737. Top 5 Health Issues Women Think Are Normal—But Aren’t

“That’s just part of being a woman.” “You’re just getting older.” “Maybe you’re overreacting.” “It’s probably all in your head.” Let’s stop right there. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. Let’s break down the top five health issues that women experience far too often—and have been told to ignore. 1. Mood Swings Yes, your mood naturally shifts across your cycle—but when it becomes overwhelming, unpredictable, or makes you feel like you’ve lost control? That’s a red flag. If you find yourself: Crying uncontrollably over small things Snapping in rage over everyday moments Feeling like your emotions are running your life …it’s not just “PMS.” It’s a hormonal imbalance that needs support. In Eastern medicine, we look at liver health, stress pathways, and how your body detoxes hormones to bring this back into balance. 2. Bone-Deep Fatigue You’re not just tired because you’re a mom. Or because you're getting older. Or because life is busy. Constant fatigue is your body screaming for help. I personally struggled with undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction after having my first baby—and doctors brushed it off. It took someone finally listening to discover I had a thyroid storm. If you're always exhausted, it's time to stop pushing and start testing. Over-exercising with cortisol dysregulation? That only makes things worse. 3. Weight Gain That Doesn’t Make Sense Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause require lifestyle adjustments—but they don’t mean inevitable weight gain. Changes in body composition should be met with support, not shame. That means: Updating how and when you eat Increasing protein and muscle support Understanding how hormones like insulin and estrogen affect your metabolism If your weight is changing and nothing you do seems to help, it’s time to look deeper than calories in/calories out. 4. Sleep Disturbances That Disrupt Your Life Struggling to fall asleep… or waking at 2am and staying awake until morning? This isn’t just “stress.” Poor sleep affects everything from metabolism to detoxification, cognitive function, and weight regulation. Your body releases its highest levels of natural human growth hormone between 10pm–2am. If you’re not sleeping deeply, your healing is stalling. Sometimes just a simple tincture, nervous system support, or dietary shift can unlock better sleep and—believe it or not—weight loss too. 5. Irregular Menstrual Cycles Heavy periods, skipped days, clotting, pain, spotting, disappearing and reappearing flow—these are not normal. Your period is a vital sign—a direct reflection of your hormonal health, nutrient levels, stress patterns, and more. A cycle that shifts drastically in length or severity is a major signal that your system is out of balance. A healthy cycle: Runs about 27–29 days, with a 1–2 day buffer Shouldn’t feel debilitating or unpredictable Offers feedback about your health over the past 3 months Too many women are dismissed, gaslit, or told their symptoms are just a part of life. But being in pain, exhausted, anxious, or struggling with your body doesn't have to be your baseline. With the Female Hormone Solution Program, we go beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change. We walk with you for 12 weeks to support your body, decode your symptoms, and help you feel like yourself again—stronger and better than ever. And guess what? The waitlist is NOW OPEN. Get the details here: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/  

Here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear: the secret to balanced hormones isn’t in a miracle pill or trendy hack. It’s in the boring basics. As a women’s health and hormone expert, I want to make sure you’re doing these three simple things consistently. Prioritize Protein & Real Food If you’re skipping meals, cutting carbs, or living off coffee and snacks, your hormones are running on empty. Your body needs steady fuel to support hormonal and metabolic functions. Aim for protein with every meal Avoid processed and sugary foods Eat consistently throughout the day I don’t overthink it—sometimes I prep meals myself, and sometimes I grab healthy options from a local meal service. And I always have a backup in the fridge or freezer, because life happens. My kids have definitely eaten the lunch I was planning to save more times than I can count.  Get Serious About Sleep Sleep is a hormonal reset button. If you are up late scrolling or surrounded by bright lights, your body struggles to regulate essential hormones like cortisol and melatonin. Wind down with dim lighting Read a real book (not a screen) Only use sleep support after you’ve established a good routine Move (But Keep It Gentle) Forget “go hard or go home.” Your nervous system doesn’t always want a 90-minute bootcamp. When I’m feeling fatigued or overwhelmed, I focus on: A 10–15 minute walk Stretching or restorative yoga Listening to my body and resting when I need it Movement isn’t punishment—it’s a privilege.  The final layer to these basics:  Seed Cycling A natural way to align with your cycle using food. → Download My Free Seed Cycling Guide Targeted Tinctures Like Estro Balance, Progesterone Balance, Adrenal Balance, and Sleep Support. These plant-based tools work best when I’m already doing the foundational work. If you’ve been trying to make healthier changes, start here. Lay the foundation. Grab my Free Seed Cycling Guide and take the next step. Click here to grab your free guide now  

