Testosterone levels have dropped by nearly 50% over the past 40 years, creating ripple effects in metabolism, mood, fertility, and longevity. In this episode, you’ll learn why hormones are declining across both men and women, the hidden role of endocrine disruptors, and how lifestyle, TRT, and new oral formulations are changing the conversation about hormone health. Discover the metabolic, cardiovascular, and brain benefits of testosterone and what myths need to be debunked once and for all.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Testosterone decline over the last 40 years and why it matters

[03:27] Causes of low testosterone: obesity, endocrine disruptors, poor sleep

[06:09] Symptoms and metabolic consequences of testosterone deficiency

[09:45] Can lifestyle changes restore testosterone without TRT?

[15:09] How low testosterone shows up in women and its health impacts

[17:01] History of testosterone therapy, stigma, and FDA regulation

[22:16] Current TRT options: injectables, pellets, gels, and compounded creams

[33:06] Innovation in oral testosterone and SHBG reduction

[42:00] Fertility, LH/FSH suppression, and pilot study data

[55:33] Testosterone’s connection to longevity, chronic disease, and healthspan

[58:23] Myths about cardiovascular risk, prostate cancer, and testosterone use

[01:00:51] Hormones as a foundation of health and how to get tested

Guest: Shalin Shah

Website: https://kaisertrex.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themetabolicceo

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orshimcnaughton/

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Women’s health research has historically overlooked critical differences in female biology. In this episode, Katie Moore and Dr. Mackenzie De Jesus join me to uncover the persistent gender gap in health studies. We discuss the implications of male-centric research, the rise of wearable health tech, and how women can take charge of their health with personalized solutions. Discover how new technologies and innovative studies are shaping the future of women’s health research.

🕐 TIMESTAMPS 🕐

[00:00] Introduction to Women’s Health Research

[01:13] Meet Katie Moore and Dr. Mackenzie De Jesus

[02:57] How autoimmune issues uniquely affect women

[05:56] Male-centric health research: The historical context

[11:21] Wearable devices and women’s health

[16:26] Using personalized health data for better outcomes

[25:10] The impact of gender-specific research on health care

[33:38] Participating in health studies with Reputable Health

🎙️ GUESTS 🎙️

Katie Moore and Dr. Mackenzie De Jesus

Join Women's Health Study: https://www.reputable.health/orshi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reputablehealth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reputable-health

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/orshimcnaughton/

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Your vision is more than just seeing clearly—it's a direct reflection of your brain function and overall health. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking field of neuro-optometry and how vision training can improve focus, mental clarity, energy levels, and even stress resilience. Learn how screen time is impacting your eyesight, why more kids are becoming nearsighted, and what you can do to optimize your vision at any age. Discover natural solutions beyond glasses and contacts to train your eyes and brain for peak performance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 How vision training enhances mental clarity, focus & energy

🔹 The truth about screens & their impact on eyesight

🔹 Why nearsightedness is skyrocketing & how to prevent it

🔹 How hormones, stress & aging affect vision health

🔹 The best strategies to strengthen your eyes & brain

🕐 TIMESTAMPS 🕐

[02:10] What is neuro-optometry & how does it go beyond glasses?

[10:45] The impact of screen time on vision, sleep & mental clarity

[18:30] The nearsightedness epidemic & why kids are affected more

[27:15] How hormones, aging & stress affect women’s eye health

[35:40] Vision training for cognitive function & productivity

[44:00] Concussion recovery, motion sickness & vision therapy

[50:20] How to reduce eye strain & improve digital endurance

[58:00] Nutrition & lifestyle strategies for long-term eye health

🎙️ GUEST: DR. BRYCE APPELBAUM 🎙️

🔗 Website: https://www.myvisionfirst.com/

📸 Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum

📺 ScreenFit Training – Get $200 OFF! Use promo code OPTIMIZED at checkout: https://www.screenfit.com/

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orshimcnaughton/

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If you're struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or unexplained symptoms despite “normal” labs, this episode will help you uncover what’s really going on. We explore how thyroid dysfunction—especially Hashimoto’s—is often missed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated. Learn the real root causes behind low thyroid function, the truth about lab testing, and what to do when meds aren't working. You’ll walk away with real-world strategies to begin healing your thyroid naturally and reclaim your energy.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why adrenal exhaustion causes thyroid to slow down

