In this powerful episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Becca, wife, mother of three young children, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and founder of Bella Vera Wellness. A 2014 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former helicopter pilot, Becca brings a unique perspective on discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to be “mission ready.”

Now a certified hormone coach and fertility educator, Becca is passionate about helping women understand their bodies, advocate for root-cause medical care, and embrace the beauty of their feminine design.

Drawing from her personal journey through multiple fertility charting methods and restorative reproductive medicine, she shares how women can move from confusion and frustration to clarity, confidence, and healing.

Becca is the owner of Bella Vera Wellness, where she offers hormone coaching and fertility awareness education rooted in restorative, root-cause medicine. She is also the co-host of the podcast For Her, With Love, where she walks alongside women navigating their health, fertility, and faith journeys.

A wife and mom of three children under the age of five, Becca understands firsthand the demands of motherhood and the importance of sustainable, life-giving health.

Her background as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot shapes her approach: structured, intentional, and focused on equipping women with the tools they need to thrive.

What We Cover in This Episode

1. A “Mission Ready” Female Body

Why a fully functioning, restored female body is not a luxury, but a necessity

How hormonal health impacts energy, mental clarity, and overall performance

Reframing women’s health through a lens of strength, purpose, and design

2. Navigating the Military Medical System

The challenges of seeking root-cause care within military healthcare

How to advocate for morally aligned, comprehensive care despite systemic barriers

3. The Power of Fertility Awareness & RRM

Becca’s experience using four different fertility charting methods

The role of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) across different life phases

Differences between approaches like FEMM and NaPro, and how each can serve women uniquely

Why fertility charting is a lifelong tool, not just for family planning

4. Education, Empowerment, and Advocacy

Why every woman is capable of understanding her body

Drawing parallels between military training and learning fertility awareness

Encouragement for women, especially in demanding careers, to take ownership of their health

5. Embracing Feminine Design

The invitation to embrace both the beauty and the challenges of womanhood

Finding meaning and life in the “cross” you’ve been given

How aligning with your body’s design leads to deeper freedom and peace

Connect with Becca

Bella Vera Wellness – Hormone coaching and fertility education

Podcast: For Her, With Love (co-hosted by Becca)

🎧 Intro Episode: Intro to Becca (S1E4)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intro-to-becca/id1867882766?i=1000751559927

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🎧 Subscribe to The Hormone Genius Podcast on your favorite platform

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The information presented in HGP is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Jen Winkler—wife, homeschooling mom, and functional health and hormone coach—for a deeply honest and hope-filled conversation about what it really looks like to heal the female body.

After years of doing everything “right,” Jen still found herself struggling with epilepsy, PCOS, insulin resistance, and anxiety. Like so many women, she followed the conventional advice—yet her symptoms persisted.

Instead of settling, she went deeper.

Through studying nutrition, hormones, and metabolic health, Jen began to shift her approachfrom controlling and restricting her body to actually supporting it. That shift changed everything.

Under medical supervision, Jen was able to reverse many of her symptoms and even reduce her epilepsy medication. But her story doesn’t stop there.

One of the most powerful parts of her journey has been learning how to reintroduce foods she once feared, especially carbohydrates and witnessing the transformation in her gut health, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance. Through before-and-after gut testing, she saw firsthand how the body responds when it’s nourished instead of deprived.

Now, as a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Functional Blood Chemistry Specialist, Jen helps women step away from rigid diet rules, like extreme keto or carnivore and move toward a more balanced, whole-food approach that supports long-term healing.

This episode challenges the idea that restriction equals health, and instead invites women into a more sustainable, personalized way of living.

We also address a major gap in women’s healthcare: the over-reliance on hormonal birth control as a first-line solution. Jen shares why she believes most hormonal imbalances can be addressed at the root without defaulting to suppression, and how Natural Family Planning offers women a real, effective alternative for avoiding pregnancy.

In this episode, we cover:

Jen’s journey through epilepsy, PCOS, insulin resistance, and anxiety

Why “doing everything right” still wasn’t enough—and what changed

The connection between metabolism, hormones, and overall health

Transitioning out of restrictive diets like keto and carnivore

Why reintroducing carbohydrates can support thyroid, gut, and hormonal health

What gut testing can reveal, and how her results dramatically improved

How symptoms act as signals, not problems to silence

Supporting insulin resistance and PCOS through a root-cause approach

Jen also shares her work helping women navigate complex hormonal challenges, including insulin resistance, PCOS, and metabolic dysfunction and you can read more by checking out Natural Womanhoods article on this topic here: https://naturalwomanhood.org/intermittent-fasting-for-pcos/

This conversation is for the woman who feels stuck…

Who has tried the diets, followed the rules, and still isn’t seeing results.

