Fertility Beyond Hormones: The Hidden Factors Affecting Your Ability to Conceive

Show Notes In Today's Episode In this episode of Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, naturopathic physician, fertility expert, and medical director at Precision Analytical, to explore the root causes of infertility and how functional medicine can support reproductive health. They discuss the impact of metabolic health, hormone balance, nutrition, environmental toxins, sperm and egg quality, and uterine implantation, along with the importance of sleep and stress management. Dr. Smeaton also shares practical approaches to fertility testing, preconception care, and improving the long-term health of both parents and future generations. Key Take Aways Fertility is connected to overall health. Metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and mitochondrial dysfunction can affect reproductive health in both men and women. Look beyond hormones to understand infertility. Dr. Smeaton evaluates fertility through three key areas: hormone balance and the menstrual cycle, egg and sperm cellular health, and successful embryo implantation. Both partners need to be evaluated. Male-factor infertility contributes to a significant proportion of fertility challenges. Semen analysis and, when appropriate, sperm DNA fragmentation testing can help identify issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Preconception care can make a difference. A whole-foods diet, Mediterranean-style eating patterns, appropriate nutrient support, and proactive health assessments can help prepare both partners for conception. Dr. Smeaton recommends beginning preconception preparation at least six months before trying to conceive, ideally a year in advance. Sleep and stress management are essential. Sleep is Dr. Smeaton’s favorite fertility-supporting habit. Prioritizing rest, stress reduction, and supportive practices such as acupuncture, yoga, or therapy can complement a broader fertility care plan. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Introducing Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton Melody Hartzler introduces Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, a naturopathic physician specializing in infertility and women’s health, to discuss functional approaches to fertility and the importance of identifying underlying causes. 03:00 – A Personal Journey Into Functional Fertility Jaclyn shares how her own experience with menstrual health led her to naturopathic medicine and a root-cause approach to fertility, integrating nutrition, stress management, sleep, hormone balance, and gut health. 05:00 – Understanding Why Fertility Challenges Are Increasing The conversation explores factors that may affect fertility, including later family-building, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, and mitochondrial health. 10:00 – The Three Foundations of Fertility Jaclyn explains her three-part framework for understanding fertility: hormone balance and the menstrual cycle, egg and sperm cellular health, and successful implantation. 12:00 – Understanding Menstrual Cycles and the Implantation Window The discussion explores irregular cycles, luteal phase length, ovulation timing, and how the timing of the menstrual cycle can affect the opportunity for implantation. 14:00 – Supporting Hormone Balance With Herbs and Progesterone Jaclyn discusses Vitex, maca, phytoestrogens, and other herbal approaches, along with the role of progesterone in supporting the menstrual cycle and uterine lining. 18:00 – Improving Egg and Sperm Health The conversation covers androgens, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and the importance of evaluating both partners. Jaclyn explains why semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation testing may provide valuable information. 22:00 – Key Nutrients for Fertility and Cellular Health Jaclyn and Melody discuss nutrients and supplements associated with cellular and mitochondrial health, including CoQ10, melatonin, glutathione, NAC, vitamins, zinc, and selenium. 26:00 – Nutrition and Diet to Support Fertility Jaclyn recommends prioritizing whole foods and discusses the Mediterranean diet, healthy fats, food quality, and practical ways to reduce exposure to environmental toxins through food choices. 29:00 – Fertility Testing: Hormones, Sperm, and the Uterine Microbiome The conversation explores hormone testing, ovarian reserve markers, semen analysis, fallopian tube evaluation, and vaginal and uterine microbiome health as part of a broader fertility assessment. 33:00 – Functional Testing and the Role of Stress Jaclyn explains how hormone metabolite testing, including the DUTCH Test, can provide additional insight into hormone patterns and cortisol, complementing standard blood testing. 34:00 – Acupuncture, Therapy, and Mind-Body Support Melody and Jaclyn discuss acupuncture around embryo transfer, ongoing stress management, yoga therapy, and group or individual therapy as potential sources of support during the fertility journey. 36:00 – What to Discuss With Your Primary Care Provider or OB-GYN Jaclyn outlines key considerations during an initial fertility evaluation, including standard testing, ovulation support, specialist referrals, and the importance of evaluating both partners. 38:00 – Why Preconception Care Matters The conversation highlights the value of preparing for pregnancy well in advance, including nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and addressing potential health concerns before trying to conceive. 39:00 – Sleep, Stress, and Reproductive Health Jaclyn identifies sleep as her favorite fertility-supporting habit and explains how sleep, stress, and the body's response to stress may influence reproductive function. 42:00 – Rethinking IVF and the Bigger Picture of Fertility Jaclyn challenges the idea that IVF is necessary for every couple experiencing fertility challenges. She discusses the value of investigating root causes and prioritizing the long-term health of parents and children. 45:00 – Where to Find Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton Jaclyn shares where listeners can learn more about her work, including her website, Instagram, and the DUTCH Test platform. Resources Mentioned Fertility and hormone testing: Patients: Grab your DUTCH Test via our Hormone Clarity Program Providers: DUTCH Test Understanding Fertility with the DUTCH Test Fertility Testing Education Cellular and mitochondrial support: CoQ10 Glutathione support NAC Melatonin Key nutrients for reproductive health: Zinc Selenium Vitamin D Iron and ferritin support Hormone balance and menstrual cycle support: Vitex Maca Stress management and sleep support: Cortisolv Adrenal Essence Magnesium Glycinate Nutrition and preconception support: PharmToTable Book- A-Discovery Call Additional support during the fertility journey: Acupuncture Yoga therapy Individual or group therapy Consultation with an OB-GYN or fertility specialist /pod

