Period Chats

On today’s episode of the Period Chats Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Amanda Olson! Amanda is a dedicated physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders including pelvic pain, incontinence and pregnancy related issues, as well as the cofounder of the Intimate Rose product line. Amanda finished her doctorate degree in physical therapy and then found herself severely injured from a bad cliff jumping incident. With injuries on her pelvic floor, hips, back and more, she experienced relief from PT, and now she’s been focusing on pelvic floor PT for 14 years and counting. One in three vagina owners will struggle with pelvic floor issues, so it’s very common. And people with penises can experience pelvic floor dysfunction as well, because certain cancers, traumas or injuries can effect the muscular structure. So what exactly is the pelvic floor? It’s a group of muscles that support certain organs, for example someone’s bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. These muscles form a sling at the very base of your pelvis, and also include tendons, nerves, blood vessels and fascia. When they’re functioning well, they relax at appropriate times, and close and contract at other times. This complex group of muscles needs to be strong, but also well-coordinated and flexible. Unfortunately, life can sometimes throw this coordination off. For example: giving birth, trauma, stress, injuries, accidents, and disease processes like that of endometriosis. And when the coordination is thrown off, occupational therapy can really help retrain this muscle group and alleviate a myriad of issues. Amanda and I talk about common misconceptions about pelvic floor therapy, what healthy goals might look like for someone who is experiencing pelvic floor pain, what health insurance plans typically do for this type of treatment, and a pretty huge list of conditions it can help. Amanda also gives us some examples of what sessions at her clinic often look like, which may put some of us who are considering it at ease. I was so grateful to have this conversation with Amanda and hear about more ways that our community can take care of ourselves, and nurture health and healing in our bodies. Make sure you give Amanda a follow on Insta: @AaolsonDPT And check out her company here: www.IntimateRose.com Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: Intimate Rose

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains topics that may be triggering including sexual assault Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! Today we’re talking about all things relationships, sex, and being a cyclical person. Our guest is my friend Catherine Drysdale, a sex and relationship coach who teaches about pleasure, intimacy, communication, and enhancing love. Catherine explains her journey with PCOS, pain, being mis-diagnosed for years, taking progesterone-based birth control, having IUD struggles, and finally getting her hormones tested (her progesterone and testosterone were high). She’s been off birth control for 8 years and managing her symptoms successfully through diet, proper exercise for her body, and seed cycling. We also talk about sex education reform, and how people’s views on sex are shaped by their early education. Many states don’t even require sex ed to be medically accurate, and a lot of education curriculum and videos are basically abstinence-based scare tactics. It’s so inspiring to hear how Catherine is working to change this, and her passion for implementing more emotionally intelligent and well-rounded education for kids. We also talk about the journey of learning to be more present during sexual experiences, creating good communication with our partners, and taking the time to heal from the past. She explains the spectrum of “consensual” and what it takes to cultivate fully consensual relationships. And, she shares where to begin to heal if you’ve had experiences that were not fully consensual. Catherine shares about the sexual assault she experienced in her college years, how it felt to be invalidated while taking the right steps to report the crime (even with physical proof, and arrest and detainment of her abusers, her school denied the fact that it was rape), and what has helped her heal from the trauma and depression that resulted after this injustice. I’m so inspired and amazed as I look at Catherine’s journey and how even the shitty experiences we have to work through can become part of how we help the world, use our voices, and let others know that what they feel is real and right. Read the Vice article: https://www.vice.com/en/article/z34gj5/sexual-tension-relationships-desire-mutual Follow Catherine on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcatherinedrysdale

Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! Today we get to hear from Sandi Kronick, the CEO of Happy Dirt. Based in Durham, Happy Dirt is an organic wholesale and distribution company. Ever since Sandi started it in 2004, they’ve been supporting local farmers who grow organic food. They do this by building up infrastructures like trucking and marketing, so that farmers can focus on their soil, and crops, and build a future for themselves and their families. So many questions have come my way about organic food, so today you’ve come to the right place; we’re about to learn SO MUCH from Sandi. The term “Organic” is legally regulated through the federal government. In the food and agriculture space, this single word means that a farm is adhering to hundred of pages of regulatory work that includes disallowing most synthetic products, as well as disallowed non-synthetic products in growing their crops (they still may use natural pesticides like garlic). The National Organic Standards Board oversees this and shows zero tolerance for things like harmful conventional pesticides and GMO’s, so consumers can rest assured that organic food has been through the relevant inspections. They also have a commitment to wholistic practices like crop rotation. Some people think that organic and conventional foods are the same, and that the label is kinda BS… and maybe cheaper price motivates this convenient belief! I used to be one of those people - but it turns out I felt better when I switched to organic, and it also turns out there’s science behind why. Our bodies don’t process certain synthetic pesticides well. Plus, many of the conventional pesticides that farmers are allowed to use in the U.S. can kill our off our gut microbiomes. We all know Preventative health is more efficient and less stressful than having to treat illnesses that could have been prevented upstream. So, as more and more data accumulates on the matter, a growing number of doctors believe that eating organic is a worthwhile preventative health measure. We talk about how Sandi’s company contributes to the world of organics, cares about maintaining consumer trust, and ensures that the principles of organic farming stay intact. We also talk about regenerative farming, which is a different but related thing to organic farming, and how some farms are doing both. Currently, there isn’t a certification program for regenerative farming, or a set definition yet, but that may be coming soon. Sandi reminds us why it’s important to go to our local farmer’s markets, and how not everyone there is an organic farmer but they’re all still heroes. She suggests some questions might be helpful to ask while there. Most states have an umbrella non-profit that connects citizens to farmers and farmers markets, so make sure you check for your state’s local food finder. I LOVED hearing about all the work that goes into organic food, and I know we’ll all feel more connected to our food and our bodies after this episode! Learn More Happy Dirt’s https://happydirt.com/

On this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, documentary film maker Shelby Hadden joins us to talk about her wildly wonderful, impactful documentary: Tightly Wound. Based on an essay she published in Bust Magazine, the animated short film chronicles her experiences with vaginismus and pelvic floor pain. After a kickstarter shout-out in Cosmo, an article in Media Wire and much more, the film has 4 million views and has been all over the world. Shelby and I talk about how sharing your story publicly can be so many different things. It can be freeing and liberating to share, super helpful to others to hear, and a powerful influence on culture - but it can simultaneously be intimidating and unpredictable to post your life’s details on the internet. She explains that creating the film was a coming out type of experience for her, because there were many family members and friends who still didn’t know about her health journey. Shelby shares how she couldn’t use a tampon as an adolescent, but didn’t find pelvic floor physical therapy (the treatment that has helped her the most) until age 21. She then found herself at the forefront of a decade-long rise in awareness on the topic, in a culture that’s moving from young women like her taking 7 years plus to get an accurate diagnosis, to an internet-connected world where pelvic floor physical therapists are posting on Tik Tok and Instagram helping people learn the basics about the disorder. Shelby tells us what the process looked like to create the film, and what her network, team and community looked like during the process. It’s so beautiful that people with vaginismus and other pelvic floor issues can now point to this well-made film and say to their family, friends, or potential romantic partners, “This is what I have.” Insurance doesn’t always cover pelvic floor therapy, and there are different rules in different states about referrals and the number of sessions that may get approved, but Shelby leaves us with this wise advice: don’t give up finding the great treatment that you deserve. We talk about other treatments such as Botox, which some people have had results with for vaginismus, and of course a good therapist should be part of your team as well. I’m thankful for this conversation and for a chance to disarm the shame and secrecy some people feel in their experiences. Whatever your hopes are with regards to pelvic floor dysfunction of any kind, they are completely valid; none of those things are wrong to want and feel, so don’t give up fighting for your desires and goals. Read Shelby’s article: https://bust.com/sex/18462-vaginismus-essay.html Check out the film: https://www.tightlywoundfilm.com