Instagram & YouTube: @jenwinklerwellness

Website: www.jenwinkler.me

Sponsors

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

This episode unfolds as a candid Q and A, exploring some of the most common and often confusing questions women have about menopause, menopause hormone therapy MHT, and what it really means to age well as a woman.

By the time women seek help, many feel unlike themselves. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, and a noticeable decline in mood. Libido often drops. Weight gain can feel sudden and unexplained. Hair may thin. Skin becomes dry, and eyes can feel gritty. Vaginal dryness can lead to discomfort and even pain with intercourse.

When women seek care, they are often met with what has historically been considered standard treatment, synthetic hormones, frequently in the form of birth control pills or hormonal IUDs. In some cases, therapies used in older studies such as the Women’s Health Initiative are still being prescribed, despite those studies being widely reanalyzed and often misunderstood.

This is where understanding the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones becomes critical. Bioidentical hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Synthetic hormones are structurally different. Over time, research has increasingly suggested that these synthetic compounds may carry more risk, while bioidentical hormones appear to be significantly safer.

MHT has been shown to support cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and protect cognitive function. There is growing evidence that it may even reduce overall mortality when used appropriately.

This reframes the entire conversation. Instead of asking how do I get through menopause, the question becomes how do I support my health for the next 30 to 40 years.

A helpful framework is to think in five year increments. Every five years, a woman can reassess. Am I still benefiting from this. Do I want to continue protecting my bones, heart, and brain.

For many women, the answer is yes. Others may choose to stop later in life as priorities shift or new health concerns arise. The key is ongoing, informed decision making.

Another increasingly common scenario involves women who are well into postmenopause, sometimes 10, 15, or even 20 years beyond their last period, who are just now learning about hormone therapy and wondering if it is too late.

We know that starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause offers the most significant cardiovascular benefit. Starting later may still help with symptoms, but the protective effects are less clear. There may also be a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly when using oral estrogen.

When it comes to safety, bioidentical hormones, especially when delivered through the skin via a patch, gel, or cream, carry a very low risk of blood clots. Oral estrogen has a slightly higher risk, which is why transdermal options are often preferred, particularly for women with additional risk factors.

That said, no medical treatment is entirely without risk. What matters most is understanding the data, weighing the risks and benefits, and making an informed decision that aligns with personal health goals.

Menopause is not simply an end point. It is a transition into a new phase of life. With the right information, support, and care, it can be a time of strength, clarity, and renewed health rather than decline.

We Heart Nutrition

20% off with code: GENIUS

Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function

30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

🎧 Subscribe to The Hormone Genius Podcast on your favorite platform

Follow us on Instagram: @hormonegenius

Download our free toolkits at hormonegenius.com — they’re front and

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Interested in our PERIMENOPAUSE PROGRAM? Browse offerings here: hormonegenius.com/courses

Disclaimer: The information presented is not medical advice, and information only.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Jillian Stecklein, Director of Physical Therapy at My Catholic Doctor, to explore the often-overlooked connection between female physiology, athletic performance, and long-term health.

Jillian shares how many athletes—especially women—have been shaped by outdated cultural messaging around food and body image. Patterns of disordered eating, under-fueling, and overtraining are not uncommon, and they create a dangerous cycle where the body becomes increasingly vulnerable to injury and burnout. These patterns are often reinforced by an identity rooted in performance, where self-worth becomes tied to output rather than overall well-being.

Through both clinical experience and personal insight, this episode reframes what it means to train well. A supportive, holistic routine is not optional—it is essential. For women over 35 especially, this includes consistent strength training to support bone density and stabilize key muscle groups like the core, hips, and shoulders. It also includes daily “maintenance” work—simple, physical therapy-style exercises that improve posture, breathing, and coordination.

Equally important are the foundational lifestyle habits that support recovery and resilience: quality sleep, proper hydration, and adequate nutrition. Restricting calories or eliminating entire food groups without guidance can have significant downstream effects on performance, healing, and hormone health.