Show Notes In Today's Episode In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Dr. Nicole Grams, PharmToTable pharmacist, functional medicine practitioner, and national board-certified health coach, to explore why sustainable health changes are about more than willpower. They discuss how underlying thoughts, emotional patterns, gut health, hormones, sleep, stress, and ultra-processed foods can influence eating habits and decision-making. Together, they highlight how health coaching, self-compassion, and realistic lifestyle strategies can help people overcome barriers, build healthier habits, and create lasting change without relying on perfection or self-blame. Key Takeaways Willpower isn't a sustainable long-term strategy. Willpower is a finite resource that can become depleted by daily responsibilities, stress, and decision fatigue. Lasting change requires supportive habits and strategies that make healthy choices easier. Understand the thoughts behind your habits. Emotional eating and other behaviors may be connected to stress, fear, exhaustion, or the need for comfort. Recognizing these underlying patterns can help people make more intentional decisions. Biochemistry plays a role in food choices. Gut microbiome health, satiety hormones, sleep, stress, and the types of foods we eat can influence hunger, cravings, and appetite. These factors may make healthy choices more challenging than simply a matter of discipline. Health coaching helps turn knowledge into action. Even when people know what they need to do, they may struggle to follow through. Coaching helps identify barriers, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and develop realistic strategies that support individual goals. Sustainable progress starts with self-compassion and realistic planning. Instead of waiting for the perfect time or expecting perfection, focus on small, manageable changes. Scheduling personal priorities, finding opportunities to move throughout the day, and allowing room for mistakes can help build lasting habits. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: It Was Never a Willpower Problem Melody Hartzler introduces Dr. Nicole Grams, a PharmToTable pharmacist and health coach, and opens a conversation about why struggles with weight loss and healthy habits aren't simply a matter of willpower. 01:00 – Why Willpower Isn't Enough for Lasting Change Nicole explains why willpower is a limited resource and how daily responsibilities, decision fatigue, and stress can make it harder to maintain healthy habits. 03:00 – Understanding Emotional Eating and Underlying Thoughts Nicole discusses how stress, exhaustion, and unprocessed emotions can influence food choices, emphasizing the importance of understanding what's driving behavior. 04:00 – How Health Coaching Helps Turn Knowledge Into Action Melody and Nicole explore why knowing what to do doesn't always translate into action and how coaching can help people identify and overcome personal barriers. 06:00 – Self-Reflection and Recognizing Thought Patterns Nicole shares how coaching helps uncover unhelpful thought patterns, build self-awareness, and feel more confident taking action toward personal goals. 07:00 – Health Coaching vs. Therapy Nicole explains the differences between coaching and therapy, including when someone may benefit from goal-oriented support versus professional help processing past trauma or treating a mental health condition. 09:00 – Finding the Right Coach for Your Needs Why trying coaching, finding someone who resonates with you, and evaluating whether you're making progress are important parts of the process. 10:00 – The Biochemistry Behind Hunger and Food Choices Melody discusses how hormones, dopamine, satiety signals, and ultra-processed foods can influence appetite and eating behaviors beyond willpower alone. 11:00 – The Gut Microbiome and Satiety Signals How gut bacteria and hormones such as GLP-1, ghrelin, and leptin may influence hunger, fullness, and the body's ability to regulate food intake. 13:00 – How Stress and Sleep Influence Eating Habits Melody and Nicole explore how inadequate sleep, stress, cortisol, and blood sugar fluctuations can affect cravings, appetite, and everyday food choices. 15:00 – Breaking Behavioral Cycles and Exploring Gut Health Why changing established habits takes effort, how the brain learns behavioral patterns, and how gut health may contribute to the challenges people experience. 16:00 – Gut Microbiome Testing and Understanding Bacterial Balance Melody introduces PharmToTable's Gut Scan, discussing how microbiome testing can provide insights into bacterial species and potential connections to digestion, appetite regulation, and overall health. 17:00 – Moving Beyond Shame and Self-Blame Nicole explains why negative self-talk doesn't necessarily motivate change and how recognizing shame-based patterns can create opportunities for healthier responses. 19:00 – Quieting the Inner Critic and Practicing Self-Compassion The conversation explores inner-child work, self-trust, and learning to view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than evidence of failure. 21:00 – Letting Go of Perfectionism Melody and Nicole discuss why waiting until everything is perfect can prevent progress and why taking small steps matters more than having everything figured out. 22:00 – Finding Time for Sustainable Lifestyle Changes Nicole explains why there's rarely a perfect time to start and how people can identify realistic opportunities for healthier habits within their existing responsibilities. 24:00 – Building Habits That Fit Your Real Life How to focus on sustainable progress instead of quick fixes, recognize which circumstances can be changed, and build capacity to manage everyday demands. 25:00 – Expanding Your Capacity Through Small Changes Nicole shares practical ways to create space for self-care, manage daily stress, and build the emotional capacity needed to follow through on lifestyle changes. 26:00 – Making Movement and Exercise Work for You Melody discusses fitting physical activity into busy schedules, the importance of strength training and muscle health, and why exercise routines should reflect individual needs and preferences. 28:00 – Managing Screen Time and Creating Healthy Boundaries Melody and Nicole explore how social media habits, phone use, and screen-time limits can influence daily routines and the ability to prioritize personal goals. 29:00 – Prioritizing Yourself and Scheduling What Matters Nicole shares practical calendar strategies, including scheduling meals, family time, and personal priorities to create space for health and well-being. 31:00 – Building Accountability and Following Through Melody and Nicole discuss how scheduling commitments to yourself, understanding resistance, and exploring personal priorities can improve consistency and accountability. 32:00 – Where to Find Dr. Nicole Grams and Explore Coaching Nicole shares where listeners can connect with her through Clarity with Nicole and PharmToTable, while Melody explains how listeners can inquire about coaching packages and discovery calls. Resources Mentioned Functional Lab Testing PharmToTable Gut Performance Report Hormone Testing Stress and cortisol support: Cortisolv Adrenotone Sleep support: Insomnitol Liposomal Sleep Health coaching and personalized support: Book a Discovery Call