[01:42] Ryan’s decade-long struggle to get diagnosed

[05:06] His TSH was over 150—what that really means

[06:56] Why Hashimoto’s goes undiagnosed in women

[09:27] Why TSH is not a thyroid marker

[13:02] Why doctors dismiss thyroid antibodies

[17:53] Going gluten-free to reverse autoimmune markers

[23:32] Study: gluten increases leaky gut in everyone

[25:51] What is leaky gut and why it matters for Hashimoto’s

[28:53] Molecular mimicry and immune system crossfire

[30:30] Food sensitivity testing and the best elimination diets

[32:17] Cortisol, inflammation, and thyroid damage

[34:53] The role of glutathione in thyroid hormone production

[36:38] Why stress shuts down your thyroid and metabolism

[37:50] Hashimoto’s vs. hypothyroid symptoms

[38:55] Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity

[42:31] The 6 markers you need on every thyroid panel

[47:11] Why Synthroid doesn’t always work

[49:20] Ryan’s antibodies dropped from 1700+ to normal

[54:33] Full testing strategy: gut, toxins, mitochondria

[57:29] Healing strategies to reverse Hashimoto’s naturally

[59:10] Free guide: 10 steps to heal from Hashimoto’s

[1:00:19] What every woman should know about healing

GUEST: Ryan Monahan

Website: https://themindfulnutrivore.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindfulnutrivore/

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orshimcnaughton/

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What happens when a tech executive and mom of three uses biohacking to heal herself and her child from autoimmune dysfunction, chronic UTIs, and fatigue? Lindsay O’Neill shares her daily routine, the Immortal Chamber experience, and the testing tools that reversed years of inflammation. Learn how to combine intuition, diagnostics, and health tech to rebuild your body from the ground up.

KEY TOPICS

• Gut health testing and food inflammation
• Healing trauma and low muscle tone in children
• Using the Immortal Chamber for nervous system reset
• Daily hormone support and perimenopause protocols
• Building the Biohacking Index to help more women personalize wellness

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why doctors need to understand biohacking tools

[02:18] The car accident that triggered Lindsay’s health collapse

[03:33] Healing her daughter with eastern and western modalities

[06:02] The Immortal Chamber experience and its emotional impact

[08:27] UTIs, antibiotics, and bladder dysfunction in children

[13:36] Supplements and tools that helped her daughter recover

[14:47] Food inflammation test: IGG, IGA, C3D, and gut markers

[18:20] Why inflammation is the root cause of most symptoms

[23:18] MTHFR, folic acid overload, and detox risks

[25:08] The danger of cumulative toxic load and burnout

[26:33] Educating doctors through experience, not theory

[31:47] What the Biohacking Index platform offers

[34:50] Lindsay’s own autoimmune reversal journey

[36:38] Full-body detox and emotional healing after trauma

[39:44] Adjusting routines during perimenopause

[41:02] How poor sleep blocks hormone repair

[44:07] A full day of supplements, stacking, and self-care

[50:22] Why you shouldn’t drink while eating

[53:29] Lindsay’s non-toxic skincare and grounding routine

[58:22] Letting go of perfection and chasing health sustainably

[59:10] Why intuition is your best data point

[1:03:02] Teaching children to trust their body’s signals

[1:04:45] Final thoughts on faith, intuition, and healing

Guest: Lindsay O’Neill

Website: https://www.lindsayoneill.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallhinges

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orshimcnaughton/

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If you're stuck in the cycle of restrictive dieting and rebound weight gain, your gut may be the root cause. In this eye-opening episode, Joel Greene shares how gut diversity, immune signaling, and adipose tissue health impact fat loss—and why most diets fail without nature’s built-in rhythms. Learn how to reset your microbiome, restore key bacteria, and train your metabolism to work with you, not against you.