A critical piece of this conversation is the role of the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Loss of a cycle, or amenorrhea, is not a normal adaptation to training—it is a warning sign. It reflects a low-estrogen state that can compromise bone density, increase injury risk, and impact long-term fertility. As Jillian emphasizes, the cycle should be viewed as a powerful health marker, offering insight into whether the body is truly supported.

The episode also dives into the root causes behind some of the most common injuries seen in active women. Stress fractures often trace back to micronutrient deficiencies and poor force absorption due to weak support muscles. IT band syndrome is frequently linked to core and pelvic instability, while plantar fasciitis can stem from misalignment and limited foot mobility. Even systemic pain—such as lingering post-viral symptoms—can reveal an underlying baseline of inflammation and reduced recovery capacity.

Ultimately, this conversation is about shifting perspective. It invites women to move away from a performance-at-all-costs mindset and toward a more sustainable, integrated approach to health and fitness—one that honors the body, supports its needs, and builds strength from the inside out.

Jillian Stecklein is a pelvic floor physical therapist and the Director of Physical Therapy at My Catholic Doctor. She specializes in helping women restore strength, stability, and function through a holistic, root-cause approach to movement and healing.

Instagram: @thecatholicpelvicpt

Website & Programs: pregnancyprepared.com

Sponsors

💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we take a deep dive into Chronic Endometritis (CE), an often-missed but highly impactful root cause of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and abnormal bleeding. This conversation highlights both a breakthrough in diagnosis and a more effective, targeted approach to treatment—offering real hope for women who have long struggled without clear answers.

Chronic Endometritis is an inflammatory condition of the uterine lining caused by infection or microbial imbalance. It is frequently confused with endometriosis, yet the two conditions are entirely different in both cause and treatment. At its core, CE reflects a disruption in the uterine microbiome. A healthy environment is dominated by protective bacteria—primarily Lactobacillus—but when this balance is lost, pathogenic bacteria can take hold, leading to chronic inflammation.

What makes CE particularly challenging is how subtly it can present. Women may experience infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, prolonged or irregular bleeding, brown spotting, or persistent mid-cycle mucus. Despite these symptoms, many cases go undiagnosed due to limitations in traditional testing methods.

Historically, endometrial biopsy has been the standard diagnostic tool, but it often fails to detect localized infections, resulting in false negatives. This episode explores a game-changing advancement: menstrual blood DNA testing. This non-invasive approach captures a comprehensive sample of the uterine lining during menstruation, providing a detailed analysis of bacterial and yeast composition. The result is a far more accurate diagnosis and the ability to create a truly personalized treatment plan.

This episode ultimately underscores a powerful shift in how we approach fertility challenges—from symptom management to root-cause identification and targeted care. By leveraging better diagnostics and more thoughtful treatment protocols, Chronic Endometritis becomes not just identifiable, but highly treatable, opening the door to restored health and renewed hope for many women.

Check out also this recent article from Natural Womanhood on the benefits of Restorative Reproductive Medicine: https://naturalwomanhood.org/restorative-reproductive-medicine/

Sponsors

💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!

Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

grazingbeauty.com/

The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Jess Reynolds of Born From Her to explore a deeper, root-cause approach to Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Rather than viewing HG as a mysterious or purely genetic condition, Jess challenges the conventional narrative and offers a powerful, integrative framework for understanding and addressing it.

HG is far more than typical morning sickness. It is characterized by severe, persistent nausea and vomiting—often more than three times per day—leading to dehydration, weight loss, and a significant disruption to daily life. While conventional medicine often points to unclear causes, with some focus on genetic factors like GDF15, this conversation opens the door to a broader perspective.

Jess shares that HG is often multifactorial, rooted in a combination of nutrient deficiencies, toxic burden, and nervous system dysregulation. Drawing from her own experience—where she endured up to 30 episodes of vomiting per day—she walks us through how she was able to reverse her symptoms in just three days by addressing these underlying imbalances.

A key theme in this episode is that nausea is not random—it is a signal. Often, it reflects the body’s need for nourishment, particularly protein. Adequate protein intake provides the amino acids necessary for liver detoxification and bile production, both of which are essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. At the same time, common food aversions may point to digestive insufficiency, where the body lacks the stomach acid and bile needed to properly break down proteins and fats, leading to cravings for simple carbohydrates instead.