One of my top questions: What’s YOUR routine like?” So today, I’m walking you through what I actually take on a regular basis — the supplements that give me energy and balance, even in the middle of the chaos.  A quick note: Yes, I use a lot of supplements. But no, I don’t take everything every day. I listen to my body and respond based on where I’m at in my cycle, what’s going on in my life, and what my most recent labs and genetic testing show.  Cycle-Synced Support Let’s start with my favorite: my hormone-support tinctures. I’m a nerd about this stuff because it works. EstroBalance & Progesterone Balance: I take these in sync with my 28-day cycle (which stays regular 80% of the time thanks to these). EstroBalance during days 1–14, and Progesterone Balance during days 15–28. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/estrobalance-progesterobalance-bundle Adrenal Balance: I take this one consistently, adjusting the dose during my luteal phase (days 15–28) if I’m under more stress. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/adrenalbalance Sleep Support: Not a daily thing, but when insomnia flares — especially during week 4 of my cycle — this tincture is a lifesaver. I’ve struggled with insomnia since childhood, and this is the one thing that consistently helps.  https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/sleep-support These four tinctures are my non-negotiables. Not all at once, but always on hand — ready when I need them. Trying to chase symptoms while you’re already tanking is like running on fumes — and it doesn’t work. Precision-Based Supplementing (Thanks, Genetics) My routine is tailored around my DUTCH hormone test results and my genetic test — and wow, have they been game-changers. Here's how: Vitamin D (10,000 IU): Despite supplementation, I tested very low. My genetics show I don’t absorb D well, so I’ve upped the ante with high-dose D — paired with Vitamin A to help with absorption. I’ll retest in 6 months. https://113022.nutridyn.com/a-d-natural-capsules Immune Support & Immune Resilience: These two do different things, and I need both. One gives me mushrooms + D + zinc for general immune health; the other helps my histamine response (thanks to quercetin, ginseng, and elderberry). Since going through mold illness, these keep me out of flare-ups and able to function. Without them? I crash. Hard. https://113022.nutridyn.com/immune-resilience-r278 https://113022.nutridyn.com/immune-support Cellular Energy: This one’s new, and it’s been a total game-changer. With CoQ10, NAC, magnesium, and more — it’s the blend I didn’t know I needed to help with inflammation and recovery. https://113022.nutridyn.com/cellular-energy NeuroBalance: After my last DUTCH test showed bottomed-out dopamine, I added this to help lift me back up. It took two full bottles to notice a difference, but what a difference. https://113022.nutridyn.com/crave-curb Occasional, But Vital I also rotate in: Detox Support: A month on, a few months off, to help with methylation and inflammation. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/detox-support Charcoal: For stomach issues or if I get a histamine flare-up. https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Activated-Charcoal-Capsules-detoxification/dp/B078T354SC?crid=I3U3E0T709Q1&keywords=charcoal&qid=1678308212&sprefix=charcoal,aps,154&sr=8-6&linkCode=sl1&tag=drbethwesti07-20&linkId=debf3dbe61a874c3fbb17e0a26310ebb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl All of this is done with intention. Not for the sake of “taking more stuff,” but to build a foundation that supports my energy, immune health, hormonal balance, and long-term wellness. My hormone-balancing tinctures are the foundation. They’re simple, effective, and adaptable. They’re what I use, and what I recommend to every woman who wants to get ahead of the hormone rollercoaster instead of reacting to it. Curious about trying them for yourself? You’ll find everything you need here. These aren’t just tinctures — they’re tools for transformation. Whether you’re struggling with irregular cycles, stress, sleep, or perimenopausal shifts, they meet you where you’re at and help guide your body back into rhythm.  