Avocado Allie is back!! On this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, I reconnect with the amazing Allie, our PCOS “cyst”er, who also happens to be a social media influencer, yoga instructor and model. Today we’re talking about going to the gynecologist - the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. We’ve all had different experiences with gyno’s, and it doesn’t get talked about enough in general, so today we’re sitting down for some relatable real talk about it. In this episode, Allie and I exchange a few stories of experiences with different gynecologists and what those visits did to our overall emotional state around the topic. A lot of gynecologists still approach the conversation of birth control by touting old-school beliefs, and this can cause a negative experience for patients who may feel gaslighted or judged. On the other hand, for some reason our conversations with almost all of our on-call nurses have ROCKED. Allie shares about her recent male gynecologist staring off their visit by mansplaining PCOS, and then suggesting that there are two camps of PCOS patients - those who are trying to get pregnant and those who are on birth control - and that there shouldn’t be anyone else. (Effectively putting the somewhere between 1-in-10 and 1-in-5 people that get periods who have PCOS into two broad boxes). This doctor performed an extra painful biopsy, and later sent her for an ultrasound that she should have gotten first. The horrible experience caused her to research other people’s stories about excessive pain after endometrial biopsies. She dealt with heavy emotions caused by the poor treatment and unexpected pain, and posted on her media outlets. The response was copious - which feels so normalizing, but also upsetting that so many people experience similar things! And it may make many of ya’ll feel less alone as we unpack why these types of procedures are often rushed, under-explained, not accompanied by any pain mitigation - and how all that is somehow still considered normal in most gynecology offices. Allie also shares about how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and doctor visits sometimes interact, and once again I feel way less alone as I recount phone calls for cleanliness reassurance and anxiety spikes around doctor visits as well. In this episode, I also recount the time when the gynecologist told me I had an STI when it was really an autoimmune stress response after a yeast infection. We know these are frustrations that many of us can relate to regarding the medical system, but the vibe of this episode is definitely not a gripe-filled complaint sesh; it’s a relatable and relieving conversation about the wisdom we’ve gained during the imperfect treatment we’ve survived, and how it has added to our passion to invite others further into the world of holistic physical and mental health. Follow Allie: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avocado_allie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avocado_allie/

Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! We have Lara Parker here today, author of the book “Vagina Problems.” Laura has experience with endometriosis, adenomyosis, vaginismus, and vulvar vestibulitis, and began to write about the topic because it was so underrepresented in literature and she didn’t want people to feel alone. Indicators that you might be suffering with pelvic pain or a related condition are: pain during sex and/or orgasm, super heavy periods, skin irritation and redness, digestive symptoms like bloating or IBS-type issues, or tenderness to touch. Sometimes doctor visits and the nature of the issue can make people feel more isolated in the experience, and Lara gives some great examples of ways we can humanize and de-stigmatize the topic, and by extension many other issues that our society would do well to further normalize. As we all continue to advocate for ourselves, and move toward the place where we can “act like a white man,” aka confident communication without apology or other self-shrinking verbiage, we need to remember that our health issues aren’t something we need to apologize for, over-explain, or minimize. Lara shares about her experience with a surgery for endometriosis, how that particular surgery interacts with most insurance plans, and what her recovery and ongoing health journey has looked like since. Her modalities of care currently include physical therapy for pelvic pain, chiropractic care, therapy, acupuncture and others. We also talk about how the conversation around chronic illness needs to shift towards quality of life. Sometimes in our culture there can be a false dichotomy where you’re either dying or you’re fine, but focusing on quality of life gives the conversation more much-needed nuance, and can help outsiders empathize with where each of us are on the health spectrum. If you need a good reminder to take care of yourself, advocate for your own recovery and health, and leave behind the habit of apologizing for existing, Lara’s wisdom and honesty will point you in that direction today.

In today's episode of period chats, we are talking about low carbs diets and how they can impact hormones and fertility.  Before we get started here is the bottom line extreme dieting is not good for your mental or physical health and that has been proven time and time again by research.  Creating balance in your body is the key!  Also losing weight is not the same thing as being healthy each and every one of us is different and we have to nurture our bodies accordingly. Spoiler alter --> the research says that extreme low carb and restrictive diets can negatively impact your hormones and menstrual cycle -  Important terms to know for the episode: Hypothalamus: a region of the forebrain below the thalamus which coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity. Pituitary: the major endocrine gland. A pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary is important in controlling growth and development and the functioning of the other endocrine glands. Adrenals: relating to or denoting a pair of ductless glands situated above the kidneys. Each consists of a core region ( adrenal medulla ) secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine, and an outer region ( adrenal cortex ) secreting corticosteroids. Carbohydrate: Any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose. They contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water (2:1) and typically can be broken down to release energy in the animal body.  Anovulatory Cycle:  An anovulatory cycle, also referred to as anovulation, refers to a menstrual cycle in which the release of an egg from the ovaries does not occur. Chronic anovulation, or anovulation that persists for a year or longer, can be a common cause of infertility. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a form of amenorrhea and chronic anovulation and is one of the most common types of secondary amenorrhea. It is classified as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Blood Sugar: Glycaemia, also known as blood sugar level, blood sugar concentration, or blood glucose level is the measure of glucose concentration in the blood of humans or other animals. Research to read for yourself:  - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372867/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7053439/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8015182/

On this episode, I sat down with Eliza G, holistic nutritionist and host of the Hotter than Health Podcast.  We talked about all things real life, trama, food, periods, and more.  This episode gives you a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered view of how Eliza lives her life and what has shaped her love for wellness and nutrition after losing her mother.  More than anything this episode is real and I hope you enjoy it! https://www.instagram.com/hotterthanhealthpodcast/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hotter-than-health/id1428759268?ltclid=c574c74b-cf9d-4d3e-aafa-bff6ec627bab https://www.instagram.com/elizag_wellness/?hl=en