Show Notes In Today's Episode In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Everest Goldstein, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and functional psychiatry practitioner, to explore anxiety through a functional medicine lens. They discuss the potential connections between anxiety and gut health, blood sugar, thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, stress, and medication, while highlighting the importance of looking beyond symptoms to understand individual root causes. Key Take Aways Anxiety can be a symptom, not just a diagnosis. Functional psychiatry looks beyond the diagnosis itself to explore potential contributors such as hormones, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, trauma, stress, and other factors. Gut health and mental health are closely connected. Comprehensive stool testing can provide insight into the microbiome, digestion, pathogens, inflammation, and other gut-related factors that may contribute to mental health symptoms. Blood sugar stability may influence anxiety. Meals that combine carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber can support more stable blood sugar, while long periods without eating or significant blood sugar fluctuations may contribute to physical feelings of anxiety. Hormonal changes can affect anxiety throughout a woman's life. The conversation explores PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, progesterone, estrogen, and the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitters involved in mood, anxiety, and sleep. Treatment should be individualized. Medication can be an important tool alongside functional and lifestyle approaches. Everest emphasizes shared decision-making, patient preferences, symptom severity, and understanding how medications may interact with factors such as gut health and genetics. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Anxiety & Women’s Health Melody introduces Everest Goldstein and sets the stage for a conversation about anxiety, functional psychiatry, and women’s health. 01:00 – Understanding Anxiety Through Functional Psychiatry Exploring the difference between diagnosing anxiety and looking for the underlying factors contributing to anxiety symptoms. 03:00 – Anxiety, Gut Health, and the Microbiome How gut health, digestion, the microbiome, and neurotransmitters may be connected to anxiety and mental health. 04:00 – Comprehensive Stool Testing A look at what comprehensive stool testing can reveal about bacteria, pathogens, digestion, immune function, and gut health. 06:00 – Choosing the Right Gut Test Exploring different testing technologies and the challenges of navigating the growing number of available gut tests. 08:00 – Blood Sugar and Anxiety How blood sugar spikes and drops can contribute to physical symptoms of anxiety, shakiness, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed. 10:00 – Eating Patterns and Blood Sugar Stability Why pairing carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber—and avoiding long gaps between meals—may help support blood sugar stability. 11:00 – Using CGMs to Track Blood Sugar How continuous glucose monitors can help identify patterns between food, blood sugar changes, and mental health symptoms. 13:00 – CGM Options and Beyond Diabetes A discussion of Stelo, Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, insurance coverage, and potential uses for CGMs outside traditional diabetes care. 15:00 – Thyroid Function and Anxiety Exploring the connection between thyroid function and anxiety and why a broader thyroid assessment may provide additional insight. 18:00 – Thyroid, Stress, and Nutrient Deficiencies How chronic stress, thyroid function, and nutrients such as selenium, vitamin D, iron, and ferritin can intersect with anxiety. 20:00 – Iron, Ferritin, and Mental Health Discussing how low iron and ferritin may contribute to anxiety and other mental health symptoms while also prompting questions about gut health. 21:00 – Inflammation and Anxiety Exploring the relationship between inflammation, brain health, depression, brain fog, and anxiety. 23:00 – Finding the Root Cause of Anxiety How a thorough evaluation can help determine where to begin, including nutrients, gut health, environmental factors, and lifestyle. 24:00 – Hormones and Women's Mental Health How hormonal changes throughout the female lifespan can contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, and changes in sleep. 25:00 – PMS, PMDD, and Progesterone Understanding how changing estrogen and progesterone levels—and their relationship with GABA—may influence anxiety and sleep. 27:00 – Tracking Hormones With Mira Exploring at-home hormone tracking and how cycle data can help identify connections between hormonal changes and symptoms. 30:00 – When Medication Becomes Part of the Conversation How Everest approaches SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications while considering symptom severity, patient preferences, and functional approaches. 33:00 – Pharmacogenomic Testing and GeneSight How genetic testing can provide additional information about medication metabolism and potential medication response. 36:00 – Understanding Genetic Medication Reports Why GeneSight results do not simply determine whether a medication will or will not work and how metabolism can influence dosing. 37:00 – Becoming Your Own Healthcare Advocate Why tracking symptoms, asking questions, and advocating for yourself can be important parts of navigating mental health care. 38:00 – Why Stress Is More Than “Just Stress” Exploring the physiological effects of chronic stress and how the nervous system responds when the body remains in a heightened state. 40:00 – Nervous System Regulation and Wellness Tools Discussing tools and practices that may support nervous system regulation, including Apollo Neuro, Pulsetto, PEMF, and neurofeedback. 41:00 – Supporting the Vagus Nerve at Home Simple practices such as humming, singing, gargling, and safe cold-water exposure are discussed as accessible ways to support vagal activity. 42:00 – Closing: Finding Everest Functional Psychiatry & Wellness Everest shares where listeners can learn more about her practice, while Melody highlights PharmToTable’s women's health resources. Resources Mentioned Gut health and microbiome testing: Gut Performance Test Blood sugar and metabolic support: Glucose Support bundle Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): Stelo by Dexcom FreeStyle Libre Lingo by Libre Hormone tracking and women's health: Mira Hormone Monitor Mental health and medication resources: GeneSight Pharmacogenomic Testing Everest Functional Psychiatry & Wellness Nervous system regulation and wellness tools: Apollo Neuro Pulsetto PEMF Therapy

