The Functional Fueling® Podcast

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In this episode, we’re diving into two of the most overlooked hormones in women’s health: pregnenolone and DHEA-S — the hormones before the hormones.

While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often get the spotlight, pregnenolone and DHEA play a foundational role in the hormone cascade and can significantly influence energy, metabolism, fertility, cycles, thyroid function and stress resilience. When these hormones become depleted or dysregulated, symptoms like fatigue, cycle irregularities, low libido, poor recovery, inflammation, brain fog, and hormone imbalances can follow.

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Most pregnancy lab work is designed for the average non-pregnant person, not the rapidly changing physiology of pregnancy.

In this episode, we break down why standard lab testing often falls short during pregnancy and postpartum, and what that means for thyroid function, nutrient status, metabolism, and immune health. You’ll learn how trimester-specific lab ranges impact interpretation, which critical markers are commonly missed, and why relying on standard reference ranges can overlook meaningful changes.

We also cover the role of thyroid health in fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, how autoimmunity influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, and why postpartum lab testing is essential for recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health of both mom and baby.

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In this episode, we dive into the powerful role of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule that directly impacts blood flow, hormone delivery, thyroid function, and fertility with leading researcher Dr. Nathan Bryan.

We break down how nitric oxide supports circulation at the cellular level, why it’s essential for proper hormone signaling and tissue responsiveness, and how disruptions in nitric oxide production can contribute to fatigue, hormone imbalances, and fertility challenges. You’ll also learn how the oral microbiome, blood sugar regulation, and common exposures like mouthwash and antacids can influence nitric oxide levels and what you can do to support it naturally.

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In this episode, we break down the role of key stimulatory hormones—LH, FSH, and TSH—and how they influence ovulation, thyroid function, and overall hormonal function. You’ll learn how to interpret LH:FSH ratios (including patterns seen in PCOS), what low vs. high levels really indicate, and why timing your labs is critical for accurate insights. We also discuss the limitations of urine hormone testing and the essential labs to run alongside these markers to uncover root-cause imbalances and optimize fertility, cycles and metabolism.

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In this episode I’m sharing a realistic look at how my morning routine has evolved after having a baby—what’s changed, what I’ve simplified, and what I’ve kept as non-negotiables to support my hormone health, workout recovery, and overall wellness. We’ll cover how I structure my mornings when sleep is unpredictable, how to stay consistent with habits without relying on perfection, and how to integrate things like strength training, Zone 2 cardio, and nourishing meals into a busy schedule. Whether you’re newly postpartum or simply looking to build a more sustainable, functional wellness routine, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle.

A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

Important show links 👇👇👇

A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

Important show links 👇👇👇

A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

Important show links 👇👇👇

Prolactin is most commonly known as the hormone responsible for breast milk production during pregnancy and postpartum. However, elevated prolactin levels outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding—known as hyperprolactinemia—are far more common than many people realize and can significantly impact cycles, fertility, and thyroid function.

Together Romana and I explore the complex relationship between prolactin, dopamine signaling, thyroid function, and the reproductive hormones that regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. We also discuss how chronic stress, inflammation, and underlying endocrine dysfunction can disrupt prolactin regulation.

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In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal mold remediation experience (for the second time). I'm sharing signs that indicated mold, how I organized remediation to protect my family, how I'm recovering and all the tools and resources I used along the way.

A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

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