Welcome back to the Period Chats podcast! Today Kate talks with holistic gynecologist Dr. Nathan Riley.  Today is all about understanding Dr. Riley's work and learning more about how he views the birth world.  Dr. Riley began practicing as a regular OB/GYN, and soon became disillusioned with the popularized maternity care model that seems to contain too many interventions and treat pregnancy as a disease. He explains the history of male surgeons stripping birth care from midwives by inventing instruments that could only be legally used by them, and then zooms in on what it’s like as a typical doctor today: The feeling of having “golden handcuffs,” higher-ups watching that you’re doing things the way they want, and having to see way too many patients each day. He shares that part of the problem in the medical world is that doctors aren’t incentivized to think critically and push back. Patients are prevented from bringing legal recourse against a doctor if birth control or other recommendations don’t work out. Kate and Dr. Riley describe the typical doctor visit: an assistant walks you through a set of questions without looking you in the eye, the doctor enters and listens for an average of 22 seconds before beginning their work up, and some parts of the exam can feel rushed or even non-consensual. This model can only excel in the areas of meds, tests, and surgeries. Dr. Riley now practices more of a midwifery model, helping people give birth with vitality. In this episode we also took questions from our audience, which included: finding a holistic OB/GYN, examining the birth control pill, pros and cons of giving birth on one’s back, and advice for regulating one’s cycle. (BTW, if you want an amazingly clear explanation of the menstrual cycle and its phases, check out Dr. RIley’s breakdown at 22:15 and the following). Dr. Riley feels that a loss ceremony, ritual, and storytelling around birth have left out some of the wonders. He teaches us that through storytelling, we can change the mythology of birth, and birth-giving humans can experience a therapeutic type of closing ceremony by sharing their experiences. He and Kate touch on some common stigmas and patriarchal beliefs that can keep couples from appreciating the genius of each other’s bodies, and also talk about his very recent, thoroughly thought-through vasectomy decision. Follow Dr. Riley on Instagram: @nathanrileyobgyn DISCLAIMER: This podcast is produced/provided with the understanding that it does not constitute professional medical advice.  Always consult your physician regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and we always recommend that you talk to your doctor and do your own research on what is best for your body.  Similar to Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy is a hormonal medication and has risks that you should explore before making any decisions.  Today on the Period Chats podcast, Kate talks with Dr. Ashley Alexis, naturopathic practitioner and owner of Golden Leaf Health Center in San Diego, California. Dr. Alexis breaks down the slightly complex and very important topic of hormone replacement therapy for us. Biological women with menstrual cycles are producing estrogen and progesterone in alternate peaks throughout each cycle. After menopause, whether it has occurred on the common timeline or after a hysterectomy, chemo treatments, or early menopause, these and other hormone levels drop. Hormone replacement therapy brings those hormones back into the system after they’ve waned (and can also include thyroid hormones and others when they’re found to be insufficient). When Dr. Alexis opened her practice, she discovered that many women had experienced a gap in the traditional medical system in the area of hormone health - some given birth control without being informed of other options, some being prescribed anti-depressants before exploring hormone solutions, and some even being told it was all in their head. She decided to focus on helping these patients, many of whom were in perimenopause or menopause, to explore bio-identical hormone therapy which uses naturally-sourced hormones as opposed to synthetic. Many patients experience relief from insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, and digestive issues. Dr. Alexis breaks down what the research has to say about the safety of long-term hormone use, and it’s different than you might have heard. Supplementing hormone levels after menopause has even been shown to REDUCE certain risks, including cancer. Kate and Dr. Alexis touch on gender bias, aging stigma, the lack of adequate education around hormones, and why hormone replacement therapy got stigmatized for a while. We’re so stoked to share this honest and insightful conversation with you; let’s get empowered as we learn from the best! Check out Dr. Ashley Alexis’s clinic here: www.GoldenLeafHC.com If you have any questions you’d like Kate to ask Dr. Alexis in a future episode, email us at hello@funkitwellness.com

This episode is 18+ Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! Today Danielle Bezalel joins us to chat about abortion. Danielle is a host of the Sex Education with DB podcast, a feminist podcast that centers LGBTQ and BIPOC experts in sex ed. She has her Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University and currently lives in Brooklyn. With the national conversation turning to Roe v. Wade’s potential overturn, we want to bring you medically accurate information about abortion. There is so much misinformation and confusion out there right now, so let’s take a deep breath and focus on the facts. Danielle starts us out by reviewing the types of abortion: at-home (medication-based abortion), and in-clinic (early term which is done by suction, and later-term which is done with dilation and evacuation). Politico recently leaked a draft from the Supreme Court that stated intent to overturn Roe v. Wade and “return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.” While we can’t predict exactly what the final draft will say, we should assume the overturn will be happening in June. Of course, during the past almost-50 years, abortion has not been equally accessible to everyone in the US, and this upcoming disruption will not put everyone at equal risk. Danielle walks us through how abortion access has always been unjust and biased, and how that will likely become increasingly disproportionate again after June. Danielle reminds us of the research that shows abortion access is a necessary and effective part of public health and explains the data linking abortion access to well-being. We walk through the average medical costs of giving birth, having an abortion, and more. Finally, we touch on what comes next, and Danielle encourages us to join the fight to bring medically accurate sex education into each and every state, and to stand for reproductive justice in our communities. LISTEN: Roe V Wade and Abortion Acess with Cathren Cohen  READ: Turn Away One Pager  READ: Reproductive Justice - Sister Song Recommended follows if you want to learn more: @heyjanehealth @carafem @ifwhenhow @aidaccess @reprolegaldefensefund @plancpills Their official TikTok: @sexedwithdb Hear Danielle’s recent podcasts: https://www.sexedwithdb.com/the-podcast

**Warning as info changes we will do our best to record new episodes and update info** On today’s episode, we chat with Rachel Moranis, the CEO of Stardust Period Tracker. Rachel explains app data sharing, encryption, and everything we need to know about being able to track our cycles without our information being shared. We won’t mention any names but… (throat-clearing cough that sounds suspiciously like the word “flo”) some apps sell your personal data for advertising reasons. On the contrary, The Stardust app never sells your data, and it keeps you anonymous through encryption. It’s also female-owned, compared to some period tracking apps that are owned by men and large companies.  Besides the fact that advertisers creepily want to know when we’re ovulating because marketing research has shown that people tend to buy more during those days, it also may be important to keep your health data inaccessible for legal reasons. It’s crazy to think about, but there may be a day in the near future where someone’s cycle information could get subpoenaed in a court of law - potentially to try and incriminate someone in a state where abortion may soon become illegal. Hopefully not, but doesn’t it make sense to track your data in an encrypted and private way, just in case? Check out Stardust here --> https://www.thestardustapp.com/ Here is a list of period tracking apps that are not selling your data:  1. Stardust  2. The Agenda Period 3. Clue 

On today’s episode of the Period Chats podcast, we talk with Avocado Allie! Allie is a content creator, model and certified yoga instructor, who works with size-inclusive brands and artists around the world to promote self-love and celebrate authenticity. Kate met Allie through TikTok and was immediately inspired by how she uses her platform for healing. Allie shares about her experience with OCD and PCOS, and brings her followers alongside her on the journey. Her presence online fosters a much-needed community of body acceptance and natural health wisdom. We all know social media can be a bit of a two-edged sword - connecting us with like-minded communities, but also exposing content creators to the more closed-minded troll types. Allie’s positive outlook is evident as she shares how even negative comments can help her go viral and spread love. Ally went to school for art and spent time in figure-drawing classes, and she now poses online for similar classes at universities all over the UK. She shares with Kate how this has become a practice in confidence, patience and authenticity. She also explains why she moved away from the term “body positivity” to “body neutrality” and “body acceptance,” and why she feels that these can be more helpful terms. Allie and Kate talk about the high prevalence of PCOS and why better education about it is needed in the medical community, and in pop culture. They brainstorm how doctors might stop equivocating weight and health, and how western, functional, and alternative practitioners all have a place. Today’s chat ends with a shout-out to Allie’s very meaningful and beautiful social media community, where you can find some PCOS “cyst”ers, check out Ally’s partnerships with conscious brands, and join her on the continuing journey of flourishing! Make sure you follow Avocado Ally and join in on the conversation: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avocado_allie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avocado_allie/