Show Notes In Today's Episode Almost every autoimmune story I hear starts the same way. Something is wrong, the labs come back “normal” or the one abnormal result gets no comment, and you are sent home. Elena’s ferritin was low and nobody mentioned it. Amber could not move her hands and was told to exercise. In this episode both of them tell the whole story. Elena describes what it was like to go from sluggish and cold to jittery and racing, the moment half her face went numb, and the Graves’ antibodies that finally explained it. She talks honestly about thyroid eye disease, about not recognizing herself in the mirror, and about the friction that came when she wanted to taper methimazole and her team said no. Amber describes a year on hydroxychloroquine with migraines severe enough to send her home from work, flares that kept coming anyway, and the decision she made to walk away from her rheumatologist. She is clear that she does not recommend how she did it, and that finding a practitioner who could guide her was the turning point. Where both stories converge is the gut. Amber’s methane was off the charts on her SIBO test. Elena’s stool test came back with H. pylori, dysbiosis, and intestinal permeability after a virus and a parasite picked up abroad. In both cases, addressing what was actually in the gut changed the downstream picture in a way that supplements alone had not. We also talk about what does not come in a bottle. Yoga and mindfulness for Elena. Acupuncture and a less stressful work environment for both. The role chronic stress and trauma play in keeping the immune system switched on. And the reminder that this is a long game, not a thirty day fix. There is a push and pull in our culture between the natural camp and the drug camp, and people get hurt in the middle of it. If you are in thyroid storm, you need medication. If you are bleeding and dehydrated from IBD, you need help calming that down. Root cause work and conventional care are not opponents. The goal is using both well and we are ready to support you in that. Key Take Aways Autoimmune healing can be a layered process. Elena and Amber describe how addressing gut health, nutrition, infections, and other contributing factors became important parts of their journeys. Gut health may play an important role in autoimmunity. The conversation explores intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, SIBO, and how gut-related issues can intersect with inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. Lifestyle matters alongside clinical care. Yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, movement, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and relationships are discussed as important components of overall health. Advocating for yourself is an important part of the healthcare journey. Elena and Amber encourage patients to research, ask questions, and seek providers who will listen and work collaboratively with them. Functional and conventional medicine can work together. Melody emphasizes that functional medicine should not mean automatically rejecting medications or emergency care, but rather finding an appropriate balance between immediate medical treatment and longer-term health strategies. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk Melody introduces functional medicine pharmacists Elena Genik and Amber Fish and today’s conversation about autoimmune conditions. 02:33 – Elena’s Graves’ Disease Journey Elena shares how fatigue, thyroid symptoms, and an unexpectedly high heart rate eventually led to a Graves’ disease diagnosis. 06:00 – Navigating Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Eye Disease How Elena’s treatment evolved, the challenges she experienced with medication, and the development of Thyroid Eye Disease. 09:02 – Amber’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story Amber shares her experience with severe joint pain, medications, migraines, and her search for options beyond conventional treatment. 12:46 – The Gut-Autoimmune Connection Why gut health, intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, infections, and inflammation become important areas to investigate in autoimmune conditions. 13:47 – Amber’s Gut Health Transformation How testing revealed significant gut dysfunction and how addressing it coincided with major improvements in her pain and swelling. 16:20 – Elena’s Gut Health Breakthrough After a virus, parasite, and major thyroid eye flare, Elena discovered H. pylori and dysbiosis and began addressing her gut health. 18:02 – Stress, Yoga, Mindfulness & Acupuncture The role chronic stress may play in autoimmune symptoms and how Elena and Amber incorporated yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and other practices. 22:00 – Becoming Your Own Health Advocate Why both women believe patients should ask questions, research their conditions, and seek practitioners willing to work collaboratively with them. 25:50 – Nutrition & Identifying Food Triggers How elimination diets, food sensitivities, gluten, dairy, and individual food triggers can factor into an autoimmune health journey. 28:31 – Removing Triggers vs. Healing the Gut Why identifying problematic foods or infections may only be one piece of the puzzle and the importance of supporting gut recovery. 31:29 – Autoimmune Health Is an Ongoing Journey Amber and Elena discuss maintaining progress, navigating flares, and continuing to pay attention to nutrition, illness, stress, and lifestyle. 33:16 – Building a Lifestyle That Supports Healing The importance of nourishing food, movement, sleep, relationships, stress management, and sometimes making larger life changes to prioritize health. 35:21 – Final Advice for Autoimmune Patients Elena and Amber encourage listeners not to lose hope, to continue looking for answers, and to advocate for themselves. 36:06 – Finding the Middle Ground in Medicine Melody discusses combining conventional treatment when necessary with functional medicine strategies rather than viewing the two approaches as opposites. 37:32 – Closing & Resources Where listeners can connect with Elena, Amber, and the Pharm to Table team for functional medicine care and health coaching. Resources Mentioned Gut Repair and Rebuilding Ther-Biotic Women’s Gut Health bundle Thyroid Thyroid Eye Disease bundle Thyroid Favorites bundle Environmental Support Air purification Medify Air: code PharmToTable15. Stress, HPA axis, and the nervous system Stress Support bundle emWave Pro HRV trainer Apollo Neuro Vibe Gut Testing Gut Performance Advanced GI Testing

