In this episode, Lori Aikman discusses the signs of low cortisol levels in busy professional women. She explains that many women she works with actually have low cortisol levels rather than high cortisol levels. She covers nine signs of low cortisol, including fatigue, trouble sleeping, sugar cravings, low mood, low blood pressure, allergies and sensitivities, digestive issues, and low body temperature. Lori emphasizes the importance of addressing these symptoms through functional lab testing and balancing adrenal hormones.

Takeaways:

• Low cortisol levels are common in busy professional women
• Signs of low cortisol include fatigue, trouble sleeping, sugar cravings, low mood, low blood pressure, allergies and sensitivities, digestive issues, and low body temperature
• Functional lab testing can help identify and address low cortisol levels
• Balancing adrenal hormones is important for overall health and well-being

Keywords: low cortisol levels, signs of low cortisol, busy professional women, fatigue, trouble sleeping, sugar cravings, low mood, low blood pressure, allergies, sensitivities, digestive issues, low body temperature, functional lab testing, adrenal hormones

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact⁠

In this episode, Lori Aikman discusses the signs and symptoms of high cortisol levels in busy professional women. She explains that cortisol is the stress hormone and is released in response to stress. Some signs of high cortisol include decreased appetite, increased cravings, abdominal weight gain, digestive issues, feeling wired, trouble sleeping, palpitations, period irregularities, memory issues, and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Lori emphasizes the importance of understanding how cortisol affects the body and offers resources for women to seek help and regain their energy.

Takeaways:

• High cortisol levels can lead to decreased appetite or increased cravings.
• Abdominal weight gain can be a sign of high cortisol levels.
• Stress can cause digestive issues such as acid reflux and heartburn.
• Feeling wired and having trouble sleeping can be symptoms of high cortisol.
• High cortisol levels can affect menstrual cycles and lead to period irregularities.
• Memory issues and decreased executive function can be caused by high cortisol.
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be related to high cortisol levels.
• Understanding how cortisol affects the body is important for managing stress and hormone balance.
• Seeking help and support is crucial for busy professional women to regain their energy and feel like themselves again.

Keywords: high cortisol, signs and symptoms, stress hormone, appetite, cravings, abdominal weight gain, digestive issues, feeling wired, trouble sleeping, palpitations, period irregularities, memory issues, hypothyroidism

Ready to get help with your cortisol levels? Click the link to book a Connection Call with Crown Executive Health: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

If no matter what you do, no matter how much you sleep, no matter how many supplements you take, no matter how much weight you lose you’re always tired this episode is for you! Even if you’ve been to your doctor and they’ve done bloodwork but everything turned out “normal” today we’re talking about the root cause of fatigue and helping you understand why you’re tired all the time. If you’re wondering if Lori can help you with your fatigue, use this link schedule a free 15 minute connection call: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

Here are the key takeaways: Fatigue is so common but it is not “normal” Providers in the conventional medicine often dismiss women and their symptoms Women experience fatigue more easily than men. “Adrenal fatigue” also know as HPA dysfunction is at the root of fatigue for busy working, high-achieving women The sympathetic nervous system AKA fight or flight is triggered by stress There are 3 phases of the stress response: acute phase, compensatory phase and exhaustion phase I find most women with fatigue are in the compensatory phase or exhaustion phase You feel fatigued when your cortisol is low We can test cortisol levels with salivary cortisol testing. I prefer to use the DUTCH Plus from Precision Analytical with my clients.

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

DM "FAT BURN" to Lori on Instagram to get your copy of the "5 Days to Fat Burn: A 5 Day Meal Plan to Shift Your Hormones & Get Your Metabolism Firing For Busy Professional Women" ⁠https://www.instagram.com/loriaikman/⁠

If you’re a busy working professional woman, you might be thinking that your stress is causing weight gain. But some people say that stress causes them to lose weight. So which is really true for you and how do you fix it? That’s what we’re diving in to today on the She’s Healthy Podcast.

In the episode your host Lori Aikman, Nurse Practitioner, Founder and CEO of Crown Executive Health and Queen Bee Medicine dives into to the root cause of stress and how it can trigger both weight gain and weight loss.

Highights:

0:00 Intro

1:28 Everyone's body is different and stress will affect their body differently

4:24 Approaching stress weight gain from a Functional Medicine Approach

5:15 Three Phases of the Stress Response

6:09 Acute Phase: High cortisol

8:24 Compensatory Phase: Cortisol is up and down

10:46 Cortisol drives up blood sugar and insulin causing weight gain

13:39 Exhaustion Phase: Low cortisol

15:32 Insulin Resistance & Weight Gain

19:05 Gaslighting Women by ignoring a Functional Medicine Approach

21:01 Addressing stress related weight gain through diet and lifestyle

If you’re a high performing, busy working woman looking for ways to increase your energy and boost productivity, check out these 7 morning routine hacks from your host Lori Aikman.