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this perimenopause—or something else?”, you’re not alone. For many women, the symptoms can be confusing and frustrating. But here's the truth: perimenopause is a normal, natural phase—and it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Let’s clear the air. Common signs of perimenopause include irregular or skipping periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, brain fog, joint pain, weight changes, low libido, and more. And stress can make any of these 10x worse!  That’s where cortisol comes in. Stress is a major driver behind many of the “classic” perimenopause symptoms. If your cortisol is off, your estrogen and progesterone will feel it too. Perimenopause is like reverse puberty. It’s not a malfunction. It’s your body transitioning. And how you move through it depends on things like stress, sleep, movement, gut health, your environment—even your past habits and genetics. So, what can you do? Start with the basics: get good sleep, manage stress, hydrate, get outside in the morning light, eat protein regularly, and move your body. These things work. And if you need support along the way, herbal tinctures can make a huge difference. My go-to formulas: Adrenal Balance for stress and mood: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/adrenalbalance Sleep Tincture for deep, non-groggy sleep: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/sleep-support Estro Balance and Progesterone Balance for cycle support: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/estrobalance-progesterobalance-bundle You don’t have to be 100% perfect to feel better—70–80% consistency is enough to start seeing real change. I’ve had women feel like themselves again by making small adjustments and using the right tools.  Curious about which tincture is right for you? Learn more: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com  

You’re not just tired — you’re exhausted. You love your life, your family, your work, but lately, you can’t keep up. You lie down to rest but don’t bounce back. You sleep, but never feel restored. You’ve tried yoga, meditation, more coffee, less coffee… and yet, nothing really works. Let’s talk about adrenal dysfunction — more specifically, low cortisol and how it mimics, and masks so many of your symptoms. If you have low cortisol, your body isn’t just tired — it’s depleted. You may: Need rest to even function — but rest doesn’t revive you Feel emotionally flat or unmotivated Lose interest in intimacy (even with a loving partner) Struggle with dizziness, especially after standing Feel overwhelmed by even simple tasks So what’s the solution? You need real clarity. That’s where the DUTCH Test comes in — my favorite functional hormone test that gives a full picture of your adrenal health (not just a snapshot). Unlike a blood or saliva test that tells you what’s happening right now, the Dutch Test shows how your body is actually using cortisol over time. Think: zoomed-out, root-cause clarity. It's not about slapping on more stress management hacks or trying harder. Healing is about having the right map to follow.  If you’re tired of guessing, tired of being told “everything looks normal,” tired of feeling like you’ve tried everything… please stop waiting. Let’s get your answers. 👉 Learn more about DUTCH testing: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

You’ve been told, “Your labs look normal.” But you’re dragging through your days, snapping over nothing, wide awake at 2 a.m., and feeling like a stranger in your own body. So what's this really about? “Normal” isn’t the whole story. Most standard lab tests are designed to rule out disease. They’re not built to uncover the root cause of fatigue, hormone imbalances, anxiety, stubborn weight, or burnout. That’s why so many women are left thinking: “Something’s wrong, but no one can find it.” It’s not you. It’s your labs. Standard blood work often misses: cortisol rhythm disruptions (aka adrenal fatigue), estrogen dominance or sluggish hormone detox, testosterone imbalance and low libido, and how your body is actually handling stress. That’s why we use the DUTCH Test. The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) looks deeper. It gives you a full-day cortisol rhythm (not just a one-time blood snapshot), a breakdown of sex hormone pathways—not just totals—and insight into why your body is out of balance and what to do about it. Tired of being told “You’re fine” when you feel awful? The DUTCH Test has changed the game for hundreds of women—giving them answers, validation, and a real path forward. You can order your test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