Jess also highlights the importance of understanding the body's detox pathways and mineral status. Factors like drinking filtered but non-remineralized water, consuming high-histamine foods, and living in a chronic state of stress can all contribute to the internal environment that drives HG symptoms. Her own healing protocol included remineralizing her water, removing dietary triggers, supporting kidney and liver function, and addressing the emotional and nervous system component of her experience.

Ultimately, this episode emphasizes that the most powerful intervention may begin before pregnancy even starts. Preconception care—focusing on building nutrient reserves, supporting detox pathways, and regulating the nervous system—can create a strong foundation for both mother and baby. This proactive approach may not only reduce the risk of HG, but also support overall pregnancy outcomes and infant health.

One especially moving moment shared is from a client who, after implementing these principles, was finally able to sit down and enjoy dinner with her family after multiple pregnancies affected by severe HG. Her child’s simple words—expressing joy that her mom could finally be present—capture the profound impact of restoring maternal health.

This conversation is a reminder that even the most challenging conditions deserve a deeper look. By shifting the lens from symptom management to root-cause healing, there is real hope for transformation.

Sponsors

We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

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We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami,

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

What if your body wasn’t something to “fix” or control, but something to understand?

In this episode, we explore the concept of natural law, not as a religious idea, but as a pattern woven into every part of life. From the changing seasons to agricultural cycles, the world around us operates in rhythms. When those rhythms are disrupted, the consequences are clear: crops fail without water, ecosystems fall out of balance, and health declines.

The same is true for the human body, especially the female hormonal cycle.

We break down how the menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly occurrence, it’s a vital sign of health, reflecting the intricate hormonal communication that supports fertility, mood, energy, and overall well-being. When that natural rhythm is interrupted, whether by environmental toxins like BPA and phthalates, chronic stress, or hormonal birth control, the body often responds with imbalance.

We dive into the research behind:

How xenoestrogens impact fertility and hormonal signaling

The classification of hormonal birth control as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization

The effects of endocrine disruptors on both women and men

The surprising science of pheromones, including the well-known “T-shirt study” and how attraction can shift when hormones are altered

We also unpack how hormones naturally rise and fall throughout the cycle, and why those fluctuations are not problems to suppress, but signals to understand.

This conversation isn’t about eliminating desire, emotion, or modern convenience—it’s about alignment. True vitality comes when the body’s systems are working in harmony, not against each other. When hormones are in balance, many women report greater self-awareness, improved relationships, and a deeper sense of well-being.

We explore real-life examples-, from the “chocolate cake effect” to cultural patterns of attraction, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to profound changes in how we experience our bodies and relationships.

Whether you’re preparing for marriage someday, navigating your health right now, or simply curious about how your body works, this episode is an invitation to live more intentionally.

Sponsors

We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

20% off with code: GENIUS

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami,

a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles

that enhance the aroma of any space.

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!

Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

grazingbeauty.com/

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

What if the path to better hormones, clearer thinking, and deeper peace wasn’t found in doing more but in returning to less?

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Kim VanDolah, wife, mother of six, author of Return to Simple, and health and lifestyle coach, to explore what it really means to step away from the noise of modern life and return to the rhythms we were designed to live by.

Kim shares her journey of letting go of overwhelm, expectations, and complexity, and how embracing a simpler, more intentional way of living transformed her mind, body, and spirit.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: the body, and life itself—functions best when we live in alignment with natural rhythms. When those rhythms are disrupted, whether through chronic stress, overstimulation, or disconnection from how we were created to live, we often see the effects in our health, especially in our hormones.

Together, we explore what Kim calls The Seven Ancient Paths, timeless principles that restore balance, clarity, and vitality:

True-Hearted Living – aligning with truth and living with integrity

Fasting – creating space by letting go of what no longer serves

Nourishment – choosing simple, nutrient-dense foods that truly fuel the body

Simplicity – clearing the excess to make room for what matters most

Nature – reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world

Play – rediscovering joy, creativity, and lightness

Presence – slowing down and being fully where you are

We also connect these principles to hormone health; how stress, disconnection, and overcomplication can dysregulate the body, and how returning to simple, foundational habits can help restore balance. From nourishment to rest, from cycle awareness to nervous system regulation, this episode is a reminder that the body often doesn’t need more intervention, it needs reconnection.