Lori is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the Founder of Queen Bee Medicine, a Direct Primary Care Telemedicine Practice based in Florida.

Highlights:

2:30 Wake up around the same time everyday or within 2 hours of your usual time.

4:24 Drink water first thing in the morning with electrolytes 

7:03 Delay your caffeine intake until 10am to support optimal cortisol levels

9:46 Move for 10 minutes first thing in the morning.

11:14 Eat a high protein breakfast with at least 30g of protein.

12:41 Optimize your schedule for productivity

14:33 Optimize your sleep schedule

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact⁠

Connect with Lori:

https://www.instagram.com/loriaikman/

You’re exhausted all the time, no matter what you do! You’re getting a good night’s sleep, you’re taking all the supplements, you’ve changed your diet and you don’t feel like anything is working. On this episode of the She’s Healthy Podcast your host, Lori Aikman, is explaining how you can boost your energy by treating the root cause of your fatigue.

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call: https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact⁠

Don’t miss the last episode: Why You’re Always Tired

Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/4Zf0F4rt9Hb

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/34-why-youre-always-tired-no-matter-what/id1691581579?i=1000649799479

Medical Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor or practitioner before making any changes to your health plan.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Downregulate your Nervous System through vagal nerve stimulation
• Balance Your Blood Sugar 
• Get Adequate Sleep
• Stop over exercising
• Automate, Delegate, Delete your tasks as able
• Supplements that can help: Adrenal glandular, Licorice, Adaptogens, DHEA & Pregnenolone

What exactly do you need to do to lose weight in your 40s and 50s? HINT: This works even if you're in your 20s and 30s or over 60+

In part 2 of How To Lose Weight in Your 40s and 50s, your host Lori Aikman MSN, FNP-BC, breaks down the practical strategies for weight loss.

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call:

https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

Key Takeaways:

• Loosing weight comes down to blood sugar and insulin regulation.
• Low Carbohydrate diets can help to do this initially. A recommended ratio of 70% healthy fats, 20% lean proteins, 10% fiber rich carbs
• Intermittent Fasting can also help to lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
• An intermittent fasting ratio of 16:8 is most effective. Slowly shift your schedule.
• Building muscle is key for weight loss.
• Muscle helps to burn more calories and decrease blood sugar and insulin levels.
• You don't have to go to the gym to build muscle. You can do resistance training exercises at home.

Was this episode helpful?

Take a screenshot and tag Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriaikman/

Curious about working with Lori? Book a 15 Minute Connection Call:

https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

⁠

Are you a woman in your 40s or 50s struggling with weight loss? Are all the things you used to do not working? This episode is for you! Today we're breaking down the hormonal changes happening that are contributing to resistant weight loss and weight gain. We'll also talk about how to reverse these changes and what it takes to lose weight.

Even if you're in your 20s or 30s these strategies will work for you!

Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

Decreasing Progesterone: Progesterone begins to decrease in perimenopause. Progesterone helps to increase your metabolic rate.

Decreasing Estrogen: Estrogen declines in menopause. Estrogen has anabolic effects, meaning it helps you to build muscle. Estrogen also helps with insulin senstivity.

Androgen dominance: Women become "androgen dominant in menopause" and hormones like DHEA, testosterone and their metabolites take over. These hormones can promote visceral fat or belly weight gain in women.

Decreased muscle mass: Growth hormone as an adult helps us to build muscle and burn fat. Growth hormone declines as we age beginning around ag 30. Growth hormone declines more quickly the more sedentary we are, the worse our metabolic function is and our stress.  Muscle increases our metabolism and helps with insulin sensitivity

High Cortisol increases blood sugar and insulin: Our adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress. Stress can be psychological, lifestyle, inflammation or infection. When blood sugar remains high, insulin also remains high. Insulin is a fat storing hormone.

Insulin Resistance: The hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause decrease insulin senstivity leading to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is worse in menopause if you had insulin resistance before menopause

How to Lose Weight?