Show Notes In Today's Episode What if much of what women have been told about hormone therapy is missing important context? In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Mia Scott, FNP, co-founder of Rixa Health, to unpack the history behind hormone therapy fears, the Women's Health Initiative, bioidentical hormones, individualized treatment, and why informed consent matters. Together, they explore how hormones can be approached through a personalized risk-versus-benefit conversation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Key Take Aways Hormone therapy conversations need context. Mia explains how the Women's Health Initiative contributed to widespread fear around hormones and why its findings shouldn't automatically be applied to every woman, hormone formulation, age group, or route of administration. Bioidentical doesn't mean “natural” or compounded. Bioidentical hormones refer to hormones with a molecular structure the body recognizes, and they can be available as prescription pharmaceutical products as well as compounded medications. Individualization is essential. Age, timing, symptoms, medical history, route of administration, lifestyle factors, and personal risk all need to be considered when determining whether hormone therapy is appropriate. Women deserve informed consent and options. The conversation highlights the importance of discussing both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches, particularly for women with a history of breast cancer or other complex medical histories. More isn't necessarily better. Melody and Mia discuss the importance of avoiding excessive hormone dosing and instead focusing on appropriate therapeutic levels, symptoms, side effects, and the individual patient's response. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Hormone Therapy Melody introduces Mia Scott and her work in functional medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and personalized care. 03:00 – Why Women Are Afraid of Hormone Therapy Exploring the fears many women have inherited around hormones, including concerns about breast cancer, cardiovascular risk, and safety. 04:00 – Understanding the Women's Health Initiative A closer look at the 2002 Women's Health Initiative, who was studied, the hormone formulations used, and how the findings shaped women's perceptions of hormone therapy. 07:00 – The 10-Year Window and Starting Hormone Therapy Discussing the timing of hormone therapy, bone and cardiovascular health, and why being outside the 10-year window does not automatically mean a woman is no longer a candidate. 08:30 – What Does “Bioidentical” Hormone Really Mean? Mia explains the difference between bioidentical hormones, synthetic hormones, and compounded medications. 10:30 – Breast Cancer Risk and Hormone Therapy Looking at the available research on micronized progesterone, estradiol, and the importance of understanding absolute versus relative risk. 12:30 – The FDA and the Black Box Warning Discussing changes to hormone therapy labeling and how the removal of certain warning language has affected women's willingness to consider treatment. 14:30 – Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer Exploring treatment options for women with a history of breast cancer, including testosterone, vaginal estrogen, and non-hormonal approaches. 18:00 – Personalized Medicine and Risk vs. Reward Why hormone therapy decisions should consider each woman's symptoms, medical history, risks, quality of life, and individual response. 19:30 – Why Menopause Education Is Missing From Medical Training Mia shares her experience discovering how little menopause and hormone education she received during nurse practitioner training and why she pursued additional education. 22:00 – What Happens During a Hormone Therapy Consultation? A look at Mia's telemedicine approach, symptom tracking, medical history, laboratory testing, treatment planning, and ongoing follow-up. 23:30 – Hormone Testing and DUTCH Testing Discussing serum hormone levels, urinary metabolites, DUTCH testing, and the challenges of balancing ideal testing with affordability and accessibility. 25:00 – Finding Therapeutic Estradiol Levels Exploring estradiol targets, symptom relief, bone protection, and why hormone dosing needs to be gradually individualized. 27:00 – How Much Progesterone Is Enough? A discussion about progesterone dosing, breakthrough bleeding, sleep, GABA receptors, and why higher doses aren't necessarily better. 29:00 – Becoming Your Own Health Advocate Why patients should ask questions, recognize when a treatment isn't working, and feel empowered to seek another opinion when necessary. 31:00 – Transdermal Estrogen and the Patch Shortage Discussing why Mia often starts with transdermal estrogen, differences between patches, and challenges caused by medication shortages and changing brands. 34:00 – Compounding and Reducing Unnecessary Ingredients Exploring compounded medications, pharmaceutical ingredients, and Mia's interest in reducing dyes, petroleum, and other unnecessary components. 35:00 – Testosterone for Women: Finding the Right Approach A closer look at testosterone dosing, topical creams, injections, pellets, physiological levels, and the importance of avoiding excessive dosing. 38:00 – Hormones, Gut Health, and Histamine Discussing hormone metabolism, inflammation, gut health, detoxification, and how these factors may influence a woman's response to hormone therapy. 40:00 – Hormone Therapy Is an Art Why there isn't a single protocol that works for every woman and how providers can use different routes, doses, testing, and treatment strategies to individualize care. 40:30 – Where to Find Mia and the Rixa Women's Summit Mia shares where listeners can learn more about Rixa Health, her podcast, social media, and the upcoming Rixa Women's Summit. Resources Mentioned Studies & Resources Mentioned Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Research on Micronized Progesterone + Estradiol and Breast Cancer Risk FDA Hormone Therapy Label Changes / Black Box Warning Podcasts & Media Health Without the System Podcast Mia Scott's Instagram: @MiaScott_NP The Rixa Health Instagram Find Rixa Health & Join us at the Summit! Rixa Health Rixa Women's Summit Saturday October 10th, Glass City Center, Toledo, Ohio.