Kim’s message is both grounding and freeing: your body is not the problem. It’s often the pace, pressure, and patterns of modern life that pull us out of alignment.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why simplicity is foundational to hormone health

The connection between natural rhythms and the menstrual cycle

How fasting and nourishment work together—not against each other

The role of presence, rest, and nervous system regulation

Practical ways to begin simplifying your daily life

Sponsors

💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami, a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles that enhance the aroma of any space.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

www.saltandlightbysami.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we dive into the science behind protein, without getting lost in the intimidating biochemical diagrams. Instead, we take a practical and approachable look at what protein actually does in the body, why amino acids matter, and how much protein people really need to support optimal health. Proteins are literally the structural foundation of our bodies. They make up a significant portion of our tissues, including muscles, organs, skin, enzymes, hormones, and immune molecules. In fact, a large percentage of our body composition is made up of protein-based structures.

Every cell in the body relies on proteins to function. That means every day our bodies must continually rebuild and repair protein structures just to maintain normal physiological balance.

This process is known as anabolism, the state where the body is building and repairing tissues. The opposite state is catabolism, where tissues begin to break down. Ideally, our bodies maintain a balance between these two states.

But if we don’t consume enough protein, or if our bodies are under stress, illness, trauma, or aging—the body can shift toward catabolism. In that situation, it begins breaking down muscle tissue in order to release amino acids needed to sustain essential functions.

One of the most common questions about protein is how much we should consume daily.

You may have heard the popular recommendation of eating one gram of protein per pound of body weight. While this guideline is common in fitness communities, it may be unnecessarily high for many individuals.

Current research from protein experts like Dr. Don Layman suggests that for most healthy adults who exercise moderately, a target of around:

0.7–0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight

may be sufficient to maintain muscle mass and support metabolic health.

For many people, this translates to roughly 90–100 grams of protein per day.

A simple strategy is to aim for 25–30 grams of protein per meal across three meals daily. This approach naturally distributes protein intake in a balanced way and supports consistent amino acid availability throughout the day.

In other words, when the body doesn’t receive enough protein from food, it may start consuming its own muscle to survive.

This is one reason protein intake becomes increasingly important as we age.

Sponsors

💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami,

a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles

that enhance the aroma of any space.

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals — an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

What if the reason you still feel “off” — despite eating well, managing stress, and taking supplements — lies deeper than hormones alone?

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen sit down with Star Edwards, MS, RD, LD, a Registered Dietitian specializing in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Star has a deep passion for the rapidly evolving science of the gut microbiome and works to help healthcare practitioners better understand how microbiome testing and restoration strategies can support patient care.

Star’s work bridges the gap between emerging microbiome research and practical clinical application. With experience spanning functional medicine testing, provider education, public speaking, and product development, she brings a unique perspective on how clinicians can incorporate microbiome insights into everyday practice.

During this conversation, Star explains why the gut microbiome plays such a critical role in whole-body health. The trillions of microbes living in the gut influence digestion, immune function, metabolism, hormone balance, and even mood and sleep. Disruptions in the microbial ecosystem — sometimes called dysbiosis — have been linked to a wide range of chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and hormonal imbalance.

One of the challenges clinicians face is understanding how to accurately measure the microbiome and translate that information into meaningful action for patients. Star discusses the role of advanced microbiome testing and how newer technologies are helping practitioners gain deeper insights into microbial communities and their functions.

In this episode, we also explore the work of Tiny Health, a health technology company focused on microbiome testing across all stages of life. Their testing platform uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, considered a gold-standard method in microbiome research, which analyzes microbial DNA to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms present in the gut or vaginal microbiome. This technology can screen for more than 120,000 microbes and provide strain-level insights into the microbiome ecosystem.

Star shares how microbiome testing may be especially relevant for women navigating fertility challenges, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause. Because the gut microbiome interacts closely with hormone metabolism, immune regulation, and metabolic health, improving microbial balance may help address underlying contributors to symptoms rather than simply treating them.

Throughout the episode, Teresa, Jamie, and Star discuss the importance of a root-cause approach to women’s health. By combining clinical wisdom, lifestyle medicine, and emerging microbiome science, practitioners can gain a more complete understanding of the factors shaping a patient’s health.

Sponsors

We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

20% off with code: GENIUS

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!

Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

grazingbeauty.com/

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.