KEY TOPICS

• Gut-immune signaling and why your body protects fat
• The microbiome’s role in fat storage and cravings
• How to reset fat-burning bacteria like Akkermansia
• The truth about old fat, fibrosis, and weight loss resistance
• 7-day and seasonal rhythms that reprogram your metabolism

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why modern diets fail without nature’s rhythms

[02:00] The fat loss trap: clean eating, shakes, and metabolic chaos

[05:30] Muscle doesn’t fix fat—why bulking leads to rebound weight

[07:00] Joel’s gut-focused breakthrough and the birth of The Immunity Code

[12:00] Akkermansia, bifidobacteria, and the fat-burning microbiome

[14:30] Foraging, fasting, and mimicking natural dietary rhythms

[19:30] Rebuilding the gut after antibiotics and immune dysfunction

[28:00] The 7-day rhythm protocol for metabolic reset

[35:00] Fasting for women: age, cycle, and cortisol timing

[42:00] Cold exposure, mechanical massage, and adipose rejuvenation

[47:00] What makes fat “old” and impossible to lose

[51:00] How inflammation and ECM fibrosis block fat loss

[57:00] Joel’s 3-phase supplement stack for gut and fat reset

[01:03:00] Why weight rebound hardwires future resistance

[01:04:30] Fast twitch muscle training for women over 50

🎙️ GUEST: Joel Green

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjoelgreene

Website: https://veevpnutrition.com

🌐 LET’S CONNECT

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

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Cold therapy can be a powerful tool for fat loss, metabolic health, stress resilience, and recovery—but women need a different approach than men. In this episode, we break down the best way to use ice baths and cold exposure to support energy, hormones, and longevity without overstressing the body. Learn how to time your cold plunges, what temperature delivers the best results, and how breathwork can enhance the benefits while keeping your nervous system in balance.

🔹 How cold exposure impacts women’s metabolism & hormones

🔹 The best breathwork techniques for getting through an ice bath

🔹 How long, how cold, and how often you should plunge

🔹 The biggest mistakes women make with cold therapy

🔹 The surprising mental & emotional benefits of cold exposure

🔑 KEY TOPICS 🔑

How cold therapy affects women’s physiology differently than men

The best cold exposure & breathwork protocols for stress resilience

Why cold plunges help with fat loss, metabolism & longevity

When NOT to do cold therapy and how to avoid overdoing it

The right temperature & duration for maximum benefits

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Cold exposure as a tool for nervous system training and empowerment

[01:12] Why The Optimized Woman exists: taking back your health and energy

[02:35] Introduction to Kristin Weitzel and her cold + breathwork framework

[04:03] The mental benefits of cold exposure and neurochemical reset

[08:14] Cold therapy as a response to chronic stress and post-pandemic burnout

[09:09] How cold therapy protocols should differ for women

[13:46] Breathwork techniques before, during, and after a cold plunge

[19:05] The myth of “more is better” and when cold becomes overstimulation

[24:43] Contrast therapy, sauna pairing, and optimizing recovery windows

[30:03] Ice bath highs, dopamine chasing, and stress-recovery balance

[34:17] Using cold therapy during grief and heartbreak

[38:52] Reentering cold therapy after trauma or burnout

Guest: Kristin Weitzel

Website: https://www.sherpabreathandcold.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinweitzelofficial

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Co-Host: Katie Moore: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@katie_moore⁩ 

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

If you're exhausted but can't sleep, stuck in a cycle of sleeping pills, or struggling to fix your sleep despite trying everything—this episode is for you. Sleep expert Molly Eastman reveals the overlooked causes of chronic insomnia, how modern life sabotages your circadian rhythm, and the breakthrough strategies that actually work. Learn how to reset your body clock, identify hidden sleep disorders, and optimize HRV for long-term health.

✅ Discover the real root of your sleep issues

✅ Learn why sleeping pills often backfire and what to do instead

✅ Understand social jet lag and how to fix it

✅ Explore powerful ENT procedures that can transform sleep

✅ Get actionable tips to boost HRV, energy, and metabolism

KEY TOPICS

• Why women are misdiagnosed with insomnia
• The link between breathing disorders and poor sleep
• Circadian disruption from indoor living and artificial light
• Chronobiology strategies for deep sleep and HRV recovery
• ENT procedures and sleep trackers that actually work

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] The misunderstood struggle of women with insomnia

[01:25] Molly’s personal journey with sleep anxiety and panic attacks

[04:12] Why sleeping pills aren’t the solution—and what is

[08:32] The truth about sleep quality and REM suppression

[13:54] Sleep apnea vs upper airway resistance syndrome explained

[17:24] ENT interventions like tongue tie release and nasal optimization

[21:07] How chronobiology helps reset your body clock

[26:53] Social jet lag, cortisol rhythm, and melatonin misfires

[30:58] Balancing social life with sleep goals

[35:14] Best sleep trackers and HRV tools for recovery

[42:44] How to connect with Molly and get started

Guest: Molly Eastman

Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepisaskill/

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐

Host: Orshi McNaughton

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

This episode reveals the hidden risks of hormonal birth control, how it alters your gut, mood, and long-term health, and why most OB/GYNs are missing the mark on hormone therapy. Learn how estrogen and progesterone rhythms affect everything from your brain to your bones — and what you need to know about bioidentical HRT, perimenopause symptoms, fertility decline, and why synthetic hormones can derail your metabolism. If you’ve ever been dismissed by a doctor or handed a pill without options, this episode is a must-listen.