Show Notes In Today's Episode In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody sits down with Kristen Wooten, a licensed professional clinical counselor and brain health coach, to explore the connection between trauma, brain health, ADHD, head injuries, and emotional well-being. Kristen explains how therapies and approaches such as EMDR, neurofeedback, the DART method, and brain-injury recovery protocols can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, and overall brain function. Key Take Aways EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. Kristen explains how bilateral stimulation allows clients to process traumatic memories in a more grounded way rather than simply retelling the story cognitively. Neurofeedback focuses on training and regulating the brain and nervous system. Kristen describes how neurofeedback may help with resilience, calmness, sleep, emotional regulation, focus, and the intensity and frequency of meltdowns. Brain injuries can sometimes present as mood or behavioral issues. The conversation highlights why asking about concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can be important when evaluating symptoms such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or addiction. Building resilience can be an important step before trauma processing. For people who aren't ready for EMDR, Kristen discusses neurofeedback, grounding, mindfulness, and other resilience-building skills that may help the nervous system become more regulated. Lifestyle factors matter for brain health. Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle choices are discussed as important components of supporting the brain and maintaining the benefits of brain-focused therapies. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Brain Health Melody introduces Kristen Wooten and her work in clinical counseling, trauma, brain health, EMDR, DART, and neurofeedback. 01:00 – Kristen’s Journey Into Trauma Therapy How Kristen transitioned from general clinical counseling into trauma-focused work after recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches. 03:00 – Understanding EMDR and Trauma Processing What EMDR is, how bilateral stimulation works, and how it can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. 06:00 – How Neurofeedback Supports the Nervous System An introduction to neurofeedback and how brain training can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation. 08:00 – Neurofeedback, ADHD, and a Personal Story Kristen shares her experience discovering neurofeedback through her son’s ADHD symptoms and how it changed their family dynamic. 11:00 – Building Resilience Before Processing Trauma Why some clients may need to develop regulation and resilience skills before they are ready to work directly with traumatic memories. 13:00 – Neurofeedback for Children and Babies Exploring how neurofeedback can be used across different ages, including young children and infants struggling with sleep. 14:00 – Understanding Developmental Trauma and the DART Method Kristen explains the DART method, attachment, developmental trauma, and the healing process surrounding childhood experiences and relationships. 17:00 – The Connection Between Head Injuries and Mental Health Why concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can sometimes contribute to anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, and other changes in behavior or mood. 20:00 – Supporting Recovery After Brain Injury A look at hyperbaric oxygen, nutrition, supplements, and neurofeedback as potential components of a brain injury recovery approach. 22:00 – ADHD, Addiction, and Brain Function How ADHD and brain function may relate to impulse control and addiction, and why understanding the brain can help reduce shame around these struggles. 24:00 – Brain Injury Recovery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Discussing research, blood flow, hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback, and nutritional support in the context of brain injury recovery. 25:00 – Hyperbarics, Parkinson’s, and Dementia Exploring the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen in neurological conditions and why ongoing support may vary depending on the condition and individual. 27:00 – Lifestyle Choices That Support Brain Health Why nutrition, exercise, and everyday habits can influence the effectiveness and longevity of brain health treatments. 30:00 – Nutrition, Movement, and Mental Health Practical ways to connect food, exercise, supplements, and daily routines with mood, energy, and overall brain health. 32:00 – Collaboration and a Whole-Person Approach to Brain Health Closing thoughts on combining different specialties, tools, and approaches to better support patients and address underlying factors affecting health. Resources Mentioned The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers People Melody Kristen Wooten Francine Shapiro Bessel van der Kolk Dr. Daniel Amen Rick Butts Scott (Genesis Hyperbarics) Places & Organizations Freedom Counseling Services Amen Clinic Genesis Hyperbarics American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Health Topics Brain Health Trauma & PTSD EMDR Neurofeedback ADHD Head Injuries & Concussions Addiction Nervous System Regulation Mental Health Developmental Trauma Attachment Sleep Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Nutrition & Lifestyle Brain Injury Recovery Therapies, Tools & Approaches EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Bilateral Stimulation / Tappers Neurofeedback DART Method Breath Work Mindfulness & Grounding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Red Light Therapy Nutrition & Supplements Exercise Books & Resources The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Amen Clinic brain health research and protocols Resources Freedom Counseling Services Genesis Hyperbarics Amen Clinic American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Supplement Spotlight Vitamin D / K2 Liquid - 1 fl oz Purchase Today D3 5000 with K2 60 Softgels Purchase Today

Show Notes HOST Melody Hartzler | | Book Appointment In Today's Episode In this special retreat episode of Table Talk, the PharmToTable team gathers in Austin, Texas, for an honest conversation about one of the five pillars of health: community. Through personal stories, the team explores how meaningful relationships support healing, resilience, and overall well-being, while sharing practical ways to build intentional connections in every season of life. Key Take Aways Community is essential for health. Strong relationships support emotional well-being, healing, and long-term health just as much as nutrition, movement, and other healthy habits. Building community requires intention. Whether it's joining a book club, scheduling regular dinners, attending a fitness class, or inviting neighbors over, meaningful friendships rarely happen by accident. Your community can evolve over time. As life seasons change, it's okay to outgrow certain relationships and seek connections that better align with who you are today. Shared interests create lasting friendships. Wellness groups, fitness communities, hobby clubs, volunteer organizations, and professional networks can become powerful sources of support. Quality matters more than quantity. A few trusted relationships can have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Chapters Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to the Team Retreat Introducing this special Table Talk episode recorded during the PharmToTable team retreat in Austin, Texas. 