Pause and Laughter

In this episode of Pause and Laughter, Tabitha and Amy explore the rising trend of PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) in skincare, if it is actually derived from salmon DNA, and why it seems to be everywhere right now. Amy also explains why perimenopause and menopause can make skin feel suddenly thinner, how PDRN can help and the differences between topical PDRN and injectable treatments. The ladies then bring back Product Corner to share their experience with the PDRN  Pink Balm stick and discuss the two label checks you need to make before buying any PDRN product. 

01:06 The origins of PDRN from salmon and trout DNA

02:00 Why PDRN is flooding social media and skincare markets

04:24 Menopause, skin aging, and the role of PDRN

05:28 What PDRN is and how it works at a cellular level

08:31 How to select quality PDRN products based on ppm and purity

10:20 Delivery methods for PDRN: topical and injections

12:02 Cultural differences in skincare routines and patience with treatments

15:44 The myth of collagen building and realistic expectations

17:40 Practical tips for incorporating PDRN into skincare routines

19:58 Comparison of PDRN with hyaluronic acid and other ingredients

22:18 Personal experiences with PDRN treatments and products

25:28 Introduction to PDRM Pink product and how to use it

30:13 Results and benefits observed from consistent use

When getting bloodwork done, do you know what the numbers mean — or do you just nod when your doctor mentions them?

In this episode, Tabitha and Amy break down FIVE necessary blood tests you need to request at your next physical and how to interpret the numbers.

They dig into all five tests — A1C, CRP, triglycerides, GFR and homocysteine — covering everything from prediabetes and inflammation to kidney function, blood clots, and stroke risk.

Along the way, Tabitha shares an unfortunate story about a friend who was forced to sleep in a hospital waiting room, twenty feet from an empty bed, because insurance wouldn't cover it. Plus, a laugh-out-loud detour into Trapper Keepers and building your own health binder.

00:27 — Tabitha's story: friend forced to sleep in waiting room after insurance wouldn't cover to stay in NICU

04:07 — Test 1: A1C — what it measures, 

10:26 — Test 2: CRP (and HS-CRP) — the "internal smoke alarm," inflammation, cardiac health, 

13:27 — Test 3: Triglycerides — normal/borderline/high ranges, estrogen's role, metabolic syndrome, heart disease/stroke risk

18:03 — Test 4: GFR — kidney filtration function, normal range (90+), chronic kidney disease risk below 60

18:18 — Health binders / Trapper Keepers

21:35 — Fasting requirements recap (A1C doesn't require fasting, triglycerides does)

24:09 — Test 5: Homocysteine — soft tissue/collagen damage, blood clot and stroke risk, normal range (5–15), B12's role, MTHFR genetic factor

Did you know that in Chinese medicine, there are three distinct body types—Earth, Water, and Stone?

In this episode, Tabitha and Amy dive into the fascinating world of Eastern medicine and how each body type, may influence your physical and emotional health, particularly during perimenopause. 

They discuss the role of chi and energy flow, how acupuncture and cupping work, and the potential benefits of these holistic approaches. The ladies also share personal experiences and practical tips, from grounding techniques and changing your energy flow, which connects your body type and perimenopause symptoms.

02:14 Exploring Eastern Medicine and Body Types

06:52 The Three Main Body Types in Chinese Medicine

10:20 Features and Traits of Earth Body Type

12:03 Water Body Type: Features and Symptoms

14:11 Stone/Metal Body Type and Its Characteristics

16:41 Impact of Body Types on Perimenopause Symptoms

20:01 Grounding Techniques and Lifestyle Tips

28:25 Determining Your Body Type and Personal Insights

36:37 Final Thoughts on Chinese Medicine Body Types

Tired of not feeling like yourself and struggling with low energy and sluggishness?

In this episode, Tabitha and Amy explore FOUR advanced supplements that may tackle some of the factors behind these symptoms, including bile salts, HCL (hydrochloric acid), HPA/adrenal support, and ferrous bisglycinate. The ladies break down the unique role each supplement plays and how they may support overall health, energy, and well-being.

Key Topics

• Bile and its role in detoxification and hormone regulation
• The importance of HPA axis health during menopause
• Stomach acid and its impact on digestion and reflux
• Ferritin and iron levels as red flags for health

Chapters

01:52 - Understanding bile and its importance in detoxification

08:07-How bile sludge affects hormone balance and energy

12:02- The role of bile salts in improving digestion and detox

16:00- Right shoulder pain and its link to gallbladder health

16:52- What is the HPA axis and why it matters

18:57- Supporting adrenal health with supplements

23:02- The importance of stomach acid and HCL supplements

25:05- Ferritin and iron levels as health indicators

What if your liver might actually be the hidden culprit behind those hot flashes? In this episode, Tabitha and Amy break down how the liver cycles estrogen out of your body - and that a sluggish, overburdened liver during "the pause" can intensify your symptoms.

