The Functional Fueling® Podcast

In this episode of Strength in Hormones, host Lauren Papanos sits down with Aurora Colpo to explore her deeply personal journey through PCOS, fertility struggles, miscarriages, and perinatal anxiety. Aurora opens up about the emotional and physical toll of hormone imbalances and the natural methods that have helped her reclaim her health—like acupuncture, cycle syncing, and targeted nutrition. Together, Lauren and Aurora discuss the multifaceted nature of PCOS, how gut health and mental well-being play into hormone regulation, and the real-life challenges of balancing motherhood with self-care. Whether you're navigating hormonal chaos or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

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The many faces of PCOS and why symptoms like insulin resistance can show up even in lean women

Aurora’s personal fertility journey, including miscarriages and hormone-related challenges

Navigating perinatal anxiety and the often-overlooked mental health aspects of motherhood

Natural tools for hormone regulation, including acupuncture and cycle syncing

How dietary changes and supplements support blood sugar, mood, and skin health

The connection between gut health, hormone balance, and inflammation

Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal well-being while healing hormonally

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This week’s episode of the Strength in Hormones Podcast uncovers one of the most overlooked root causes of hormone imbalance and fatigue: mitochondrial dysfunction. These tiny powerhouses are responsible for making energy in every cell—and when they slow down, so does everything else.

We explore how sluggish mitochondria contribute to burnout, brain fog, and poor recovery, and why they’re so essential for converting thyroid hormones like T3 into usable energy. You’ll also learn how mitochondrial function impacts fertility, from egg quality and AMH production to ovulation and hormone balance.

If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or out of sync with your body—this episode offers a new perspective (and real tools) to support your energy from the root.

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If you've been dealing with irregular cycles, PMS that feels like it's getting worse, or you're struggling with fertility, low progesterone might be the missing link. In this episode, we're diving deep into how to recognize the symptoms of low progesterone, what labs to request, and how to naturally support healthy hormone production—without jumping straight into hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Learn the root causes, including how stress and inflammation impact your cycle, and what nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation strategies can actually move the needle.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause, trying to conceive, or just want better hormone balance, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

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The most common signs and symptoms of low progesterone (and what they mean)

Key labs to request and how to interpret them—including ideal progesterone levels

The truth about “pregnenolone steal” and how stress impacts your hormones

Why cortisol and blood sugar issues sabotage your progesterone production

What nutrients are essential for making progesterone—and how to get them from food

The underrated role of Vitamin C in supporting the luteal phase

Why sleep, circadian rhythm, and inflammation matter more than you think

Real-world strategies to address low progesterone at the root—without relying on HRT

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In this episode of Strength in Hormones, we dive deep into leaky gut syndrome and its widespread effects on hormones and metabolism. Our guest, Abby, a fellow functional medicine registered dietitian, breaks down what leaky gut is, why it matters, and how you can take steps to heal your gut for better energy, hormones, and overall well-being. If you’ve been struggling with bloating, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or unexplained weight changes, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you optimize your gut health and feel your best.

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What is leaky gut, and how does it develop?

How gut health influences hormones, metabolism, and inflammation

The link between leaky gut and autoimmune conditions

Why active women and athletes are especially prone to gut issues

Signs and symptoms of leaky gut syndrome

The best functional lab tests for identifying gut imbalances

Diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to heal and support gut integrity

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Ever wonder why some workouts leave you energized while others leave you crashing? In this week’s SIH episode, we’re diving into how different types of exercise—like strength training, HIIT, and aerobic cardio—

impact your blood sugar, cortisol levels, and overall recovery. Whether you're working out for body composition, hormone balance, or just better mental wellbeing—understanding your body’s glucose and cortisol response is key for getting the results you want without burnout.

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Get ready for a special 100th episode! In this milestone episode, my husband Joe and I go head-to-head in a fun and informative This or That showdown, tackling the biggest debates in training, hormones, nutrition, and labs.

👉 I grill Joe on his workout philosophy for hormone imbalances—heavy weights or light weights? Sprinting or Zone 2? Squats or deadlifts?

🎁 Free Giveaway Alert! 🎁

How to enter:

Don’t miss this fun, fast-paced episode—you’ll walk away with insights on training smarter, optimizing hormones, and fueling for performance.

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In this episode of Strength in Hormones, we’re diving into the powerful connection between hormones and brain health. We’ll explore the critical role of estrogen in cognitive function—how it supports memory, focus, and neuro-protection, and what happens when levels shift in peri-menopause and drop in menopause. Next, we’ll discuss cortisol’s impact on cognitive resilience, why stress feels more overwhelming in midlife, and strategies to support balanced cortisol levels. Then, we’ll unpack the link between glucose, insulin, and brain health—how blood sugar dysregulation contributes to memory decline, focus issues, and even conditions like type 3 diabetes. Finally, we’ll break down how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can support cognitive health through menopause. Tune in to learn how you can protect your brain health and feel your best.

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In this episode, we’re breaking down ghrelin and leptin—your body’s key hunger and satiety hormones—and how they impact thyroid function, metabolism, and reproductive health. Learn how sleep, stress, fasting, and diet choices can throw these hormones out of balance, leading to reduced thyroid hormone output, leptin resistance, and even fertility struggles. Plus, we’ll cover practical ways to optimize your hunger hormones for better energy, thyroid health, and hormone balance.

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Keith Ellis, a leading Long COVID researcher, to break down the science behind lingering symptoms. We dive into the role of spike protein in Long COVID, its connection to autoimmunity, and why so many experience debilitating fatigue. Dr. Ellis also shares natural solutions he's identified to combat fatigue and improve recovery. Plus, we explore the impact of Long COVID on endothelial function, the role of microclots, and how they may trigger autoimmune responses. If you're looking for answers on Long COVID, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

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In this episode I share all about my experience postpartum. The beauty, the challenge and everything in between. I also talk about how I’ve adjusted my daily routine, what’s been most helpful for healing (hello, bone broth and red light therapy!), and the hardest parts of this transition—like  redefining productivity.

If you’re in the postpartum phase or preparing for it, tune in for real talk, practical tips, and a few things I wish I had known sooner!

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