00:45 – Why Community Is a Pillar of Health The team discusses why meaningful relationships are essential for physical, emotional, and long-term wellness. 02:00 – Making Time for Connection in Busy Seasons Balancing motherhood, careers, and life's responsibilities while intentionally prioritizing friendships. 04:02 – Finding Community Through Shared Life Stages How parenting, neighborhoods, work, and shared experiences naturally shape our support systems. 06:05 – The Importance of Being Intentional Why putting friendships on the calendar and creating recurring gatherings helps relationships thrive. 06:55 – Isolation, COVID, and the Impact on Health Reflecting on how loneliness affected mental and physical well-being during and after the pandemic. 08:00 – Finding People Who Truly Understand You The value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share your interests and values. 10:08 – When Friendships Change Over Time How personal growth can lead to evolving relationships and the importance of embracing new communities. 12:00 – Community as Part of the Healing Journey Why support from others can be just as important as nutrition, supplements, and medical care. 14:05 – Building Healthy Habits Together How supportive communities encourage better nutrition, movement, and other lasting lifestyle changes. 15:25 – Letting Go and Finding the Right Community Navigating the grief of outgrowing relationships while creating space for new connections. 17:10 – Practical Ways to Build Community Ideas including book clubs, cooking clubs, wellness events, fitness groups, and hobby-based gatherings. 23:10 – Hospitality, Neighbors, and Everyday Connection Simple ways to build stronger relationships through shared meals, neighborhoods, and intentional hospitality. 28:05 – The Courage to Reach Out Overcoming introversion, starting conversations, and taking the first step toward meaningful friendships. 32:10 – Why Shared Experiences Strengthen Relationships How retreats, shared homes, and everyday moments create deeper, more authentic connections. 34:15 – Quality Over Quantity Closing reflections on why even a small circle of trusted people can have a profound impact on health and well-being. Schedule Your Discovery Call Take the first step toward understanding your health concerns with a free 15-minute Discovery Call with a PharmToTable pharmacist. This is an opportunity to share what you’ve been experiencing, ask questions, and learn more about how our personalized approach may support your goals. Resources Mentioned The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers People Melody Hartzler (Host, Pharm to Table) Nicole Megan Angela Amber Lindsay Sarah Places & Organizations Pharm to Table Austin, Texas (Team Retreat) True Food Kitchen Health Topics Community & Social Connection Longevity Emotional Well-being Functional Medicine Healthy Aging Perimenopause Healing Journey Mental Health Lifestyle Medicine Communities & Activities Book Clubs Cooking Clubs Walking Groups CrossFit Community Yoga Studios Bible Studies House Churches Mom Groups Wellness Events / Healing Bazaars Neighborhood Communities Military Communities Books & Resources The Teal Table (book discussed during the episode) Brands & People Mentioned Dr. Andrew Weil Kelly's Body Shop Resources Pharm to Table: https://pharmtotable.life Supplement Spotlight Vitamin D / K2 Liquid - 1 fl oz Purchase Today D3 5000 with K2 60 Softgels Purchase Today

Show Notes HOST Melody Hartzler | | Book Appointment AROUND THE TABLE Dr. Amber Fish Book Appointment In Today's Episode In this episode of Table Talk, Melody Hartzler sits down with Pharm to Table pharmacist Amber Fish to discuss her personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and how functional medicine transformed her health. Amber shares how addressing gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and root causes helped her reduce inflammation, regain her quality of life, and move beyond simply managing symptoms with medication. Together, they discuss practical strategies for supporting autoimmune conditions and the importance of making sustainable lifestyle changes. Key Take Aways Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of autoimmune disease rather than simply managing symptoms. Healing the gut can significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Supplements can be valuable tools during healing, but they work best when paired with strong lifestyle foundations like nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management. Lasting health improvements come from consistent daily habits, not quick fixes or short-term programs. Healing is a journey and sustainable progress happens by making small, manageable changes over time. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk Introduction to today's conversation on rheumatoid arthritis and functional medicine. 00:32 – Amber Fish's Health Journey Amber shares her background as a pharmacist and her diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. 02:24 – Conventional Treatment & Medication Challenges Navigating medications, side effects, and searching for better answers. 06:31 – Discovering Functional Medicine How a new approach gave Amber hope beyond symptom management. 09:07 – Functional Testing & Finding Root Causes Exploring gut health, SIBO, micronutrient deficiencies, and mold exposure. 10:33 – Navigating Supplements How to approach supplements without becoming overwhelmed. 14:27 – Healing the Gut & Reducing Inflammation The improvements Amber experienced after addressing gut health. 16:30 – Building Healthy Daily Habits Why nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and relationships all matter. 19:51 – Healing Is an Ongoing Process Maintaining progress and adapting to life's challenges. 21:47 – How Long Does Healing Take? Setting realistic expectations for autoimmune recovery. 23:26 – Mold Exposure & Environmental Factors Understanding how environmental stressors contribute to chronic illness. 24:49 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Amber Resources Mentioned The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers Dr. Amber Fish – PharmD, BCPS, IFMCP Functional Testing & Tools Stool Testing SIBO Breath Testing Micronutrient Testing Health Topics Rheumatoid Arthritis Functional Medicine Gut Health Autoimmune Disease Chronic Inflammation