The ladies explore how lifestyle factors like alcohol, poor diet, and lack of movement compromise your liver's ability to function, then share practical tips to help your liver function at its best and keep those hot flashes at bay. They also discuss cultural perspectives on the liver and some fascinating facts, such as it can completely regenerate.

• 0:59 — Fight attendant’s hot-flash story
• 3:04 — How liver health may connect to hot flashes
• 3:34 — Liver fun facts: size, function, and regeneration
• 6:14 — Estrogen, hormone clearance, and liver function
• 10:14 — Supporting liver health during perimenopause and menopause
• 12:48 — What can overburden the liver: alcohol, late meals, and sugar
• 14:31 — The liver in Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Italian traditions
• 17:50 — Liver-supporting habits: Mediterranean food, coffee, and hydration
• 18:53 — Daily routines: twists, earlier dinners, and sleep
• 22:10 — Digestion, bedtime habits, and sleep positions
• 27:12 — Yoga, gentle movement, and 4-step daily routine

In this episode, Tabitha and Amy tackle an urgent issue affecting women across the country: the ongoing estrogen patch shortage. 

They unpack what is driving the shortages, how to stay ahead of prescription gaps, and practical ways to partner effectively with pharmacists and doctors when your usual patch is unavailable.

The conversation also explores strategies like finding compounding pharmacies, navigating out-of-pocket costs, and using technology and trusted resources such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) shortage database to track availability. while stressing the importance of individualized medical guidance

01:56 Impact of Shortages on Women Using Estrogen Patches

03:57 Why Are Estrogen Patches in Short Supply?

07:11 How to Prepare and Plan for Medication Shortages

11:51 Working with Pharmacists and Pharmacies Effectively

15:03 Alternative Delivery Systems: Creams, Pills, and Compounding

19:56 Resources and Tools for Managing Shortages

24:59 The Importance of Planning and Communication

30:02 Understanding the Technology Behind Patches

33:03 Final Tips and Encouragement for Women on Hormone Therapy

In this episode, Tabitha and Amy tackle the hot topic of HRT, breaking down the science, the myths, and the practical steps women need to take when building a personalized treatment plan. They explain why having a proper baseline is essential before starting any hormone therapy, and how to determine if HRT is right for you.

They discuss the range of delivery systems available — from patches to vaginal suppositories — and the key differences between estrogen-only and combination HRT.  From there, they explore how genetics and family history should shape your treatment approach, since no two women's hormonal journeys look the same.

• 06:06 What HRT is and how it works
• 10:28 HRT options and hormones involved
• 12:43 How to choose the right delivery system
• 13:59 Estrogen-only vs combined therapy
• 14:48 Delivery systems: pills, creams, injections
• 22:25 Genetics, family history, and testing
• 26:03 Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones and detox pathways
• 28:14 Benefits of HRT and who may not need it
• 30:40 Patience, timing, and what to expect
• 34:23 Menopause Society resource and finding specialists

• 35:03 Women’s health clinics and whole-patient care

Many women believe they haven't entered the Pause because they still have a regular cycle or may not be experiencing the "classic" symptoms, like hot flashes. But perimenopause can begin years before those signs appear—and as early as your mid-30s.

In this episode of Pause and Laughter, Tabitha and Amy discuss why so many women unknowingly dismiss the early signs of perimenopause, mistaking symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep, and mood changes for stress or simply getting older.

The hosts also explain why having a regular cycle doesn't necessarily mean your hormones haven't begun to change and emphasize the importance of establishing a hormone baseline as early as possible, giving you a point of reference to recognize when you've entered the Pause.

Most women begin noticing crepey, fragile skin in their 40s, but few understand what's happening beneath the surface—or how to fight back.

On this episode of Pause and Laughter, Tabitha and Amy unpack the science behind crepey skin, from hormonal shifts and collagen loss to sun damage and environmental stressors that weaken the skin's cellular matrix, leaving it thinner, less plump, and less resilient than it once was.

More importantly, they share the strategies that can help fight back. From collagen masks, hyaluronic acid, red light therapy, and microneedling to building a smarter skincare routine, you'll learn practical ways to support firmer, healthier-looking skin. They also discuss the importance of ingredient safety, hydration, dry brushing, natural oils, exfoliation, and patch testing new products—simple habits that can make a meaningful difference in how your skin looks and feels.

In this eye-opening episode, hosts Tabitha and Amy dive into the unexpected ways hormonal shifts—specifically a drop in estrogen—impact heart health and share simple, proven strategies to take control now.

They discuss the link between estrogen decline and rising cholesterol, blood pressure fluctuations, and visceral fat gain. The hosts break down the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 metrics and explain why women in perimenopause need to take a more proactive approach to heart health.

They also recount a recent workout date at the gym and share a personal moment from their day, including Amy’s experience with a surprisingly strange treadmill that had her questioning everything