Our audio cuts out a little here but it's worth it to listen!!  On this very special episode of the Period Chats podcast, Kate sheds a few tears of joy talking with her aunts about their new baby girl, and the fertility journey that they walked through together to get her. Abbie and Trisha, with their daughter Landry in arm, open up about their journey to motherhood. They started out by researching donors, fertility clinics, and the process of pregnancy. They spoke with others who had experienced and ended up with an amazing team of doctors, who helped them get pregnant, be pregnant, and give birth. These now new moms walked through an emotional 2 years of trying to get pregnant, and they share how their fertility team was beside them every step of the way. They express their gratitude not only for the doctors that helped them grow their family but for each other as they grew closer and supported each other in new ways during each season of the experience. Abbie and Trisha also chat about what it’s like to choose a donor, the advantages of knowing about health history, and their plan to always share the details that formed their family with Landry. Of course, anyone who has been pregnant, been on a fertility journey, or been through the process of improving their own hormone health knows that there is much to learn about our own bodies and reproductive systems along the way. Trisha ended up having a few hiccups in the fertility process that needed to be worked out, including some uniquely shaped anatomy that resulted in more difficulty during fertility procedures. When she got pregnant, she experienced a tricky first two trimesters, with a hospital visit to curb extreme morning sickness. Then, Abbie and Trisha recall what a 30 hour labor was like, and how longer labors take not only physical strength but some definite mental strength as well. Trisha used a sonogram picture of Landry as her focal point on the wall, and it came in clutch during those exhausting last few hours of her labor. This heart-warming episode will remind us all to listen to our bodies, trust our processes, and cherish the people that walk alongside us on our journeys.

On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Brittany Barreto on FEM Tech Focus Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist and entrepreneur turned investor. She thrives on activism, primarily for underrepresented people, and she is passionate about science. According to Dr. Brittany, historically and systemically, females have been excluded from medicine, healthcare research, and innovation. The backdrop to medicine is male-based, and women suffer the consequences because we are not little men. Our brains are different, and our hearts are different. We cannot just make drugs, devices, and solutions for males and expect them to be great for women. Many people think that FEM tech is about applications related to women’s health. FEM tech is products, solutions, and services that address conditions that solely disproportionately or differently affect women and girls. Unfortunately, getting into a FEM tech business is difficult because when it comes to raising money, people are not always willing to invest in this industry. Another challenge in the FEM tech industry is the policies that we have. Most of these bills do not come from an informed point of reference. There is a massive disconnect between them and how the woman biology works. We end up having bills that do not address our concerns as women. According to Dr. Brittany, there are over 1000 FEM Tech start-ups worldwide. 50% of them work in four categories. They work on menstruation, maternal health, fertility, and sexual wellness. We are also seeing people go into pelvic floor health, breastfeeding solutions, breast health, and autoimmune diseases that affect women. Dr. Brittany wishes to see more innovations around heart health and pubic hair. When it comes to research and data, we all get scared because we have seen people selling our data. For instance, look at Facebook and other applications we have out there. People are making money from our data. Dr. Brittany thinks the solution to this data issue lies in blockchain and having women get paid for their data. Listen in to hear more. Relevant Links: Learn More about Brittany Barreto: Website: https://drbrittanybarreto.com/ Fem Tech Focus: https://femtechfocus.org/ Learn More about the After Sex Clean Up Sponge: Website: https://awkwardessentials.com/

Today on the Period Chats Podcast we get to meet certified hormone specialist and pilates instructor Paige Lindgren. Paige’s online presence is nutrition-rich, fun, and inspiring, and in this episode, we get to hear the story behind her decision to begin posting about health and healing. She became a hormone specialist after having an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) since elementary school and finally figured out that hormone levels were a huge key to recovering her health. The endocrine system affects so many functions within our body, and Paige’s story of waiting too many years and making too many visits to specialists before getting thoroughly tested for hormone imbalances sounds way too familiar to many of us, too. Walking through depression, fatigue, and severe digestive issues gave Paige ample opportunity to learn about the interplay of hormones with numerous systems in the body, and gave her empathy for others who are experiencing similar struggles. Finally discovering that low estrogen and other imbalances were playing a role gave Paige a sense of hope and a path to recovery. Eating nutrient-dense whole foods was a huge part of her journey (hence all the delicious paleo posts on her socials). Kate and Paige talk about how hormone imbalances can affect mental health, mood, sex drive, and self-esteem by impacting GABA and serotonin levels - one of the many topics we all wonder why they don’t address in health class growing up - and how understanding that can be such a relief. On this holistic health journey, we all know what it feels like to get a little too rigid about what we’re learning. Paige reminds us that we all have to live too, and that balance IS healthier. Clean eating can be a little addicting sometimes, so we need to remember being able to break the routine and eat with friends at restaurants is worth the risk when possible. Paige reminds us that while some science-based restrictions are helpful in certain seasons of the healing journey, it’s always with the goal of more overall freedom in the future, in our lives, AND in our food choices. Kate and Paige also chat about socialization, doing fun things, and other stress-relievers to lower cortisol. Make sure you give Paige a following: Instagram: @tumeric.and.tequila TikTok: @paigelindgren

Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! Today is a solo episode where we hear from Kate Morton, our host. Kate is a dietician that specializes in hormone health and the founder of Funk It Wellness. Kate shares why she started the podcast, why she’s so passionate about women’s health, and gives us a must-know run down on the topic of seed cycling. Kate carries a passion for educating her community about the menstrual cycle, correcting common misconceptions about periods, talking about society’s impact on our health, and championing effective holistic options. Her own life experience led her into this passion: she suffered from hormonal imbalance for years, experienced adverse effects from coming off birth control, and then finally came to a place of recovery and healing when she learned the important health principles that she now shares on this podcast. One key component of what Kate learned was that exercise and nutrition can play a huge role in recovering from hormone-related issues. She began to track her cycle and learn more about the four phases of the cycle. She was doubtful when a friend first introduced her to seed cycling, but it ended up helping her a ton. Seed cycling is using nutrient-rich foods (like organic pumpkin seeds, sesame, and flax for instance - btw these need to be seeds that are processed correctly and close to the date of consumption to avoid rancidity issues!) to support your body’s production of the right hormones at the right times during your menstrual cycle. Everyone should have free access to information about maximizing their nutrition and hormone health. This podcast exists to make helpful knowledge like this more common through Kate’s interviews with expert guests, key conversations, and data-backed information. It’s all the stuff Kate wishes someone would have broken down for her earlier, and she’s excited and grateful for the chance to pass it along to you! Connect with Kate --> https://www.instagram.com/carbsandkate/ Learn more about Funk It --> https://www.instagram.com/funk.it.wellness/ Start Seed Cycling --> https://funkitwellness.com/

Welcome back to the Period Chats podcast, your resource for helpful lifestyle tips on managing PCOS. Hannah Muehl, MS, RDN, PA-C, A.K.A. “The Conscious Nutritionist” joins us on this episode to share her expertise as a dietitan and physician associate. Many of us will agree that it can be frustrating to get a diagnosis, and sometimes even harder to find correct diet and lifestyle information afterward. But combining her personal experience having PCOS with her vocational training, Hannah is here to share her wealth of information with us. We discuss the process of coming off the pill and the journey of balancing one’s hormones more holistically, after being on a medication that stops natural ovulation. Initial symptoms can often include hair loss, acne, weight changes, and of course: cysts. If you’ve experienced any of these, we know you’ll appreciate hearing from someone who gets it. Hannah tells us how one of the biggest misconceptions in the PCOS world is that all of us have to be absolutely gluten and dairy-free. She explains how some people may see improvements on a diet that omits these ingredients simply because they have a measure of related insulin resistance, and eating less gluten often means eating less processed carbs and sugars in general. Here’s a quick tip to balance your blood sugar, whether you have an insulin resistance diagnosis or just suspect that you’d feel better with fewer glucose spikes: fat and fiber slow down carbohydrate absorption, so make sure you pair carbs with one or both (ideally consume them right BEFORE the carbs). She also addresses the misconception that there’s one magic supplement for PCOS, or that supplements themselves will be the complete answer. After that, we dive into the topic of environmental toxins (but in a balanced, you don’t have to feel totally overwhelmed sort of way). You may have heard Hannah dropping knowledge about hormones and PCOS on her Instagram or TikTok: @TheConsciousNutritionist. But if you haven’t yet, go give her a follow and fill your mind with her nutritional knowledge.

