Do you ever feel like you’re trapped in a body that’s having wild emotional responses for no reason? Like one moment you’re calm, and the next, you’re completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

Mood swings can feel like a rollercoaster—sudden anger, tears, or irritability that seem to come out of nowhere. But here’s the thing: it’s not “all in your head,” and you’re not overreacting. Your body may be signaling deeper imbalances.

Mood swings aren’t just a simple A + B = C equation. Women’s physiology is incredibly complex, and factors like hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and stress play a major role. Here are some common culprits:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with estrogen processing or progesterone levels often show up on advanced hormone tests like the DUTCH test.
• Adrenal Stress: Elevated cortisol (your stress hormone) can throw your emotional balance off.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Lacking key vitamins or minerals can exacerbate mood swings.
• Sleep Issues: Poor-quality sleep leaves you emotionally vulnerable.

Severe mood swings don’t just affect you—they can ripple through your relationships, work, and overall well-being. One client described feeling like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, losing patience with her kids and spouse, and even jeopardizing lifelong friendships.

Your mood swing road map: 

• Testing is Key: A comprehensive hormone test can pinpoint the root causes of your mood swings.
• Support Your Liver: Estrogen is processed through the liver, and if it’s sluggish, emotions like anger can build up.
• Tailored Nutrition: Small tweaks to your diet can make a huge difference in how you feel.
• Stress Management: Addressing adrenal fatigue can stabilize your emotional responses.

You don’t have to live at the mercy of your mood swings. With the right tools, you can regain control and feel like yourself again. 

Join the next 12 week Hormone solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/

You're hot then you're cold… unlike the Katy Perry song, hot flashes are NOT fun. 

And from an Eastern medicine perspective, they may also signify "stuck energy" or issues with stress response and detox pathways. 

Major ugh. 

But wait, you are not destined to be stuck in the night sweat - hot flash cycle forever! 

Let’s unpack these sweaty episodes: 

Common Triggers for Hot Flashes

1. Stress: Emotional, physical, and chemical stress can all contribute. Examples include:

   • High-intensity workouts followed by stressful to do list. 

   • Emotional events like a job change, divorce, or death. 

   • Chemical triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and fermented foods.

2. Dietary Factors: Foods high in sugars, alcohol, and certain irritants (like nightshade vegetables) can exacerbate symptoms.

3. Liver and Gut Health: According to traditional Chinese medicine, nighttime hot flashes often occur during liver detoxification hours (1-3 AM). Issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can signal gut-related concerns.

1. Start with Testing: A personalized approach begins with understanding your body's unique needs. Recommended tests include:

   • Dutch Test: A comprehensive hormone test to pinpoint imbalances.

   • GI Map: To assess gut health and ensure proper digestion.

   • Full Thyroid Panel: Since the thyroid regulates body temperature, a detailed evaluation of TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies is essential.

2. Manage Stress:

   • Incorporate meditation, mindfulness, or yoga and BOUNDARIES 

   • Use adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support cortisol regulation.

3. Support Detox Pathways:

   • Water-Soluble Pathway: Stay hydrated, add mineral-rich foods, and boost lymphatic flow through gentle exercise or dry brushing.

   • Fat-Soluble Pathway: Focus on liver and gut health by reducing alcohol and sugar, incorporating fiber, and addressing digestive concerns.

4. Adjust Your Diet:

   • Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and fermented foods if they trigger symptoms.

   • Opt for anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

5. Consider Targeted Supplements:

   • Adaptogens for stress.

   • Liver-supportive nutrients like milk thistle and dandelion root.

   • Probiotics to enhance gut health.

Candace did it! She struggled with hot flashes for nearly two years despite trying medications, OBGYN recommendations, and advice from friends. After starting a customized protocol based on DUTCH test results, her symptoms initially worsened as her body released a backlog of hormones. Within weeks, the hot flashes significantly decreased and eventually disappeared. Today, she sleeps soundly and doesn’t wake up in a pool of sweat! 

If you are ready to tackle the hot flashes FOR GOOD, I've got a 12 week hormone solution plan for you:  https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/

Most of what we’ve been told about boosting metabolism is incomplete—or just plain wrong. Cutting calories? Over-exercising? These approaches might work for a while, but they often backfire, especially for women as we age and our hormones shift.

Your metabolism is more than a calorie-burning machine; it’s the foundation of how your body creates energy, processes nutrients, and detoxifies naturally. Here are the top three ways to support your metabolism for lasting energy, health, and vibrancy:

1️⃣ Fuel Your Body Properly Stop starving yourself! Consistently eating too little slows your metabolism and deprives your body of essential nutrients. Instead, focus on nourishment. Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and enjoy treats without guilt. When you fuel your body well, your metabolism can handle more—whether it’s cookies made with love or a holiday feast.

2️⃣ Build and Maintain Muscle Muscle is a metabolic powerhouse. The more lean muscle you have, the more energy your body burns—even at rest. Incorporate strength training into your routine and ensure you’re getting enough protein to repair and build muscle. Even adding just five pounds of lean muscle can significantly boost your basal metabolic rate.