If you're maintaining a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, balanced nutrition, minimal alcohol—and still experiencing fatigue, weight fluctuations, digestive issues, and hormonal symptoms, you're not alone. This was Jenny's experience. After two years of persistent health challenges, she came to us as a last resort. She had already spent thousands of dollars on care that didn’t produce results. No comprehensive testing. No targeted interventions. Just more supplements and generic advice. Her case wasn’t unusual. What made the difference was data. Through our 1:1 program, Jenny completed a full panel of functional assessments, including: Hormone & adrenal testing (DUTCH test) Comprehensive gut analysis Nutrient and inflammatory markers Genetic testing to understand her body’s metabolic and detox pathways The findings confirmed several core issues: Severely diminished cortisol output Estrogen dominance with low progesterone production Leaky gut and poor gut microbiota diversity Methylation and detoxification gene variants contributing to poor recovery and persistent inflammation Once we had this information, we developed a structured plan with targeted interventions to support endocrine function, rebuild gut integrity, and address her specific genetic vulnerabilities. Within weeks, she began to notice improvements: more stable energy, clearer cognition, better sleep, and less bloating. While she’s still progressing through the program, the results so far validate a simple principle: symptoms require investigation—not assumption. If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still don’t feel well, you may benefit from the same thorough, data-driven approach. 👉 Start with the 1:1 program: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/ We’ll guide you through the appropriate testing and design a care plan tailored to your system—because you deserve clarity and direction, not more guesswork.  

Let’s talk about something that gets tossed around a lot in the world of women’s health — MTHFR. You might have heard it mentioned in conversations about fatigue, fertility struggles, anxiety, or detox issues… but what is it really? And how do you know if it’s affecting you? Let’s break it down together. 👉 So, What is MTHFR? MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (say that three times fast). It’s an enzyme your body uses to process folate (vitamin B9) and regulate something called homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart health. But here’s where it gets even more important: This enzyme plays a key role in a process called methylation — which affects how your body: Makes new cells Detoxifies Repairs DNA Balances hormones Produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine Regulates your immune system …and so much more. In short: it’s a big deal. Do I Have It? How Can I Tell? You might suspect you have an MTHFR gene variant if you experience things like: Chronic fatigue Brain fog Anxiety or depression Poor detox (you get super sensitive to wine, meds, caffeine) Hormone imbalances Fertility issues A history of miscarriages Trouble bouncing back from stress Sound familiar? You’re not alone. There are two main variants: C677T — about 10–15% of the population has this one A1298C — much more common at 30–50% You can be heterozygous (one copy) or homozygous (two copies, one from each parent), which increases the likelihood that methylation isn’t working optimally for you. Should I Get Tested? Yes — but here’s the thing: MTHFR is only one piece of the puzzle. There are multiple other genetic variants that affect methylation and detox pathways too — like COMT, MTR, MTRR, PEMT, CBS, TCN2 and more. That’s why when I work with women 1:1, I always include a full genetic panel. It saves you time, energy, and frustration trying to guess what’s going on in your body. Because when you see your unique genetic makeup, you can finally: ✅ Understand why you feel the way you do ✅ Stop wasting time on random supplements or protocols that don’t work for you ✅ Create a clear, targeted plan that matches your biology 👉 Can I Improve It With Lifestyle? Yes — and this is where epigenetics comes in. Your genes are the cards you’re dealt, but how you play them matters. Prioritize restorative sleep Manage your stress Support detox pathways (hello, hydration and leafy greens) Take targeted supplements (not just random B vitamins!) Move your body in a way that feels good for you And most importantly — know what you're working with. If you’ve been chasing symptoms, switching supplements, and still feeling stuck — it’s time to stop guessing. In my VIP 1:1 coaching program, we dive deep with: ✅ Full genetic testing, DUTCH testing, food sensitivity testing, cortisol testing, ✅ Hormone and gut health labs ✅ Custom supplement protocols ✅ Personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching focused around the root cause ✅ Weekly support calls + direct access to me Because you deserve a clear, science-backed plan built around your body. This program is my most in-depth, robust and hands on.  ➡️ Click here to apply for my VIP 1:1 program today: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/  