KEY TOPICS

• How birth control affects mood, gut health, and nutrient absorption
• Why rhythmic estrogen and progesterone cycles are vital for healthspan
• The difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRT
• Perimenopause symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or ignored
• How thyroid, adrenal, and insulin imbalances intersect with female hormones

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Birth control, mood changes, and neurotransmitter disruption

[01:38] Meet Dr. Salome Masghati and her shift from surgery to root-cause care

[04:02] Gaps in OB/GYN training around menopause and hormone prevention

[06:52] Why birth control is overprescribed and how functional care differs

[09:26] The critical role of estrogen-progesterone rhythm in women's health

[15:08] Long-term effects of oral contraceptives and synthetic progestins

[21:10] Risks and misconceptions around IUDs and systemic effects

[26:18] When to consider bioidentical hormones and signs of perimenopause

[34:26] How to prepare the body for pregnancy and optimize egg quality

[40:30] Hormones and weight gain, insulin resistance, and gut health

[42:19] Adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormone interplay in perimenopause

[43:53] Why skipping HRT may accelerate aging and long-term health decline

[48:02] What are optimal hormone levels for estradiol, progesterone, testosterone

[51:10] Should you bleed postmenopause? Pros and cons of cyclical HRT

[55:15] Testosterone therapy myths, administration routes, and risks

[59:46] Estrogen detox, gut flora, and hormone metabolism explained

[61:08] Mental health, ADHD, and red flags for hormonal imbalance

🎙️ GUEST 🎙️ Dr. Salome Masghati

Website: https://www.drsalomemasghati.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.salomemasghati/

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐 

Host: Orshi McNaughton 

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

💚Calocurb is a 100% plant-based supplement that helps curb cravings and support healthy appetite control.

👉 Get 10% off, use discount code: 10OFF to purchase Calocurb @ https://www.calocurb.com/10OFF

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Osteoporosis isn’t just a concern for older women—it often starts much earlier than you think. Bone health is deeply connected to hormones, metabolism, and nutrition, and the right approach can not only prevent bone loss but reverse it. In this episode, we dive deep into osteoporosis, the critical role of hormones, the best nutrition for strong bones, and the most effective strength training strategies for long-term health.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 Why osteoporosis starts earlier than most women realize

🔹 How menopause accelerates bone loss & how to prevent it

🔹 The essential role of hormone replacement therapy for bone health

🔹 Nutrition & supplements that support bone density

🔹 Best strength training & weight-bearing exercises for strong bones

🕐 TIMESTAMPS 🕐

[00:00] Why osteoporosis is more than just a bone density problem

[05:45] How hormone imbalances accelerate bone loss

[12:30] Best nutrition & supplements for bone health

[18:40] Why weight training & impact exercises are crucial

[25:55] How gut health & inflammation affect bone metabolism

[32:10] Breaking myths about osteoporosis & HRT

[37:45] Can older women still benefit from HRT?

[42:20] The role of testosterone for women’s bone health

[45:35] Best strength training exercises for bone density

[49:10] OsteoStrong & other bone-building therapies – do they work?

[52:30] Dr. Doug’s #1 tip for preventing osteoporosis

🎙️ GUEST: DR. DOUG LUCAS 🎙️

🔗 Website: https://www.optimalhumanhealth.com/

📺 YouTube: The Dr. Doug Show

📸 Instagram: @dr_douglucas

🌐 LET'S CONNECT 🌐 

Host: Orshi McNaughton 

Website: https://www.optimizedwomen.com/

Podcast Links: https://optimized-women.captivate.fm/listen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optimizedwomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizedwomen

💚 Calocurb is a 100% plant-based supplement that helps curb cravings and support healthy appetite control. 👉 Get 10% off, use discount code: 10OFF to purchase Calocurb @ https://www.calocurb.com/10OFF