You asked, we found the answers.  What is the funking deal with irregular periods?  According to recent research between 14-25% of menstruators have an irregular cycle.  In this episode we see what the internet has to say about irregular cycles. Around minute 14 we take a slight detour and talk about our enneagrams + asana tasks so feel free to skip that if that does not intrest you.  xx

Did you know that constantly needing to change your tampon and heavy menstrual bleeding are not normal?  In this episode, we dive into what heavy period bleeding is, why it can happen and how we can move forward and have a happier cycle.   In this episode we will cover: Intro/ Tell us a little about yourself - it’s been a while since you were on here last! What’s new? Okay, so today we are going to be talking about heavy bleeding/ heavy periods. What is considered heavy? What can be a sign you are losing too much blood during your period? What are the common causes of heavy periods/ bleeding? What might be other signs of those conditions? Is it more common for teens to have heavier periods? What about perimenopause/ menopause and heavy bleeding? How can you talk to your doctor about heavy bleeding? Are there diet/ lifestyle changes that can help with heavy bleeding? Anything else related to heavy bleeding? About Dr. Bala:  Dr. Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Prior to attending medical school, she received her Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She has done extra training in the areas of women’s health and naturopathic endocrinology. Currently, her primary focus is on managing chronic hormonal issues such as PCOS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, Hashimoto's, fertility, and other women's hormonal health concerns. Links: https://www.drsarubala.com/ Discounts:  15% of Funk It Wellness Seed Cycling Kits

About this episode:  I don't know about you all but I have been getting SO many ads for hormone and fertility testing, so I wanted to get to the bottom of it all and truly understand what hormones should be tested, when they should be tested and what to do with that information.  Our Guest Amy Beckley Ph.D. has studied hormone singling for 20+ years, struggled with her own infertility journey, and now helped countless people understand their hormones through the Proov test that she invented!  Buckle up it's going to be a fun and informative episode!  What we cover: Can you explain what hormone testing really is? Why is it important to test hormones? What are the different types of hormones you can test for and why would you test for them? Does it matter what time of the month you test? How accurate is this kind of testing? Can anything throw off the accuracy? Tell us a little bit about prove How did you develop the prove test? What is the main thing you have learned through testing your hormones? About Amy: Amy Beckley is the CEO and Founder of Proov. She has a background of personal struggles with infertility therefore she created her own company!  Amy also has a Ph.D. in pharmaceuticals and has studied hormone singling for 20+! Try Proove for yourself: https://proovtest.com/ Use code FUNKIT20 for 20% off!

In this episode, our team talks through the debate: is post-birth control syndrome real?  In this episode, we define post-birth control syndrome, talk about our personal experience with birth control and dive into what the internet + TikTok has to say about coming off birth control. ** Spoiler alert there isn’t any clinical research on this, which seems to be a common theme in all things related to periods and women’s health*** What is a side chat?  This is three gals talking through things they have seen on TikTok Have you experienced post-birth control syndrome?!  Shoot us an email at hello@funkitwellness.com! Want to learn more about coming off birth control?  Check out this past episode with Berrion Berry 

How much were you taught about your cycle growing up?  Odds are not much - the period stigma goes back as far as we can see.  In this episode, Dinara opens up about her personal relationship with her cycle and explains the importance of using your cycle as a guide.  Spoiler alert it is possible to actually like your period and use it for your benefit! Let’s talk about periods - First of all, let’s talk about your Tedx!!! (Hell yes gal) How did you first start being interested in periods? When did you decide something needed to change in the way we talk about periods? Can you give us an overview of the period's history, where does the stigma come from? What are your tips for creating a relationship with your cycle? What does this look like in everyday life? How has this changed your life? What advice would you give to others? About Dinara:  Dinara is a certified women’s health coach and TEDx speaker and helps women restore hormonal balance, ditch medications, and feel great in their bodies. Dinara's TEDx Talk --> https://www.ted.com/talks/dinara_mukhametianova_your_menstrual_cycle_is_your_superpower Connect with Dinara --> https://www.dinaramukh.com/

Welcome back to another 10 minutes of three 20 somethings discovering things we wished we learned sooner. Does your digestion change throughout your cycle?  If you answered yes you are not alone!  What are period poops?  This term refers to the change in your digestion from your luteal phase through your period and cramping while trying to go to the bathroom.  This can include both constipation and diarrhea.  A research study in 2021 found that 73% of menstruators experience changes in digestion throughout their cycle and before their period.  While everyone is different these digestion changes can be caused by swift changes in estrogen and progesterone coupled with increased prostaglandins that often come from increased inflammation.    * Additional fact --> anyone dealing with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts may experience more intense bowel movement changes throughout their cycle. Research to check out: 1. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6874-14-14

After going home for the holidays and spending time with our families we knew it was time to talk about menopause.  In this episode we work through the questions we have about perimenopause, menopause, and what our moms wish they would have known. Menopause leave needs to be a thing. There is SO MUCH misinformation on the internet. We barely get period education and menopause is not at all talked about. Society hates aging women and has unrealistic expectations Perimenopause and menopause are diferent Perimenopause can last 10 years Estrogen changes impact your bone density and cardio tissue as well as lean muscle mass. There are SO many companies profiting from our insecurity and unrealistic beauty standards. We need to start learning about menopause along with periods. We love our moms and we are really proud of them for battling all of these things while still being great. Want to learn more about perimenopause: Check out this episode →

Corn (porn), periods, and pleasure.... on this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, we sat down with my good friend and xoafterglow.com founder, Lilly Sparks, to have an honest conversation about period sex.  You know we love "taboo" topics on this podcast, so we decided to tackle 2 or 3 at one time.   Fun Period Sex Facts:  Orgasms can relieve pain, including cramps and headaches. Yup, you read that correctly - a study from the '80s found that women's pain tolerance thresholds increased significantly by nearly 75% during orgasm. So the big O could be the perfect way to ease your period pains. Extra Lube may make sexual activity more comfortable. We have all been there. You want to get it on, but your body hasn't caught up to your brain; you are not alone. Vaginal dryness is another under-talked-about yet common experience (fun fact sesame seeds can help you with this) aspect of our vaginas. The good news is your period provides plenty of natural lubricant for any of your favorite activities. Sex can reduce stress and help us sleep better. That post-sex-happy feeling can happen on your periods, too, and can be helpful if you are prone to anxiety and insomnia on your periods. We found a  2017 study in Adelaide, Australia, found that more than 60% of adults studied reported having slept better after having sex that led to climax. Alright, it's true period sex can be messy: Try shower activities. If you don't want to embrace the whole flow, try a menstrual cup/disc, these can control the flow while still getting your sexy time in. Put a towel down for easy cleanup! Did this episode make you a little curious about afterglow?  Learn more about afterglow here! Ready to give it a try? You can experience afterglow for yourself here!