• Reverse insulin resistance
  • Low carb diets done right for women
  • Resistance training and building muslce
  • Decrease the cardio to no more than 50% of your workouts
  • Regulate your adrenal glands/HPA axis
    • Daily parasympathetic nervous system stimulation
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy

I'd love to hear your questions or comments. Shoot me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriaikman/

On today's episode of the She's Healthy Podcast we talk to Kaitlyn Martin owner of Get Fit Fitness Studio in Merritt Island, Florida about incorporating fitness into your lifestyle instead of the other way around! Kaitlyn's approach to lifestyle fitness helps women to create sustainable changes to build a healthy lifestyle and leaving behind the all or nothing mentality.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of a Morning Routine: Kaitlyn sheds light on the significance of starting your day with intention and purpose through a well-crafted morning routine. Discover how implementing simple yet effective rituals can set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day ahead.
2. Breaking Barriers: From Zero to Hero: Despite lacking an athletic background, Kaitlyn defied the odds and pursued her passion for personal training. Learn how she overcame self-doubt and embraced her journey to become a respected figure in the fitness community.
3. Turning Setbacks into Strengths: Kaitlyn candidly shares her journey from academic struggles in high school weight training to thriving as a personal trainer and gym owner. Explore the transformative power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
4. From Garage to Storefront: Witness the evolution of Kaitlyn's fitness empire, from humble beginnings in her garage to the grand opening of her first storefront in 2019. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a thriving fitness business from the ground up.
5. Embracing Balance in Fitness: Kaitlyn advocates for a balanced approach to fitness, rejecting the notion of an all-or-nothing mentality. Discover how she promotes sustainable lifestyle changes that prioritize holistic well-being over extreme measures.
6. Harnessing the Power of Weight Training: Explore Kaitlyn's innovative approach to fitness, which integrates weight training and lifestyle movements to sculpt a strong, resilient body. Learn how she empowers women to embrace their strength and unleash their full potential.
7. Combatting Undernutrition: Addressing a common concern among women, Kaitlyn highlights the prevalence of undereating and its detrimental effects on health and fitness goals. Discover practical strategies for fueling your body adequately and nourishing your soul.
8. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of gradual, sustainable changes over quick fixes. Explore her holistic approach to coaching, which prioritizes long-term success and lasting transformation.
9. Unlocking Your Strength: Delve into Kaitlyn's transformative coaching methods, designed to help women build muscle, boost confidence, and unlock their inner strength. Discover the transformative power of personalized training and unwavering support.

• Personalized Fitness Solutions: Get a glimpse into the diverse offerings at Get Fit Fitness Studio, ranging from 1:1 personal training and 2:1 sessions to invigorating group fitness classes and convenient virtual training options. Experience the unparalleled support and guidance tailored to your unique needs.

  
  

  Connect with Kaitlyn:

  Website: https://www.fitwithkaitlyn.com

  https://www.instagram.com/_kaitlynmartin_/

  https://www.instagram.com/getfit_fitnessstudio/

Weight loss injections like semaglutide and tirzepatide are the most effect medications on the market right now for weight loss, but are they safe? On today's episode of the She's Healthy Podcast, your host, nurse practitioner and founder of Queen Bee Medicine, Lori Aikman, examines the research. If you've been considering taking one of these medications this episode is a must listen.

Want to work with Lori or curious if we can help? ⁠https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

1. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide do not cause low blood sugar. Although these medications are used to treat diabetes as well as obesity the medications themselves do not cause low blood sugar. GLP-1 recetor agonists like semaglutide cause an increase in insulin in response to the presence of glucose. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2022.2147326
2. Patients are more like to have digestive Issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation when taking these medications. This is expected because one of the ways these drugs aid is weight loss is by slowing down digestion. Data from the STEP trials notes people taking semaglutide are 1.59x more likely to develop digestive issues. The research shows these side effects are not lasting and often resolve without stopping the medications. In practice Lori has found that best practice is to hold the dose of the medication until the symptoms subside. It is also prudent to discuss your digestion with your doctor before starting these medications. Patients with baseline slow motility may want to avoid using these medications. https://doi.org/10.15605%2Fjafes.037.02.14
3. There is an increased risk of gallbladder disorders. There is an increase risk of gallstone formation with dieting alone. Review of the STEP trials has noted an increased risk of gallstone formation as well as gallbladder inflammation in patients taking semaglutide vs. those taking placebo. This is noted to be a 1.3% up to 3.4% increase. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2022.2147326
4. Risk of pancreatitis: Tirzepatide has been noted to also increase the risk for gallbladder disorders but an increased risk for pancreatitis was not noted. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10613702/pdf/fendo-14-1214334.pdf
5. Risk of thyroid cancer: The black box warnings for semaglutide and tirzepatide were developed after studies showed an increase risk in the development of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. Because of this patients who have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) were not admitted to any of the trials for these medications. The STEP 1 through STEP 5 trials have not reported any cases of MTC. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00325481.2022.2147326
6. Consider your personal risks. Lori encourages listener to discuss the risk associated with these medications with your provider and make and informed decision based on your unique risks and potential benefits.

If you are a woman in Florida and want to know if Precision Total Health is the right fit for you, https://precisiontotalhealth.com/contact

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Note, this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your personal provider before making any changes to your healthcare plan.