239: Root Causes Over Prescriptions: A Functional Medicine Approach to Women's Health Part 1

I am delighted to have Dr. Austin Lake with me for a two-part series. In Part 1 today, we dive into women’s health, exploring the importance of informed consent around birth control and of finding the root cause of why it was prescribed for you. How to avoid the methylation problems with long-term birth-control use: • Avoid folic acid, and take active folate to counter folate loss  • Maintain adequate B6 to prevent methylation from stalling • If you have MTHFR, take active folate instead of synthetic folic acid to support proper methylation Bio: Dr. Austin Lake Dr. Austin Lake is a functional medicine provider, health educator, and founder of Wholly Health, a transformative health program that helps individuals restore energy, balance hormones, and reclaim health using holistic, evidence-based strategies.  He holds a doctorate in physiotherapy, a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, and board certification in functional medicine.  He has guided thousands of clients through challenges like chronic fatigue, weight struggles, autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction—addressing the true root causes rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals or medical procedures.  His passion for holistic health was born out of personal experience: watching his brother battle leukemia, his father suffer multiple heart attacks, and his mother live with autoimmune disease. These trials forged a mission to uncover why people get sick—and how to truly heal.  Grounded in biblical principles, Dr. Lake’s approach integrates faith, science, and natural healing. He empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of prescription dependency and to steward their health with intention. With a following of about 1.5 million across social media platforms, his work reaches a global audience with practical insights, myth-busting education, and faith-driven encouragement.  When not working with clients or educating online, Dr. Lake enjoys time with his wife, Carlie, and their four children, where they live a simple, natural life centered around faith, family, and wellness. He is also a passionate advocate for homeschooling and equipping the next generation for healthy, purpose-filled lives. His mission is simple: to help people reclaim their health, their vitality, and their God-given potential—one life at a time. In this episode: Dr. Lake recounts his social media controversies How long-term birth control alters B6, folate, zinc, and copper levels, impairs methylation, and disrupts hormone balance How to support methylation Ways to address heavy cycles, acne, or hormonal imbalances without relying on birth control How good nutrition, hydration, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm can help you balance your hormones The value of reducing chronic stress to prevent cortisol-driven hormone shifts   The importance of avoiding xenoestrogens and supporting detox pathways Links and Resources: Get a 10% discount on Dr. Lake’s recommended best basic supplements Purchase Dr. Austin Lake’s ebook, Wholly Health Dr. Lake’s free health quiz Guest Social Media Links: Dr. Austin Lake on Instagram Dr. Austin Lake on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint: Methyl B Complex – 60 capsules⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules Follow Your Longevity Blueprint On Instagram|Facebook|Twitter|YouTube |LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray On Facebook|Instagram|Youtube |Twitter |LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

What if the miracle you've been waiting for is on the other side of your next move?  I am excited to have Amy Wienands, host of the You Are More podcast, with me today to dive into overcoming fear and honoring commitments to yourself, and explain how to turn your place of pain into your place of rain.  Ways to honor your commitments to yourself: Win the moment by taking the first small step each day Follow through consistently, even when it feels uncomfortable Build self-trust to amplify success in all areas of your life Bio: Amy Wienands Amy Wienands is a wife, mother to twins & President/CEO of Amy Wienands Real Estate. Amy is no stranger to the real estate industry and creating impact. For nearly three decades, Amy has been committed to creating an impact in her community and the growth of those around her, through the “vehicle of real estate.”  After 20 years as an independent agent, Amy took a leap of faith and started the Cedar Valley’s first team-centric real estate office - Amy Wienands Real Estate.  Amy and her team have been consistently ranked one of the Top 100 Teams in the Nation and Iowa’s #1 team of REALTORS®️ for the past 8 years. Starting with a staff of just two in 2013, the team has continued to grow exponentially!  Purpose & a servant heart lead her team to embody their slogan “Obsessively Working For You”. It’s not all real estate for Amy, though.  