3️⃣ Support Natural Detox Pathways Your body’s natural detox systems—like your liver, lymphatic system, and digestive tract—play a huge role in metabolism. If you experience bloating, sluggish digestion, or fatigue, these pathways may need support. Simple steps like dry brushing, sweating through exercise or sauna sessions, and staying hydrated can help your body flush out toxins and function optimally.

I’ve got an entire 12 week plan mapped out for you, complete with hormone testing, meal guides, training videos, live coaching sessions and supplements! 

Click here if you’d like to join us for the next Hormone Solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/

More exercise isn’t always better… it’s HOW you exercise and WHEN you exercise that really matters. 

Here are some mistakes that women make with exercise that end up making things WORSE: 

Mistake #1: Over-Exercise If you’re battling adrenal fatigue, pushing through intense workouts can backfire. Signs like lingering soreness or not getting stronger despite consistent effort mean your body is crying out for rest. Instead, try light yoga, walking, or gentle resistance training to support recovery.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Body’s History Your past stressors matter. Trauma, major life transitions, and even positive stress like a dream move can impact your body’s response to exercise. Your nervous system may interpret stress as a signal to escape—leaving you exhausted when you need energy most.

Mistake #3: Sticking to Exercise You Hate Not a fan of weightlifting? That’s fine! Exercise is personal, so explore Pilates, barre, or small-group fitness classes. Find what excites you and connects you with others. Exercise should be enjoyable, not a chore.

Mistake #4: Exercising Without Guidance Not all workout plans are created equal. If your progress has stalled, it’s time to understand what your body truly needs. 

You don’t need to work harder. You need to work smarter. Stop spinning your wheels. Reconnect with your body, understand what it needs, and start seeing real results.

Is your metabolism really working against you? 

You’ve done all “the right things” like adjusting your diet and movement and still feel sluggish. 

Hormonal imbalances can play a massive role in metabolic dysfunction and even body composition. 

Your hormones regulate more than you might realize. Imbalances can lead to issues with your metabolism: fatigue and weight loss resistance. This isn’t just about calories in versus calories out. It’s about how your body processes, stores, and uses energy. For women especially, factors like stress, sleep, and digestive health can drastically alter metabolic processes.

This resistance often happens because your fat cells aren’t static. They’re highly dynamic and responsive to hormones like estrogen and cortisol. If your body is under stress or storing excess hormones, your fat cells hold on tightly. This is why yo-ho dieting is so harmful! 

The female body is designed to prioritize survival. When you’re stressed or underfed, your system may “freeze” metabolically, locking down fat storage and shifting away from building lean muscle. Even the most grueling workouts and restrictive diets can backfire in this state.

So what can you do?? 

You can TEST! Since hormones are at the root of the symptoms, we need to see exactly what those hormones are doing. Unlike standard blood tests, which measure a mix of free and bound hormones, the DUTCH test gives a clearer picture of how your body is processing and utilizing hormones. For example:

• Is your body storing excess estrogen?

• Are your cortisol levels too low to support a healthy metabolism?

If you suspect a metabolism or hormone imbalance, get your new year DUTCH test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

The holidays are a whirlwind. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and every party and get-together in between, it’s no wonder many of us start January feeling burned out, puffy, and far from our best selves. It’s time to reset your cortisol and kick off the new year on the right foot—slow and steady.

Here’s how:

Instead of diving headfirst into intense gym sessions or restrictive diets, start by taking something away. Overwhelming your system with big changes can do more harm than good. For example, try cutting out alcohol (hello, Dry January!) or reducing sugar intake before adding intense workouts to your routine.

Your body craves routine and calm after the holiday chaos. Focus on:

• Sleep: Establish a consistent bedtime and wake time. Good sleep is foundational for cortisol recovery.

• Nutrient-Dense Foods: Incorporate leafy greens, organ meats, animal proteins, and plenty of minerals.

• Dry Brushing: Stimulate your lymphatic system and reduce cortisol buildup. Bonus: it’s great for your skin too.

• Adrenal Tinctures: Consider blends with ashwagandha, maca, or kava kava to support both high and low cortisol levels.

Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Sustainable habits, not quick fixes, are the key to long-term health. Rushing into an intense regimen can worsen adrenal fatigue and stress. Instead, take it one step at a time.

If you’re unsure where to start, start with a DUTCH test. This comprehensive hormone test helps pinpoint exactly what your body needs so you can take targeted action.

Start small, stay steady, and give your body the recovery it deserves.

Get your test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

I am so excited to share this interview I had with Amanda Kuda! 

Amanda is an alcohol-free lifestyle expert. She’s a holistic life coach, speaker and author living, working and playing in Austin, TX. As a coach, Amanda helps ambitious, soul-centered women stop drinking and start manifesting the life they deserve and desire.

She teaches a modern approach to personal development, self-actualization and spiritual enlightenment through the lens of elective sobriety. Amanda’s first book, Unbottled Potential: Break Up With Alcohol And Break Through To Your Best Life is out now (Penguin Random House / Avery) is available now wherever books are sold.

