists influence satiety, gastric emptying, insulin release, and inflammation. Wendy breaks down the evolution of therapy from liraglutide through to semaglutide and tirzepatide and helps separate true drug side effects from predictable consequences of reduced intake. This distinction becomes critical when managing gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and nutritional risk during titration.From there, the focus turns practical. You will hear clear guidance on pre-titration preparation, hydration strategies when thirst cues drop, protein-first nutrition to preserve lean mass, and simple ways to maintain fibre diversity even when appetite is low. We explore why monounsaturated fats tend to be better tolerated on a slower stomach, and why strength training remains non-negotiable for protecting resting metabolic rate.The conversation goes beyond macros into food psychology and behaviour. Wendy unpacks food noise versus hunger, shares neurodivergent-friendly tools to support regulation and consistency, and explores how menopause, weight bias, and environmental inflammation influence outcomes independent of weight loss. Finally, we map a humane and clinically sound exit runway, including tapering timelines, retraining satiety cues, accountability structures, and team-based care to reduce rebound risk.Whether you are prescribing, supporting, or co-managing patients on GLP-1 therapy, this episode offers a grounded framework that blends physiology, behaviour, and clinical compassion.Connect with Wendy: www.instagram.com/glp1supportnaturopathShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Want your patients’ brains to feel younger for longer?In this episode, we explore neuro longevity through a practitioner lens with chiropractor and naturopath Damien Kristof - challenging the idea that better brain health comes from adding more hacks. Instead, Damien unpacks a clear hierarchy: heal the nervous system from the top down and inside out, remove interference, and let the body do what it’s designed to do.Drawing on decades of clinical practice and lessons from Blue Zones like Icaria and Sardinia, we examine why purpose ignites the brain, community keeps it resilient, and daily, natural movement consistently outperforms punishing exercise. Nutrition still matters - but it’s the unsexy fundamentals that protect mitochondria and calm inflammation: adequate protein, fibre-rich and colourful plants, and stable blood sugar.Together, we map seven pillars that shape health span, not just lifespan: purpose, engagement, movement, nutrition, community, spirituality, and finance. You’ll hear why spirituality provides nervous system perspective, how financial security reduces chronic stress load, and why social connection is one of the most under-prescribed neuroprotective tools. We also tackle Australia’s “last twelve years” problem and how habit-first, systems-based care can help patients age better, not just longer.From a clinical standpoint, Damien reframes nutrients as messengers and building blocks rather than fixes, explains the value of tracking trends over ninety days, and shares simple, practical strategies to support vagal tone through posture and breath. For targeted support, we discuss calming nervines for wired-tired states and spotlight emerging evidence on saffron for neuroinflammation and mood support.The key takeaway for practitioners: build a life—and a care plan—that protects the nervous system first, then layer in supplements and herbs with precisionConnect with Damian: Damian Kristof | Wellness ProfessionalShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

What if your gut symptoms aren’t about what you’re taking, but who you’re feeding?Gut change doesn’t start with a supplement aisle sweep. It starts with the small but mighty species running your internal ecosystem. In this episode, functional naturopath Dan Sippel joins us to unpack how keystone bacteria shape gut barrier integrity, immune tolerance and metabolic health, and why the right polyphenols, fibres and bile acids can stabilise a volatile gut without triggering flare-ups.We explore short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, as the microbiome’s currency, influencing inflammation, insulin sensitivity and even brain signaling. Dan shares a laddered strategy for IBS- and SIBO-prone patients: start with low-aggravation polyphenols like pomegranate peel and green tea to lift Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium; introduce partially hydrolysed guar gum as tolerance improves; then progress to resistant starch once the gut lining calms. Along the way, we break down cross-feeding, when direct butyrate makes sense, and why single-strain probiotics only work when you know the strain’s job.We also dive into bile acids as the missing link in many stuck cases, including constipation, fat maldigestion, hormone symptoms and perimenopause transitions. You’ll learn how dysbiosis disrupts primary-to-secondary bile acid conversion and how to run a practical gut oil change using choleretics, ox bile or TUDCA. Plus, we cover iron repletion without microbiome damage, the role of sleep and melatonin in T-reg signaling, vagal tone support with L-theanine and kava, and a simple daily polyphenol five you can rotate with patients: cacao, blueberries, pomegranate, raw carrot and green tea.If you’ve cycled through fibres, probiotics and antimicrobials without lasting results, this conversation offers a sequence that sticks. Build the terrain first, protect keystone species, match fibres to the phase, and retest to prove progress as SCFAs rise and inflammation falls. Connect with Dan: The Functional NaturopathShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Why isn’t your acne responding, no matter how “clean” your skincare routine is?In this eye-opening episode, skin specialist nutritionist Jacinta Barbagallo shares why stubborn breakouts rarely start on the skin’s surface—and why real solutions lie far deeper. Together, we explore the three root causes of acne: retention keratosis, hypersebum secretion, and skin pH imbalance, and the surprising internal drivers behind them, from nutrient deficiencies and cortisol surges to gut dysfunction and metabolic imbalances.Jacinta unpacks how to go beyond surface-level treatment with targeted clinical tools like strategic blood testing (e.g. SHBG, fasting glucose, insulin, hormone panels) and foundational nutritional strategies, including 30g of protein per meal, omega fatty acid balance, and key herbal medicines like burdock, Oregon grape, and peony licorice.Most importantly, she reframes what progress really looks like. With hormones taking months to recalibrate and skin cells needing 6–8 weeks to renew, Jacinta shares what signs to look for along the way, like faster breakout recovery and reduced inflammation.Whether you're navigating your own skin challenges or supporting clients through theirs, this episode offers a comprehensive