384. Improve Your PMS

In this episode, I had a chat with Erika who shared her struggles dealing with postpartum health issues, like a painful fibroid and PMS. Erica has been frustrated because her doctors weren't really listening to her concerns. They kept pushing birth control and ibuprofen as a quick fix, ignoring her struggles.  I kept thinking to myself, I've been there too.  Advocating for yourself and finding a healthcare provider who really listens to you is ESSENTIAL. I talked through some practical tools like seed cycling and tinctures to help balance her hormones and reduce inflammation. We also talked about how to approach doctors who aren't being helpful. Here is your permission to be firm about what tests you need and to stand up for yourself if you are being ignored or gaslight. Click play to join the conversation!  You are invited to sign up for your own session here: https://calendly.com/drbethwestie/podcast-live-coaching?month=2024-02

Where are my married ladies?! Really, this applies to any long term relationship...  My husband and I have been together for over 20 years and our relationship has seen some high highs and low lows. My health journey has been greatly impacted by these seasons and I am sure you can relate.  There is an extreme significance in having a supportive partner when working towards your health goals. And you better believe it applies to the opposite as well, more on that below.  I believe that a supportive partner can make a world of difference in helping a woman reach their healthiest selves. There are significant challenges women face when they have unsupportive partners, as it can create obstacles along the way.  I am talking about things like ortisol/stress issues, time management issues, sabotage and more...  In this episode, I share personal stories and examples from my clinical practice where husbands/partners either actively support their wives' health journey or hinder it. I also dive into how some women manage to push forward with their health goals despite unsupportive partners, while others may find it more difficult. This is your sign to look for potential red flags in relationships that can impede health progress, such as partners who try to use control to keep you from getting healthier.  I want women facing these challenges to know you are not alone and there are a number of ways to seek support.  This is actually something that many of my personal clients navigate during our work together. If you'd like to know more about my upcoming Hormone Solution program, join the waitlist here: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/ Hang out with me:  Facebook: https://facebook.com/drbethwestie Instagram: https://instagram.com/drbethwestie

In this episode, I am joined my Dr. Morgan to discuss all things related to relationships and attachment style!  Dr. Morgan Anderson is a clinical psychologist and relationship coach, host of the “Let’s Get Vulnerable” podcast and creator of the E.S.L relationship method. She helps women break the toxic dating cycle, raise their self-worth and attract the healthy relationship they’ve always wanted. She’s on Instagram @drmorgancoaching, and make sure you head over to her page to say hello!   Take the Relationship Style Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/5e77d82d29386e001428f8f1 Find Dr. Morgan:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-vulnerable-relationship-and-dating-advice/id1496034764 Instagram: @drmorgancoaching

In case you didn't know, I struggled with extreme PMS symptoms and PCOS. I was on the floor in my chiropractic clinic after a cyst burst and my husband had to literally pick me up and take me home. It can be a long journey to work with hormone issues, but I'm here to tell you that it really can be done and there are thousands of women who are committing to doing the work and sharing their stories.  I wanted to share this case study with you, because I find that the journey of other women with similar symptoms can be the best encouragement and inspiration. I've been working with this individual for a YEAR and it's a big change from the 30 year old who was so desperate she was willing to remove her uterus entirely.  This episode covers her back story, the work we did together and how she feels and functions today. Click play if you need some inspiration today!  Hang out with me:  Facebook: https://facebook.com/drbethwestie Instagram: https://instagram.com/drbethwestie If you have questions or just want to connect, shoot me a DM on instagram @drbethwestie or [email protected]     

In episode four of my live coaching series, I talk with Rachel who shares her journey with PCOS and exercise. With her love for long distance running, she discusses hers fears with spiking cortisol and wanting to protect her hormone balance. We cover what PCOS looks like, insulin resistance and the importance of weight training for hormone balance. Listen to the whole episode to hear Rachel's journey and some insights on how she can incorporate movement while also reducing the symptoms of PCOS.  You are invited to sign up for your own session here: https://calendly.com/drbethwestie/podcast-live-coaching?month=2024-02

Hormone levels play a direct and indirect role in how the body utilizes and stores fat.  Estrogen, dominant in the first half of your cycle, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Higher levels of estrogen are associated with increased carb burning, which is why I often incorporate carb cycling in this phase of my cycle  Progesterone, on the other hand, exhibits distinct fat burning qualities. Research indicates that progesterone may enhance lipid metabolism, promoting the breakdown of fat for energy.  Listen along as we break down other hormones including testosterone and cortisol and how to manage expectations for your body.  Timestamps:  00:50 Female body is designed to store fat 01:24 Different hormone challenges  2:00 Expectations of your body  2:17 Vehicle analogy  4:43 Hormones and how they burn fat  4:55 Estrogen, carb burning & carb cycling  5:24 Progesterone, fat burning, thermogenic properties 5:53 Testosterone, muscle building  6:14 Cortisol, stress response and hunger/fullness  7:14 Hormone testing  7:22 Leveraging your hormones for fat burning  8:55 DUTCH hormone testing info   DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

In episode three of my live coaching series, I talk with Aline who shares her gut healing journey. Through her extensive testing she discovered severe mold allergies and is now working to resolve the symptoms that have manifested from that. We cover what gut issues can look like, mold toxicity symptoms and how it is all connected in the body. Listen to the whole episode to hear Aline's journey and some insights on how she can work through the allergies, sensitivities and toxins.  You are invited to sign up for your own session here: https://calendly.com/drbethwestie/podcast-live-coaching?month=2024-02

While you may not have heard about glutathione, you've probably heard about antioxidants and how important they are for healthy cells and wellness.  Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants naturally produced in the body, playing a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Its importance lies in its ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells and contribute to various health issues, including aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases. One of the key reasons why glutathione is particularly important for women is its interaction with female hormones. Glutathione helps support hormonal balance by aiding in the detoxification of hormones such as estrogen. It helps eliminate excess estrogen from the body, which is beneficial as high levels of estrogen can lead to hormone imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and other health problems. Glutathione also plays a role in supporting the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing hormones. By enhancing liver function, glutathione indirectly contributes to maintaining healthy hormone levels in women. Listen to the full episode for some natural sources of glutathione and how to incorporate this into your daily routine! If you have questions or just want to connect, shoot me a DM on instagram @drbethwestie or [email protected]   

If you've heard of endometriosis, you may know of a similar condition: adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is the growth of endometrial-like tissue growing into the muscle of your uterus. Adeno can create symptoms that are even more severe and difficult to resolve like pelvic pain and pain with your period. In this episode, I dive into the signs of adenomyosis and how to determine if you are struggling with it.  DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

Thyroid issues can look like a myriad of symptoms - fatigue, mood issues, weight gain, irregular cycles and sleep disturbances, for example. The question I address today is "can my thyroid get better on its own?" The simple answer is yes, it can. Dive into this episode for my full explanation and examples of how the thyroid functions and what influences it.  DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/