Do you have a lot of questions about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?  Or just need to relate for a minute?  This episode with Amanda from The Pretty Naked will be PERFECT for you.  As someone who has not gone through pregnancy, I learned so much and I know you will too!  Episode Overview:  - Jumping in tell us about your pregnancy story with baby #1 - What surprised you the most about pregnancy? - What surprised you about birth? - What surprised you about postpartum - Was there anything essential to your PP recovery that you want to share? - How has pregnancy # 2 been?!  Anything different so far? - Thoughts on how pregnancy and birth and PP are portrayed in the world v reality? - Tell us about the Pretty Naked and how your journey has shaped that community? About Amanda: Amanda is a mom of 1 (+ one on the way), a holistic health coach, & the founder of The Pretty Naked membership site — a community for women passionate about self-growth & wellness. Through virtual events, recipes, blog posts, monthly workouts, & connections, Amanda is aiming to make self-care social. Follow Amanda on IG @justmands & @theprettynaked to stay up to date on what’s happening on TPN & join the community! All the good links! http://instagram.com/justmands/ http://instagram.com/theprettynaked https://theprettynaked.mn.co

Learn more about Seed Cycling with us!  In this episode, Dr. Cassada joins us to talk about how she uses seed cycling not only for her clients and patients but for herself.  This episode is great to listen to if you are curious about seed cycling or if you are already doing it and want to learn a little more about how it works!  About Dr. Casanda: Cassandra Carlson Wilder is an ND and hormone educator. Passionate about cyclical health and menstruation, she teaches women how to work with their bodies and apply foundational tools to return to balance. She is the creator of the popular period + hormone program  Period Reboot. IG: https://www.instagram.com/menstruationqueen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@menstruationqueen Website: https://www.cassandrawilder.com/

It's time to cut through the BS on PCOS.  In this episode, Letisha walks us through her personal journey with PCOS as a nurse, health coach, and soon-to-be RD.   Letisha shares her learnings 3 key factors that are linked to PCOS management.   1. Insulin Resistance  2. Inflammation  3. Stress & Adrenals  In the second half of this episode, we also brainstormed easy ways to eat healthy on the go (bc let's be honest it's been hard lately)! Connect with Letisha: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatpcoscoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatpcoscoach?lang=en Website: https://thatpcoscoach.com/about-me

Did you know that period pain isn’t medically normal it is medically common?  That’s right the intense period pain that has been normalized in society shouldn’t be there.  In this episode, we talked to  Dr. Alex Golden, MD from The Zesty Ginger about how to navigate painful periods and get the help you need! About Dr. Alex Golden, MD: Dr. Alex is known for an integrative MD approach to health through both functional and conventional medicine and for teaching women the tools they need to be their own health advocates.   Dr. Alex ​​had chronic pelvic pain since she was 18 years old. Pain, like any other illness, is a product of many systems in the body malfunctioning. For her, it was the culmination of a family history stacked with autoimmune diseases, a poor diet, years of physically abusing my body from ballet, major gut motility problems, and undiagnosed endometriosis.  This life experience pushed Dr. Alex to focus on helping women! Check Out: https://www.zestyginger.com/

MYTH BUSTERS in this episode Kate & Claire dive into can orgasms shorten your period?  You might be surprised what we found and what the internet had to say about this topic.  We also discuss some exciting period news happening in Michigan!  Myth Busters Talley  Period Chats 1 - Claire 0 *Note this episode does not contain medical advice it is 2 co-workers learning about their bodies in an open safe space.

Episode Overview: Both nutrition and fertility are hot topics with a lot of miss information swirling around on the internet.  In this episode, we sat down with Fertility Dietitian and Coach Whitney Gingerich to unpack the true connection behind what we eat and how it impacts our fertility.  BONUS we also talk about nutrition and sperm quality so this is a great episode for everyone.  About Whitney:  Whitney Gingerich is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & holistic fertility coach helping women learn how to nourish, move, and rest their bodies to optimize their hormonal health and fertility. Whitney studied nutrition at The Ohio State University and graduated Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree along with varsity athlete accolades as an Academic All-Big Ten and 4-year scholar-athlete.  She went on to complete her dietetic internship and master’s degree through Ball State University. As a board-certified food & fertility nerd with a decade of experience and a knack for health humor, Whitney uses the 5 pillars of fertility to create lasting change so that women struggling to conceive can bring joy and pleasure back into their lives while addressing the root cause of their health issues. --------------------------------- Connect with Whitney! Instagram  Website  TikTok ------------------------------------- What to seed cycle?  Use Whitney's Code! Shop --> Funk It Wellness and use code TFN15 to save 15%

Welcome to our very first side chat bonus episode - each week the Funk It Team goes over a new educational topic related to the menstrual cycle and we want to share these side chats with you.  In this week's episode we dive into the question - Does the cold/ winter time make PMS worse?  Tune in to find out! Important show notes 1.  The science is inconclusive on if you can get Vitamin D from the moon but if you can it is a very small amount.  2. According to one study in 1990 sleeping with a night light may indeed shorten/regulate your cycle if it is irregular. 3. The most popular conception dates are indeed in the winter months and scientists think they may have to do with day length. 4.  Food sources of vitamin d: Fatty Fish, Egg Yolk & Mushrooms  5.  Learn more about PMS & Winter *Note this episode does not contain medical advice it is 4 co-workers learning about their bodies in an open safe space. 

About the Episode: Roughly 9/10 or 90% of menstruators suffer from PMS but oftentimes, when this is brought up in a medical environment the only solution prescribed, is birth control.  In this episode of Period Chats, we sat down with Dr. Anjali a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor in California to dig into how diet and lifestyle can impact the whole menstrual cycle and painful periods.  1. Intro on Dr. Anjali 2. How did you decide to work on women's health + hormones? 3. What are some common things you see women come to you with? 4. What are a few common misconceptions around period health? 5. What are a few ways to support our cycles naturally? 6. How do you feel about seed cycling? 7. How do mental health and period health work together? 8. what are some lifestyle tips for this? 9. Anything else you would like to share? About Dr. Anjali:  Dr. Anjali Kasunich is a California-licensed Naturopathic Doctor, founder of Mantra Natural Medicine, and in-house health practitioner at Erewhon. She’s passionate about helping people understand and heal what’s causing their symptoms. When she’s not treating patients in her private practice, Dr. Anjali enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, dancing, and being in her garden. You can learn more about Dr. Anjali and her favorite healthy tips by visiting her website (DrAnjaliND.com), or Instagram (@DrAnjali_ND). Did you know that a female’s face becomes more symmetrical during ovulation1? Some scientists have also found that a woman who is ovulating may smell, walk and even sound different during that fertile time frame. Neat, right?!  Why does this happen and why is it all-important? In this article, I’ll highlight what you need to know about ovulation, ways to tell when you’re ovulating and how to support this process. Want to start seed cycling?! Shop here: https://funkitwellness.com?wly=742 & use code DRANJALI to save 15%

This episode of the period chats podcast gives into the connection between hormonal imbalance and inflammation.  Over the next 35 minutes, Dr. Wilder will explain how hormonal imbalance and inflammation are connected, the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance and inflammation, and what we can do at home to combat imbalance.   About our Guest:  Dr. Emma Wilder uses a functional medicine approach to address the root cause of the disease. She focuses on autoimmune diseases, pain management, and reducing inflammation. Dr. Wilder uses botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. Links: www.generationsnaturalhealth.com Seed Cycling Kit Discount code: FUNKIT15