Show Notes HOST Melody Hartzler | | Book Appointment AROUND THE TABLE Dr. Dave Rabin | Visit Website In Today's Episode Joining Melody on this episode is Dr. Dave Rabin, a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro, to explore how chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation affect nearly every aspect of our health. Dr. Rabin shares the science behind the body's stress response, the role of the vagus nerve, and how creating a greater sense of safety can improve sleep, focus, resilience, and recovery. Together, they discuss why stress isn't something we can eliminate, but something we can learn to regulate. From breathwork and mindfulness to wearable technology like Apollo Neuro, this conversation offers practical strategies for improving nervous system health and building long-term resilience. Key Take Aways Chronic stress and unresolved trauma can disrupt the nervous system, contributing to poor sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic disease. The vagus nerve plays a key role in helping the body shift from a stress response into a state of recovery and healing. Nervous system regulation can be supported through simple daily practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, social connection, and wearable technologies. Feeling safe is a biological need that directly influences our ability to heal, learn, perform, and build resilience. Healing isn't about avoiding stress—it's about training the body to recover from stress more effectively. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk Introduction to today's conversation on stress, the nervous system, and resilience. 01:11 – Dr. Dave Rabin's Journey & Apollo Neuro How his work with PTSD patients led to the creation of Apollo Neuro. 04:00 – Understanding the Stress Response The science behind the vagus nerve, safety, and nervous system regulation. 07:00 – How Apollo Neuro Works How wearable touch therapy differs from traditional vagus nerve stimulation. 11:38 – Trauma, Chronic Stress & Health How unresolved stress impacts sleep, immunity, focus, and long-term wellness. 12:30 – Supporting Children & Neurodiversity Using nervous system regulation for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and emotional resilience. 17:00 – You Can't Eliminate Stress Why learning to recover from stress matters more than avoiding it. 20:27 – The Biology of Healing & the Placebo Effect How mindset, safety, and expectation influence healing outcomes. 22:20 – Stress, Blood Pressure & Chronic Disease The connection between stress regulation and long-term physical health. 23:00 – Building Daily Resilience Dr. Rabin shares his favorite Apollo Neuro settings and daily practices. 26:41 – Community, Connection & Safety Why meaningful relationships are essential for nervous system health. 27:34 – Closing Thoughts & Resources Final advice and where to learn more about Apollo Neuro. Featured Products Interested in trying Apollo Neuro? As mentioned in this episode, Apollo Neuro is a wearable designed to help support your nervous system, improve sleep, and build resilience to stress. Use our affiliate link below to receive $90 off your purchase while supporting the Table Talk Podcast. The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers Dr. Dave Rabin – Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Apollo Neuro co-founder

Show Notes HOST Melody Hartzler | | Book Appointment AROUND THE TABLE Elena Genik | Book Appointment In Today's Episode What happens when a personal health crisis becomes the catalyst for helping others heal? Melody sits down with Elena, a functional medicine health coach and thyroid advocate, to share her personal journey of healing from Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). After struggling with debilitating symptoms, conventional treatment challenges, and feeling isolated, Elena discovered how functional medicine helped her address the root causes of her condition and regain her health. Together, they explore the connection between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, metabolomics, autoimmune disease, and personalized functional testing. They also discuss why healing is about restoring balance, not simply managing symptoms, and how education, community, and self-advocacy can empower people navigating thyroid and autoimmune conditions. Key Take Aways Functional medicine helps uncover the root causes of autoimmune conditions by looking beyond standard lab work and evaluating nutrient status, gut health, metabolism, and inflammation. Metabolomics (Organic Acids Testing) provides valuable insight into mitochondrial function, nutrient utilization, and cellular health that traditional blood work may miss. Candida overgrowth, gut imbalances, and chronic inflammation can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and may require multiple testing approaches to identify. Personalized nutrition, targeted supplementation, and restoring foundational health can significantly improve energy, metabolism, and overall healing. Finding community, education, and support can make a meaningful difference for individuals living with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk Introduction to today's discussion on Graves' disease, Thyroid Eye Disease, and functional medicine. 00:01:05 – Elena's Personal Health Journey How Elena's diagnosis with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease led her to discover root-cause healing. 00:05:42 – The Role of Gut Health in Autoimmunity Exploring why gut healing became a foundational part of Elena's recovery. 00:09:48 – Functional Testing Beyond Standard Labs Why traditional blood work doesn't always tell the full story. 00:14:24 – Understanding Metabolomics & Organic Acids Testing How metabolomics evaluates cellular energy production, nutrient utilization, and mitochondrial health. 00:16:15 – Restoring Balance Through Functional Medicine Why individualized nutrition and targeted nutrient support are key components of healing. 00:17:24 – Heavy Metals & Personalized Insights How metabolomics uncovered nutrient imbalances and unexpected heavy metal exposure. 00:18:00 – Candida & Gut Health Why Candida doesn't always appear on conventional testing and how functional testing provides additional clues. 00:20:24 – Turning Personal Healing Into Purpose Elena shares how her own experience inspired her to support others living with Graves' disease and TED. 00:21:33 – Building a Thyroid Support Community Free monthly support groups, educational resources, and coaching for those navigating thyroid conditions. 00:22:33 – Working with the Pharm to Table Team How Elena supports clients through health coaching and collaborative functional medicine care. 00:23:39 – Closing & Resources Where listeners can connect with Elena and learn more about Pharm to Table. Resources Mentioned The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers Elena Genik – Functional Medicine Health Coach & Thyroid Advocate Health Topics Discussed Graves' Disease Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Gut Health & Candida Mitochondrial Health Nutrient Deficiencies Functional Medicine Approaches Root-Cause Medicine Personalized Nutrition Gut Healing Health Coaching Functional Testing Testing & Assessments Organic Acids Test (OAT) Metabolomics Testing GI-MAP Stool Test Functional Blood Testing Supportive Nutrients Vitamin B12 Magnesium Iron Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplement Spotlight Vitamin D / K2 Liquid - 1 fl oz Purchase Today D3 5000 with K2 60 Softgels Purchase Today