and empowering roadmap to finally understanding what your skin is trying to tell you.Connect with JacintaDiscover the Clear Skin Blueprint Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your healthShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Can modern qPCR technology truly deliver accurate, trustworthy results for your patients?In this episode, we delve into the world of qPCR stool testing, with Dr Tom Fabian unravelling the common myths surrounding its validity and reliability. Throughout the episode, we explore the scientific evidence that underpins qPCR stool testing, addressing misconceptions and highlighting its role in clinical decision-making.Listeners will gain insights into the types of conditions that qPCR stool testing can effectively uncover and get an insight into the interpretation of test results, offering practical tips on integrating qPCR stool testing into routine clinical assessments. The episode also covers technological advancements that enhance test accuracy and reliability, demonstrating its effectiveness in clinical practice.Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional or new to the field, this episode offers a deep dive into how qPCR stool testing can enhance patient care and decision-making, leaving you well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to make confident diagnostic choices.Meet Dr Tom Fabian, PhDDr. Fabian is a leading expert on the role of the microbiome in health, immune function, chronic disease, and aging. As a translational scientist, his primary focus is on the clinical application of microbiome research in the integrative and functional medicine space. He received his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and has worked as a biomedical researcher in the biotechnology industry, and more recently, as a consultant in the microbiome testing field. Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, and he is also a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health. In addition, he is certified as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner by the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver.Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your healthShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

In this episode, Dr Brad Leech shares the exclusive results of his PhD research, which produced the first comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for intestinal permeability. Dispelling common myths about "leaky gut syndrome," Dr Leech explains why intestinal hyperpermeability is a legitimate physiological reaction—not a syndrome—and how his meticulously developed, evidence-based guidelines can transform clinical practice.This episode provides invaluable insights into the following:The rigorous methodology behind developing clinical practice guidelines, including stakeholder engagement, comprehensive literature review, and systematic evaluation of over 10,000 research articlesThe critical importance of risk-of-bias assessment when evaluating research—a cornerstone of methodology that helps practitioners look beyond cherry-picked studies and misleading claimsHow to systematically evaluate research quality by examining randomization procedures, analysis methods, conflict of interests and  clinical relevance rather than accepting published findings at face valueSurprising findings about commonly used interventions in intestinal permeability, including evidence that certain probiotics may not be effective for NSAID-induced permeability despite their widespread recommendationEvidence-based assessment of treatments for intestinal permeability using the NHMRC grading matrix to evaluate research qualityPractical recommendations and evidence-supported interventions that meet the threshold for clinical relevanceDr Leech's work represents a significant advancement in the field, bringing scientific rigour to an area often clouded by opinion and marketing claims. Learn how these new guidelines can help you make more informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches to intestinal permeability.Connect with Dr Leech: Dr Brad LeechRead: The IP GuidelineShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to bShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Why Women Are More Vulnerable—and What You Can Do ClinicallyCould histamine intolerance be the hidden driver behind your patient’s anxiety, bloating, headaches, or skin flares? In this episode, nutritionist and epigenetics expert Zelda Graham breaks down the complex interplay between histamine, methylation dysfunction, gut health, and hormonal imbalances—especially in women.You’ll gain critical insights into the role of DAO and HNMT enzymes, estrogen’s impact on histamine load, and why symptoms often worsen during ovulation and perimenopause.Zelda also shares clinical strategies to identify and address root causes like mould exposure, gut dysbiosis, and methylation SNPS—plus targeted therapies using nutrients like quercetin, NAC, liposomal glutathione, and calcium D-glucarate.This episode is essential listening for practitioners managing complex, multisystem female presentations—from hormone imbalances to unresolved histamine-related inflammation.Connect with Zelda: Website: www.byronhealthandnutrition.comShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your healthShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Is Ubiquinol the Missing Nutrient for Lifelong Heart Health?In this eye-opening episode of Wellness by Designs, Dr Ross Walker, a renowned cardiologist with 25 years dedicated to preventative medicine, challenges the conventional approach to heart disease, statins and cholesterol management. Central to the discussion is ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, essential for mitochondrial energy production and a powerful antioxidant. Dr Walker explains how our natural production of ubiquinol begins declining around age 30 and drops sharply by 50, contributing to fatigue and reduced cardiovascular resilience.Dr Walker explores why many patients with “normal” cholesterol still develop significant coronary artery disease, arguing that coronary calcium scoring offers a far superior risk assessment tool than standard cholesterol tests. Dr Walker also addresses statin-associated muscle symptoms, recommending 150 mg of ubiquinol daily for statin users, citing research showing a 50% reduction in muscle problems, and up to 300 mg for those with heart failure to support cardiac function and endothelial health.From mitochondrial health to protection against oxidative stress, this episode highlights why ubiquinol may be a cornerstone in maintaining cardiovascular wellness and why a more personalised, evidence-based approach is needed to truly prevent heart disease.Connect with Dr Walker: Home - Dr Ross Walker Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your healthShownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health