Her work has been featured on CNN, Business Insider, and The Skimm.

Exclusive Access to Amanda’s 21-Day Challenge: https://www.amandakuda.com/challenge

Amanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakuda/

Amanda's Website: https://www.amandakuda.com

Unbottled Potential on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fHooI5M

Have you ever thought, “It’s not my fault, I inherited it from my mom”? While your DNA sets the stage, your environment and lifestyle also play leading roles in your health. 

• Genetics loads the gun. Lifestyle pulls the trigger.

This means that while you may carry certain genetic predispositions, it’s your daily habits and environment that determine whether those traits become active or remain dormant. Factors like stress, nutrition, and even life events can activate or suppress your genetic tendencies. For example:

• Pregnancy can act as a major stressor, revealing hidden health issues like postpartum thyroiditis. This condition is often tied to genetics but can be exacerbated by life events.

The Power of Genetic Testing: Understanding your unique genetic profile is like having a roadmap for your health. It provides insights into:

• How your body handles stress (methylation).

• Your predisposition to hormone imbalances or autoimmune conditions.

• The best foods, supplements, and lifestyle practices to optimize your health.

Take methylation as an example. It’s a crucial process your body uses to repair DNA, manage stress, and detoxify. If you’re not a strong methylator, small lifestyle changes like eating B-complex-rich foods (leafy greens, wild-caught fish) and managing stress can significantly improve your health.

Why This Matters: Genetic testing empowers you to take control. Instead of guessing why certain health issues arise, you gain clarity and actionable steps to support your well-being. With the right insights, you can shift your lifestyle to work with your genes, not against them.

Get your genetic blueprint here: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/offers/38Fg4ByH/checkout

In July, our family faced a moment that shook us to the core. My husband, a lifelong athlete and ultra-marathoner, came dangerously close to losing his life. What unfolded was a painful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and respecting their limits.

Over the years, my husband’s love for running had grown into an all-consuming obsession. He pushed his body to extremes, racing back-to-back ultra-marathons in grueling conditions. The warning signs were there: fatigue, a persistent headache, and difficulty recovering. But the drive to "do one more race" overshadowed them all.

After a particularly challenging race, his body broke down. Symptoms like vomiting, severe muscle pain, and extreme fatigue signaled something deeply wrong. Lab results confirmed the terrifying truth: rhabdomyolysis. His muscles were breaking down, flooding his bloodstream with toxins that his kidneys struggled to filter.

For two months, my once-unstoppable husband could barely care for himself. I watched as this bear of a man lost 20 pounds, struggled to swallow food, and battled constant pain. Sleepless nights, endless IV therapies, and careful monitoring became our new normal as I fought to keep him alive.

Six months later, he’s on the road to recovery, but life has changed. Simple joys like running with our dogs or enjoying Thanksgiving dinner are taken slowly. His stamina isn’t what it once was, and we’re still unsure about long-term impacts. But through it all, we’ve learned powerful lessons about balance, recovery, and the dangers of pushing too far.

Ladies, as you read this, I urge you to listen to your body. Health is not just about doing more or going harder; it’s about nourishing and caring for yourself. Let’s honor the strength of our bodies by giving them the care they deserve.

"Quit crying about it, or I'll give you something to cry about." 

Many of us grew up hearing phrases like this, dismissing our emotions as if stress were just a fleeting feeling. But what if I told you stress is not just “in your head” but a full-body experience that impacts every system you rely on?

Stress is our body's natural response to challenges, releasing cortisol to help us react and adapt. But unlike squirrels or deer, humans don't just "shake it off" after the danger passes. Our brains can perceive stress from thoughts alone—whether reliving a past trauma, dreading an upcoming meeting, or imagining a worst-case scenario. And our bodies respond as if the threat is real.

Here’s how chronic stress shows up in the female body:

• Hormones Out of Balance: Stress disrupts cortisol, leading to fatigue, poor sleep, and even weight gain.

• Brain Fog: Stress shifts brain function, sidelining logical decision-making in favor of survival instincts.

• Digestive Distress: Enzymes and motility change, impacting nutrient absorption and gut health.

• Immune Dysfunction: Women are disproportionately diagnosed with autoimmune diseases—a likely connection to chronic stress.

• Emotional Eating: Under stress, your brain craves sugars and salts for quick energy, driving unhealthy cravings.

Our culture often pressures women to manage everyone else’s stress while ignoring their own. Is it any wonder so many women experience burnout, chronic fatigue, or unexplainable health symptoms?

The Good News:

You can rewire your response to stress. It starts with recognizing the signals your body sends and intentionally calming your nervous system. Tools like adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, maca, rhodiola - try this blend!) mindfulness practices, and even short meditations can work wonders.

Take it from one of my clients. She struggled with stress for over a decade, even after improving her diet and supplements. But when she committed to daily meditation, she lost over 5 pounds in just a few weeks—not because she ate less or exercised more, but because her body finally relaxed.

Stress is not "just a feeling." It's a cascade of physical responses that, left unchecked, can derail your health. The key is to give your body permission to REST. 

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