About the episode: Topic: PCOS Myth Busting 1. How did you decide to become a hormone dietitian? 2. Quickly for anyone new to this topic what is PCOS? 3. Now let's dive into myths & Facts about PCOS 4. Is "low carb" the best diet for PCOS? 5. Do you have to cut out gluten and dairy? 6. Can you only do low-impact exercise? 7. Is there a "perfect" diet for PCOS? 8.  Is nontoxic - living important for PCOS? About Melissa:  Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, is an integrative dietitian who helps busy women with hormone imbalances, PCOS, and fertility issues regain regular periods and get pregnant naturally. She uses a functional medicine approach to figure out the root causes of your symptoms and helps you develop personalized nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle plan to balance your hormones and optimize your fertility. She works virtually with clients one-on-one and in group programs, has a self-study course on PCOS called The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap, and is the author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS, a meal-planning cookbook that is focused on addressing the root causes of PCOS. Links: Here is a link to Melissa's website: https://thehormonedietitian.com/ Here is the link to Melissa's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.hormone.dietitian/ Here is the link to Melissa's free webinar (Period Success): https://the-hormone-dietitian.mykajabi.com/pcos-webinar

About the Episode:  Can you believe that we have never talked about seed cycling on this podcast?  I know crazy!  In this episode, Kate & Stephanie, Registered Dietitians, and women's health experts talk about all things seed cycling.  SO if you have seed cycling questions you are in the right place.  About Stephanie:  Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) by the American Nutrition Association Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, MD Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Certified Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, New York, NY Certified Holistic Nutritionist from the Nature Care College, Sydney, Australia Certified Ayurveda Lifestyle Counselor from Ayurveda Elements Academy, Sydney, Australia Certified Natural Foods Chef from the Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver, CO Certified Yoga Instructor from Drishti Yoga International Ready to start seed cycling?  Start here https://funkitwellness.com?wly=740 and use code KEENIST15 for 15% off! Want to connect with Stephanie?  Website: http://www.keenist.com/

In today's episode of the Period Chats Podcast, we sat down with Lauren Papanos, RDN to talk about amenorrhea.  Lauren is a functional medicine registered dietitian passionate about helping you reclaim your health so that you can feel optimal- inside and out.  What is amenorrhea? "Amenorrhea is missing one or more periods. If you are older than 15 and haven’t gotten your first period (primary amenorrhea) or you’ve missed a period for a few months (secondary amenorrhea), talk to your healthcare provider. Amenorrhea is often a sign of a treatable condition. With treatment, your regular menstrual cycle will usually resume." Meet Lauren:  Website: https://functionalfueling.com/about Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritionwithlo/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nutrition-bff/id1559769665

What we will cover in this episode: 1. What is bladder prolapse? 2. What are some common reasons it can occur? 3. What was your personal experience with it? 4. How did that impact your life? 5. How did you work to reverse it? 6. What was Pelvic floor physical therapy like? 7. Do you still do Pelvic floor physical therapy? 8. What to do with women knew about bladder prolapse 9. Is there anything else you want to us to know?! Get to know Lauren:  "My name is Lauren Staley. Thank you for visiting my site! I am a group fitness instructor, health coach, wife and mother of three (one happens to have fur). Prior to having my first son, I was teaching 10-12 classes a week, including dance aerobics, Zumba, Yoga, strength training, interval training, and warm water therapy. Now that I am a full time momma, my schedule has changed quite a bit, but I still have a calling to help others feel physically and mentally great through movement. Now that I am navigating through a pre/postnatal body, I have been especially driven to help mommas feel confident and capable despite all the changes these miraculous bodies go through." Show Notes: www.theboobbroads.com Follow The Boob Broads on Facebook or Instagram @the_boob_broads Contact Lauren at theboobbroads@gmail.com or on social "The Boob Broads" Episodes on Pelvic Floor Health: (Listen on your favorite podcast platform!) 13: All About Pelvic Floor... And Why We Need to Talk About It More! 28: Pelvic Floor, Tell Us More, Tell Us More 113: Pelvic Floor PT: Pregnancy Edition Lauren's Blog Posts on Pelvic Floor Health: https://laurenstaley.com/blog Some of Lauren's favorite resources: @expectingandempowered @getmomstrong @the.vagina.whisperer You Can Heal Your Body by Louise Hay Your Body Speaks Your Mind by Deb Shapiro

Episode Overview: Everyone is talking about toxins and detoxes but what does that even mean?  In this episode we will break down what toxins are, where they are found and what we can do to limit them in our lives! About Lahanna:  Lahana Vigliano is a board certified clinical nutritionist and the founder + CEO of Nuvitru Wellness. She has her undergraduate in Nutrition Science and is finishing her Master's degree this year in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She is starting her doctorate next year in 2022! She realized her passion for integrative and preventive medicine when she was pre-med, which led her to switch careers to nutrition. Nuvitru Wellness helps women use food as medicine to help balance hormones and improve digestive function. Outside of running a business and going to school, she is a mama of two and a wife! In this episode we will cover:  1. What is a "toxin" 2. Where do you usually encounter toxins 3. How do these toxins affect our hormones? 4. How do we know if toxins are affecting our hormones? 5. Top things to change to eliminate toxin exposure? 6. What are any misconceptions around toxins? 7. Any other tips for staying healthy & happy! Connect with Lahanna: Website: www.nuvitruwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuvitruwellness/

About Dr. Beth: Dr. Beth is the author of the Best Selling book, The Female Fat Solution, the creator of the 12 Week Female Fat Solution Challenge, the Eat for Your Cycle™ Method, and the host of The Female Health Solution Podcast. She has made it her mission to change the way women view their health. About this episode: In this episode we dive into what hormone balance really means.  Menstruators are left out of a lot of research studies so it can be tricky to figure out what we are supposed to be feeling like.  Spoiler alter we shouldn't be feeling terrible and in lots of pain.  Through out this episode we cover the basics of eating and exercising with your cycle, what balance looks and feels like and things we can do in our everyday life to support our cycles.  What to hear more from Dr. Beth? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbethwestie/ Website: https://drbethwestie.com/

Topic Overview: On today's episode of the Period Chats Podcast we sat down with Samantha Gladish RHN to learn more about how her own personal experience with Hashimoto's has helped her to not only heal herself but countless women other women.  Samantha is the Author of The 30-Day Hormone Solution and owner of HolisticWellness.ca.   What we are going to cover today: Samantha's story What is Hashimoto's? What information were you given when diagnosed How has your own journey shaped your practice What protocols do you use? What would you tell other people struggling with this? Are there specific tests that people should be asking for that are not generally taken? How to find Samantha:  Facebook.com/holisticwellnessfoodie Instagram @holisticwellnessfoodie

You might know Nicole from her Youtube Channel More Salt Please!  Nicole is a chef, content creator, and brand coach who also happens to have PCOS.  In this episode, Nicole gets real about how she found out she had PCOS, what she does to support her body, and gives us a few updates on what is going on with her channel (check it out for all the BEST recipes)!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdfgdJ6erKdxuek909HzNZg?view_as=subscriber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moresaltpleassse/ Webiste: https://www.moresaltplease.co/

On this episode of Period Chats I sat down with Alyx Coble-Frakes the founder of the Agenda.Period, Alyx realized early on in her health coaching career that her business was directly tied to her cycle.  So what did she do about it?!  She created an awesome planner AND app to help women and menstruators to match their lives and business with their cycles. Check out the Agenda. Period And start matching your cycle with your work!