Her biggest passion in this life is to help people live out their purpose. She knows she’s been put on this earth for “more” and is called to inspire, motivate, and leave a significant mark on this world.  She is the host of the You Are More Podcast, a place of revelation and encouragement for all, and a pillar of faith for many. Amy is a firm believer that hard work, principles of faith, and having the “pop-back” factor are the keys to success. In this episode: How Amy’s early experiences shaped her mindset and values The importance of being resilient and able to recover quickly from setbacks for achieving success How Amy’s faith and belief in a higher purpose guide her decisions and actions How to discern whether your fear is real or whether you are being guided by prudence How future pacing can help you overcome discouragement and paralysis The value of consistently taking action (even small steps) Why you need to honor your commitments to yourself if you want to develop self-trust, authenticity, and confidence The importance of gratitude and maintaining a positive perspective  How God can use your brokenness to birth a breakthrough Links and Resources: Use code Immune Support to get 10% off ⁠Immune Support ⁠Use code CALM to get 10% off ⁠ADRENAL CALM Register now for the Thrive Women’s Conference on SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, at 9:00 AM. Guest Social Media Links: You Are More Podcast  Amy's Facebook     Amy's Instagram You Are More Store  Relative Links for This Show: Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

Today, I am delighted to be joined by the pioneers who changed everything for me. They are Larry and Belinda Wurn, the creators of Clear Passage therapy. We are diving into a topic today that was pivotal in my own fertility journey. We’re talking about adhesions, the invisible internal bonds that form after surgery, infection, or trauma, quietly disrupting your body in ways most people never suspect. They can block fallopian tubes, trigger chronic pain, cause bowel obstructions, and prevent conception, yet most women are unaware of them. After being left with a frozen pelvis and debilitating pain following surgery and radiation, doctors told Belinda she would live with pain forever. Larry and Belinda refused to accept that, and over the next 40 years, they developed a therapy that has helped about 2,000 women reverse infertility, avoid major surgeries, and reclaim their lives without drugs or surgery. Their work was game-changing for me, and I know it can help many of you, too.  Stay tuned to learn what adhesions are, how they affect fertility and overall health, and how this remarkable therapy works. Techniques to Reduce Adhesion-Related Tightness Gentle abdominal massage using light fingertip pressure over the abdomen Diaphragmatic breathing to relax the abdominal wall and support tissue glide Pelvic and hip mobility movements (slow tilts, circles, and side bends) Walking or other low-impact movement to maintain circulation and flexibility Soft myofascial stretching with long, gentle holds Light heat therapy to relax superficial tension and improve comfort Bio: Larry & Belinda Wurn Larry and Belinda Wurn are physical therapists who have spent over 40 years developing Clear Passage®️ therapy, a non surgical, drug free, hands on approach designed to reduce adhesions and restore function. Their work began after Belinda developed a frozen pelvis following surgery and radiation in 1984. When doctors warned further surgery would worsen her condition, the couple pursued extensive training and began creating manual techniques to decrease adhesions naturally. Clear Passage®️ therapy has been supported by peer reviewed research and shown to reverse infertility, reduce chronic pain, improve sexual function, and clear bowel obstructions. The Wurns train therapists internationally, with clinics serving patients across the USA and UK. In this episode: What adhesions are, and why most women never even know they have them How adhesions impact women’s health and fertility Why conventional scans cannot detect adhesions How trained practitioners detect the presence of adhesions The benefits of Clear Passage Therapy over conventional treatment  The best way to schedule your Clear Passage therapy sessions for the most effective results  How to maintain the results after Clear Passage therapy Links and Resources: ⁠⁠Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine Calocurb Clinical — Appetite & Craving SupportA practitioner-exclusive, plant-based supplement designed to enhance your body’s natural fullness signals (GLP-1 and PYY), helping reduce cravings and calorie intake. Available only through clinics such as the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic.Visit us or order here: ⁠https://ihhclinic.com/ Guest Social Media Links: Clear Passage Physical Therapy on Facebook   Clear Passage Physical Therapy on Instagram   Clear Passage Physical Therapy on YouTube   Relative Links for This Show: What physicians are saying about Clear Passage® and the Wurn Technique® Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m excited to have Povilas Sabaliauskas, the CEO of Pulsetto, joining me for Part 2 of a two-part series. In Part 1, Povilas explained what the vagus nerve is and how it acts as a necessary mental toothbrush for us. In Part 2 today, he discusses the Pulsetto device itself, the different models, and how it helps to boost hormones, reduce stress, and improve sleep.  Stay tuned until the end, where he offers a discount code so you can try the Pulsetto out for yourself. How to Maximize the Benefits of the Pulsetto  Use it twice daily  Use it consistently, as the benefits increase over time Do a session before bed for better sleep  Monitor your HRV, stress, and sleep with a wearable device to track your progress Bio: Povilas Sabaliauskas Povilas Sabaliauskas is the co-founder and CEO of Pulsetto, one of the fastest-growing wellness tech companies in the world.  A leader in non-invasive neuromodulation, Pulsetto is redefining how we approach stress, sleep, and recovery — through wearable vagus nerve stimulation backed by science and loved by high-performers around the globe.  With a background in tech and performance coaching, Povilas has become a passionate advocate for making cutting-edge wellness tools accessible to everyone — not just elite athletes or clinical patients.  Under his leadership, Pulsetto has partnered with leading researchers, completed clinical trials, and grown to over 100,000 users across Europe and the U.S. Povilas brings a unique mix of business strategy, biohacking curiosity, and real-world stress recovery insights — making him a fresh voice in the growing world of neuromodulation and mental resilience. In this episode: How 30 days of consistent Pulsetto use can reduce cortisol levels by almost 50% First-time Pulsetto users often report deeper sleep and vivid dreams How athletes use the Pulsetto to reduce pre-event stress and support their recovery Early data suggest that the Pulsetto can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure The importance of using the Pulsetto daily to achieve noticeable results The benefits of wearable devices for tracking the effects of the Pulsetto How vagal stimulation can help manage insulin spikes Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber Use code TURMERIC to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠TURMERIC Calocurb Clinical — Appetite & Craving SupportA practitioner-exclusive, plant-based supplement designed to enhance your body’s natural fullness signals (GLP-1 and PYY), helping reduce cravings and calorie intake. Available only through clinics such as the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic.Visit us or order here: https://ihhclinic.com/ Guest Social Media Links: Povilas Sabaliauskas on LinkedIn  Pulsetto Device on YouTube  YouTube: Immediate Relief from Stress & Burnout with Pulsetto and CEO Povilas Sabaliauskas YouTube: How to Reduce Stress and Calm Your Nervous System in Just 4 Minutes using a New Device Relative Links for This Show: Use the code Dr. Stephanie Gray for 10% off Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m excited to have Povilas Sabaliauskas, the CEO of Pulsetto, joining me for a two-part series. I truly believe that the Pulsetto is the best vagus nerve stimulator on the market. Today, in Part 1, Povilas explains what the vagus nerve is and how it acts as a necessary mental toothbrush for us. The Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Helps the body shift from fight-or-flight to relaxation Enhances sleep quality and supports faster recovery Builds long-term stress resilience  Calms the nervous system and promotes mental well-being  Bio: Povilas Sabaliauskas Povilas Sabaliauskas is the co-founder and CEO of Pulsetto, one of the fastest-growing wellness tech companies in the world.  A leader in non-invasive neuromodulation, Pulsetto is redefining how we approach stress, sleep, and recovery — through wearable vagus nerve stimulation backed by science and loved by high-performers around the globe.  With a background in tech and performance coaching, Povilas has become a passionate advocate for making cutting-edge wellness tools accessible to everyone — not just elite athletes or clinical patients.  Under his leadership, Pulsetto has partnered with leading researchers, completed clinical trials, and grown to over 100,000 users across Europe and the U.S. Povilas brings a unique mix of business strategy, biohacking curiosity, and real-world stress recovery insights — making him a fresh voice in the growing world of neuromodulation and mental resilience. In this episode: Why the vagus nerve is called the highway to health  How the vagus nerve controls the body’s ability to switch between stress and relaxation How electrical stimulation can help the body to switch from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest  How vagus nerve stimulation boosts stress resilience, sleep quality, and recovery How daily practices can train your body to handle stress more effectively How the Pulsetto device acts like a mental toothbrush to reset the brain Links and Resources: Try Halo (Salt) Therapy for respiratory and skin health. Call 319-363-0033 to schedule your session. ⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber ⁠Sinus Support Guest Social Media Links: Povilas Sabaliauskas on LinkedIn Pulsetto Device on YouTube  YouTube: Immediate Relief from Stress & Burnout with Pulsetto and CEO Povilas Sabaliauskas YouTube: Interview with Nick Engerer from A Longer Life and Povilas Sabaliauskas from Pulsetto  YouTube: How to Reduce Stress and Calm Your Nervous System in Just 4 Minutes using a New Device Relative Links for This Show: Use the code Dr. Stephanie Gray for 10% off Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I have Andie Crosby with me again for the second part of a two-part series on why cardiovascular health is the number one longevity lever for women.  Today, in Part 2, we explore how a healthy endothelial glycocalyx matrix helps your body produce more nitric oxide, which supports energy, sexual vitality, and even skin radiance. We also explain what could damage your ability to produce nitric oxide naturally. If you have not yet done so, please listen to Part 1 first, to learn about the endothelial glycocalyx matrix before listening to Part 2. How to Support Nitric Oxide Production Maintain a healthy glycocalyx through diet, exercise, and lifestyle Test your nitric oxide levels to know if you are deficient Supplement strategically if your levels are low  Exercise regularly to increase nitric oxide during activity and improve recovery afterward Bio: Andie Crosby Andie Crosby is a seasoned business leader and passionate advocate for health and longevity.  After decades leading marketing and brand development for companies like Nike, Apple, and Procter & Gamble, her focus shifted in her 40s when she experienced firsthand the impact of hormonal changes, inflammation, and the power of nutrition to transform health.  A simple elimination diet revealed how profoundly food and lifestyle impacted her well-being, sparking a deep curiosity about health and healing.  This led her to The Institute for Functional Medicine, where she became the first Chief Marketing Officer.  Over ten years, Andie built IFM’s marketing and partnerships teams, driving a 13-fold increase in practitioner education and advancing personalized, systems-based care.  Today, as President of Calroy Health Sciences, Andie leads innovation in cardiovascular and joint health.  Her mission is to raise awareness of the vascular system’s foundational role - not only in disease prevention but also in longevity, brain health, and performance. She believes we have the tools to change the trajectory of our healthspan and empowers people to take control by asking the right questions.  Andie brings a relatable, purpose-driven perspective on living longer, better, and embracing midlife as a powerful opportunity for health transformation.  In this episode: What is nitric oxide? Why the glycocalyx is critical for nitric oxide production and blood vessel function How nitric oxide affects blood pressure, circulation, sexual health, and recovery after exercise  How aging and lifestyle choices reduce natural nitric oxide  How to monitor your nitric oxide level  The benefits of targeted supplementation  Why proactive cardiovascular care is crucial Links and Resources: Use CODE BERGAMOT to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠Citrus Bergamot⁠ Use CODE BERBERINE to get 10% off ⁠⁠Berberine⁠ Guest Social Media Links: Calroy Health Sciences on Instagram Calroy Health Sciences on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: ⁠Use this link for 10% off⁠ (And a Free Bag of Oral Microbiome Gum) Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m excited to have Andie Crosby join me for a two-part series. In Part 1 today, we dive into why cardiovascular health is the number one longevity lever for women and how it is often ignored until it is too late. We explore the critical role of the endothelial glycocalyx, a microscopic life-sustaining structure that is essential for vascular integrity, the inflammation response, and nutrient delivery.  In Part 2 next week, we will cover how nitric oxide supports energy, sexual vitality, and even skin radiance, and factors that could damage the ability to produce it naturally.  How to Protect and Support the Endothelial Glycocalyx Reduce stress  Manage blood sugar   Prioritize sleep Meditate  Take clinically researched supplements.   Monitor your cardiovascular health with diagnostics and lifestyle tracking to catch and reverse arterial aging before it starts to progress. Bio: Andie Crosby Andie Crosby is a seasoned business leader and passionate advocate for health and longevity.  After decades leading marketing and brand development for companies like Nike, Apple, and Procter & Gamble, her focus shifted in her 40s when she experienced firsthand the impact of hormonal changes, inflammation, and the power of nutrition to transform health.  A simple elimination diet revealed how profoundly food and lifestyle impacted her well-being, sparking a deep curiosity about health and healing.  This led her to the Institute for Functional Medicine, where she became the first Chief Marketing Officer.  Over ten years, Andie built IFM’s marketing and partnerships teams, driving a 13-fold increase in practitioner education and advancing personalized, systems-based care.  Today, as President of Calroy Health Sciences, Andie leads innovation in cardiovascular and joint health.  Her mission is to raise awareness of the vascular system’s foundational role - not only in disease prevention, but also in longevity, brain health, and performance. She believes we have the tools to change the trajectory of our healthspan and empowers people to take control by asking the right questions.  Andie brings a relatable, purpose-driven perspective on living longer, better, and embracing midlife as a powerful opportunity for health transformation.  In this episode: Why traditional health measures do not always reveal hidden cardiovascular risks The value of vascular age testing to uncover silent inflammation and plaque in arteries How lifestyle and stress factors can silently impact heart health over time. How perimenopause and hormonal changes dramatically increase cardiovascular risk in women Why cardiovascular disease is often overlooked until it’s too late What advanced diagnostics can reveal beyond a standard blood panel How emerging knowledge about the endothelial glycocalyx is reshaping our understanding of vascular health The benefits of supplements, meditation, stress management, and improving your diet to reverse arterial aging Links and Resources: ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules ⁠https://yourlongevityblueprint.com/product/coq10-100-mg/ Guest Social Media Links: Calroy Health Sciences on Instagram Calroy Health Sciences on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: Use this link for 10% off (And a Free Bag of Oral Microbiome Gum) Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I am excited to have Ashley Grabe joining me today for Part 2 of a two-part series, where she asks me about my new book, Your Fertility Blueprint: Renovating Your Reproductive Health, which will launch on Tuesday, November 25th.  This is not just another fertility book. It’s a groundbreaking guide that bridges the gap between functional and conventional medicine, written by someone who has lived the journey firsthand, both as a practitioner and a patient. Infertility can be a difficult topic to discuss, which is why this book truly matters. Whether you are just starting to plan a family or have been on this path for some time, it offers hope, validation, faith, and practical insights you will not find anywhere else. Tips for Improving Fertility Reduce inflammation by cutting out seed oils and processed foods Monitor thyroid, progesterone, cervical mucus, and sperm DNA quality Address any past traumas Combine functional medicine with conventional fertility treatments   Maintain hope, trust the timing, and use setbacks to guide your next steps Bio: Stephanie Gray Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP- C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable and optimal health and longevity so that they can focus on what matters most to them! She has been working as a nurse practitioner since 2009. Dr. Gray completed her doctorate, focusing on estrogen metabolism, from the University of Iowa in 2011. Additionally, she has a Master’s in Metabolic Nutritional Medicine from the University of South Florida’s Medical School. Her expertise lies within integrative, anti-aging, and functional medicine. Dr. Gray is arguably one of the Midwest’s most credentialed female healthcare providers, combining many certifications and trainings. In 2013, she completed an Advanced fellowship in Anti-Aging Regenerative, and Functional Medicine and became the first BioTe-certified provider in Iowa to administer hormone pellets. She is one of Dr. Nirala Jacobi’s SIBO doctor-approved practitioners and is also one of Dr. Jill Crista’s certified mold-literate providers. She has appeared on numerous podcasts, summits, and TV interviews and is a contributor to various health publications. She is the initial author of the FNP Mastery App and an Amazon best-selling author of her first book, Your Longevity Blueprint, and author of her second book, Your Fertility Blueprint. Dr. Gray is the host of the Your Longevity Blueprint podcast and co-founder of Your Longevity Blueprint Nutraceuticals with her husband, Eric. After her own ten-year fertility journey, she now also specializes in helping couples optimize their reproductive health through functional medicine approaches. They enjoy spending time outdoors with their sons. They founded the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. In this episode: How seed oils can silently harm egg and sperm quality  How chronic stress and high cortisol can impair your ability to conceive The value of optimizing egg, sperm, gut, and vaginal health  How unresolved trauma or emotional blocks can interfere with fertility The benefits of having faith, hope, and a support system for your fertility journey How combining functional medicine with conventional treatments can enhance your fertility  How persistence, intuition, and trust in your body’s signals can guide you when medical interventions fall short Links and Resources: Relative Links for This Show: ⁠https://yourlongevityblueprint.com/product/coq10-100-mg/ ⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I am excited to have Ashley Grabe joining me today for Part 1 of a two-part series, where she asks me about my new book, Your Fertility Blueprint: Renovating Your Reproductive Health, which will launch on Tuesday, November 25th.  This is not just another fertility book. It’s a groundbreaking guide that bridges the gap between functional and conventional medicine, written by someone who has lived the journey firsthand, both as a practitioner and a patient. Infertility can be a difficult topic to discuss, which is why this book truly matters. Whether you are just starting to plan a family or have been on this path for some time, it offers hope, validation, faith, and practical insights you will not find anywhere else. How to Optimize Your Fertility Take care of your reproductive health long before trying to conceive Trust your instincts and advocate for yourself if something seems wrong Lower inflammation levels by focusing on gut health and hormonal balance Boost antioxidant levels to strengthen egg and sperm quality Reduce toxins by avoiding plastics, chemicals, and EMF exposure Bio: Stephanie Gray Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP-C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable and optimal health and longevity so that they can focus on what matters most to them!  Specifically, she helps women in midlife who feel like their bodies have betrayed them step back into their bodies by restoring optimal hormone levels so they can … regain their sleep, figure, mood, and feel amazing once again. She is known for keeping hormone replacement therapy sexy, safe, and effective. She is the Amazon best-selling author of her book Your Longevity Blueprint, host of the Your Longevity Blueprint podcast, and co-founder of Your Longevity Blueprint Nutraceuticals, with her husband, Eric. They enjoy spending time outside with their sons, William and Michael. They founded the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. In this episode: What I did to give my body the best chance of conceiving  How my intuition and persistence helped me uncover my hidden health issues Why you need to pay attention to and act on your body’s signals  How I advocated for myself when conventional testing missed the root cause of my infertility How I reduced inflammation in my body by improving gut health and balancing my hormones The benefits of antioxidants for supporting egg and sperm quality The importance of reducing your exposure to toxins, plastics, and EMFs when trying to conceive Links and Resources: Relative Links for This Show: ⁠Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine ⁠Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules ⁠Your Longevity Blueprint: Methyl B Complex – 60 capsules⁠ Use Code: IHHC for 10% off or use https://go.shopc60.com/IHHC/ Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I am delighted to have Dr. Aimie Apigian with me today to explore why stress reduction techniques may not work for you if you have unresolved trauma. Finding Your Sense of Safety • Notice when your body and mind feel safe and calm • Identify environments or situations that allow you to feel safe • Start small: Focus on moments that feel manageable, not overwhelming Bio: Dr. Aimie Apigian Dr. Aimie Apigian is a double-board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, with Master's degrees in Biochemistry, Public Health, and specialized training in Functional Medicine.  Dr. Aimie’s unique integration of multiple modalities from medicine to neuroscience to therapy modalities, has helped thousands of people and practitioners around the world to be in their best health and their best authentic selves.  Her recent book, The Biology of Trauma, is groundbreaking, exploring the science of how the body experiences trauma, why it holds on, and what it needs for healing. The book is endorsed by Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in trauma and addiction, who has written the foreword. In this episode: How habits like “people-pleasing” or “fixing others” are used as survival strategies The nervous system’s role in directing how the body reacts to stress Why stress management alone is not enough to heal chronic trauma How early life trauma impacts people’s health, relationships, and fertility   The five universal steps of the body’s trauma response How to develop an internal sense of safety  How to build resilience Ways to avoid retraumatization and support lasting healing  Links and Resources: Guest Social Media Links: The Biology of Trauma (Book)   The Biology of Trauma Podcast Dr. Aimie Apigian on LinkedIn              Dr. Aimie Apigian on Instagram                              Dr. Apigian on YouTube     Relative Links for This Show: Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules Your Longevity Blueprint 5HTP – 90 capsules  Your Longevity Blueprint Adrenal Calm – 60 capsules    Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast