In this episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we’re joined by Madison Templeton, RD, a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, fertility, and PCOS. Madison helps us unpack what it really means to manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), support fertility, and prepare the body for pregnancy through nutrition, lifestyle, and education.

Together, we explore the complexities of PCOS including its symptoms, common misconceptions around treatment, and the emotional toll it can take on women. Madison emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans, comprehensive assessments, and the role of nutrition, gut health, minerals, and lifestyle changes in managing PCOS.

We also dive into:

• The impact of birth control on hormones (and why it doesn’t “regulate” them)

• The importance of egg quality, mineral balance, and environmental toxins

• Gut health and insulin resistance in PCOS management

• How protein, sleep, and stress reduction support hormonal balance

• Why emotional well-being matters when navigating fertility and PCOS

• The importance of advocating for yourself and exploring options beyond conventional medicine

At Madison Templeton Nutrition, she takes “a holistic approach to balancing your hormones, healing your cycle, and helping you get pregnant.” Through 1:1 work and accessible resources, Madison empowers women to move past confusion and find clarity in their fertility journey.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• PCOS is more than a hormonal condition—it affects the whole body.

• Birth control can mask symptoms but doesn’t address root causes.

• Every woman’s PCOS journey is unique and requires personalized care.

• Nutrition and lifestyle shifts (protein, minerals, gut health, sleep) are essential.

• Mental health and self-advocacy are just as important as physical care.

💬 Sound Bites from the Episode:

• “Every woman with PCOS is different.”

• “Your period is a sign of health.”

• “You don’t have to fit in a box.”

🌿 Learn more about Madison’s work: www.madisontempletonnutrition.com
📲 Follow Madison on Instagram: @madison.templeton.nutrition
🎧 Explore more episodes with Catie: www.catiewhiting.com

👉 Follow Unsaid on Instagram & Facebook for new episodes and behind-the-scenes conversations, and visit www.catiewhiting.com to learn more.

#UnsaidPodcast #PCOSAwareness #MadisonTempletonNutrition #FertilityJourney #HormoneHealth #GutHealth #WomensHealthPodcast #PregnancyPrep #IVFSupport #HolisticNutrition

In the season two finale of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we close out our series on women’s health through the perimenopause lens by broadening the conversation to include one of the most overlooked pillars of lifelong wellness: movement and physical strength. Catie sits down with Dr. Aimee Shelton, experienced physical therapist and founder of Triumph Physical Therapy, to reframe how we think about physical therapy—especially as women.This episode shifts the narrative from reactive to proactive care. Dr. Shelton explains why physical therapy isn’t just something we turn to after injury or surgery. Instead, it’s a vital part of preventative wellness, especially for women navigating hormonal transitions, perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or simply seeking to feel stronger and more empowered in their bodies.With an expert lens on physical therapy for the female body, Dr. Shelton explores common movement patterns, strength gaps, and posture issues she sees in women of all ages—and how small shifts in awareness and mobility can lead to big changes in how we feel day-to-day. She emphasizes the importance of seeing a physical therapist before an injury occurs—as a way to build resilience, improve functionality, and support long-term health and independence.Whether you’re navigating midlife changes, returning to an active lifestyle, or just starting your wellness journey, this episode offers insight into why women’s strength matters and how to access it thoughtfully and sustainably. Tune in to learn:Why physical therapy is essential for women’s health at every life stageHow to support your body during perimenopause and beyondThe role of strength training, mobility, and functional movement in overall wellnessWhat to expect when working with a physical therapist proactivelyHow movement is foundational to hormone health, joint health, and energy levels Learn more about Dr. Aimee Shelton and her work at Triumph Physical Therapy: https://triumphptp.com/about Discover more women’s health episodes and explore Catie’s work at: www.catiewhiting.com

In this empowering episode of the Unsaid podcast, we sit down with Kurtisha and Cameron, co-owners of Movewell Physical Therapy and Wellness in Chattanooga, TN, to explore the transformative journey of perimenopause and beyond.

These inspiring women business owners share fresh insights into the latest research and practical strategies for women's health during this life phase. Discover how strength training can support bone health, improve posture, and prevent falls during perimenopause. Kurtisha and Cameron debunk common myths about women’s fitness, focusing on building confidence, embracing your body, and fostering holistic wellness.

Learn how prioritizing physical health now can lead to lifelong strength and vitality.

In this episode, you'll uncover:

• The benefits of strength training for women during perimenopause
• Why lifting weights won’t make you bulky and can improve bone density
• How to embrace this chapter with confidence and well-being
• Practical tips for a holistic approach to health: mind, body, and spirit
• Signals to watch for as your body goes through natural changes

Join us for an inspiring conversation on women’s health and wellness with two local leaders who are dedicated to empowering women in their community and beyond.

Follow Movewell Physical Therapy for more wellness tips, support, and inspiration.

Links: Movewell Physical Therapy Movewell Instagram

During the commercial break, we discuss an exciting opportunity to awaken your power at the "Awaken Your Power" event, a special perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause event happening in Chattanooga, TN on April 5, 2025. Whether you're local or tuning in virtually, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of health, sexual well-being, and overall wellness during perimenopause and menopause.

The Awaken Your Power event will cover everything from sexual health to mental wellness, giving you the tools to thrive during this life stage. Movewell Physical Therapy & Wellness will be there to teach you more about strength training and preventing injury, providing essential insights to help you live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

• Event Website: www.beneaththesurfacewomen.com

n today’s episode, we’re excited to welcome Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C, also known as The CounseLaur. Lauren is a mom of two, a licensed clinical social worker, writer, and an expert in supporting women through life's transitions. Specializing in maternal mental health, postpartum support, and gender equity, Lauren is passionate about advocating for women during some of the most challenging and transformative times, including perimenopause and menopause.Lauren’s personal and professional journey helping women thrive through transitions like postpartum and menopauseAs a lawyer, mental health provider and lifelong advocate for women’s health rights, Lauren is dedicated to providing the support women need, especially when it comes to those pivotal life stages that deserve more attention. Through her counseling practice, she offers therapy across NY, NJ, CT, and FL, leads workshops, and contributes to media on important topics like gender equity and working parenthood. Her upcoming book, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life’s Next Period, is set to release in July 2025.This episode is a must-listen for women seeking expert advice, mental health support, and practical strategies to navigate perimenopause and menopause with grace and strength.Follow Lauren:Instagram:@thecounselaurVisit her website: https://thecounselaur.com/Email: [email protected]

Pre-order her book today!✨ Subscribe to "Unsaid with Catie Whiting" for more empowering conversations about women’s health, mental wellness, and life transitions.

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Contact Catie:www.catiewhiting.com

Welcome to this special episode of Mom Truths, a series from the Unsaid Podcast, where moms come together to share their unapologetic, raw, and real stories of motherhood. In this episode, we’re joined by author and professor Jennifer Case, who opens up about her unexpected pregnancy, the challenges of pregnancy depression, and how embracing vulnerability has been key to her journey as a mother.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of perimenopause and the broader transitional phases of the female body with the incredible Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers, DO. A family physician with a passion for plant-based medicine, Dr. Toombs-Withers shares her unique perspective on the intersection of functional medicine and traditional Western medicine. Her approach focuses on treating the whole body, not just the symptoms, and she offers invaluable insights into how women can navigate perimenopause and beyond with a holistic, health-first mindset.

Dr. Toombs-Withers has been practicing a plant-based lifestyle for over 15 years, using her expertise in nutrition, athletic training, and osteopathic medicine to create a comprehensive care model at her clinic, the Essence of Health Wellness Clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She uses a direct primary care model to focus on individualized care that addresses the root causes of health issues, including those that arise during the transitional phases of a woman's life.

In this engaging interview, Dr. Toombs-Withers discusses how plant-based nutrition, combined with functional medicine, can help ease the symptoms of perimenopause and improve overall well-being. She also explores how understanding the whole story—not just focusing on individual symptoms—leads to better health outcomes for women navigating this important life stage.

For more about Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers, visit Essence of Health Wellness Clinic or follow her on Instagram.

Stay tuned for other amazing interviews with experts like Dr. Toombs-Withers and Catie Whiting, LCSW, founder of Unsaid, where we explore the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of well-being.

Follow our show for more enlightening conversations and expert advice on health, wellness, and everything in between!

🎙️ Welcome to an unforgettable episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into all things mental health, sexual well-being, and hormones with the brilliant and captivating Karisa Kaye, MAMFT, CST – the owner of I Love Us Relationship and Intimacy Counseling in Chattanooga, Tennessee! 🎙️

Karisa is an absolute powerhouse of knowledge and wisdom. In this eye-opening conversation, she guides us through the intricacies of mental health and sexual well-being, focusing on the critical link between our hormones and overall mental health. Karisa passionately advocates for self-awareness, self-advocacy, and healing, while shedding light on everything from trauma, anxiety, and depression, to how we can embrace the entire us—especially through the rollercoaster of perimenopause. 🌿💪

This episode is one of our absolute favorites—it's packed with incredible insights, empowering tips, and tons of honesty. Karisa brings so much joy and authenticity to the table, which is why we’re so excited to share this with YOU!

But that’s not all—Karisa is also the host of her own podcast, The Healthy Sex Podcast, where she continues her mission of spreading the truth about sexuality, relationships, and so much more. 🌟 Check it out here ➡️ The Healthy Sex Podcast on Spotify for more of her wisdom and vibrant energy.

I Love Us Facebook

I Love Us IG

If you're ready to grow your knowledge, embrace your empowerment, and have a fun, candid conversation about mental health, sexuality, and hormones, this episode is for you!

👉 Don't forget to follow us on YouTube for more incredible conversations and insights. And for more of Karisa’s wisdom, make sure to follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and tune into The Healthy Sex Podcast on Spotify! 🌟

🔔 Hit the bell and subscribe so you never miss a new episode that’s sure to spark your growth, joy, and inner fire! 🔥

Welcome back to Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C! In this episode of our mini-series, What is Happening to My Body?, we offer a fresh and empowering perspective on health and wellness during the transition to midlife. Catie is joined by the incredible Jennifer Maklan, LMT and Āyurvedic Practitioner, and the owner of Perimenopause Massage & Ayurveda. Together, they explore how Ayurvedic practices can support women through the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and beyond.

Welcome back to Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C! In this third episode of our mini-series, we continue exploring the question, “What is happening to my body?” by offering a fresh, empowering perspective on health and wellness during the transition to midlife. Catie is joined by the inspiring Megan Hanewald, a professional rowing and triathlon coach, fitness expert, and owner of Thrive Through Midlife. Together, they dive deep into the physical, mental, and emotional changes women experience during perimenopause and beyond, shedding light on the often misunderstood symptoms of this natural phase of life.

Megan opens up about her own shocking journey through perimenopause—how the symptoms took her by surprise and how this personal experience has led her to implement a more holistic approach to health in her practice. As they discuss the lack of adequate conversation around perimenopause in the mainstream, Megan and Catie emphasize how many women feel alone and unsupported in navigating this stage of life. The reality is, perimenopause is rarely discussed in a meaningful way, and symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many women feeling isolated or unsure of where to turn for help.

In this candid conversation, Megan calls out the limitations of traditional gynecological care, highlighting the problem with the focus on “bikini medicine”—the idea that OB-GYNs only discuss the parts of your body that are covered by a bikini. But what about everything else? What about the emotional, mental, and physical challenges that go beyond reproductive health? Megan and Catie challenge the narrow scope of this approach and discuss the importance of treating the whole person, not just isolated parts.

This episode is about breaking the silence, supporting women in understanding their bodies, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. Whether you're in perimenopause, preparing for it, or simply curious about what changes come with midlife, this conversation is for you.

Megan shares practical advice and wellness strategies that focus on thriving through midlife, not just surviving it. It’s time to embrace this transformative stage of life with strength, confidence, and vitality. With the right knowledge and support, women can reclaim their health and well-being.

For more inspiration and resources from Megan, visit Thrive Through Midlife and connect on Instagram @ThriveThroughMidlife.

Join us as we break down the taboos around perimenopause, explore the often overlooked symptoms, and celebrate the power of self-awareness during this pivotal phase of life.

Also check us out on Youtube: CatieWhitingLCSW

#Perimenopause #Menopause #MidlifeWellness #PerimenopauseSymptoms #Women'sHealth #PerimenopauseAwareness #BikiniMedicine #HealthAfter40 #ThriveThroughMidlife #MentalHealth #Empowerment #PerimenopauseSupport #MidlifeTransition #WellnessJourney

Welcome back to Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C! In this episode of our mini-series, we continue exploring the question, “What is happening to my body?”—unpacking the changes women experience during key life transitions. Catie is joined by the amazing Neely Divine, MS, RD, an integrative and functional nutrition expert and the owner of Neely Divine Nutrition LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Together, they dive into the essential role of nutrition during this pivotal phase of life.