In this episode, I sat down with Alexandra from Just the Inserts for a conversation I’ve been dying to have for years. We talked about informed consent, what those tiny manufacturer inserts actually say, and why so much important information gets lost in our current healthcare system. Alexandra shares how her own experience as a new mom led her to dig deep into the data and turn complex, overlooked info into clear, empowering resources for women. We also unpack the business side of medicine, how it affects the care you receive, and why you have way more power in your healthcare choices than you might realize. This one’s a must-listen if you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or frustrated in a doctor’s office. Alexandra is the founder of Just the Inserts, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible, transparent information about medical choices. With a solid research background and a passion for informed consent, she guides people through the complexities of pharmaceutical products and decisions. Her commitment to clear, reliable information has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in the community, helping countless individuals make more informed, confident healthcare decisions. Find Alexandra:  Instagram: @Justtheinserts Instagram: @Justthealternatives www.justtheinserts.com      

I need to tell you about Brenda. When she first came to me, she was done. Exhausted, burned out, frustrated. She felt like she was living in a body she didn’t recognize anymore — and no matter how “healthy” she tried to be, nothing was working. ✔️ Her hair was thinning. ✔️ Her weight was climbing. ✔️ She couldn’t sleep. ✔️ Her energy was nonexistent. ✔️ Her cycles were all over the place. And she kept thinking, “Maybe it’s just stress… maybe it’ll pass.” But it didn’t. What Brenda didn’t realize was that years of unaddressed hormone shifts — from birth control to motherhood to relentless career demands to a devastating divorce — had sent her system into survival mode. Her cortisol was sky-high, her estrogen detox pathways were struggling, and her body was holding on to everything because it didn’t feel safe. Here’s what changed everything for her: We tested first. Not at the end of the program. Not as an afterthought. Right up front. We used a DUTCH hormone test to see exactly what was happening inside her body — what her cortisol patterns looked like, how she was metabolizing estrogen, and whether her body was trying to keep up or completely tapped out. Then we built a customized plan specifically for her body. No cookie-cutter protocols, no generic advice. ✅ Nutrition tailored to her cycle. ✅ Targeted, effective supplements. ✅ Stress management strategies for real life. ✅ And ongoing testing to track real, measurable progress. And today? Brenda is thriving. ✔️ Her energy is back. ✔️ Her cycles are regular. ✔️ She’s sleeping through the night. ✔️ The stubborn weight has started to release. ✔️ And, most importantly, she feels like herself again. I share Brenda’s story because I know so many women are walking around right now in burnout mode, thinking this is just how it is. It doesn’t have to be. 👉 The 6-Month Female Hormone Solution is now OPEN. This is the exact program Brenda used to turn everything around — and I only open it once a year. It includes: ✨ Multiple DUTCH hormone tests ✨ 1:1 strategy calls and in-depth lab reviews ✨ Customized protocols for nutrition, exercise, and supplements ✨ Ongoing support from me and my team ✨ A private, empowering community of women walking this journey with you If you’re tired of guessing, tired of DIY-ing your health, and ready to take back control — this is your time. 👉 Click below to grab your spot - registration closes this week!  6 month regular: https://drbethwestie.com/6-month-female-hormone-solution/ 6 month menopause: https://drbethwestie.com/6-month-female-menopause-solution/ Not sure if it's a fit? Schedule a consult call: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call