On the episode, I sat down with Michelle Penicook, RDN to learn about all things blood sugar.  Michelle is a Women’s Health dietitian with years of experience working with hormones.  This may surprise you but blood sugar happens to be one of the most important aspects of hormone health. In the episode we cover: What is blood sugar? Why is it important? How do we achieve blood sugar balance? How does nutrition work with blood sugar balance? Tips on foods for blood sugar balance! Bonus: Walking is great for blood sugar balance! Want to connect with Michelle? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormoneharmonyrd/?hl=en Website: https://www.nutritionwithmichelle.com/

In this episode, we dig into how eating patterns impact us throughout our lives and how to change these patterns to a healthy balance.  Claire is a dietitian turned tech CEO working on filling the gap for women's wellness and health.  She put it best when she said "health is a vehicle for you to enjoy your life, not your whole life".  This episode is all about balance which I don't know about you but I could use this reminder!  Claire's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire_siegel/?hl=en The Flourish App: https://www.weflourish.com/links

On this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, we sit down with College Track and Cross Country Super Star and dear friend Sydney Steely.  Like many of you already know having a period can make our week or day difficult but what about when you have an important race?  Syd takes us through her experience as an athlete with a period and getting more in touch with her cycle has helped her throughout her last year of running.  Follow along with Sydney's journey here:  Instagram: @sydneysteely

In this episode, we dive into the in's and out's of lunar energy and how it relates to the menstrual cycle with Lunar Body Podcast Host & Hollistic period practitioner Kristen Ciccolini.  Kristen is a functional nutritionist for menstruators who are craving a more intuitive approach to health and she is also a wealth of knowledge on all things lunar energy!  If you have been wondering what the heck moon cycling is this is the podcast for you! The questions:  1.  How you got started with your work and got into the period world? 2. How did you find your unique blend of lunar and medical? 3. How is the moon and lunar cycle related to our cycles? 4. What does this mean / what is our lunar energy? 5. How can we track this? 6. How does nutrition play a role in this cycle? 7. What advice do you have for our listeners? Where to find Kristen:  Website: https://www.goodwitchkitchen.net/meet-kristen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodwitchkitchen/?hl=en Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lunar-body/id1547996664

Do you have questions about how to properly track your cycle?!  Same, so I brought on Vienna Farlow from the Cuntsultant!  Vienna is trained in the Justisse cycle tracking method and is a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner. Additional Info about Vienna & the Cuntsultant: Website: https://thecuntsultant.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecvntsultant/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecuntsultant Book a free 15-minute call to discuss if Justisse is a good fit for you: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=8228544&owner=16309932

Today we sat down with Wild.Ai founder Hélène Guillaume a seasoned triathlete and Femtech trail blazer.  In this episode Hélène shares her vision for Wild.Ai, an app she developed with world renowned Female Physiology and Nutrition Dr. Stacy Simms.  Wild.Ai focuses on the physiological differences in women when it comes to training, exercise and nutrition.  This allows support for active females with a menstrual cycle, on birth control, in perimenopause or postmenopause.  We also dive into the period stigma in sports and how your cycle can be an athletic superpower.  What to learn more about the app?  Check it our here --> https://wild.ai/

Learning about hormones can be overwhelming - in this episode Maddie & I reflect on what we have learned about not just our own cycles and bodies but the cyclical nature of our cycles.   Key Take-Aways:   1. Dating your cycle is key  2. Don't rush it (good things take time)  3. Eating with your cycle is key!!   4. Cycle education should be more accessible.  5. We can help you!

On this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, we are learning from Inner Workout Founder Taylor Elyse Morrison.  Taylor graduate cum laude from Vanderbilt with a double major in Human and Organizational Development and Spanish and has a passion for helping people, communities and organizations get in touch with their inner self while becoming more effective.  In this episode, we talk about self-care and burnout.  I don't know about you but the past year has caused some very blurry work-life balance lines for me and I have felt constantly exhausted.  In this episode Taylor shares expert tools on how to remedy burnout while creating a life you feel energized to live. You can join the Inner Workout community here & find Taylor on Insta here !

Did you know your gut health can impact your hormone health and your menstrual cycle?!  Crazy right?!  Today we say down with an amazing registered dietitian and gut health specialist Erin Kenney.  In this episode, we dig straight into not only how gut health and hormone health are connected but how you help both of yours.

Do you have questions about hormonal Birth Control?  Berrion Berry has the answers for you!  Join us for an open and honest conversation diving into the pros and cons of hormonal birth control and figuring out which method is best for you.

Join us to learn all about estrogen from Dr. Saru Bala | ND!  Estrogen is one of those things that we all kind of know about but don't really understand.  Dr. Bala breaks it down step by step - how to identify low estrogen, high estrogen, and everything in between.  This episode is perfect if you want to get more in touch with your hormonal health. Find Dr. Sala on Instagram @drsarubala

Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, BUT there is ALOT of misconceptions about this particular time in our cycles.  Join us to learn more from Certified Nurse Midwife Jen Lynch.  In this episode, Jen breaks down the transition to perimenopause and all of the things that can be done to make this transition comfy as possible.  Going to the gyno soon?  Here is a link to our printable gyno checklist, so you will never forget a question again! https://funkitwellness.com/blogs/seedcycling/check-list-for-talking-to-your-gyno-about-pms

Join us to learn from Holistic Hormone Nutrition Krista King, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP on how to eat with your menstrual cycle!  This episode is PERFECT if you love food and hormone biohacking.  Krista and I break down the basic logic behind eating with your cycle, why it matters, and easy ways to do it.

***Warning ED Trigger***** While January can be an exciting time for a new start it can also be a difficult time to be at peace with your body.  In this episode, I sat down with April Davis from the Vagina blog to dive into how January makes us feel and how we cope with those feelings.  Check out: @thevaginablog on insta!

What in the world is a normal period?  This is a question we get ALL of the time so we teamed up with Kinsey Olson, RN, BSN, and period expert to tackle this topic head-on!  In this episode, we talk about everything you need to know about a "normal" period and ways to work with your body to support your cycle throughout the entire month.  Spoiler alert a normal period shouldn't knock you out for a few days!

1 in 10 (maybe more!) menstruators will be diagnosed with PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, but there is still vast misinformation around PCOS.  Tune into this episode of the Period chats Podcast to learn from Dr. Wilder the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for PCOS as well as signs and symptoms of other cycle imbalances. Spoiler alert Dr. Cassandra is totally awesome and provides invaluable insight and support!

Join us to hear two dietitians speak openly about how the culture of dieting is impacting women's (and everyone's) health.  Spoiler alert is not your fault. If you feel like you have "failed" on a diet, they are made to make you will that way.  Listen in to learn more about why balance and making food a friend can be such a game-changer.  How has the culture of dieting affected you?  We would love to hear from you!

Welcome to the first episode of the Period Chats Podcast, woohoo!!  On this podcast, we will talk about all topics relating to women's health + menstrual health.  Each week we will dive into a new topic and create a space for EVERYONE menstruator or not to learn and connect.   In the episode, we dive right into the period stigma and how it is limiting opportunities for menstruators.  Do you feel comfortable talking about menstruation?  What does your relationship with menstruation look like?    

If you have been following along you now know that the period stigma impacts way more than just how we view our periods, but how does it impact how we choose our period products?  In this episode, the founders of Bloody Buddy Courtney and Lexie answer all of our menstrual cup questions to how do we put it into how it has helped menstruators get more in touch with their bodies!

Did you know 1 in 5 school-aged menstruators will miss school because they don't have access to period products?  Tune in to learn from Demetra Presley, Executive Director of Go With the Flow AZ, an organization that provided schools in Tucson and Phoenix and neighboring areas with over 20,000-period packs- small bags that contain tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners.